Being injured at work is always frightening. You’re probably worried about whether you’ll be able to keep your job, how you’ll pay for your injuries, and if you’ll be able to work again in the future. Fortunately, most employees in Mississippi are covered by workers’ compensation, as their employers are mandated to provide this type of insurance. Still, it can be unsettling not knowing whether what you’ll receive through workers’ compensation will be enough to cover your typical salary and living expenses. If you need help with a workers’ comp claim, it’s essential to contact an experienced lawyer right away.
Who is Covered?
In Mississippi, all workplaces that have five or more employees that are regularly employed are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance. If the employer has less than five employees, they are permitted to provide this type of insurance, but aren’t required to do so. It’s important to note that this does not apply to domestic and farm labor, and employees of non-profit fraternal, charitable, religious, or cultural organizations. It also doesn’t apply to federal employees and some transportation and maritime employers because they are governed by federal compensation laws instead.
Average Workers’ Comp Settlement
Workers’ comp claims can be complicated, and there are many different factors that play a role in how much an employee is entitled to. Typically, the average range of a workers’ compensation claim is between $2,000 and $40,000. It’s obvious that this a very large range, but everyone’s injuries and situations are very fact specific. The good news is that the vast majority of employees who file for workers’ compensation benefits receive some type of payment. Many employees aren’t aware that you can absolutely negotiate the settlement amount, which makes it crucial to hire an experienced attorney who can help you do this. If you take the first amount that they offer you, chances are you’re leaving a lot of money on the table. Sometimes, the simple fact of having an attorney who is actively negotiating for you can cause the insurance company to offer you more money.
A Lawyer Isn’t Required, But It’s Still a Good Idea
You’re never required to obtain a lawyer to file for workers’ compensation benefits, but it can be incredibly beneficial. There are a lot of nuances to filing for benefits, and having a lawyer who has the experience and knowledge can make all the difference. It’s not uncommon for employees who hire a lawyer to handle their claims to receive higher payouts. This is likely partially due to a lawyer’s ability to negotiate well, but also the fact that you have legal representation sometimes pushes the insurance company to offer more and not attempt to take advantage of your naivete.
Even if you know that you should be covered and receive workers’ compensation benefits, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to try to avoid a payout. When you have a Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer, they’re much less likely to do this. If you need help with a workers’ comp claim, contact an experienced attorney for assistance as soon as possible.