Workers’ compensation provides injured workers timely medical care and wage replacement without litigation. However, disputes in workers’ compensation claims often arise, leading many workers to seek legal representation.
A recent study from The Workers Compensation Research Institute, based on an analysis of over 950,000 claims across 31 states, including Mississippi, reveals the benefit of hiring a workers’ compensation attorney.
The study covered claims reported between 2012 and 2019 with at least seven days of lost work time. The purpose was to identify the causal effects of attorney involvement on indemnity benefits, which include temporary and permanent disability payments.
To achieve this, the study utilized statistical methods such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Instrumental Variables (IV) to adjust for potential biases, using local attorney involvement patterns and payment delays as instruments.
Why do workers seek workers’ comp attorneys?
Workers typically hire attorneys when disputes arise regarding their claims. Common disagreements include:
- The compensability of the injury
- The appropriate amount of benefits
- The type of medical treatment required
The study found that attorney involvement was more prevalent in cases involving permanent disability payments or lump-sum settlements, where the stakes are higher and the disputes more complicated.
How does attorney involvement affect my workers’ comp benefits?
The findings show that having an attorney significantly increases the indemnity benefits workers receive. On average, cases with legal representation resulted in indemnity payments of $7,700 to $12,400 higher than cases without attorneys after controlling for factors such as injury type and worker characteristics.
Are some types of injuries more affected?
The study found that attorney involvement had varying impacts depending on the type of injury. For cases involving fractures, lacerations, and contusions, attorney representation increased benefits by approximately $4,900.
More complex injuries, such as spine conditions or neurological pain, saw larger increases of around $7,800 to $8,300. These differences indicate that the benefits of hiring an attorney are more pronounced in cases involving severe or disputed injuries.
What did the report reveal about workers’ comp attorney involvement in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, attorney involvement in workers’ compensation claims is moderate compared to other states. Around 25-30% of claims involve an attorney, particularly in cases involving permanent partial disability (PPD) or lump-sum payments (LS).
Data shows that attorney representation in Mississippi leads to substantial increases in indemnity benefits. On average, attorney involvement can raise compensation by about $26,000, a notable gain for claimants seeking fair settlements for their injuries. In cases with PPD or LS payments, the average payout with attorney involvement ranges between $30,000 and $40,000.
However, for smaller claims such as fractures, lacerations, and contusions that don’t involve PPD or LS payments, attorney involvement is less common—falling below 15%. This suggests injured workers may be less likely to seek legal help for less severe injuries.
What do these findings mean for workers’ comp claims?
The increased payments associated with attorney involvement could imply that workers may not receive the full benefits they are entitled to without legal representation. If this is the case, attorneys play a key role in advocating for adequate compensation.
The findings also suggest that policymakers should explore ways to streamline the workers’ compensation process to reduce the need for legal representation. This could involve simplifying claim procedures, increasing transparency, and ensuring fair assessments of injury-related benefits.
Maximize your financial benefits after a workplace injury. Contact a Mississippi workers’ comp lawyer today!
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Mississippi, you deserve a strong advocate who will fight for your rights. The workers’ comp attorneys at Tabor Law Firm understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a workplace injury can take on you and your family.
While workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help you get back on your feet, employers and insurance companies often make the claims process difficult. They may challenge the severity of your injuries, question your need for treatment, or delay payments. That’s where we come in.
Our experienced attorneys know the ins and outs of Mississippi’s workers’ compensation laws, and we understand what it takes to achieve meaningful results for our clients. We will fight to secure the benefits you need and deserve so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us online or call us today for a free consultation. We fight for workers in Ridgeland, Jackson, and throughout Mississippi.