Mississippi Teen’s Tragic Workplace Death Raises Questions about Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Teenage Workers in the Magnolia State

Are teenage workers entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a serious workplace injury in Mississippi? Some Mississippi workers and their families are wondering this question after the terrible and unexpected death of a young teen worker last year. According to local news reports, back in July, 2024, 17-year-old Matthew Ware was killed in a fatal workplace accident. Although the details regarding the teenager’s death at his place of work were not available or known at the time of reports, it was clear that he was killed in an unexpected work-related accident. Ware had attended Bruce High School in Calhoun County, Mississippi, and was a well-liked student there. The Calhoun County School District said of the young teenage boy, who was both a student and worker, “Our hearts go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they cope with this devastating loss.” The school also said that “Ware will be remembered for his quiet presence, caring attitude, friendly smile, and trademark hat.”

Teenage Workers Have a Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Workplace Injuries in Mississippi

In light of the tragic and unexpected death of young Matthew Ware due to a fatal workplace accident, it is important for Mississippi workers and their families to understand the rights that teenage workers have under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws. At the outset, Mississippi workers’ compensation laws cover most Mississippi workers. As the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission makes clear, “Most working Mississippians are protected by the Workers’ Compensation Law, but there are exceptions. All employers with five (5) employees regularly employed are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage.”

Mississippi laws do not limit workers’ compensation to employees of only a certain age, and define the word “employee” broadly. Accordingly, if a teenage worker is otherwise eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Mississippi, and they were legally working, their age alone would not prevent them from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Of course, every workers’ compensation case is unique, and the facts of each case differ, so it is always best to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer about your specific case to determine whether you may be eligible for Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits for your workplace injury.

Finding a Lawyer to Help Fight for Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Mississippi – Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are in Mississippi and you need legal help getting workers’ compensation benefits due to you after a serious workplace injury, contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help Mississippi workers get workers’ compensation benefits due to them. They can help by listening to the facts of your workplace accident case to see if they can fight for you. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

wtva.com/news/bruce-high-schooler-dead-following-workplace-accident/article_9b8a282c-422f-11ef-8035-075ab37f4fc1.html