Resolving Workers’ Compensation Claims in Mississippi – Is Mediation an Option in My Workers’ Compensation Case?
Is there only one way to resolve a workers’ compensation case in Mississippi? This is a question that some injured Mississippi workers may have as they start the complex and challenging process of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits after a serious workplace injury. Indeed, when an injured Mississippi worker is denied workers’ compensation benefits, they may wonder if they have to duke it out with their employer in a workers’ compensation administrative hearing, or if there is possibly some other way that they may be able to resolve their claims with their employer (or their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company). The good news is that there is an alternative way that injured Mississippi workers and their employers may be able to come to the table, and reach an agreement regarding the payment of the injured workers’ workers’ compensation benefits. But what exactly is workers’ compensation mediation? And how can injured Mississippi workers get legal representation to protect their rights at their workers’ compensation mediation? We answer those questions here.
Workers’ Compensation Mediation – What is It?
Simply put, workers’ compensation mediation in Mississippi is a dispute resolution process that can be used by the injured worker and their employer (or their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company) to resolve the issues in their case. This includes the potential settlement of the injured worker’s workers’ compensation claims. Importantly, workers’ compensation mediation is not required in Mississippi, but it is, rather, a voluntary process, and the injured worker or their employer can request a mediation at any point in the workers’ compensation claims process.
Is Workers’ Compensation Mediation Encouraged in Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Cases?
Injured Mississippi workers may also wonder if mediation is encouraged by the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. The answer is yes. Mississippi workers’ compensation laws state that, “The Commission encourages voluntary alternative dispute resolution and mediation by the parties on the terms they may choose. The Commission does not endorse or recommend any particular mediation procedures or lists of mediators. Names of mediators may be obtained from the Mississippi Bar’s website, for which there is a link on the Commission’s website. All settlement agreements reached through mediation must be submitted for consideration and review by the Commission….” In sum, it is clear that injured workers in Mississippi have the option to mediate their claims, and the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission even encourages it.
Getting Legal Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Mississippi – Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are in Mississippi and you are interested in mediating your workers’ compensation claim, or you have other questions about the Mississippi workers’ compensation process, it is best to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer about your case. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help Mississippi workers resolve their claims, and get workers’ compensation benefits due to them. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
