Gulfport Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Every day, people suffer serious injuries while performing their job duties. In Mississippi, injured workers have the right to pursue workers’ compensation claims and recover benefits to pay for medical care, lost wages, and more.

If you are injured at your Gulfport workplace, the attorneys at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC can help. Our Gulfport workers’ compensation lawyers will fight aggressively for your right to recovery and secure the award that you deserve.

Why Choose Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC?

• Our Gulfport personal injury lawyers have years of experience representing injured Gulfport residents in their workers’ compensation claims. We have the skills and knowledge necessary to prove your right to recovery.
• Our Mississippi attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. We are dedicated to securing the highest possible award on your behalf.
• Our law firm understands how painful a workplace injury can be. We will handle all aspects of your case on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery and healing, not litigation.

Gulfport Workers Compensation Attorney Quick Links

• Common Types of Workplace Injuries 
• Mississippi Workers Compensation Laws 
• Benefits Available to Mississippi Workers 
• Contact Us

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Millions of workplace injuries occur in the United States every year, according to the National Safety Council. Workers can suffer serious and traumatic damage during workplace accidents, develop illnesses due to years of exposure to toxic substances, or sustain painful overexertion injuries due to repetitive movements.

Some of the most common types of workplace injuries include the following.

• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain damage
• Burn injuries due to fire or explosion
• Lower back injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Knee injuries

Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws

According to Mississippi Code 71-3-5, all employers with five or more employees are required to purchase workers’ compensation coverage. This compensation pays for workers’ losses in the event of a workplace-related injury, such as medical care and wage loss benefits. 

Certain employers are exempt from providing this coverage, such as farmworkers and employees of charitable organizations. In most cases, however, an employer is required to provide this coverage. You, as an employee, would be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim if you suffered an injury while performing your job duties. 

It is important to note that filing a workers’ compensation claim will prevent you from filing a lawsuit against your employer over the same incident. However, there are certain situations where you may want to pursue litigation, such as in cases involving negligent third parties. Before initiating your claim, speak to a Gulfport workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your legal options. 

When Is an Employee Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Even if an employer provides workers’ compensation insurance, employees are only covered if they are injured while performing their job duties. There are a few situations where an employee is not covered, including:

• If the employee was not on the clock at the time of the accident. For example, if an employee is injured in a car accident on their way to work, they would likely not be covered by workers’ compensation.
• If the employee was not performing their job duties at the time of the accident. For example, if an employee is injured while playing basketball at work, they would not be covered by workers’ compensation.
• If the employee’s injuries were self-inflicted. For example, if an employee cuts themselves on purpose while at work, they would not be covered by workers’ compensation. 
• If the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. For example, if an employee slips and falls down a flight of stairs because they were drunk, they would not be covered by workers’ compensation. If your job in accusing you of being under the influence of any substance, when you were indeed not, contact a Gulfport slip and fall injury attorney for more guidance. 

Sometimes You Can Also File a Personal Injury Claim

If you’re injured by a defective product at work, you may be wondering if you can file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. The answer is maybe. It depends on the circumstances of your injury.

If you file for workers’ compensation, you will be barred from filing a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, in many defective product cases, you might be able to file both types of claims: a personal injury claim against the manufacturer of the product and a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. 

What Are The Benefits Available to Mississippi Workers?

Benefits available in Mississippi workers’ compensation claims typically fall into one of two categories. Medical benefits provide compensation for necessary care related to the workplace injury, including doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and even transportation to and from appointments.

The second category is wage loss benefits. Under Mississippi law, employees are entitled for two-thirds of their average weekly wage up to a certain amount and for a limited time. Long-term benefits are also available for employees with permanent disability.

How to Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Decision in Mississippi

The first step in appealing a workers’ compensation decision is to file a Petition to have your claim reviewed by the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. This must be done within 30 days of the original decision date. 

Once the petition is filed, your case will be assigned to an administrative judge, and a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and testify. Once all the evidence has been presented, the judge will make a decision. 

If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome of the hearing, you can appeal the judge’s decision to the full Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. This must be done within 20 days of the date of the judge’s decision. The Commission will review the case and issue a written opinion. They don’t usually schedule a hearing at this stage, but you can request one. 

If you are still not satisfied with the outcome of the Commission’s review, you can appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court. This must be done within 30 days of the Commission’s opinion.

It’s always wise to consult with a Gulfport workers compensation lawyer before filing any appeals, as they can be of significant help in this process. 

Contact a Gulfport Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation in Gulfport is crucial for employees facing injuries from repetitive movements or workplace accidents. Seeking medical attention is essential for recovery, just like patching up a sail to prevent further damage.

Our law firm with experienced Gulfport personal injury lawyers can be your reliable compass, guiding you through the legal process and helping you seek fair compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Don’t hesitate to seek a free case evaluation if you’ve suffered a work-related injury or wrongful death in Gulfport. Their support can make a significant difference in navigating through the challenges and advocating for your rights.

If you are injured while on the job, you may be eligible for financial compensation. In these situations, trust the lawyers at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC to represent your case. Our Gulfport workers’ compensation attorneys will advocate aggressively for your right to compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your legal options.