Which Workers’ Compensation Program is Right for Me?

If you or a loved one is the victim of a workplace injury, you know the results can be devastating. There are, of course, mounting medical bills, but there could also be a loss of a paycheck, which could make it difficult to cover your expenses and meet some basic needs. To add to the stress, there are some major distinctions between state and federal workers’ compensation claims. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the differences so you’re less overwhelmed if you need to file a claim.

What is Federal Workers’ Compensation?

The U.S. Department of Labor has a workers’ compensation program dedicated to federal workers who sustain an injury or illness related to their job. This is considered federal workers’ compensation. Employees are guaranteed job rights upon recovery, and as soon as they return to work they will be treated as if they never left. Federal workers’ compensation laws and restrictions differ from state laws, so you’ll want to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer for help with your workers’ compensation claim.

What is State Workers’ Compensation?

For anyone who isn’t a federal employee, which is most of us, workers’ compensation is handled through their state’s benefits program. If you are an injured Mississippi employee, you need to report your injury to your employer right away. Once the report is filed, there is a three years statute of limitations period on the filing of your workers’ compensation claim. These time limitations should be strictly adhered to. If you do not file your claim correctly and on time, you will be denied. If you are denied, you can appeal. This can be a long and complicated process. If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s best to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer from the start to ensure you get approved the first time around.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?