Suffering an injury at work can be a stressful and painful experience. In addition to the immediate physical pain, you may also be worried about the mounting medical bills and how you will support yourself and your family if you can’t work. Fortunately, the workers’ compensation system in Mississippi is designed to provide a safety net for injured workers.

Understanding what benefits you are eligible for is the first step towards securing your financial and physical recovery. At Gregory D. Keenum, PA, we have served the local community for almost 49 years and have built a reputation for our integrity, dedication, and results. We understand the challenges that injured workers face and are dedicated to guiding our clients through every step of their legal journey, ensuring they receive all the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

Understanding Mississippi’s Workers’ Compensation System

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides financial support to employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. This program is a no-fault system, which means that you can still receive benefits even if the incident was your fault, as long as it happened while you were working. In exchange for this support, you typically give up the right to take legal action against your employer for their negligence.

Most employers in Mississippi who have five or more employees are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Act. This insurance covers medical expenses, some lost wages and assists with rehabilitation.

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for several important types of benefits:

Medical Benefits

This is arguably the most significant benefit. Workers’ compensation should cover all necessary and appropriate medical treatment related to a work-related injury. This includes doctor’s visits, emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medication, physical therapy, and medical equipment such as crutches or braces. You are entitled to this coverage for as long as it takes to treat your injury, without any deductibles or copayments.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If your doctor recommends that you take time off work or work on light duty while recovering, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits can help cover lost wages while you are unable to work.

Depending on the circumstances, you may qualify for different types of benefits:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are completely unable to work, you could receive two-thirds (66.67%) of your regular weekly salary, up to a maximum amount set by state laws.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can still work but on light duty, you may get two-thirds of the difference between your regular wage and the amount you earn on light duty.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), but still have a permanent impairment, you may be eligible for additional benefits. These benefits are categorized into two types:

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – For a permanent injury that doesn’t totally disable you from any work (for example, loss of a finger, hearing loss, or back injury). The benefits are calculated based on the body part affected and the impairment rating given by your doctor.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – For injuries that prevent you from returning to any kind of gainful employment. These benefits continue for the duration of your disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you are unable to return to your previous job due to an injury, your worker’s compensation carrier may provide vocational rehabilitation services. These services can include job training, education, and assistance with finding a new job. The goal is to help you re-enter the workforce and find employment in a position that is suitable for your abilities.

Death Benefits

In the unfortunate event that a work-related accident or illness leads to death, dependents of the deceased, such as a spouse or children, may be entitled to funeral expenses and financial assistance.

Navigating Challenges and Protecting Your Rights

Unfortunately, the process of receiving benefits can be difficult at times. Insurance companies may reject your claim, dispute the severity of your injury, delay payment, or pressure you to return to work before you’re ready. They may argue that your injury is not work-related or was caused by a pre-existing condition.

An attorney can help with all communication with the insurance company, collecting necessary medical evidence to support your case, negotiating a fair settlement, and representing you in court if your claim is denied and you need to file an appeal.

How Our Firm Can Help

With nearly five decades of experience, Gregory D. Keenum, PA, offers personalized and strategic legal guidance during this difficult time. We fight to ensure that you receive all the medical care and financial benefits to which you are legally entitled, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
If you have been injured on the job, do not navigate the complex legal system alone. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can advocate for your best interests.