Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Discuss Stevedoring Accidents

A stevedore is a person who works at a waterfront, loading and unloading ships. This type of work requires both strength and skill. Stevedores must understand both the loading equipment that they are using and the vessels upon which they are loading and unloading, as well as specific procedures for handling different types of cargo such as hazardous or perishable materials.

Ports are busy places, because most non-bulk goods are transported by intermodal containers that move by a combination of rail, truck, and boat to their eventual destinations. If you look around a port, you will see containers being loaded onto ships with cranes, other containers being unloaded from ships with cranes, containers being placed on trucks and trains, and containers being moved into and around storage areas where they will stay until it is time for them to move onto their next destination. With all of this activity, there is always the potential for workplace accidents and injuries.

A man from St. James Parish, Louisiana is pursuing a lawsuit against a stevedoring company. Specifically, he claims that negligence on the part of St. James Stevedoring Co. LLC resulted in a fall which left him severely and permanently disabled. The accident occurred in 2012, when the man was working as a deck hand on the Gene H. As part of his job, he was training a co-worker. As they worked, the ship rocked and the plaintiff lost his balance. He fell, and as he fell, he hit his back and then continued to fall ten more feet onto the deck. The plaintiff alleges that the fall would not have occurred if the captain had been instructed properly.

After the accident, the man was transported to a hospital. Examination by doctors at the hospital revealed spinal injuries, including a herniated disc, which would require surgery and a lengthy recovery. He continues to experience severe pain from his injuries, and they have left him permanently disabled and suffering from depression and anxiety.

Another stevedoring accident in Alaska resulted in the death of the injured worker. A man who was working at the Port of Anchorage died when he was pinned between two pieces of equipment as he loaded the equipment into rail cars.

In light of the above, if you have been injured similarly to the plaintiffs discussed above, it is critical that you immediately contact a seasoned Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorney.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Helping Injured Mississippi Stevedores and Their Families

The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC understand that it can be very difficult to recover from a stevedoring accident because those accidents can result in many types of serious injuries. In addition to a lengthy recovery time, you may be concerned about your medical bills as well as paying your household bills now and into the future because your injuries may have rendered you unable to return to your previous physically demanding job. If you were injured in a stevedoring accident, get the help you need from the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC. Please call our office today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Discuss Opiates as Treatment for Chronic Pain

In the past, when a workplace injury caused an injured worker to develop chronic pain, it is likely that their doctor prescribed opioids for pain management. Unfortunately, while opioids do relieve pain temporarily, they do not help injured people recover, nor do they prevent the pain from occurring again. Even worse, they are highly addictive.

Recently, there has been severe criticism of the frequent use of opioids to treat chronic pain. There has also been regulatory action on the topic, with the net result being a dramatic drop in the number of opioid prescriptions that are being written for patients with chronic pain. This is a step in the right direction, but worker’s compensation, which has covered opioid medications for chronic pain, does not yet cover treatments that are designed to prevent chronic pain or treatments that will aid in recovery from chronic pain.

Some people who have experienced chronic pain following a workplace injury have engaged in behavioral approaches to chronic pain. These programs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help prevent chronic pain. Behavioral approaches have also been shown to help patients recover from chronic pain.

People who have been managing their chronic pain with opioids can find success with behavioral approaches if they are encouraged to access those approaches by their insurers. For example, some behavioral approaches involve tapering off of opioids so that the patient can understand how their body would feel without them. This, in and of itself, can be a very telling experience. Sometimes, an attempt to come off of opioids will require admission to a detox facility. At other times, coming off of opioids may result in much less pain being felt than the patient had anticipated feeling, which may indicate that the opioids had been causing the patient to feel pain more intensely than they would have felt it without them.

Telephone coaching programs are easy for injured workers to access. Some workers who have engaged in telephone coaching programs report that they have been able to learn new ways of thinking about chronic pain, and techniques for managing it without opioids. This is especially important because many injured workers who have been prescribed opioids for chronic pain would rather prevent the pain or recover from it than push it away temporarily with this highly addictive class of medication.

