Injured on the Job: What Happens Next

If you were recently injured in a work accident, you’re likely concerned about what kind of recovery time you’ll need, how you’ll be able to pay for medical treatment, how you’ll get paid for time spent off work, and how your employer will react. There’s a great deal to consider after getting a workplace injury in Mississippi. Mississippi’s workers’ compensation program exists to help injured workers, but the program can be difficult to navigate.

Your first step is to notify your workplace immediately about the accident and the fact that it occurred while working. You may be requested to visit certain doctors or follow up with your work’s insurance agency as soon as possible. Be sure to follow these steps as they’re requested, but as with any serious injury, you should first prioritize getting the medical care you need to begin your recovery process.

While getting the medical care you need, be sure to document everything from your planned course of treatment to any medication you’re prescribed, etc. This information can be useful later when filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Be careful to follow the advice of your doctor during this time and take every necessary step your employer requests.

The Reality of Workers’ Compensation Claims in Mississippi

When you’re ready to file for workers’ compensation benefits, keep in mind that your employer may do everything in their power to deny your claim or reduce your benefits. They do this to save as much money as possible—and often unfairly. Depending on the complexity of your claim, you may benefit from seeking legal advice at this time from a Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer.

If you don’t seek legal advice before filing your claim and file it independently, you may find yourself in an unfavorable situation where your employer denies you workers’ compensation benefits. They may claim you had a pre-existing condition or that the injury was not work-related. They may claim you didn’t notify your employer or file the claim in time.

Workplace insurance agencies often know about workers’ compensation loopholes they can get away with using. This is an unfair tactic, but you do have legal options at this point. To receive the benefits that are owed to you, you’ll need the help of a lawyer. A skilled and experienced workers’ compensation attorney is familiar with the loopholes workplaces commonly use to avoid payment and knows how to force an employer to pay you the benefits you’re entitled to.

An attorney will be able to use your documentation and evidence from the accident to prove you did everything that was requested of you and that your injury was not pre-existing. They may also be able to maximize the benefits you receive or enable you to receive all the time off your doctor suggests. During times of turmoil when your employer is treating you unfairly, the law is on your side.

To learn how an experienced Biloxi workers’ compensation lawyer can help, contact Corban Gunn today or look over our workers’ compensation FAQ. Our personal injury law office can aid you every step of the way and make sure no stones are left unturned. Together, we can find the road to recovery.