Workers' compensation; increase maximum total recovery and remove cap on permanent total disability compensation.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will adjust key sections of the Mississippi Code, specifically Sections 71-3-13, 71-3-17, 71-3-21, and 71-3-25. It is designed to enhance financial protections for injured workers and their families, ensuring that they receive a percentage of their wages—specifically sixty-six and two-thirds percent—up to a defined cap. Notably, the adjustments could help provide better long-term security for employees who suffer from severe, lasting injuries.
Summary
Senate Bill 2229 aims to amend the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Law to increase the maximum total compensation recoverable by employees. The proposed changes will particularly impact compensation for injuries and death cases by expanding the maximum recovery amount linked to an employee's average weekly wage. Under the new provisions, compensation for permanent total disability will be paid to the employee until their death, reflecting a significant shift in how benefits are structured over time.
Contention
Critics may raise concerns regarding the sustainability of the proposed changes and the potential financial burdens on employers. The financial implications of increasing compensation limits can lead to debates about how this impacts employer liability and the broader economy. Proponents argue that improving benefits is essential for maintaining a fair workers' compensation system, particularly for those who rely on these benefits after devastating injuries.