Missy Wigginton
Hello friends and family, I am Missy Wigginton, also known as Mama Justice. When meeting me, some people ask me how I got my name….
View Profile
Our Awards
Mississippi Bar Association
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Avvo Reviews
American Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
U. S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit
U. S. District Courts for Northern and Southern Mississippi
Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi
United States Bankruptcy Court
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Jackson, Mississippi
If you have been injured in an accident while on the job, Mama Justice can help you. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyers in Jackson to get started on your case.
Injured on the Job? What You Should Know
- In general, most workers who are hurt in Mississippi during the course of their employment are covered by workers’ compensation laws. Domestic workers, non-profit employees, and farmworkers are usually exempt from coverage.
- If you are harmed in a workplace accident, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the date of the accident or within 30 days of being diagnosed with a work-related condition.
- After being injured on the job, you are able to choose your own doctors to receive treatment for and your doctor can refer you to a specialist. However, any additional referrals that you need will require the authorization of your employer.
- Workers’ compensation benefits not only cover up to 100% of the medical expenses accrued from treating your workplace injuries, but you are able to recover compensation for transportation to your appointments as well.
- After you reach the maximum payment period for workers’ compensation benefits, you may be able to receive either partial or total disability benefits.
Types of Workplace Accidents in Jackson
Slip, trip, and fall incidents are the cause of roughly 17% of all fatal accidents on the job each year in our state. These incidents are often caused by wet or slippery floor surfaces, falls from raised surfaces, and unstable ground surfaces.
Nearly 40% of workplace fatalities in our state involve transportation accidents each year. These incidents can involve workers who are driving long distances to deliver equipment, driving to job sites, and transporting people from place to place.
Acts of violence toward workers, by either persons or animals, are the cause of nearly 16% of workplace fatalities in our state annually. Without adequate supervision, workplace arguments can turn into very dangerous situations very quickly.
There are many instances where people are harmed as a result of coming into contact with objects or equipment. These incidents involve people getting run over by heavy machinery, being trapped between objects and/or equipment, and being struck by falling objects.
When equipment malfunctions, it can lead to severe injuries. Some of the most common equipment found in these types of accidents include saws, dills, and other power tools. However, cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery failures can be extremely dangerous as well.
When chemicals are not properly stored, it can be life-threatening to workers. Coming into physical contact with chemicals can lead to severe chemical burns, permanent scarring, and even the loss of muscle function. There are also instances where people breathe in dangerous chemicals. Some chemicals can cause life-threatening respiratory injuries that require immediate care.
Workers can become harmed in fire incidents while on the job. These accidents can take place due to electrical sparks, equipment failures, and various other circumstances. Fire incidents can lead to severe burns, respiratory problems, and an array of other health issues.
Electrocution accidents often take place on construction sites, but can happen at nearly any workplace. When electric wires come in contact with heavy machinery or water, it can be life-threatening for workers.
When workers engage in the same frequent movement throughout the course of their employment, they may wear down muscles, nerves, and tendons. As a result, workers can experience severe pain that can require surgical intervention.
Workers who suffer from overexertion can experience pain, fatigue, and become more prone to injuries. These injuries are not only physical. They can result in mental and emotional issues as well.
If you have been involved in a workplace accident, chances are you have painful injuries that demand medical care. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation and various benefits. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help you access the benefits you need and deserve.
Common Injuries from On-the-Job Accidents in Jackson
People who are involved in workplace accidents are likely to suffer injuries that demand both immediate and long-term care. Regardless of the type of injury you suffer from, you will most likely have to take several days to weeks off work to recover. Over the years, our Jackson workers’ compensation lawyers have helped clients recover from various types of on-the-job injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Head injuries
- Neck and soft tissue injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Disfigurements
- Permanent scarring
- Loss of limbs
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Respiratory injuries
- Chemical exposure injuries
Our law firm will stop at nothing to ensure you get justice after being harmed on the job. We will remain by your side every step of the way as we fight to get you the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Available in Jackson
Workers who are involved in accidents on the job may be entitled to benefits and compensation throughout the duration of their recovery. It is important to understand the type of benefits you may be entitled to. Workers’ compensation benefits provide victims with payments up to a specific amount of their weekly earnings. In addition, injured workers are able to receive medical treatment for their injuries at no cost to them. Workers’ compensation benefits are imperative when it comes to helping you and your family get by as you recover from your workplace injuries.
In general, there are four types of workers’ compensation disability benefits available for workers harmed in the state of Mississippi while on the job. These include:
These benefits provide compensation to workers in the amount of up to 66 2/3% of their actual wages. The minimum amount a worker may receive for TTD benefits is $25. The maximum weekly payment averages $598.37. Victims who are harmed on the job can access these benefits up to 450 weeks following their accident.
The total amount of compensation recoverable by workers is $179,518.50 throughout their entire recovery. Injured workers who receive these benefits have to wait five days after being injured for their benefits to begin. However, the compensation is retroactive and the injured worker receives payment for the first five days if the benefits start more than 14 days from the date of their accident.
These benefits are paid in a similar manner to TTD benefits. Workers are able to recover up to 66 2/3% of their actual wages, with a range between $25 and $598.37 per week. These benefits can last up to 450 weeks. Workers can recover a total of $179,518.50 in PTD benefits throughout the duration of their recovery.
Workers who receive PPD benefits can recover compensation up to 67% of their weekly pay. Although there is no minimum amount of compensation injured workers can receive, their maximum amount of compensation paid weekly is $393.93. The maximum that workers can recover for PPD benefits includes a total of $179,518.50 over a 450 week period.
When workers lose their lives in accidents while on the job, their surviving relatives may be entitled to Mississippi workers’ death and dependency benefits. These benefits provide a guaranteed payment to any surviving spouse and certain other surviving dependents. These benefits are payable approximately every 14 days. These benefits can continue for up to 450 weeks following the death of the worker. The amount of money that families can receive is subject to a maximum percentage of the decedent’s weekly earnings. In addition, families will also receive up to $2,000 for funeral expenses and a lump sum payment of $250 for the surviving spouse.
Working with a Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer from Mama Justice is your best bet when it comes to recovering full and fair benefits and the compensation you deserve following your accident.
Third-Party Lawsuits After a Workplace Accident
Workers who are harmed while on the job are not only entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but they may be able to file legal claims against third parties as well. If the injuries you suffered on the job are due to the negligence of a third party, either in whole or in part, you may be able to file a legal claim against the at-fault party. Filing a third-party lawsuit does not prevent you from recovering workers’ compensation benefits.
To file a third-party claim, you will need to be able to prove that the defendant played a role in causing your injuries. Our Jackson workers’ compensation lawyers at Mama Justice work with investigators and safety experts who can help to identify violations and general acts of negligence that led to your accident.
Mama Justice Can Help You
Contact our Jackson workers’ compensation lawyers today by calling (662) 262-6264.
