According to a recent article in the Desoto Times Tribune, the 2010 data from the U.S. Census ranks Southaven, MS as a booming city. From 2000 to 2010, Southaven’s population grew 64% from approximately 21,000 to 45,000, making it the 5th largest city in the state of Mississippi. Despite the enormous growth, however, 10% of families still live below the poverty line, with the median household income for residents over 25 yrs. old just over $34,000.00 per year.
The workforce in Southaven is primarily in the educational services (schools) and healthcare industries. Secondary to these areas (about 15% of the labor force) is engaged in transportation services and industrial labor (warehouse and utility jobs). With such a large percentage of the workforce performing manual labor and warehouse work, there are a large number of work related injuries (workers compensation claims) that occur.
Often times, employers encourage laborers not to report on the job injuries in hopes that the worker’s injuries will get better over time, or that the worker will eventually move on to another job. Sometimes, employers actually tell workers that if they report the injury it will cost them their job. Depending on the details of the communication, the actions of the employer may be in violation of the law, but nevertheless, for the benefit of the employee, it is ALWAYS important to report an on the job injury.
Under the laws of the State of Mississippi, an employer is responsible for payment of medical bills and related costs associated with a worker’s injury that occurs while the worker is injured in the “course and scope” of his employment. There are certain limitations to this general rule, and certain time constraints, which if not met, may act to time-bar a claim. With that in mind, if you or a loved one is injured at work, it is imperative that you seek out the counsel of an experienced Mississippi workers compensation lawyer to assist you with your claim.
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