Jackson Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Living and working in Jackson, Mississippi, means being part of a community that values hard work and determination. From the dedicated staff at Baptist Medical Center to the hardworking employees at Nissan Canton Manufacturing, our city thrives on the efforts of its workforce. However, workplace injuries can disrupt your life in an instant, and dealing with recovery while worrying about bills and benefits can be stressful. That’s where we come in.

An experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer from Richard Schwartz & Associates can guide you through the legal process, offering compassionate representation every step of the way. Your health and financial well-being should always come first, and we’re here to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates for Your Jackson Workers’ Compensation Claim

When you’re recovering from a workplace injury, the last thing you need is legal confusion. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s why we’re the right choice for handling your Jackson workers’ compensation claim:

Experience You Can Rely On: With over 40 years of experience in personal injury law, we know the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies, employers, and the Mississippi workers’ compensation system.
A Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients, and we’ll fight to maximize the value of your case.
Compassionate Care: Our team understands the emotional and physical toll of a workplace injury. We treat every client with the respect, care, and compassion they deserve.
Accessible and Transparent Communication: We’re here for you 24/7. Whether it’s answering your questions or providing updates on your case, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
No Fees Until You Win: You don’t pay us a dime in attorney’s fees unless we successfully resolve your claim.

At the heart of our firm is a commitment to ensuring Jackson workers get the justice they’re entitled to. Whether you work for international companies like Amazon or local favorites like Lemuria Books, we’ll stand by your side to protect your rights.

If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Common Workplace Injuries and Their Impact on Jackson, Mississippi Workers

Workplace accidents are not the same for everyone. However, according to past National Safety Council studies, exposure to harmful substances, overexertion, falls, and slips are the top occupational injuries that cause people to miss work.

Below are some common causes of workplace accidents and injuries.

Overexertion

The second most common cause of on-the-job injuries is overexertion. Overexertion can result from a single incident or from repetitive tasks over time. Lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, or transporting things as part of one’s job are all frequent causes of overexertion injuries. These problems can result in severe discomfort, medical expenses, physical treatment, and lost time at work.

Lifting heavy weights without adequate protection can result in muscle and tendon damage or joint displacement in severe situations. While the consequences of the accident might differ depending on the degree of harm, hospitalization and rehabilitation time are always costly.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and falls are among the most common workplace injuries. Inadequate lighting, faulty elevators, slick floors, uneven surfaces, clogged and poorly-lit corridors are hazards that put employees at risk of injuries from falls and slips. Workers’ compensation insurance should cover medical expenditures and any wage loss.

Falls From Heights

Falls from heights are one of the top reasons for workplace fatalities. Therefore, employers should provide workers with the necessary safety equipment and training to minimize the risk of fall-related injuries.

Contact With Objects or Equipment

Falling objects or equipment are frequently to blame for work injuries. Minor abrasions, deep wounds, and severe fractures are all possible outcomes of being struck by a falling or moving object.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Workers’ compensation insurance covers motor vehicle accidents while conducting business duties, whether on the job site or the road.

Fires and Explosions

Workers are at risk of fire hazards due to faulty gas lines, mishandling of combustible materials, and other factors. Fire injuries can be fatal, especially when employees are caught up in the explosions or trapped inside buildings. Nonetheless, workers’ compensation coverage is available despite the severity of the damage.

These injuries don’t just take a physical toll. They can also lead to lost income, mounting medical expenses, and emotional distress. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you deserve more than sympathy; you deserve a fair chance at recovery, both physically and financially. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we can help ensure you access the benefits you need to rebuild your life.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net designed to protect employees who are injured or become ill while performing their job duties. Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system provides medical care and financial assistance to help workers recover without bearing the financial burden of their injuries.

Under the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Act, most businesses with five or more employees are required to provide this insurance. This means whether you’re working at a small downtown shop or one of the larger employers in Greater Jackson, you’re likely covered. However, there are exceptions, including independent contractors, volunteers, and companies with fewer than five employees.

Workers’ compensation covers a wide variety of medical services and expenses, such as:

Doctor visits and hospital care
Therapy and rehabilitation services
Mileage for out-of-town medical appointments
Prescription medications
Medical devices like crutches or braces

Additionally, workers’ compensation offers financial support for lost wages. Typically, this equates to two-thirds of your average weekly earnings. For those unable to return to work permanently, disability benefits may also be available. And, in the tragic event of a worker’s death, their family can receive funeral costs and weekly death benefits.

While the system exists to support injured workers, navigating it can be complex. From filing claims on time to ensuring you receive fair compensation, there are challenges every step of the way. An experienced Jackson workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through this process, helping you take full advantage of your benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Workers in Jackson

When you're injured on the job, worrying about how you'll pay for medical bills and make ends meet can feel overwhelming. That’s where workers’ compensation steps in, offering a crucial lifeline for employees hurt while doing their job. The benefits provided under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws are designed to keep you financially stable as you recover.