When worker’s compensation insurers deal with workers who experience chronic pain because of a workplace injury, they have options. Increasingly, more insurers are encouraging injured workers to try behavioral approaches to pain prevention and management first, before proceeding to using opioids to relieve the pain.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Helping Injured Mississippi Workers Pursue Workers’ Compensation Claims

The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC understand that it can be difficult to live with the chronic pain that sometimes develops after a workplace injury. Fortunately, there are some approaches to treating chronic pain that have helped people to prevent and even recover from it. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be able to access these alternative approaches to opioid treatment. If you have been injured at work, seek out a knowledgeable guide who can help you navigate the workers’ compensation claim process.  Call the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Discuss Accident Risk in the Health Care Industry

When you think of the health care industry, you probably think of people who help those who are hurting. Doctors, nurses, and others who work in health care facilities take care of others every day that they are on the job. Unfortunately, there are some safety risks associated with working in a health care setting that could place health care workers in a position where they are the ones who need care. Workplace injuries and illnesses affect more than six hundred and fifty thousand health care workers each year.

The most common type of injury that health care workers experience on the job is the back injury.  It is not surprising that health care workers hurt their backs fairly often, because their jobs are very physical. Nurses, aides, and others move or reposition patients regularly when they are at work. While it is possible to move and lift patients safely, there are a number of factors that keep the injury rate associated with this activity high. For example, some health care facilities are short-staffed, and there are not always extra staff members or mechanical devices available to assist with lifting patients, so staff members who are responsible for ensuring that the patients get moved do the lifting on their own. Injury is even possible when additional staff provide assistance, due to miscommunication between the lifters or unpredictable movement by the patient.

To complicate matters further, many health care facilities lack clear rules and procedures for lifting and moving patients. There are also not many externally imposed rules or policies from agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Without clear guidance on how to lift safely, health care employees often lift patients in ways that are likely to injure the worker, the patient, or both. Many injuries that are caused by lifting are back injuries, and the injured worker must often leave the workplace for at least a short period of time in order to heal. Workers with severe back injuries take a long time to recover, and they may need to be placed in a different type of position when they are able to return to work, so as to avoid the risk of a second back injury.

Of course, back injuries are not the only kinds of injuries that can occur in health care workplaces. Health care workers are exposed to all kinds of illnesses, including infectious diseases. Slip and fall injuries can occur in health care workplaces, as can injuries caused by patient-inflicted violence. Repetitive motion and chemicals in the work environment can also injure health care workers.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Helping Injured Mississippi Health Care Workers with Workers’ Compensation Claims

The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are dedicated to meeting the needs of injured health care workers throughout the state. If you have been injured at work, you deserve the assistance of a knowledgeable guide who can help you through the workers’ compensation claim process, towards a successful resolution of your workers’ compensation claim.  Call the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Discuss Construction Accidents

Construction work can be physically demanding, interesting, rewarding, and many other things. It is also more dangerous than most other jobs. Fortunately, many construction workers and construction companies alike take job site safety very seriously. Unfortunately, construction accidents do happen, and even workers who take great care to work safely are sometimes injured on the job.

Many kinds of accidents can happen at construction sites. Falls are a leading cause of construction-related fatalities, and they also cause a lot of injuries. Heavy machinery can break or malfunction, injuring the operator or others nearby. Also, people who get too close to heavy machinery can be hurt or killed if the driver cannot see them in time to avoid an accident. Other common causes of construction site injuries include electrocution, getting pinned/wedged or otherwise stuck in or between things, repetitive motion, being struck by things, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

When a construction worker is hurt on the job, they may have to leave the job site to obtain medical care. Some types of injuries keep workers off of the job for weeks, or even months. Unfortunately, some workers are injured so badly that they are disabled as the result of their construction accident, so they may have to find alternate work.

If you are injured in a construction accident, it is important that you see a doctor right away. This is because no matter what kind of injury you have, you will recover faster and have a greater chance of a full recovery if you begin treatment right after you get hurt. In addition to seeking prompt medical attention after a construction accident, be sure to fill out an accident report and keep a copy of it for yourself. Also, try to write down as much as you can about your construction accident, including where you were, who witnessed the accident, who owns the job site, and whether there was any equipment involved in the accident. If you cannot write because of your injuries, have someone write this information for you or make a voice recording. Keep your notes organized, and continue to write down information about your experiences with treatment and recovery as they happen so that you have a complete account of what has happened.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Assisting Mississippi Construction Workers with Workers’ Compensation Claims

The dedicated and hard working Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC provide superior legal assistance to injured workers across the state.  We are committed to helping you navigate the complex workers’ compensation process, and to obtaining a successful resolution of your workers’ compensation claim.  Call the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Discuss: Injuries Resulting from Jobsite Slips, Trips, and Falls

The majority of workplace acts are caused by slip, trip, and falls.  These accidents account for some 15 percent of all accidental deaths and come in second to only automobile accidents as a cause of accidental deaths.  Even trip and falls on the jobsite that seem to be minor can have serious consequences, leading to head injury, back or neck injury, sprained muscles, and broken bones.  Unfortunately, all of these injuries keep the employee from being able to perform his or her work tasks, costing the employee money and placing their job potentially at risk.

Mississippi employees who are injured in slip, trip, and fall accidents while at work may have a valid workers’ compensation claim.  Under the state workers’ compensation system, employees injured in the course and scope of employment will receive benefits for their medical expenses, time off work, and more.  Employees must report their injury in a timely manner and must suffer an injury that requires they miss time from work or receive medical treatment.

Slip and fall victims can receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical bills, prescription drug costs, mileage reimbursements, weekly wage replacement, and payment for vocational rehabilitation.  Employees that sustain partial or permanent disability as a result of the slip and fall, such that they cannot return to work, will be eligible for more benefits.

Types of Slip, Trip, and Falls

Workplace falls can generally be divided into two subgroups: same level falls and elevated falls.

Same Level Falls

More than half of all workplace falls are caused by falls from same level walking surfaces.  Common causes of these falls include:

  • Slippery surfaces:  Spills of liquid or other slippery substances occur across American workplaces.  Slippery surface falls can lead to fractures, traumatic brain injury, sprains, and more.  Employers have a duty to keep the workplace free of such dangers, but accidents still result and workers’ compensation can provide financial compensation for these injured workers.
  • Ice or rain:  Employers are often injured while walking to or from their cars to work.  Employers are required to keep the parking lots and walkways clear so that employees can safely reach the workplace.  Injured workers can seek workers’ compensation for injuries sustained on the jobsite, at times even if the employee has not yet clocked in.
  • Trips:  Workplace trips can result from misplaced items or walking on uneven surfaces.  Employers should take care to fix such surfaces and keep the workplace clear of clutter, but when accidents do result injured workers should receive workers’ compensation.

Elevated Falls

Elevated falls are falls that occur from any sort of height.  These falls happen most often in the construction industry, but can also occur in forestry, mining, agriculture, and other like fields.  Elevated falls hold the potential for severe and even life threatening injuries.  Any employer who requires their employees work from a height must provide employees with proper safety equipment, thorough training, and supervision in order to prevent falls.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Helping Mississippi Employees to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Their Jobsite Slip, Trip, and Falls 

The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC represent injured employees across the state.  Our clients include nurses, school teachers, clerical workers, construction workers, truck drivers, and many others.  At Barrett Law PLLC, we recognize the difficulties that many employees face in obtaining full coverage for their work related injuries.  As such, we dedicatedly strive to assist you through the complex workers’ compensation web towards a full recovery.  Call the exceptional workers’ compensation attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Offering Assistance to Injured Truckers

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Many personal injury attorneys focus on representing motorists injured in accidents involving large commercial trucks.  While truck accidents do cause hundreds of thousands of injuries to drivers and passengers in the motor vehicles involved, truckers are also commonly injured in such crashes.  Recently, a man was killed in Jones County when his 18 wheeler truck crashed into a passenger vehicle.  The 42 year old truck driver died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Emergency medical responders were called to the intersection of Spur Line Road and Mississippi 29 South.  According to investigators, the accident occurred when an individual driving a sedan pulled out onto Mississippi 29 from Spur Line Road.  The vehicle pulled directly in front of the 18 wheeler, which was traveling lawfully on Mississippi 29.  The truck driver attempted to swerve to avoid colliding with the vehicle but clipped the front passenger side of the car. When the vehicles collided, the car was knocked down an embankment on the side of the highway and the 18 wheeler plowed down the embankment into a ravine.  The now deceased trucker was trapped inside his truck.  The driver of the car sustained only minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

When truckers and injured or killed in an accident while on the job, workers’ compensation will generally be their only avenue of relief.  Injured workers can seek reimbursement for their medical expenses and part of their lost wages through workers’ compensation.  The relatives of those killed while on the job can seek death benefits, which will usually include partial wage compensation, funeral, and burial costs.

