Mississippi Workers' Compensation Laws

Employers with 5 or more employees (full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal) must carry workers' compensation insurance. Employers with fewer than 5 may voluntarily provide coverage. Domestic servants and farm laborers may be excluded.

TTD benefits are 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage. Maximum weekly benefit: $630.73 (effective January 1, 2025). Minimum: $25/week. A 5-day waiting period applies (paid retroactively if disability exceeds 14 days). Maximum duration: 450 weeks total.

Injured workers have the right to choose their own treating physician. The election must be in writing. The chosen physician may make one referral to a specialist without employer/insurer approval.

Mississippi does not have a specific statutory anti-retaliation provision for workers' compensation claims. However, the common law McArn doctrine may provide a public policy exception to at-will employment for employees terminated for filing legitimate claims.