Every day, countless people are injured while on the job. While each case is unique, there are certain things that are common to all workers’ compensation claims. One of the most important things that injured workers share is that they are entitled to receive certain benefits. In Mississippi, workers’ compensation law provides two basic benefits to an injured worker: medical benefits and indemnity benefits.
Medical benefits are considered those expenses that are reasonable and medically necessary to treat the injury and achieve maximum medical improvement. Examples of those expenses include costs for medical visits, physical therapy, medicine, and mileage to and from doctors.
An injured worker is also entitled to indemnity, or monetary, benefits. Whatever indemnity benefit is received, it is subject to a maximum weekly cap and to certain time limits. There are a few other restrictions to indemnity benefits that we will cover in a later post. The main thing to remember about the indemnity benefit is that they are required to be paid at least every 14 days as long as the covered disability or injury continues, subject to other statutory limitations.
While Mississippi’s workers’ compensation law helps injured workers so that they receive these benefits, these benefits are limited and can be tricky to navigate alone. If you or someone you know is injured on the job, be sure to contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer so that they can help guide you through the process and get you the most out of your benefits.