Work Accidents Demanding accountability from those at fault

Mississippi Work Accident Attorney

Workplace & On-the-Job Injuries in Jackson, Ridgeland & All of Madison County

Every day, workers across Ridgeland and Madison County show up expecting to do their jobs safely and return home to their families. But for some, a shift on a construction site, in a warehouse, or behind the wheel ends in a life-altering injury. At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we fight for those whose lives have been shattered by workplace accidents that could have—and should have—been prevented. Our goal is to identify every possible path to justice and hold every responsible party accountable.

Workers' compensation in Mississippi provides some relief, but it’s not always enough. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability can quickly outpace what’s covered by a typical claim. That’s why we dig deeper. If a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, negligent driver, or other third party played a role in your injury, we can pursue a full personal injury or wrongful death claim, seeking the kind of compensation that truly reflects the scale of your losses.

Interested in learning more? Call Mississippi work injury lawyer Mark Sledge at (601) 768-2165. Your consultation is free.

Who’s Responsible for Worker Safety?

Under Mississippi law, employers have a duty to provide a reasonably safe working environment. That includes proper training, functioning equipment, hazard communication, and supervision. But job sites often involve multiple parties—contractors, suppliers, maintenance crews—whose negligence can contribute to a worker’s injury. Even when an employer is immune from direct liability under workers’ compensation laws, these third parties are not.

We routinely investigate work injury cases that uncover responsibility far beyond the immediate employer. Examples include cases where a defective lift mechanism failed due to poor design, or where a subcontractor removed a safety guard to speed up a process, putting everyone nearby at risk. These are not just workplace accidents; they are preventable tragedies, and the law allows us to seek accountability through product liability and negligence claims.

Mississippi Workers’ Comp: How It Works & Where It Falls Short

Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system provides medical and wage benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of fault. It’s designed to help workers recover without needing to sue their employer, but it doesn’t always cover everything an injured worker needs.

Who Qualifies for Workers' Compensation in Mississippi?

Most Mississippi employees are covered by workers’ comp, with a few exceptions. Employers with five or more workers are required to carry coverage. Independent contractors, farm laborers, domestic workers, and some transportation workers may not be eligible.

Injured workers must report their injury to their employer within 30 days. The employer then files a claim with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission (MWCC). Benefits may include medical treatment, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent disabilities.

What Workers' Comp Doesn't Do

In Mississippi, workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering, and it may not fully compensate workers with severe or life-changing injuries. It also protects employers from being sued but not third parties. If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury (like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer), you may be able to file a third-party injury claim for additional compensation.

Common Work Injuries in Mississippi

The Ridgeland area is home to fast-growing warehouses, expanding construction zones, and chemical plants that support manufacturing and logistics throughout Madison County. These job sites pose serious risks when employers cut corners on safety.

Some of the most common on-the-job injuries we see in the Ridgeland area include:

Slips and falls, often due to unsafe working conditions
Crush injuries and traumatic amputations from unguarded machinery
Burns from chemical exposure, arc flashes, or industrial explosions
Brain injuries and spinal cord damage caused by falls from height or falling objects
Overexertion and lifting injuries caused by poor employee training or lack of protective equipment
Internal injuries from vehicle crashes and heavy-equipment rollovers
Fatalities from trench collapses, electrocutions, and refinery incidents

Many of these injuries leave workers with permanent disabilities and massive financial burdens. Our local workplace accident law firm in Ridgeland focuses on long-term solutions—not just short-term settlements. We help workers and families across Mississippi.

Occupational Diseases

Not all work injuries happen in an instant. Prolonged exposure to toxins like asbestos, benzene, silica dust, or industrial solvents can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as mesothelioma, leukemia, or chronic respiratory illness. These cases often go unrecognized or are dismissed as pre-existing issues. At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we recognize occupational disease for what it is: the result of employer negligence, often compounded over years.

