Biloxi Workplace Injury Lawyer
The complex paperwork, insurance processes, and legal requirements can feel insurmountable when you’re trying to heal and provide for your family. Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system exists to help, but understanding your full rights and options requires experienced guidance.
Our experienced Biloxi workplace injury lawyers have spent decades helping injured workers throughout Biloxi navigate these challenges. Our attorneys understand that workplace injuries affect more than just your ability to work—they impact your entire family’s stability and future.
At Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’re committed to exploring every avenue for compensation, from workers’ compensation benefits to potential third-party claims against negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other liable parties.
The comprehensive approach of our workplace injury attorneys in Biloxi ensures you receive not just the minimum benefits, but the maximum compensation available under Mississippi law. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Does Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance system that provides benefits to employees injured while performing their job duties. Mississippi law requires most businesses with five or more regular employees to carry this coverage.
The system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you don’t need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.
Your workers’ compensation coverage includes several key benefits:
- Medical expenses: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury
- Wage replacement: You may be eligible for wage replacement benefits while you recover.
- Disability benefits: Compensation for both temporary and permanent impairments
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training and assistance to help you return to work
- Death benefits: Financial support for dependents in cases of wrongful death from workplace accidents
Independent contractors typically aren’t covered under traditional workers’ compensation policies. This exclusion can create complications if you’re injured while working as a contractor rather than an employee.
Can You File a Third-Party Claim After a Work Injury?
While workers’ compensation prevents you from suing your employer directly, it doesn’t restrict your ability to pursue claims against negligent third parties. You can simultaneously file a workers’ compensation claim and pursue a personal injury lawsuit against other responsible parties.
Third-party claims become possible when someone other than your employer contributes to your accident. These situations arise frequently in construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and other workplaces where multiple companies operate together. Understanding the process of filing a personal injury claim in Biloxi becomes essential when pursuing these claims.
The key advantage of third-party claims is that they allow you to recover damages not available through workers’ compensation. While workers’ comp provides limited wage replacement, a third-party lawsuit can recover your full lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our Biloxi workplace injury lawyers thoroughly investigate every workplace accident to identify all potentially liable parties. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to explore all your legal options.
Who May Be Liable Beyond Your Employer?
Many workplace accidents involve negligence by parties other than your direct employer. Our investigation often reveals multiple sources of liability that can significantly increase your total compensation.
Potentially liable parties in workplace injury cases include:
- Negligent contractors or subcontractors: Companies that create unsafe working conditions or fail to follow safety protocols
- Property owners: Entities responsible for maintaining safe premises where you work
- Equipment manufacturers: Companies that produce defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment
- Third-party drivers: Motorists who cause vehicle collisions, including truck accidents, while you’re working
- Utility companies: Organizations responsible for maintaining safe electrical, gas, or water systems
We leave no stone unturned when investigating your accident. Our goal is to identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injury and hold them accountable for their role in your damages.
What Damages Can You Recover in Biloxi Workplace Injury Cases?
The compensation available depends on whether you’re pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, a third-party lawsuit, or both. Understanding these different types of recovery helps you make informed decisions about your case.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides essential benefits but with statutory limitations. Medical benefits cover all authorized treatment for your work-related injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications. You’re also entitled to mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments.
Wage loss benefits replace a portion of your income while you cannot work. Mississippi provides temporary total disability benefits that replace a portion of your average weekly wage, subject to state-imposed limits. If you suffer a permanent impairment, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits under Mississippi workers’ compensation law.
Third-Party Lawsuit Damages
A successful third-party claim can recover damages not available through workers’ compensation. These include full wage replacement rather than the limited two-thirds provided by workers’ comp. You can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
Future damages represent another crucial component of third-party claims. If your injury affects your long-term earning capacity or requires ongoing medical care, you can recover compensation for these future losses.
What Steps Should You Take After a Biloxi Work Injury?
Taking immediate action after a workplace injury protects both your health and your legal rights. The steps you take in the first hours and days can significantly impact your ability to recover full compensation.
Report Your Injury Immediately
In Mississippi, you should notify your employer of any work-related injury as soon as possible to help protect your rights. However, reporting immediately provides the best protection for your claim. Provide written notice whenever possible and keep a copy for your records.
Document everything about your accident while the details remain fresh. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
Seek Medical Attention
Get medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some workplace injuries don’t manifest symptoms until hours or days later. Prompt medical attention creates an important record linking your injuries to the workplace accident.
Your employer may direct you to a specific doctor for initial treatment. However, you have the right to choose your own physician for ongoing care. Company-selected doctors sometimes prioritize getting you back to work over your complete recovery.
Contact a Biloxi Workplace Injury Lawyer
Early legal representation ensures all deadlines are met and your rights remain protected. We handle communications with insurance companies and help you navigate both the workers’ compensation system and potential third-party claims.
Don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers now or visit our Biloxi office at 2548 Beach Blvd Suite 200.
What Mississippi Deadlines Could Affect Your Claim?
Mississippi law establishes strict deadlines for workplace injury claims. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from receiving compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Injury Notification – Time limit is 30 days, and it requires a written notice to your employer
Workers’ Compensation Claim – Time limit is 2 years, and it covers a formal claim filing
Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit – Time limit is 3 years, and it covers a lawsuit against negligent parties
The clock starts ticking immediately after your accident occurs. Even if you’re unsure about the severity of your injuries or whether you have a valid claim, it’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Which Biloxi Industries and Injuries Do We Handle?
