Jackson Workplace Forklift & Crane Accident Lawyer
It probably does not come as a shock to learn that forklifts and cranes are dangerous pieces of equipment at Mississippi workplaces, and the statistics support this assumption. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 614 employees lost their lives in forklift and crane accidents at work from 2011 to 2017. Plus, more than 7,000 individuals suffer injuries in these incidents every year and are forced to take days off. If you suffered injuries from forklift or crane operation, you may already be experiencing losses. Medical costs, related expenses, and other losses hit hard when you are unable to earn an income.
Our team at Keith B. French Law is dedicated to helping injured employees, as you may qualify for monetary benefits under Mississippi’s workers’ comp system. However, you must qualify as a covered employee, so there can be challenges through the process. You can trust a Jackson workplace forklift & crane accident lawyer to assist with your claim, so please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation. You can also check out some general information about the relevant concepts.
Strict Eligibility Rules for Mississippi Workers’ Comp
Because the system aims to get injured employees on the road to recovery and back to work quickly, the laws do not require proof that your employer was at fault in causing a forklift or crane accident. The key to obtaining monetary benefits for work-related injuries is qualifying as a covered employee under state law. You are likely eligible if:
- You are an actual employee, as opposed to an independent contractor;
- You work for a company that has at least five employees, which triggers the legal requirement for an employer to procure workers’ comp insurance; and,
- You must have suffered injuries in a forklift or crane accident while performing work-related tasks.
Note that filing a workers’ comp claim is your sole remedy in most cases, so you cannot pursue a lawsuit against your employer for civil damages.
How the Process Works for Obtaining Benefits
Workers’ comp insurance is at the core of the system, so you will be dealing with an insurer to obtain benefits. Our team at Keith B. French Law will assist during the process, including gathering evidence and negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to pay proper monetary benefits, our Jackson workers’ compensation attorney will go forward with options before the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. Our objective is to ensure you receive benefits for all losses caused by a forklift or crane accident, including:
- Costs of medical care;
- Wage replacement for days off work;
- Permanent or temporary payments for a total or partial disability; and
- Death benefits, if you lost a family member in a forklift or crane accident.
Discuss the Process with a Jackson Workplace Forklift and Crane Accident Lawyer
To learn more about the Mississippi workers’ comp process and benefits, please contact Keith B. French Law today. You can call 601-983-2667 or check us out online to set up a no-cost case evaluation at our Jackson, MS offices.
