Workplace injuries are universal, regardless of whether you work on a fishing boat, an oil rig, or in a cubicle. As a result, all Mississippi employers must carry worker’s compensation insurance. Worker’s compensation insurance is a decent safety net if you suffer a minor or short-term workplace injury, but you should also know that you have other options for attaining your fair share of compensation if you experience more extensive injuries and deserve compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other losses not covered by worker’s compensation. I am frequently asked about the pros and cons of various methods of attaining compensation for a work-related injury and created the following blog post to outline my general thoughts on each one.
If you have sustained a workplace injury, you must find experienced counsel to help you attain your fair share of compensation for your loss of income and injury. Barrett Law has the experience to help you if you have been injured. Contact us now at (800) 707-9577.
Workers’ Compensation – Workers’ compensation is a form of no-fault insurance most employers are required to carry by law. No-fault means that the worker does not have to prove whose fault caused the injury; in fact, worker’s compensation applies even when the employee caused his or her injury. Workers’ compensation provides benefits such as paid medical treatment, extra wages, and vocational rehabilitation to employees who suffer job-related injuries. Although benefits are usually readily available, employees must meet certain deadlines for notifying their employers of injuries. If these deadlines are not met, the employer can deny the claim. As a result, having experienced workers’ compensation counsel help you through the process can be a significant advantage.
Product Liability Lawsuits – If a product in the workplace injured you, you may have a product liability claim. To prove a product was liable for your injury, you will need to show that it was negligently designed, negligently manufactured, or was negligently marketed for the use that caused the harm. This sort of case requires the help of skilled personal injury counsel, which is an area that I specialize in.
Social Security Disability (SSD) – If you are injured so severely at work that you permanently cannot return to any work, a Social Security Disability benefits case may be the best path forward. SSD benefits provide vital benefits for those workers who cannot work due to injuries; you should know, however, that the majority of initial SSD applications are denied. To receive SSD benefits on your first attempt, you will need the help of an experienced attorney. If you have applied already and have been denied, having counsel help you on your second application can mean the difference between success and failure.
Third Party Personal Injury Lawsuits – It usually tricky to for an employee to sue an employer for work-related injuries related to work, but employees may still have options to pursue compensation outside of the workers’ compensation system. This is most commonly true when a third party enters the workplace an injures an employee through negligence. These types of claims are common when worksites have workers from multiple companies on-site, especially relating to auto accidents, oil and gas accidents, and accidents caused by negligent landowners. These cases can offer much broader compensation options than a traditional worker’s compensation claim.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in at Work?
If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace accident, you are due compensation for any time you have been out of work, the costs of your treatment and rehabilitation, your pain and suffering, and other damages. But finding the right type of claim that can make you most whole requires careful analysis and thoughtful legal advice. Call me today to begin the conversation.
Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have suffered an injury in the workplace. Contact us now at (800) 707-9577.
