Getting hurt on the job is tough, both physically and financially. If you’re unable to work, you need to know when workers’ compensation will start covering lost wages. In Mississippi, the process isn’t always straightforward. There are waiting periods, eligibility rules, and possible delays.
Workers’ comp is meant to help employees who can’t work due to a job-related injury, but benefits don’t kick in right away. We’ll look at how long the waiting period lasts and steps you can take to get paid as soon as possible after a work injury.
Am I eligible for lost wages in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, not every work-related injury qualifies for wage benefits right away. To start receiving payments, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow the proper steps. Here are the criteria you must meet:
Your injury must be work-related
Workers’ comp only covers injuries that happen while performing job duties. This means:
- The injury must have occurred on the job or during work-related activities.
- Pre-existing conditions generally don’t qualify unless the job aggravated them.
- If the injury resulted from misconduct, drug use, or horseplay, benefits may be denied.
You must be unable to work
To receive lost wage benefits, your injury must prevent you from working. This can mean:
- Total disability: You can’t work at all for a period of time.
- Partial disability: You can work in a limited capacity, but you earn less than before.
A doctor must confirm your work restrictions
Your treating physician must document your injury and confirm you are unable to work. Without medical certification, workers’ comp won’t approve lost wage benefits.
You must report your injury on time
You must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury, but the sooner, the better. Your employer then files a report with their insurance provider and the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. Delays in reporting can slow down the approval process or even result in denied benefits.
When do workers’ comp wage benefits start in Mississippi?
If you’re hurt on the job and unable to work, you probably need to know when your workers’ comp benefits will start. Unfortunately, Mississippi law requires a five-day waiting period, meaning workers’ comp won’t pay for the first five days you miss work. If you’re only out for a few days, you won’t receive any wage replacement at all.
This rule applies to both temporary total disability (TTD) and temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. However, if your injury keeps you out for more than 14 days, workers’ comp will retroactively cover those first five days, so you don’t lose out on a full week’s wages.
Once your claim is approved, you can expect to receive your first workers’ comp payment on the fourteenth day after your employer is notified of your injury. After that, payments arrive every two weeks.
How long do lost wages in Mississippi last?
How long these benefits last depends on the severity of your injury. If you’re temporarily disabled, payments continue until your doctor clears you to return to work or determines you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This is the point where further medical treatment won’t significantly improve your condition. For permanent disabilities, Mississippi caps wage benefits at 450 weeks, though some cases may qualify for lifetime benefits.
How much does workers’ comp pay for lost wages in Mississippi?
When you’re out of work due to a job-related injury, workers’ compensation helps replace a portion of your lost income. However, it won’t cover your full paycheck. Mississippi law sets specific rules for how much you’ll receive and how long payments last.
Workers’ comp wage benefits cover 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage. This means if you normally earn $900 per week, your workers’ comp check would be around $600 per week. However, the state sets minimum and maximum limits on weekly benefits, which are adjusted annually.
If you typically earn more than the limit per week, your benefit will still be capped at the state maximum. On the other hand, if your earnings are low, you won’t receive less than the state minimum benefit amount.
What challenges might I face when pursuing workers’ comp benefits in Mississippi?
Even if you qualify for workers’ comp, getting wage benefits isn’t always quick or easy. Delays and denials are common and can leave you in financial uncertainty while you recover. One major cause of delays is late reporting. You have 30 days to report your injury, and waiting too long can stall your claim.
Employer delays in filing paperwork or insurance investigations into whether the injury was work-related can also slow things down. Missing forms, errors, or incomplete medical documentation add to the delays. Some claims are denied outright. Common reasons include disputes over how the injury happened, claims that a pre-existing condition is to blame, or failure to follow medical treatment.
If your claim is delayed or denied, get legal help right away, ensure all medical documentation is submitted, and if necessary, request a hearing with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you’re struggling to get benefits, a workers’ comp lawyer can help you appeal and fight for your payments.
Mississippi workers’ comp lawyers who fight for you
Dealing with a workers’ compensation claim in Mississippi can be a complicated process. That’s where Tabor Law Firm comes in. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Ridgeland and Jackson know the system inside and out, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
We handle every step of the claims process, from filing paperwork to appealing denied claims. We can also investigate your case, gather the necessary medical and accident evidence, and push back against insurance companies trying to delay or deny your benefits.
Our law firm offers a free consultation, so you can discuss your case with our attorneys at no cost. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact us today and set up your free consultation with our legal team.
“I don’t have enough positive words to say about Tabor Law Firm. They are an amazing firm with wonderful and caring staff. Jonathan and Tami are great! If you need an attorney that will get the job done if at all possible, this is the firm for you. Thanks again, Tabor, for a job well done!” – HM, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