Laurel Workers' Compensation Blog

Social Security disability benefits may be available to Mississippi residents who qualify under the terms of the various programs and are in need of financial assistance. Applying for and getting approved to receive such benefits can be a lengthy and cumbersome process, though. For some individuals, waiting to find out if they qualify for benefits can be a difficult process, especially if the wait is far longer than expected.

The Social Security Administration recognizes that some disabling conditions are so significant and have such profound effects on the bodies of those that are afflicted that they should allow for automatic approvals for disability benefits. Certain cancers, brain disorders and specific childhood illnesses and conditions are considered compassionate allowance illnesses that fast-track applicants approvals for disability benefit support.

Ladders are a necessity in many occupations, including construction, warehouses, maintenance and repair and even the service industry. But a fall from ladder can result in serious injuries that may interfere with your ability to perform your job.

The most recent statistics show that ladder-related incidents account for over 20,000 workplace injuries. Often times, ladder accidents are entirely preventable. Knowing this, it can make a ladder-related injury all the more frustrating.

Workers' compensation benefits in Mississippi are a valuable resource available to injured workers that can help them through a vulnerable period in their lives following a workplace injury. Workers' compensation benefits can help injured workers with many of the struggles they face after being hurt on the job which is why they should be familiar with what those resources look like.

Workers' compensation benefits include benefits for medical services and equipment that are reasonably necessary and it is also important to be aware that the injured worker is free to choose their own medical care provider. Death benefits are also available for surviving spouses and some dependents if the worker dies because of a workplace injury or illness. Funeral expenses up to $5,000 may be available to surviving family members of workers killed on the job. It is important to note that workers' compensation benefits are available to workers who are injured on the job or suffer from a workplace illness.

Fatal workplace accidents can leave families left behind facing many challenges which is also true of non-fatal workplace accidents and the harm they can cause injured workers. During 2017, the number of fatal workplace injuries in Mississippi equaled 90 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was an increase of 19 additional fatal workplace injuries from the previous year. In total, there were 5,147 fatal workplace injuries throughout the country during 2017.

Transportation injuries accounted for 61% of fatal workplace injuries in Mississippi during 2017. Transportation injuries also accounted for the highest percentage of fatal workplace injuries nationally during 2017. Private industry accounted for 73% of the 90 fatal workplace accidents and construction, manufacturing, transportation and the warehousing industry sectors accounted for 38 of the fatalities. Fatalities in the construction and private manufacturing sectors were up, while private transportation and warehousing fatal injuries were down.