A workplace accident could lead to all sorts of unfortunate consequences. The physical pain of injury or illness alone is more than enough to bear. But the lack of ability to work and provide for the family could create financial pressures on top of an already stressful situation.
Seeking workers’ compensation benefits on your own could also be a confusing and stressful experience without the seasoned guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. A George County workers’ compensation lawyer could help lessen the load and help handle the process of seeking your relief.
In exchange for workers’ compensation benefits, employees waive their right to file a lawsuit against an employer for workplace-related injuries or illnesses. There are some exceptions to that rule. Employees could sue their employer for intentionally harming them, such as assault. But most workers are required to get workers’ compensation for their workplace injury or illness.
Under the no-fault system, employees do not have to prove that their employer was at fault to receive benefits. Employees only have to show that their injury or illness was caused by work-related conditions. The only employees that might not be covered by workers’ compensation benefits in George County include the following:
There are various types of disability benefits in George County that injured or sick workers may receive.
If an employee is completely unable to work for a temporary period of time, they could seek compensation for lost wages. In order to qualify for temporary total disability compensation, a worker must have missed seven days or more of work a the minimum. If a worker is disabled from working for over 14 days, they could receive retroactive lost wages from the date they first missed work.
Those that are unfortunately permanently damaged or disabled from a workplace injury or illness may seek permanent total disability benefits. Employees that have lost their hands, feet, arms, vision, legs, or any combination of permanent injury could receive benefits for up to 450 weeks. Paralyzed workers and those with brain damage may receive benefits for life.
A step down from permanent total disability is permanent partial, which compensates employees for partial impairment. Partial impairment of vision, or movement in the hands, or another body part could qualify for partial disability benefits.
Workers that have suffered a workplace accident or illness in George County should report it to their employer as soon as possible. Reporting the injury allows workers to preserve their right to receive medical care and monetary workers’ compensation benefits. Failure to notify an employer after 30 days could risk a worker’s right to receive benefits.
An injured employee will need to file specific forms in order to initiate their workers’ compensation claim. The forms are fairly straightforward, but the procedures behind the forms can be complicated and typically require a lawyer’s assistance.
Employers have ten days to report the illness or injury, but if they fail to file the claim, an employee may do so themselves. Workers have two years from the date of the injury or illness to file a workers’ compensation claim according to Mississippi Code §71-3-35.
The process of seeking workers’ compensation could be challenging, depending on the circumstances. It could be a less chaotic experience when you have a well-planned approach and a dedicated attorney working to further your interests.
A George County workers’ compensation lawyer might be able to review the facts of your case and help you build a strategy to overcome your workers’ compensation efforts. Call now, get started on your claim for legal recovery today.