How Long Do You Have to Report a Jackson Work Injury and File for Workers’ Compensation?

After suffering a workplace injury in Jackson, you may be focused on getting medical treatment, dealing with pain, and figuring out when you can return to work. However, injured Mississippi workers should also be aware that important deadlines can apply to reporting a workplace injury and pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.

Waiting too long to take action may potentially affect your right to benefits. Importantly, reporting an injury to your employer and filing a workers’ compensation claim are not necessarily the same thing. Here we discuss these Mississippi workers’ compensation deadlines and how an experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights.

How Soon Should You Report a Jackson Workplace Injury?

If you are injured at work, you should notify your supervisor or another person designated by your employer as soon as possible. The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission emphasizes that
“prompt and accurate reporting is essential” and states that an injured Louisiana employee should try to provide notice of the injury to the employer “within 30 days.” Once notified, the employer is responsible for reporting the injury and notifying its workers’ compensation insurance company and/or the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Promptly reporting your Jackson workplace injury can also help document when and how the workplace accident happened. You should not assume that an injury is too minor to report simply because you are initially able to continue working or believe your symptoms will improve.

What Is the Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Mississippi Workers’ Compensation?

In addition to reporting a workplace injury, it is important for injured Jackson workers to understand that Mississippi workers’ compensation law also has a statute of limitations that can affect their right to benefits. Under Mississippi workers’ compensation law, if no disability benefits are paid by the employer or insurance carrier within two years of the date of injury, the worker’s right to benefits is barred unless the employee files a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission during that two-year period. This is referred to as the two-year statute of limitations.

Why Should You Act Quickly After a Jackson Workplace Injury?

Acting promptly can help protect your Jackson workers’ compensation claim. Reporting the accident creates a record of the workplace injury, and obtaining appropriate medical attention can document your injuries and treatment.

If your employer disputes that your injury happened at work, you have difficulty obtaining benefits, or you are unsure whether a deadline applies to your claim, consider speaking with a Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

A Jackson Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights

Workers’ compensation deadlines can have serious consequences for injured workers. An experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your workplace accident, determine what deadlines may apply, help you pursue your claim before time runs out, and fight for the Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive.

The experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC fight for injured Jackson workers. If you were injured on the job and you need legal help, contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak with an experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer about your case.