Some of the most common work-related illnesses include:

Asbestosis: Lung scarring from long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers, often linked to work in shipyards, construction, HVAC, or demolition involving older buildings
Chemical Poisoning (e.g., Lead, Benzene, Mercury): Chronic exposure to industrial toxins that can damage the brain, liver, kidneys, or reproductive system
Hearing Loss: Permanent hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud machinery or tools, often seen in construction, aviation, manufacturing, and oilfield workers
Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, often diagnosed decades after exposure
Occupational Cancer: Long-term exposure to carcinogens such as diesel exhaust, benzene, or asbestos can lead to cancers of the lung, bladder, or skin
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Overuse injuries affecting muscles or tendons from repeated motion or poor ergonomics
Silicosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust during tasks like cutting concrete or stone, frequently affecting miners, sandblasters, and construction laborers
Skin Conditions (e.g., Contact Dermatitis): Irritated or inflamed skin caused by repeated contact with harsh substances like solvents, oils, or cleaning agents

We are prepared to investigate workplace exposure cases thoroughly, using medical records, job site documentation, and expert testimony to trace your illness back to its source so that we can fight to hold the appropriate parties accountable. No one should have to suffer the chronic pain, financial strain, and diminished quality of life that comes with an occupational disease. But when these things happen, our firm can help you seek justice.

Routes to Recovery

Beyond Workers' Comp

While most injured workers are eligible for benefits through Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system, these benefits are limited by design. They don’t cover pain and suffering, full lost wages, or loss of enjoyment of life. That’s why it’s critical to examine whether a personal injury lawsuit may also be available.

If your injury was caused by a defective tool or machine, the manufacturer can be sued under product liability law. If a contractor failed to enforce safety rules or exposed workers to a known hazard, they can be held liable. Mississippi work accident attorney Mark Sledge routinely works with medical, engineering, and vocational experts to build cases that reflect the true cost of the harm done.

$44,500,000 Offshore Oil Rig Injury
$10,000,000 Accident on Drilling Ship
$8,000,000 18-Wheeler Accident

From Circuit Court Judge to Personal Injury Advocate Driven to Make a Real Difference for You

For over 15 years, Mark has actively represented plaintiffs in major mass tort cases, including breast implant and phen-phen litigation, leading successful drug litigation such as Parlodel, Duract, and Stadol, securing strong recoveries for his clients. From Circuit Court Judge to Personal Injury Advocate — Driven to Make a Real Difference for You

CONNECT WITH MARK TODAY

Choose a Work Injury Firm That Knows the Stakes

Mark Sledge has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for Mississippi workers—both in and out of the courtroom. As a former circuit court judge and experienced trial attorney, Mark understands how to investigate complex workplace incidents, challenge corporate legal teams, and secure full compensation for his clients.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury on the job, contact Mississippi work accident lawyer Mark Sledge at (601) 768-2165 to explore your full legal rights. Your consultation is free and private.

Mississippi Work Injury FAQ

What should I do if I’m injured at work in Mississippi?

Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, preferably the same day. Mississippi law requires injured workers to report a workplace injury within 30 days, or they risk losing eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Seek medical attention immediately, document everything, and consider speaking to a work accident attorney in Ridgeland, like Mark Sledge, if someone other than your employer may be responsible.

Who qualifies for workers’ compensation in Mississippi?

Most employees are covered, but there are exceptions. Mississippi requires businesses with five or more regular employees to carry workers’ comp insurance. Independent contractors, farm laborers, domestic workers, and some transportation workers may not be covered. Even if you’re not eligible, you may still have other legal options.

What does workers’ compensation cover in Mississippi?

Workers’ compensation generally pays for medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and compensation for temporary or permanent disability. It does not cover pain and suffering, and benefits can be limited if the injury is severe or life-altering.

Can I sue my employer if I’m injured at work?

In many cases, no. Mississippi’s workers’ comp system is a “no-fault” system, meaning you usually can’t sue your employer even if they were negligent. However, there are important exceptions, especially if your employer intentionally caused your injury or failed to carry required workers' comp coverage.

What is a third-party work injury claim?

If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. These claims can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not covered by workers’ comp.

How long do I have to file a work injury claim in Mississippi?

You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days and file a workers’ compensation claim within two years of the injury date. Third-party injury claims follow personal injury statutes of limitation, which is generally three years in Mississippi. The clock starts ticking from the date of the injury or when you reasonably discovered the cause.

What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to file a petition with the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission. However, many denials stem from paperwork errors, employer disputes, or medical disagreements. Consulting a Ridgeland work accident attorney can help protect your rights and uncover whether a third-party lawsuit is also an option.

Do I need a lawyer for a Mississippi work injury claim?

It depends. For straightforward workers’ comp cases, you may be able to handle things yourself. But if your injury is serious, your claim was denied, or a third party was involved, an experienced work accident lawyer in Ridgeland can help you seek the full compensation you deserve.

Standing Up For Folks LIke You

We don’t back down—and neither should you

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy