Category Archives: Personal injury

Posted on by

In both personal injury and wrongful death cases, the presentation of evidence is crucial to establishing fault, causation, and the extent of damages. Expert witnesses play an indispensable role in this process. These individuals, due to their specialized knowledge, training, or experience, can offer insight into areas that laypersons may not understand. Let’s delve deeper into the role they play:

Establishing Liability

– Accident Reconstruction Experts: In cases involving car accidents or other types of incidents, these experts can piece together the events that led to the accident. They can explain how the event occurred, the sequence of events, and potentially, who was at fault.

– Engineering and Product Experts: In product liability or malpractice cases, these experts can determine if a product was faulty or if there was a deviation from standard procedures.

Proving Medical Impact and Treatment

– Medical Experts: These are typically doctors or medical professionals who can confirm the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. They can also attest to the future medical needs of the injured party.

– Mental Health Professionals: In cases where psychological trauma is claimed, therapists or psychiatrists can testify about the mental and emotional damage suffered by the plaintiff.

Quantifying Damages

– Economic Experts: These professionals, often economists or accountants, can help calculate economic losses, such as lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and future medical expenses.

– Life Care Planners: They can outline the future needs of an injured individual, from therapy and medication to any necessary assistive devices or home modifications.

Establishing Standard of Care

– Professional and Industry Experts: In cases like medical malpractice, experts in the specific field can testify about the accepted standards in the profession, helping the jury understand whether the defendant failed to meet those standards.

Demonstrating Causation

In wrongful death or personal injury cases, it’s crucial to link the defendant’s actions to the injury or death in question.

– Toxicologists or Chemists: In cases involving exposure to harmful substances, these experts can speak on the effects of exposure and link them to the victim’s injuries or death.

– Biomechanical Engineers: They can explain how certain forces or actions would have caused the specific injuries claimed in a lawsuit.

Providing Specialist Insight

In some cases, very specific expertise may be required.

– Forensic Pathologists: In wrongful death cases, they can determine the exact cause of death.

– Specialists: Depending on the nature of the injury, specialists like orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or pediatricians may be called upon.

Expert witnesses play a pivotal role in personal injury and wrongful death cases by bridging the gap between intricate, specialized knowledge and the layman’s understanding. Their testimonies can influence the jury’s perception of fault, the severity of damages, and the amount of compensation awarded. For lawyers, having the right expert can strengthen their case and improve the chances of a favorable outcome for their client.

If you have more questions or need expert assistance, consider reaching out to our experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Don’t hesitate to call us today at (601) 969-2709 to receive your free consultation. We will evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to help you recover from your injuries and get your life back on track. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident in Mississippi, and we are here to help. Call us today to speak with Attorney Bill Kellum and take the first step towards justice.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 North State St.
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709
DIRECTIONS

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
617 Market St.
Port Gibson, MS 39150
(601) 590-9000
DIRECTIONS

Posted on by

To succeed in a personal injury claim in Mississippi, you must be able to prove negligence, which means demonstrating that another person or entity acted (or failed to act) in a way that caused your injury. The general process involves proving four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

1. Duty of Care

The first step in proving negligence is to establish that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This means they had a legal obligation to act in a certain way to avoid causing harm. For example, a driver has a duty to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicle safely to avoid causing harm to others.

2. Breach of Duty

Once you have established that the defendant owed you a duty of care, you must then show that they breached this duty. A breach can occur when a person fails to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. This could involve actions like disregarding traffic signals, failing to maintain a safe premises, or a medical professional providing substandard care.

3. Causation

The next step is to demonstrate causation, meaning you must show that the defendant’s breach of duty directly resulted in your injury. This often involves providing evidence that if it wasn’t for the defendant’s actions or negligence, you wouldn’t have been injured. Medical documentation, accident reports, and expert testimony can often be useful in establishing this link.

4. Damages

Finally, you must prove that you suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s actions. Damages can take many forms, including physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It’s important to provide evidence of these damages, such as medical bills, pay stubs, and personal testimony about how your injury has impacted your life.