The following is a list of steps injured truckers should take following any accident:

  • Report:  Report the accident to the police and your employer.  Record the injury in your logbook as soon as possible.  Obtain a copy of the police report and tell your employer in detail, in writing, precisely how the accident happened.  If your employer requires a certain form be used, be sure to turn in the form.
  • Write:  Write down your description of the accident as soon as possible after it happens, while it is still fresh in your memory.  Include any witness names, addresses, and phone numbers.  Take pictures of the scene of the accident and the damage to you, as well as your truck.
  • Seek Medical Attention:  Even if you are unsure of the extent of your injuries, seek medical attention right away after the accident.  Inform your doctor as to what occurred and provide a full description of any pain or problems which you are experiencing.
  • Don’t Sign:  Do not sign any document or offer any recorded statements unless you have consulted with an attorney who approves of you doing so and is present at the time.
  • Call a n Attorney:  As soon as you can after the accident, retain the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who understands the unique issues involved in trucker workers’ compensation claims.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Offering Assistance to Injured Truckers  

Truckers are involved in accidents every day across the nation.  While many accident attorneys focus on injured drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have considerable experience representing truckers who are injured in accidents while on the job.  We understand the complexities often involved in receiving full benefits following your truck accident.  Our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to fight for your full recovery.  Call the renowned workers’ compensation attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Answer FAQS

Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system is complex and difficult for most employees to navigate.  If you are preparing to file or have recently filed a claim, you will likely have questions about the process.  Here is a look at some of the most frequently asked questions by injured Mississippi employees:

What injuries and illnesses are covered under workers’ compensation?

Most injuries and illnesses that are caused by a work related accident or a work related condition will be covered under Mississippi’s workers’ compensation.  You should qualify for workers’ compensation even if the accident was your fault.  Repetitive motion injuries should also be covered.

There are a few injuries and illnesses that may be excluded, including those that are intentionally self-inflicted, injuries caused by your intoxication, injuries that result when a co-worker attacks you for personal reasons, and more.  Your attorney can review your injuries to assess whether they will fall under workers’ compensation.

Are all workers covered under Mississippi’s workers’ compensation?

Most full time or part time employees will be covered by Mississippi’s workers’ compensation program.  Almost all employers are required to provide this covered and there exist few exceptions.  Those that are self-employed will generally not be covered.

Can I sue my employer or a co-worker for causing injuries or illness?

Not usually.  Workers’ compensation is the sole remedy available to most employees injured on the jobsite.  You can seek coverage for medical expenses and lost wages under the workers’ compensation system.  You will not be paid for pain and suffering stemming from the injury.  There are two main exceptions.  If your injury is caused by a defective product, you may be able to pursue a case against the manufacturer.  Further, if your injury was caused by an assault by a co-worker for personal reasons, you may be able to seek a civil or criminal suit.

I was injured in a car accident while traveling for my job that requires travel, will workers’ compensation cover my injury?

If you are required to travel for work, you will generally be covered in the event of an accident so long as you were on the road for a work purpose and considered to be on the clock.  If you have no fixed place of work and were traveling for the job, you should also be covered.

I was injured while on a break, will my injury be covered?

You may not be covered.  Generally, personal time taken during the work day will not be covered under Mississippi’s workers’ compensation.

Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

No.  Your employer cannot legally fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim and doing would be against the law.  Your employer can, however, fire you for a variety of other reasons, such as extended absence from work.  If you have been terminated and believe your workers’ compensation claim played a role, consult with a qualified Mississippi workers’ compensation attorney immediately.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Assisting Injured Workers Across the State in Obtaining the Compensation They Deserve

If you have been injured on the job, it is imperative you receive the full workers’ compensation benefits for which you are eligible.  Unfortunately, the complex workers’ compensation system makes it difficult to do so.  For those confused by the process or whose claims have been denied or minimized, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help.  We are a team of skilled and dedicated workers’ compensation.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our exemplary workers’ compensation attorneys.

