For most people who have jobs in Mississippi, it’s good to know that there is provision for them in their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to compensate them if they become ill while doing their job or they suffer some kind of injury while at work. Compensation is mostly for any illness or injury related medical expenses and there is a component which is designed to help pay part of any wages while not at work while recovering. In most cases, the procedure, if followed correctly, should result in a payment, but if there is any problem seek help from an attorney with experience in workers’ compensation. Employment in Mississippi Many people in Mississippi who are employed work for small to medium sized businesses as well as for different sectors of the government. There are 1.1 million people employed in the state according to records for May 2016 held by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual income in Mississippi is just over $38,000. 15% of Mississippi workers are employed in offices and other administrative support type jobs, a typical percentage found in many other states. Mississippi workers are also found most commonly employed in the following occupational categories: Production (10%) Food preparation (10%) Transportation (9.5%) Health care (7.5%) Education and Training (7.5%) Workers’ Comp Insurance Requirements for Mississippi Based Employers Mississippi rules concerning workers’ compensation insurance are some of the least strict in the country. This means that many employees, part and full time, especially agricultural and domestic workers and those who are employed in small businesses, are not necessarily covered by workers’ compensation insurance. In fact, Mississippi only makes it compulsory for employers with 5 or more employees to take out cover for their workers. Employers with fewer workers, those who employ agricultural or domestic staff and non-profit organizations or charities are also exempt. Despite these exempt categories, employers who are not required to take out insurance may still prefer to do so as it can avoid a private personal injury lawsuit against them if an employee is injured or becomes ill through no fault of their own. Workers’ comp is designed to help injured or ill workers recoup principally medical expenses as long as their medical problem was work related and not a pre-existing condition. The compensation awarded also helps to cover any wages lost while the employee recovers at home or remains in the hospital. In 2012, the Mississippi Governor passed a law which allows employers to test an employee who is involved in an accident to make sure that they were not affected by drugs or alcohol. Any drug or alcohol influenced injury may prevent the employee from obtaining workers’ compensation under their employer’s insurance policy. You Might Want an Attorney In Your Corner For workers who find it difficult to obtain compensation through their employer because the employer is either not insured or is exempt from having to be insured, it may be preferable to file a private personal injury lawsuit against their employer. If this is the preferred option there must be proof available to support the claim. Even if the employer was insured, there may still be difficulties which prevent compensation being awarded. In any of these situations, the employee can get help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney or personal injury attorney who deals with work place injuries.