Mississippi operates under a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your injury, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Given the complexities of proving negligence and navigating Mississippi’s personal injury laws, it’s often beneficial to seek legal representation. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process, helping to gather evidence, build your case, and advocate on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

Proving negligence in a personal injury claim in Mississippi requires demonstrating a duty of care, a breach of that duty, causation, and the presence of damages. Understanding these elements and successfully proving them is a complex process that often necessitates detailed evidence and nuanced argumentation. With the added intricacy of Mississippi’s pure comparative negligence system, personal injury claimants can find themselves in a challenging situation. It’s therefore highly beneficial to seek the guidance and representation of an experienced personal injury attorney, who can navigate these complexities, build a robust case, and advocate effectively for your right to compensation. Remember, even in difficult circumstances, there are legal avenues available to you, designed to ensure you’re not left bearing the burden of another party’s negligence.

Posted on by

Estimating the value of a personal injury claim in Mississippi is not an exact science, but there are some general principles you can follow to get an idea of what your claim might be worth. It’s important to note that specific legal advice should be sought from a qualified attorney or legal professional, as the exact value of a claim can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the specifics of the accident, the severity and nature of your injuries, and the impact on your life.

Here are some general steps to estimate the value of your personal injury claim:

1. Calculate Your Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible costs associated with an accident. They can be easier to calculate because they often come with clear dollar amounts. Examples include:

  • Medical Bills: This includes the cost of immediate treatment following the accident, ongoing medical care, and projected future medical expenses. Remember to include prescriptions, physical therapy, surgeries, and any other related expenses.
  • Lost Wages: If your injury forced you to miss work, you could claim compensation for lost wages. This also applies if your injury has reduced your ability to earn in the future.
  • Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the accident, include the cost of repairs or replacement.

2. Calculate Your Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that don’t have a clear dollar amount. These are more subjective and can be harder to calculate. They include:

  • Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering are subjective and vary widely from case to case.
  • Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse, you might be able to claim compensation for loss of consortium.
  • Emotional Distress: Serious accidents can lead to psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can claim compensation for these mental health issues.

In Mississippi, there are no caps on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, but there are caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases ($500,000 cap) according to Mississippi Code Annotated section 11-1-60.

3. Consider Mississippi’s Comparative Negligence Law

Mississippi follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and had $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000.

4. Consider the Impact of the Injury on Your Life

This includes your ability to enjoy hobbies, perform household tasks, and other impacts on your quality of life.

5. Consult with an Attorney

Calculating the value of a personal injury claim can be complicated. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Remember that these are only estimates, and the actual compensation you receive could be higher or lower depending on various factors. Always consult with a legal professional for the most accurate information.

Posted on by

Being hit by a car can be a traumatic and life-changing event. It can result in serious injuries, property damage, and financial losses. If you have been hit by a car in Mississippi, it’s important to understand the process for filing a hit-by-car accident claim. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of filing a hit-by-car accident claim in Mississippi.

Mississippi Car Insurance Laws

In Mississippi, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance requirements in Mississippi are:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

Liability insurance covers damages or injuries that the driver causes to others. It does not cover damages or injuries to the pedestrian. Pedestrians can also purchase personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which covers medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident.

Steps to File a Hit-by-Car Accident Claim in Mississippi

  1. Seek medical attention

If you have been hit by a car, the first step is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s still important to get a medical evaluation to ensure that there are no hidden injuries. If your injuries are severe, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.

  1. Exchange information with the driver

Exchange contact information with the driver involved in the accident, including their name, phone number, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.

  1. Gather evidence

If possible, take photos of the accident scene and any damages to your property or injuries. Also, gather any medical records, bills, or other documentation related to your injuries.

  1. Notify your insurance company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company will ask for details about the accident, including the date and time of the accident, the location, and the damages or injuries sustained.

  1. Determine fault

In Mississippi, hit-by-car accidents are determined by fault. This means that the driver who is at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages or injuries that result from the accident. If there is any dispute over fault, an investigation may be necessary.

  1. File a claim with the driver’s insurance company

If the driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company to receive compensation for damages and injuries. To file a claim, contact the driver’s insurance company and provide them with the details of the accident, including any evidence or documentation that supports your claim.

  1. Negotiate a settlement

The insurance company will investigate the claim and may offer a settlement to cover damages and injuries. It is important to review the settlement offer carefully and negotiate if necessary to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

  1. Consider legal action

If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, you may need to consider legal action. It’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Statute of Limitations for Hit-by-Car Accident Claims in Mississippi

In Mississippi, there is a statute of limitations for filing hit-by-car accident claims. The statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a claim after an accident. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for hit-by-car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim within the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek compensation for damages or injuries.

Tips for Filing a Hit-by-Car Accident Claim in Mississippi

Here are some tips to help you file a hit-by-car accident claim in Mississippi:

Seek medical attention: If you have been hit by a car, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s still important to get a medical evaluation to ensure that there are no hidden injuries.

Don’t admit fault: Do not admit fault for the accident, even if you believe you may have been at fault. It’s important to wait for an investigation to determine fault.

Keep track of all expenses: Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. This information will be important when filing a claim with the insurance company.

Don’t sign anything without consulting an attorney: If the driver’s insurance company offers a settlement, do not sign anything without consulting an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can review the settlement offer and negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Work with an experienced attorney: Hit-by-car accident claims can be complex and time-consuming. It’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Filing a hit-by-car accident claim in Mississippi can be a complicated process, but it’s essential to ensure that you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries. If you have been hit by a car in Mississippi, it’s important to follow the steps outlined in this article, including exchanging information with the driver, gathering evidence, and notifying your insurance company. If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, consider working with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and seek fair compensation. Remember to keep track of all expenses related to the accident, and don’t sign anything without consulting an attorney. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate the hit-by-car accident claim process and receive the compensation you deserve.

 

Posted on by

The phrase “personal injury” can be confusing. If you’re wondering what, exactly, a personal injury is, it is helpful to consider the types of cases that personal injury attorneys handle on behalf of their clients. So people who have experienced a personal injury are unaware that the harm they have suffered is a type of personal injury. If you recognize any of the following three situations as something that has happened to you, consult a personal injury attorney to determine whether you can file a claim in connection with the injury you suffered.

When a person has an accident at work, they may be able to file a workplace injury claim in connection with that injury. If you are at work when you get hurt, get help right away. After you receive any needed treatment, speak with your supervisor, and ask them how to report the injury. Each workplace has a slightly different procedure for reporting injuries, and all workplace injuries must be reported as soon as possible. After you have reported your injury, make some notes for yourself about people who may have witnessed your injury and what happened. Also, take some pictures of the area where your injury occurred if you can. After you have done those things, speak with a personal injury attorney to determine whether you have an injury for which you may be able to receive compensation.

When a defective or dangerous product harms a person, they may be able to pursue a product liability claim. There are many products available to American consumers. Despite the research, development, and testing that goes into developing and manufacturing products, some unsafe products make it onto the market and into the hands of consumers. Some of the types of injuries that have been caused by defective products include suffocation, poisoning, drowning, loss of limbs, and broken bones. If you get hurt while you are using a product, seek medical attention immediately. After a doctor has treated your injuries, locate a personal injury attorney and speak with them a possible product liability claim.

Medical malpractice claims are a third type of personal injury claim. Sometimes, the doctors who treat our injuries and illnesses do not do their work correctly. The types of harm that patients can  experience as the result of medical malpractice are numerous. One example of harm that may have been caused by medical malpractice is a misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis. Surgical errors, medication errors, and errors involving anesthesia are other types of medical malpractice. All of these forms of medical malpractice result in patients being harmed by not receiving necessary medical care or receiving medical care that injures them in some way. If you have questions about whether the medical care you received resulted in medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney can help you find the answers you need.

Workplace injuries, defective products, and medical malpractice are not the only types of injuries that give rise to personal injury claims. If you have been injured and you would like to know whether your injury could give rise to a personal injury claim, ask a personal injury attorney. A Mississippi personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim. To learn more, call our office now at 1 (601) 969-2709 to schedule a free initial consultation with our seasoned Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709

Posted on by

Personal injuries come in many forms, from slip-and-fall accidents to car accidents and all kinds of other catastrophes. Whatever type of personal injury you have experienced, you might feel confused about what to do next. You may also be concerned about what your future will be like, both in the short term and in the long run.

Family and friends may be offering you help with everyday tasks if your injury prevents you from doing things like grocery shopping and taking care of your home and children. Those helpful acts of kindness are fantastic and can go a long way towardshelping you recover from your injury. Your doctors are also likely working closely with you to create a treatment plan that will help you recover from your injuries. Their assistance is also critical for you during this challenging time in your life. In addition to friends, family, and doctors, there is someone else who can provide you with critical assistance after a personal injury – a Mississippi personal injury attorney. It is to your advantage to connect with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you experience a personal injury so that you can begin to receive all of the benefits that come from working with them.

Personal injury attorneys understand the rights of injured individuals like you. They have extensive training and experience that has prepared them to stand up for your rights. Each day, personal injury attorneys help clients like you stand up for their rights and pursue claims for compensation for their personal injuries.

Right now, your job consists of healing from your injury and managing the details of your life as best you can. Your attorney knows how to take on all of the tasks associated with filing and pursuing a personal injury claim from start to finish. It’s a lot of work, but they have done it many times before for other injured clients, and they have helped those clients receive the compensation that helps them recover financially from the effects of their injuries.

One of the essential components of a personal injury claim is evidence. Personal injury attorneys know what evidence they need to present in support of your claim. What’s more, they know how to go about obtaining that evidence, even if other parties are not willing to give them the information that they ask for. With the proper evidence in hand, your personal injury attorney may be able to obtain compensation for your claim promptly.

However, insurance companies are not always quick to settle personal injury claims, even when they are presented with clear and convincing evidence in support of those claims. Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims, dragging out the claims process, and extending settlement offers that are far short of the amount needed to compensate injured individuals adequately. One of the best benefits of working with a personal injury attorney is that they have experience with negotiating with insurance companies, and they can push for a settlement offer that is as close to the value of your claim as possible. If a settlement cannot be reached, your personal injury attorney can take your case to court and continue to press for the compensation you need.

Working with a personal injury attorney has many benefits. If you would like to know whether you have a personal injury claim, ask a personal injury attorney. Call the seasoned Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney at our office at 1 (601) 969-2709 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709

Posted on by

Last month, we shared information about several basic types of personal injury claims. You may have experienced an injury that is not one of the injuries discussed in that article. Your injury could also possibly give rise to a personal injury claim if you were hurt by no fault of your own.

The first thing you must do after an injury is to seek medical attention. Not only may the injury be more severe than it appears, but you also need to know what treatment is recommended for your injury so that you can begin the process of healing and recovery. When you receive medical care at a doctor’s office or a hospital, you create a record of your injury as well as the care that you have received for it. If your injury later gives rise to a personal injury claim, your medical records will provide valuable information to your attorney that they can use to support your claim.

After you have received medical care and you are on your way to recovering from your injury, it is a good idea to explore whether you might have a personal injury claim. It is wise to get started on working with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident, as personal injury claims take some time, and it won’t be long before your medical bills begin to arrive. If another person’s negligence caused your injury and you have information available to you that demonstrates that your injury was the result of their negligence, you may be able to work with a personal injury attorney to pursue a personal injury claim. The medical records mentioned in an earlier paragraph are a vital part of the proof you’ll need to support your personal injury claim. Other types of information your attorney can use to build your injury claim are witness statements, photographs, security camera footage, police reports, and your testimony about what happened to you before, during, and after your injury.

