What Types of Injuries Are Covered Under Mississippi Workers’ Comp?
You're likely entitled to workers' compensation benefits under Mississippi law if you were hurt while doing your job, even if it wasn’t your fault. This coverage protects workers like you from the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability after a workplace injury or illness.
Under Mississippi Code § 71-3-3, workers’ compensation applies to accidental injuries or occupational diseases arising out of and in the course of employment. In plain terms: if your job caused it or made it worse, it’s likely covered.
Here’s a closer look at what’s included:
Acute Injuries
Sudden and traumatic injuries sustained while on the job are among the most common and clearly covered incidents. These include:
- Fractures
- Burns
- Head trauma and concussions
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Lacerations or contusions
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Some injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive motion, awkward posture, or overuse, especially in factories, poultry plants, or healthcare roles.
- Common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from constant hand use in packaging or typing
- Tendonitis from repetitive lifting or twisting
- Chronic back strain from bending, reaching, or transferring patients
- Mississippi law recognizes these cumulative trauma injuries, even if they didn’t stem from a single incident. You don’t need to “prove” one exact moment of injury—just that your job duties caused or contributed to the condition.
Occupational Illnesses
Exposure to harmful substances or environments on the job may entitle you to compensation for long-term or latent illnesses, such as:
- Respiratory conditions caused by inhaling chemicals, dust, or poultry dander
- Infectious diseases like hepatitis or MRSA acquired through patient care
- Hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud machinery
Mental Health Conditions
Although more limited and often contested, psychological injuries may also be covered when tied directly to a work-related trauma. For example:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious on-the-job accident
- Depression or anxiety caused by a violent incident or workplace injury
To qualify, the mental health condition must be medically diagnosed and directly linked to a physical injury or traumatic event at work. Mississippi law does not generally cover stress from routine job duties, but trauma-induced psychological harm may be compensable.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Even if you had a pre-existing condition, you may still qualify for workers' comp if the job aggravated, accelerated, or made that condition worse. Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system follows the "aggravation rule," meaning you only need to prove your job contributed to the injury, not the sole cause.