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Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Discuss Deadly Forklift Accidents

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Forklift accidents can be devastating and even deadly.  In 2010, a construction worker was killed in a forklift accident in Jackson, Mississippi.  The accident happened along Interstate 20 where crews were working to rebuild a bridge.  The forklift accident victim perished after being run over by the forklift. One year later, a Mississippi corporation in Cleveland, Mississippi was lobbed penalties of over $46,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration due to an employee’s death in a forklift accident.  OSHA cited 19 safety violations, including failure to ensure the forklift operator was wearing a seatbelt, not conducting sufficient inspections on the forklift, and allowing forklift modifications to be made without the manufacturer approval.  The forklift victim apparently died when the weight shifted on the forklift, causing it to turn over and crush the victim.

Each year, approximately 85 fatal forklift accidents occur.  Another nearly 35,000 forklift accidents happen, resulting in serious injuries to employees.  An additional 61,800 non-serious injuries occur due to forklifts.  It is estimated by the Industrial Truck Association that over 850,000 forklifts are in operation across the U.S.   This means that approximately 11 percent of all forklifts will be involved in an accident, ranging from fatal to non-serious, each year.  As forklifts have an average life of eight years, this calculates to 90 percent of all forklifts being involved in an accident at some point during their useful life.

Forklifts are used in numerous industries and any employee who operates one of these massive machines could potentially experience injury or death.  The majority of forklift accidents occur in the following fields:

  • Mining
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail Trade
  • Transportation
  • Wholesale Trade

Fatal forklift accidents can occur under a wide range of circumstances, but the most common causes of fatal forklift accidents include:

  • The victim is crushed between the vehicle and another surface
  • The victim is run over by the forklift after it tips
  • The vehicle tips, crushing the victim
  • The victim is struck by falling material on the forklift
  • Two vehicles crush the victim
  • The victim falls from the forklift platform

In Mississippi, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.  This no-fault insurance system is intended to provide compensation for employees who are injured in the workplace, while in the course and scope of employment.  For many accidents occurring in the workplace, workers’ compensation will be the primary or only means of recovery.  Workers’ compensation benefits can include reimbursement for medical expenses, a portion of wages lost due to time off work, and compensation for any permanent disability or extended time away from the workplace.

 In addition to workers’ compensation, employees may sometimes have additional avenues of recovery, as in the case of a defective forklift causing the accident.  Your workers’ compensation attorney will evaluate your accident and determine your legal rights.

Barrett Law PLLC: Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Fighting for the Rights of All Victims of Workplace Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are massive and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment.  When a forklift malfunctions or an employee is not adequately trained in the operation of these vehicles, serious injury and even death can occur.  All employees injured in the course and scope of employment in the state of Mississippi are entitled to receipt of workers’ compensation benefits.  Obtaining the full benefits to which you are entitled, however, can prove challenging.  If you have been injured in a forklift accident, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  For decades we have assisted injured workers through the sometimes complex workers’ compensation system, ensuring our client’s medical bills, lost wages, and disabilities are compensation.  For aggressive, dedicated, and knowledgeable assistance with your workers’ compensation action, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Report: Oil Rig Worker Killed In Southwest Mississippi

A man from Brookhaven, Mississippi recently died in a work-related accident on an oil rig in Lincoln County.  The accident occurred on Monday, October 6, 2014.  The County Coroner reports that the 22 year old employee was working on an oil rig when he was hit by a pipe at about 9:30 p.m.  The rig was located two miles northeast of Brookhaven.

The seriously injured worker was transported by private vehicle to a medical center in Brookhaven, but sadly did not survive.  An autopsy is planned.  The young man was working for Loomis International, a subcontractor for Denbury Resources, a Texas-based oil and gas exploration company.  Originally from Michigan, the worker had lived in Brookhaven for about two years.

This deadly oil rig accident highlights the dangers that face workers in this high stakes job. America is one of the top oil producing countries in the world, with over 1,800 oil rigs located across the nation.  While most of our oil comes from Alaska, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas, Mississippi is home to much drilling activity as well.  Most oil rigs are located in remote locations.  Oil rig workers are typically sent to these locations for several months of years at a time.

While the oil company will usually pay room and board, other expenses, and the pay is generally high, working on an oil rig is considered one of the country’s most dangerous jobs.  Oil rig workers typically put in strenuous work for eight to 12 hours per day.  The demands for increased productivity are high, and there is often a shortage of workers.  Working conditions can be chaotic and quite dangerous.  The likelihood of oil rig injuries and deaths is at an all time high.

