Workers’ compensation benefits are available to Mississippians suffering from a workplace illness or injury. Occupational illnesses can occur because of hazardous exposure on the job and occupational injuries can include a variety of injuries that occur on the job because of a workplace accident.
Injured Mississippians can receive workers’ compensation benefits to help pay for their medical care and disability benefits that help with their lost wages when they have suffered harm in the workplace. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system employers pay into to ensure injured workers are protected but also prevents injured workers from bringing most personal injury claims against their employers for injuries and harm suffered at work. Because of that, it is important for injured workers to ensure they maximize their workers’ compensation benefits.
Nearly all employees in Mississippi are protected by workers’ compensation which begins when they begin work and applies to employers with greater than five employees. Independent contracts, volunteers and companies with fewer than five employees do not enjoy workers’ compensation protections. Injured workers should report their workplace injury right away and apply for benefits including medical expenses, lost wages and vocational rehabilitation benefits. Death benefits may also be available in circumstances of a fatal workplace accident.
There are a few complexities associated with workers’ compensation and the application process that can come up when workers are applying for benefits. As a result, they should be familiar with their rights and how to exercise those rights to receive the benefits they need and their family may rely on.
