The Aftermath of a Workplace Accident in Mississippi: What Should Injured Mississippi Workers Do? Find Out Here and Where to Find a Lawyer to Help You
It is something that most injured Mississippi workers must face: a workplace accident can change your life in a split-second. Indeed, the truth of the matter is that whether you were injured on a construction site, in a factory, while driving for work, or even in an office setting, the aftermath of a serious workplace accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future can leave you unsure of what to do next. Fortunately, Mississippi workers’ compensation laws provide protections for injured workers through the state’s workers’ compensation system. However, knowing what steps to take immediately after an accident is crucial to protecting your right to benefits in your workers’ compensation case.
The Aftermath of a Workplace Accident: Your First Steps
According to the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission, injured employees must take specific actions following a workplace injury. The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission states that you should “immediately notify” your employer when a workplace injury occurs. Prompt and accurate reporting is essential because your employer is required to make a report of the injury and notify its insurance company or the Workers’ Compensation Commission. The law also encourages workers to give notice within 30 days of the work-related injury. If workers’ compensation disability benefits are not paid within two years of the date of the injury, it is important to know that you must file a claim with the Commission during that two-year period or risk losing your right to all of your benefits.
Seeking Medical Help After Your Workplace Accident
Once you have reported the injury, the next step to take is to seek medical attention right away. Even if your injury seems minor, only a qualified doctor can properly evaluate your condition and determine the extent of your injuries. Your employer or its insurance carrier may direct you to an approved medical provider for treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor exactly how the injury occurred and that it happened while you were performing your job duties. This medical documentation becomes part of your workers’ compensation case and is critical evidence if questions arise about the cause or severity of your injuries.
Contacting an Experienced Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
There is no question that in addition to the above, injured workers in Mississippi should contact an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Navigating the Mississippi workers’ compensation process can be complex, especially if your claim is delayed, denied, or underpaid. An experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer can fight to get you your workers’ compensation benefits due.
If you are in the Mississippi area and you need legal help with your Mississippi workers’ compensation case, contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. They can help by first listening to the facts of your case to see if they can help fight to get you workers’ compensation benefits due to you. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak with a lawyer now.
Source:
mwcc.ms.gov/pdf/WCFacts2013.pdf