Most oil rig accidents are the result of negligence, human error, or a product defect, including equipment failure, exposure to hazardous chemicals or harsh elements.  Causes of oil rig accidents commonly include:

  • Falls from oil derricks
  • Equipment failure
  • Negligent maintenance
  • Contractor, subcontractor, or co-worker negligence
  • Truck accidents on the job
  • Burns caused by oilfield explosions or fires
  • Toxic chemical exposure
  • Serious injuries or death caused by oil well blowouts

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in an oil rig accident, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.  Obtaining compensation for oil rig accidents can be complex and will require prompt investigation and action.  Injured oil rig workers and their families have several possible avenues for recovery, including through workers’ compensation, a personal injury action, or a product defect action.

Barrett Law PLLC: Protecting Mississippi Oil Rig Workers  

Working on an oil rig can be strenuous and, at its worst, dangerous.  Serious and even deadly accidents can occur on oil rigs due to the negligence of others or a product defect.  Workers injured in oil rig accidents and their families have the right to pursue compensation in the event they are injured or killed on the job.  The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC assist injured oil rig workers across the state.  We will fight to see that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled, including coverage for your medical expenses, lost wages, occupational rehabilitation, and more.  Under some circumstances, you may additionally be able to pursue compensation outside the workers’ compensation program.  The attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will thoroughly evaluate the facts of your accident and uncover all potential avenues for recovery.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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The Most Common Workplace Injuries in Mississippi

Each year, over 4,500 American workers are killed on the job, while millions more sustain serious but non-fatal injuries.  Over 3.3 million employees suffer a workplace injury that will lead to permanent disability, pain, or other lasting effects.  Most workplace accidents are entirely preventable and occur as a result of an employer’s failure to maintain a safe work environment.

The following is a look at some of the most common types of workplace injuries in Mississippi and across the nation.  This list is intended to help employees stay safe and assist employers in identifying common areas of concern.

  • Slipping/Tripping Accidents: Slip, trip, and fall accidents are the number two cause of workplace injuries. These accidents occur when employees slip on wet or slick surfaces or trip over objects on the floor.  Employers have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe work environment in Mississippi, which includes keeping the work area free of known slipping and tripping hazards.
  • Overexertion Injuries: Overexertion injuries generally occur as a result of lifting, holding, carrying, pulling, throwing, or pushing activities at work.  These injuries are extremely common and the most expensive of all workplace accidents.  Overexertion injuries account for $3.4 million in benefit costs each year.
  • Falling from Heights: Falls that occur from heights include falls from ladders, roofs, stairways, and any other elevated surface.  Falling from heights accidents can be caused by slipping, tripping, or faulty equipment, to name a few possibilities.  Employers can reduce the risk of such accidents by ensuring employees use proper personal protection gear, training all employees thoroughly, and supervising employees with vigilance.
  • Reaction Injuries: Reaction injuries occur when an employee slips or trips but does not fall.  These injuries can cause body trauma, muscle damage, and other medical issues.  They are hard for an employer to prevent.
  • Falling Object Injuries: Objects that fall from roofs, ladders, shelves, or other elevated surfaces can cause serious injuries.  Head injuries most often stem from falling objects.  The use of proper personal protective gear, such as a hard hat, can greatly decrease the chance of serious employee head injuries.
  • Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as a part of their job can be involved in car or truck accidents.  Depending on the nature of the crash, serious or even fatal injuries can be inflicted.  Employers can diminish the chance of accidents by educating employees on safe driving practices and providing adequate training.
  • Machine Entanglement Injuries: Particularly in factories, employees can become trapped in machinery if their clothing, hair, fingers, shoes, feet, or any other object is entangled. The use of proper protective guards on machines and other safety equipment can diminish the risk of these serious injuries.
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries: Repetitive motion injuries develop slowly over time as a result of an employee repeating certain motions.  Carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, strained muscles, and vision problems are all examples of repetitive motion injuries.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys of Excellence 

The Mississippi Workplace Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted injured workers across the state for over 75 years.  Our veteran team of workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to see that you receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, ongoing disability, and more in the event you are injured in the course and scope of employment.  For over 75 years, were have helped injured workers navigate the complex workers’ compensation maze towards a full recovery.  If you have questions about your workers’ compensation rights following an accident or need assistance with your workplace accident case, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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