Mississippi Workers Compensation Laws

As per Mississippi workers compensation laws, it is mandatory for all employers to carry a no-fault insurance coverage for all their employees against occupational injuries and illnesses. It means even if the employer is not at fault for the accident, but if the accident takes place at the workplace or while completing a task as part of the job profile and an employee gets injured, the injured employee will be entitled for certain types of compensation benefits from the employer. The employer cannot refuse to make the payment on the ground that he or she was not at fault. The Florida laws were enacted back in 1948. Employers have the option either to be self-insured (a permission from the commission is necessary for this) or to buy a policy from a private insurance provider.

Waiting Period

Unlike the occupational injury laws in other states, Mississippi workers compensation laws do not impose any waiting period for the payments. It means injured workers can start receiving the payments right from the first day of the accident. However, if the wages for that specific day has already been paid to them, the compensation benefits will start from the next day.

What Types Of Injuries Are Covered?

All types of injuries and illnesses are covered under the occupation injury compensation system provided the accident took place at the workplace or at any other place but while performing a job-related task. The insurance covers all types of occupational diseases and illnesses. In some cases, where a workplace is exposed to hazardous factors and an employee realizes only at a later stage that the medical conditions they are suffering from are actually a result of an unsafe workplace, a compensation claim can be filed. There are also provisions for specific compensation benefits for job-related deaths under Mississippi workers compensation laws.

The Types Of Workers Who Qualify For It

Most of the employees qualify to use the workers compensation system in the state of Florida. However, there can be exceptions. For example, if you are working for an employer who has less than five employees in their organization, you may not be covered under such insurance plan. Employers with less than 5 employees are not obligated to carry workers compensation insurance coverage. Other workers that may not be covered include farm workers and independent contractors.

Death Benefits

Mississippi workers compensation laws also have provisions for death benefits to the surviving spouse and children of a worker who dies at the workplace or while performing a job-relate task. The payments are usually made every once two weeks. The amount of the benefits may vary depending upon the actual income the deceased was earning before the accident. Besides the survival benefits, the surviving family is also entitled to payments for funeral expenses, which can be up to $2000.

When you suffer from a job-related injury, you must immediately notify your supervisor in writing. The employer then must submit the report with the Commission. Immediate reporting is very important for an employee when it comes to making the best use of the Mississippi workers compensation laws in their favor in cases of occupational accidents.