Here’s how workers’ compensation can assist injured workers in Jackson:

Medical Coverage: From initial emergency treatment to ongoing care like physical therapy or surgery, workers’ compensation pays for the medical services and supplies you need. Whether you're being treated at Merit Health Central or another trusted healthcare provider in Jackson, these expenses should be covered.
Wage Replacement: If your injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for wage replacement benefits, which typically amount to two-thirds of your average weekly pay.
Rehabilitation Services: For those with injuries requiring prolonged recovery or therapy to regain function, workers’ compensation can cover vocational rehabilitation and other support.
Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury leaves you unable to return to work, either partially or entirely, you could qualify for long-term disability payments.
Death Benefits: If the worst happens, workers’ compensation ensures that surviving family members receive financial support and help with funeral expenses.

These benefits are designed to protect you during one of the most challenging times of your life. Unfortunately, getting the benefits you’re entitled to can sometimes become complicated. If you have questions or concerns about your case, reaching out to a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can make all the difference.

What to Do if You Are Injured on the Job

If you’ve experienced an injury at work, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial to protecting both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

Notify Your Employer Promptly: Mississippi law requires that you report your injury to your supervisor within 30 days of the accident. Even if the injury seems minor at first, notifying your employer ensures that your claim starts on sure footing.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Your health and well-being are the top priority. Visit a doctor or emergency facility as soon as possible to get the treatment you need, even if your injuries don’t seem severe. Be clear about how the incident occurred so it’s properly documented.
Document the Injury: Keep a record of everything. This includes medical reports, accident details, photos of the injury, and any communications with your employer.
Understand Your Rights: Remember, in almost all cases, you cannot directly sue your employer for a work-related injury. However, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you suspect those rights are being violated, or if your claim is denied, you should speak to an attorney right away.
Consult an Attorney: A workers’ compensation claim can be tough to juggle while you’re trying to heal. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Jackson can ensure your claim is properly filed, help with appeals if your benefits are denied, and even explore other avenues of compensation, such as third-party lawsuits.

A workplace accident can throw your entire life off balance, but you don’t have to face this alone. Our team is ready to step in, handle the legal challenges, and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit After a Work Injury

While workers’ compensation provides benefits for on-the-job injuries, it also limits your ability to sue your employer. However, in some cases, a third-party lawsuit may be an option to pursue additional compensation. This type of lawsuit is filed against individuals or entities outside of your employer who may share responsibility for your injury.

Common situations where a third-party lawsuit applies include:

Defective equipment or tools causing an accident.
Negligent maintenance of a workspace by a property owner.
Injuries caused by another driver while you were performing job duties.
Contractors or subcontractors creating unsafe conditions on a worksite.

For example, if you’re an employee working on-site at the Jackson Metrocenter Mall and are injured because of unsafe construction scaffolding put up by a subcontractor, you may have grounds for a third-party claim.

The benefit of filing a third-party lawsuit is that it can allow you to recover damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering. However, these cases can be complex, and gathering evidence, proving liability, and navigating Mississippi’s legal system is not something you should undertake alone. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we’ll evaluate every detail of your accident to ensure you’re receiving all the compensation you deserve.

Jackson Workers’ Compensation Claims FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about workers’ comp we hear from injured workers in Jackson.

How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim in Jackson, MS?

You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. After that, you have two years to file a formal claim. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits.

Can I choose my own doctor for treatment?

Under Mississippi workers’ compensation law, you can initially see the doctor chosen by your employer. However, you also have the right to switch to a doctor of your choice later, without needing prior approval.

What happens if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope. There are several steps you can take to appeal the decision, including submitting additional documentation or requesting a hearing with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. An attorney can help you through this process.

Are part-time workers eligible for workers’ compensation?

Yes, workers’ compensation benefits apply to both full-time and part-time employees as long as your employer has five or more employees or is otherwise required to carry coverage.

Does workers’ compensation cover all my lost wages?

No, workers’ compensation typically replaces only two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a maximum set by the state. However, long-term disability benefits may apply depending on your injury's severity and impact.

Contact Our Trusted Jackson Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

If you’ve been hurt on the job, the experienced team at Richard Schwartz & Associates can help. We’ve made it our mission to simplify the legal process and help you rebuild after an injury. Here’s how we can assist with your claim:

Handle the paperwork and deadlines for your claim.
Negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum benefits.
Assist with appeals if your claim is denied.
Evaluate additional compensation possibilities like third-party lawsuits.

We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and our team is here to support you with the compassion and dedication you deserve. With offices and team members available throughout Jackson and surrounding communities, we’ll work relentlessly to secure justice on your behalf.

Contact Richard Schwartz & Associates today at (601) 800-5559 or through our online form for your free consultation. Together, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you need to move forward!