Biloxi’s diverse economy creates workplace injury risks across multiple industries. Our firm has extensive experience representing injured workers in the area’s major employment sectors.
We regularly handle cases involving:
- Construction and development: Including casino construction projects and residential developments along the Gulf Coast
- Maritime and shipping: Covering port workers, shipyard employees, and offshore workers
- Tourism and hospitality: Representing casino employees, hotel staff, and restaurant workers
- Healthcare facilities: Assisting injured doctors, nurses, and support staff
- Manufacturing and warehousing: Helping workers injured by machinery or in industrial accidents
Common workplace injuries we see include back and neck trauma from lifting accidents, fractures from slip and fall accidents, injuries from equipment failures, burns from chemical exposure, repetitive stress injuries from repetitive motions, and head injuries from falling objects.
We also represent first responders injured in the line of duty, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
Do Longshore or Federal Rules Apply to Your Claim?
Some Biloxi workers fall under federal rather than state workers’ compensation systems. If you work in maritime industries or for the federal government, different rules may apply to your case.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers maritime workers injured on navigable waters or in adjoining areas like docks and piers. This federal system often provides more generous benefits than Mississippi’s state workers’ compensation program.
Federal employees injured on the job fall under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). This system covers civilian federal workers and provides different benefits and procedures than state workers’ compensation.
Determining which system applies to your case requires careful analysis of your job duties and work location. Our attorneys have experience with all these systems and can help you understand which rules govern your claim.
What If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?
Insurance companies deny legitimate workers’ compensation claims for various reasons. Common denial grounds include disputes over whether your injury is work-related, claims that you have a pre-existing condition, or arguments that you weren’t acting within the scope of your employment when injured.
If your claim gets denied, you have the right to appeal through the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. This administrative process involves filing a petition and potentially attending hearings to present evidence supporting your claim.
Be cautious about nurse case managers assigned by the insurance company. While they may seem helpful, their primary goal is often to limit your treatment and push you back to work before you’ve fully recovered.
We handle all aspects of the appeals process and protect your right to choose medical providers who will properly document your injuries for your claim. Don’t accept a denial without fighting back – call us today for help with your appeal.
How Much Does a Workplace Injury Lawyer Cost?
At Maloney-Lyons Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we handle workplace injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees to get started with your case.
Our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case and secure a settlement or verdict, you owe us nothing. This arrangement ensures you can afford quality legal representation regardless of your current financial situation.
Your initial consultation to discuss your case is completely free. We’ll evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the potential value of your claim without any obligation.
How Our Biloxi Workplace Injury Lawyers Help With Your Claim
When you choose our firm, you get comprehensive legal support throughout your case. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.
Our services include thorough accident investigation where we gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review safety records to build the strongest possible case. We handle all paperwork and ensure every form gets filed correctly and on time to protect your rights.
We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to counter lowball settlement offers and fight unjust claim denials. Our team coordinates your medical care by helping you find qualified, independent doctors who prioritize your complete recovery over insurance company interests.
Most importantly, we pursue maximum compensation by identifying all liable parties and exploring every available source of recovery. Our local presence in Biloxi means we understand the unique challenges facing injured workers in our community.
Client Results and What to Expect From Our Team
Our firm has successfully secured substantial settlements for workers injured in construction accidents, machinery malfunctions, and work-related vehicle crashes. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys David J. Maloney and T. Randall Lyons provide the personal attention your case deserves.
Unlike large personal injury mills, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish. We believe every client deserves individual attention and customized legal strategies based on their unique circumstances.
We operate under a “no recovery, no fee” guarantee, which means our success depends entirely on securing compensation for you. This alignment of interests ensures we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Free Consultation With a Biloxi Workplace Injury Lawyer
Don’t navigate the complex claims process alone while dealing with your injuries and financial pressures. Our experienced workplace injury attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and explain your options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, we can meet you at your home or in the hospital. We understand that workplace injuries can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, and we’re committed to making the legal process as convenient as possible.
Take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today or visit our office at 2548 Beach Blvd Suite 200, Biloxi, MS 39531. We’re available 24/7 to help with workplace injury emergencies and can begin working on your case immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biloxi Workplace Injury Claims
How Much Does a Workplace Injury Lawyer Cost in Mississippi?
Our workplace injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Workplace Injury in Mississippi?
Generally, you cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws, but you can pursue claims against negligent third parties who contributed to your injury.
Do I Have to Use the Company Doctor for My Work Injury?
While your employer can direct initial emergency treatment, you have the right to choose your own physician for ongoing medical care related to your work injury.
What Should I Avoid Saying to Workers’ Compensation Adjusters?
Avoid giving recorded statements or admitting fault for your accident without first consulting with an experienced workplace injury attorney who can protect your interests.
Can I File Both Workers’ Compensation and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Yes, if a third party like a subcontractor or negligent driver caused your workplace injury, you can pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and a separate personal injury lawsuit.
What Are the Deadlines for Filing Workplace Injury Claims in Mississippi?
You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days, file a workers’ compensation claim within two years, and any personal injury lawsuit must be filed within three years of the accident.
Are Maritime Workers Covered Differently Than Other Employees?
Yes, maritime workers and federal employees are covered by separate federal compensation systems like the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which often provide more generous benefits than state workers’ compensation.