If you're not careful, you could lose out on the benefits you deserve
Getting hurt on the job can turn your life upside down in an instant. One minute you’re lifting a box, climbing a ladder, or clocking in for your shift, and the next, you’re dealing with pain, paperwork, and more stress than you ever bargained for.
If you’re dealing with Mississippi’s workers’ comp system, it’s not just about healing; it’s about protecting your rights. Unfortunately, it’s easy to make a mistake that puts everything at risk.
What are the most common mistakes that can hurt my Mississippi workers' comp case?
When it comes to workers’ comp, even an honest mistake can cost you everything. These are the errors that chip away at your case and potentially harm your chances of receiving compensation.
Waiting to report your injury
You’ve got 30 days to report your injury to your employer under Mississippi law. That might sound like plenty of time, but the clock starts ticking the moment the injury happens.
If you wait too long, you risk giving the insurance company an excuse to say your injury didn’t even happen at work. Without a timely report, it becomes a matter of your word against theirs. Evidence gets lost, coworkers forget what they saw, and your story starts to sound less convincing.
So don’t wait. Even if it’s a minor injury, let your supervisor know in writing. That short note might end up being the difference between approval and denial.
Not seeing a doctor right away
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for red flags, and one of the biggest is a delay in medical treatment. If you wait days or weeks to see a doctor, they might say your injury wasn’t serious. Worse, they may argue it wasn’t even caused by work.
Don’t try to tough it out. Get checked out. Tell the doctor exactly what happened and how it’s affecting your ability to do your job. Those medical records will become the foundation of your case. Without them, your claim could fall apart before it begins.
Ignoring your doctor’s advice
Once you start receiving care, you’re expected to follow the doctor’s orders, whether that means going to physical therapy, taking prescribed medications, or staying off your feet.
If you skip appointments, refuse recommended treatment, or lift something you shouldn’t because your boss asks you to, that can be grounds for the insurance company to terminate your coverage.
When you’re in the middle of a workers’ comp case, medical compliance isn’t just about healing. It’s about protecting your benefits.
Not filing an honest claim
When you file a claim, you’re asking others to trust your story. That trust disappears the moment they catch you in a lie or even a little exaggeration.
Insurance companies often hire private investigators. They’ll follow you, film you, and dig through your social media. If they catch you doing something you said you couldn’t (e.g, lifting groceries, working under the table, or dancing at a family wedding), it won’t matter what the truth is. Your credibility will be shot.
So be honest and thorough. Don’t hide past injuries or downplay your condition out of pride. Tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s your strongest asset.
Going back to work too soon
Sometimes the hardest thing to say is “not yet.” You want to get back to your routine, keep your paycheck coming, or prove to your boss that you’re tough. However, if you return to work before your body is fully recovered or before your doctor clears you, you may exacerbate your injury.
You might also send the wrong signal to the insurance company. They’ll see your return as proof that you don’t need benefits anymore, even if you're just trying to help out. If you’re offered light-duty work, make sure your doctor approves it in writing. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up.
Poor communication
Workers’ comp claims aren’t “set it and forget it.” You need to keep your employer and the insurance adjuster informed about your medical condition, work restrictions, and any changes to your treatment plan.
Don’t assume they know what’s going on. Don’t rely on word of mouth or hallway conversations. Communicate clearly, both in writing and in person, whenever possible. Missed messages lead to missed payments and missed opportunities to strengthen your claim.
Missing deadlines
You’ve got 30 days to report your injury and two years to file a formal claim with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. Miss either of those deadlines, and your case might be over before it begins.
Even simple paperwork errors (e.g., wrong dates, unsigned forms, incomplete information) can give the insurance company a reason to deny your benefits. So double-check everything, keep copies of what you send, and don’t leave your future in someone else’s hands.
Talking to insurance companies
If an insurance adjuster calls you for a “quick statement,” be careful. Their job is to protect the company, not you. They may seem friendly, but they’re trained to look for ways to reduce or deny your claim.
You don’t have to give a recorded statement without legal representation, sign paperwork without understanding it, or settle for less than what you’re owed.
A good workers’ comp lawyer knows how to protect your rights and navigate the system. If your claim is serious, contested, or complicated, don’t go it alone.
Posting on social media
You might think that a Facebook photo or a casual comment doesn’t mean much, but insurance companies closely monitor social media. A smiling selfie, a beach check-in, and a post about “feeling great” can all be taken out of context and used to argue that you’re not as injured as you claim.
So do yourself a favor and stay off social media while your case is pending. Or at the very least, lock down your privacy settings and think twice before sharing.
Let our Mississippi law firm fight for the benefits you deserve
If you were hurt on the job in Mississippi, don’t take chances with your health, your finances, or your future. Tabor Law Firm, P.A. knows how quickly a workplace injury can turn your life upside down and how hard insurance companies fight to limit what they owe you. Our experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation attorneys are here to protect your rights, guide you through the process, and fight for the full benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
We handle everything from filing your initial claim to representing you in appeals and hearings before the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. We’ll investigate your injury, work with medical experts, and push back against any attempts to downplay your condition or rush you back to work. Best of all, your initial consultation is completely free of charge. There’s no pressure or commitment to hire us; just clear, honest answers.
From our office in Ridgeland, we proudly serve injured workers in Jackson and throughout Mississippi. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
“They are very good at their jobs, very understanding, and I rate them a 10 out of 10. They are so nice, and they really care about what’s going on with you and your situation.” – B.C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