Being unable to earn an income and engage in your everyday activities because of a work-related injury could be a stressful experience. Recovering from an injury is a challenging enough task. Having the responsibility to bring your workers’ compensation claim on your own could be overwhelming.
If you or a loved one were injured on the job, you might benefit from professional legal assistance. A Gautier Workers’ Compensation Lawyer could provide insight into your claim. As an experienced personal injury attorney, they could help you navigate through the process and build your case for recovery.
The majority of occupations are covered under workers’ compensation insurance in Gautier. In most fields, employers are required by law to supply their workers with workers’ compensation. The only workers that might not be covered are those that work in the agricultural or railroad industries.
While most diseases related to employment are covered, some work-related illnesses are not covered. For example, mental stress related to employment is not covered. The following occupational diseases and injuries are prohibited from coverage:
Workers’ compensation only reimburses an injured worker for medical treatment done by the employer’s selected doctor, aside from emergencies. Treatment received from another medical provider would not be covered. Injured workers may pursue lost wages, permanent disability benefits, disfigurement benefits, or vocational rehabilitation. Regarding lost wages, injured claimants are reimbursed 66 2/3 percent of their average weekly wages. Lost wage compensation is subject to change depending on the duration of the disability and state law limitations.
After suffering from a work-related injury, an employee seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Gautier should notify their employer as soon as practicable. Injured or ill employees have up to 30 days to report their injury to their employer.
An employer could file the claim, but if the employer either refuses to or fails to do so, injured workers may file their own compensation claim. Workers have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim according to Mississippi Code §71-3-35. If a worker fails to file their case on time, they could risk losing the right to bring a workers’ compensation claim.
After filing a claim, the workers’ compensation will either deny or accept the claim. If denied, workers may file an application for a hearing. A seasoned Gautier Workers’ Compensation Lawyer could bring evidence to support their case for compensation. Decisions rendered at the hearing may be appealed, where a panel of commissioners review your case.
There is a large part of the workforce that needs their physical health to be able to work. Even if your job itself is not physically strenuous, people still need their health to commute, to take care of themselves and their families, and to live a fulfilling life. But pursuing workers’ compensation benefits could be a challenging proposition while recovering from a serious injury or illness.
Those that are responsible for the cause of your workplace illness or injury should be held accountable. A Gautier Workers’ Compensation Lawyer could help you develop your claim. Call today to schedule a consultation.