If you do have a personal injury claim, your attorney will work with you to file the claim and develop a settlement proposal. A settlement proposal is a document that your attorney sends to the defendant, the person or business entity that you believe is responsible for your injury, that outlines the reasons why they are liable for your injury as well as the compensation you expect to receive from them. What happens next depends upon the defendant’s response to your personal injury claim. Some defendants may acknowledge that your injury resulted from their negligence. They may agree to pay the amount your attorney requested, or they may attempt to negotiate with you and your attorney to reach an agreement to pay a lower amount. The defendant could also deny responsibility for your injury. If that happens, your attorney can file a lawsuit against them. You, your attorney, the defendant, and their attorney could settle your case before it gets to court. If not, you’ll appear in court with your attorney and present your personal injury case there in hopes of receiving a verdict in your favor.

If you would like to know whether you have a personal injury claim, ask the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. today. Call our office at 1 (601) 969-2709 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709

Posted on by

An employee at an Illinois workplace died earlier this month after he was struck by part of a machine. The man was an employee whose work consisted of traveling to various locations to provide repair and maintenance services for generators that were manufactured by his employer. OSHA is investigating the fatal accident.

Many types of workplaces contain struck-by hazards. Each day as they work, employees run the risk of being hit by one or more items as they go about their day. Struck-by accidents can injure people by breaking bones, causing head injuries, and even killing them instantly. While workplace accidents that are caused by being struck by a machine or object can sometimes look similar to workplace accidents where an employee becomes caught in machinery, they are not the same. Struck-by injuries are a different type of workplace hazard than caught-in injuries. In a struck-by workplace accident, the victim’s injury is caused solely by the impact of the object or machine that hit them. In a caught-in accident, the injury occurs when the victim is crushed between objects, or between an object and a surface. Struck-by accidents account for approximately ten percent of American workplace fatalities.

There are several ways that struck-by accidents can happen. For example, the object that strikes the accident victim could fly through the air before hitting them. For instance, sometimes, parts of tools or machines break off during use and fly through the air. Alternatively, it could fall on them from above, potentially pinning them to the floor or crushing them completely. Swinging objects can strike employees, especially when equipment like mechanical lifts or cranes are in use in the workplace. Workers can also be hit by objects that roll, like vehicles.

While each workplace that contains a struck-by hazard is unique, there are some safe work practices that employees can follow to reduce the chance that an object or a machine will strike them while they are on the job. For example, workers must use caution when working with compressed air tools, using them only after they have received training, and always operating them with guards in place. The same rule applies to hand tools. Additionally, some struck-by accidents can be prevented by regular inspection of air and hand tools – look at your tools before you work.

If parts of the tool are loose or broken or do not look right, do not use them. If you are working at a height, secure all tools and materials in your work area so that they do not fall. When using equipment that swings, block off the work area to provide a safe space for the operation of the machinery. Use personal protective equipment like hard hats, eye and hearing protection with any tools or equipment that require it.

Workplace accidents can bring unexpected and sudden injury or loss. If your family lost a loved one or if you were injured in a struck-by accident at work, call the Workplace Struck-by Hazard Lawsuit Lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi, at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. today, at 1 (601) 969-2709.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709

Posted on by

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others are. In any workplace, there is a risk of injury or death. Workplace accidents can cause injuries ranging from cuts and broken bones to vision or hearing loss, loss of a limb, paralysis, and even death. Some workplace injuries, like respiratory difficulties or carpal tunnel syndrome, can happen after long term exposure or repetitive work. Fortunately, many workplace accidents are preventable. Proper training of employees and safe work habits can go a long way towards preventing accidents at work. However, even careful workers in safety-conscious workplaces can be hurt or killed on the job. If you are injured or if someone you love dies in a workplace accident, you have important rights that are protected by law.

Shock and disbelief often follow a workplace injury or death. Whether you are the injured person, or someone in your household was hurt or killed at work, you may feel confused, in addition to the grief, hurt, and anger that you feel in connection with your injury or the injury or loss of your loved one.

Compensation for a work-related injury or death cannot restore your health, heal your family member, or account for the loss that you have experienced. However, it can help you and your family pay the medical bills associated with your injury or your family’s loss and possibly even replace some or all of the wages lost because of the accident. Injured individuals and their families could receive compensation for pain and suffering, disabilities, loss of earning capacity, and loss of quality of life, in addition to lost wages and medical bills. Most people who are injured at work or who lose a family member in a workplace accident can receive compensation. A workplace accident attorney can help you determine whether you can file a claim for compensation. They can also help you determine the potential value of your claim and assist you in deciding whether to accept or reject any possible settlement offers you receive.

It is critical that you not attempt to pursue compensation for your injury or loss on your own. There are multiple types of workplace accident claims, and you must file the correct type of claim within the proper amount of time to be eligible for compensation. For example, injuries caused by coworkers or supervisors and many injuries caused by items in your work environment give rise to workers’ compensation claims. However, in some instances, a third-party claim for compensation may be the more appropriate type of claim to file. For example, if your injury or your family’s loss was caused by someone who does not work at your workplace, such as a subcontractor or a service provider, your workplace accident attorney may choose to file a third-party claim.

If you were injured at work, or if a family member died in a workplace accident, do not attempt to file a workplace injury claim alone. A Mississippi Workplace Accident Attorneys can walk with you through the process of evaluating your workplace injury or loss claim and pursuing compensation. Call the Mississippi Workplace Accident Attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. at 1 (601) 969-2709 to learn more.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709

Posted on by

When people hear the words “workers’ compensation,” they often think of people straining their backs lifting heavy objects, suffering from industrial burns, or developing carpal tunnel syndrome because of poor ergonomics. While all of those injuries are common in workplaces here in Mississippi, there is are also a large class of injuries that are not painful, have few or no external symptoms, and do not develop after a single incident.  Sarcoidosis is one of these conditions. It is an inflammatory condition that attacks multiple organs, usually focusing on the lymph glands and lungs.  In sarcoidosis, granulomas form around the body’s organs.  Granulomas are masses of cells. While many people can lead healthy lives while suffering from sarcoidosis, it granulomas can cause scarring on the heart, lungs, and other organs, which over time decreases the person’s quality of life and can even result in death. In this blog post, I will explore the workplace causes of sarcoidosis and what you should do if you are diagnosed with this disease.

If you or a loved one was injured at work, including a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, you will need to have experienced workers’ compensations counsel help you attain your fair share of compensation for your decrease in health and time away from work. Kellum Law Firm, the experience to help you if you.  Contact us now at (601) 969-2709.

Causes of Sarcoidosis

Work environments result in a significant percentage of sarcoidosis cases.  A recent journal article indicated that about a third of cases stem from the employee’s workplace.  Specifically, exposure to ambient dust and gases over time results in not only sarcoidial masses—granulomas—growing on workers organs, particularly their heart and lungs.  While these masses may not affect employees’ health at first, over time, they cause scarring on the organs that weaken the body and can even result in death.  Many people suffering from sarcoidosis also develop other better-known workplace breathing ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Sarcoidosis is particularly an issue for firefighters, welders, farmworkers, and those working in industrial workplaces such as the petrochemical industry.  All of these workplaces are common in Mississippi. Negative health conditions like these can be exacerbated if workers are subjected to constant workplace dust and gasses without either sufficient ventilation or breathing filtration.

What Should You Do if You Were Diagnosed with Sarcoidosis?

If you receive a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, you have every right to file a workers’ compensation claim. You should be compensated for medical costs, loss of work, and damages related to your exposure to dust and vapor at work.  The first step of any workers’ compensation case is to report a claim with your employer.  Make sure that your report is timely, meaning it is filed as soon as you are aware of your condition.  Also, make sure that it is in writing and follows all of your employer’s injury reporting guidelines.  Next, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to begin preparing the necessary documentation to support your claim. Let experienced counsel take care of preserving medical records, documenting the accident, attaining expert opinions, and dealing with your employer’s attorneys. These are essential tasks that only a workers’ compensation attorney can handle for you. If your claim is ever challenged, you will want to have detailed medical records and expenses related to your condition—your employer will not just take your word for it.

Call Kellum Law Firm, an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation law firm, to represent you if you have suffered an injury in the workplace or suffered retaliation as a result of your report. Contact our Mississippi Workplace Injury Attorney today at (601) 969-2709.

Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
1438 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 969-2709