Burns & Associates, PLLC

What can happen after a fall that seems harmless?

2026-05-11T12:24:00Z

A fall may seem minor at first. You might feel sore or shaken, then assume the pain will fade within a few days. If you suffered a fall because of someone else’s negligence, the effects may reach beyond the first injury. Knowing what can happen afterward can help you see why recognizing symptoms and thorough medical documentation matter.

How a seemingly minor fall can affect daily life

Some fall injuries do not show their full impact right away. Stiffness, headaches or balance problems may develop after the first day. As symptoms continue, routine tasks may become progressively more difficult to manage. Long-term consequences may include:

Reduced mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods
Loss of independence: Greater reliance on family members for transportation or household tasks
Chronic pain: Lingering discomfort that affects movement or daily activity
Work-related limitations: Difficulty returning to physically demanding duties
Lifestyle adjustments: Changes to living arrangements or everyday habits

These effects can touch many parts of daily life. In personal injury cases, they may help show how the accident continues to affect your health and work. In Mississippi, personal injury claims may involve disputes over fault and the extent of the harm. The state recognizes comparative negligence, which means compensation may change according to each side’s proportion of responsibility for the accident.

Fall injuries can affect more than your body

The effects of a fall often reach beyond physical pain. You might avoid stairs or hesitate to walk across uneven surfaces. That loss of confidence can affect independence and social connection. Daily responsibilities may also become harder to manage. You may feel frustrated when physical limits continue longer than expected. Others face stress as missed work and changing routines begin to affect family life.

Looking ahead after a serious accident

Life after a serious fall may involve understanding the implications of your future needs. Taking time to examine medical care and financial concerns can place you in a stronger position. It can also make the next stage feel more manageable. Carefully documenting treatment needs, wage loss and household changes can give your claim a stronger foundation. A legal review may also help identify documented financial and medical losses connected to the injury claim.

Can you sue for a small slip? 3 things to know about premises liability

2026-02-02T14:22:50Z

A slip or fall can feel easy to dismiss, especially when it does not seem serious right away. Many people assume that if they did not fall hard or leave in an ambulance, they do not have a valid legal claim. Still, even minor incidents can lead to medical treatment, lost time at work or ongoing discomfort. Premises liability law focuses on whether unsafe property conditions caused an injury, not on how dramatic the accident appeared. If you were injured on someone else’s property, these three considerations can help explain how premises liability works.

1. A minor slip can still cause meaningful injuries

Some injuries develop slowly. A brief fall can strain muscles, affect joints or aggravate an existing condition without immediate symptoms. Back, neck and soft tissue injuries often become noticeable days later. When people delay medical care because the injury seems minor, recovery can take longer and documentation may become more difficult. From a legal standpoint, the issue is not the size of the fall. The focus is on the medical impact of the injury and how it affects daily life. Treatment records, follow-up care and time missed from work often matter more than how the accident looked.

2. Premises liability centers on unsafe conditions

Premises liability claims are not based on embarrassment or clumsiness. Property owners and managers have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This duty includes fixing hazards or providing warnings about conditions such as wet floors, uneven walkways, broken steps or poor lighting. Not every fall creates liability. The law looks at whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. Evidence like photographs, maintenance records and witness statements often helps clarify whether that duty was met.

3. Early actions can affect a potential claim

What happens after a fall can influence the outcome of a claim. Reporting the incident, seeking medical evaluation and documenting the scene can help preserve important details. When injuries are minimized or not recorded early, insurers may later question whether the fall caused real harm. An attorney can review the facts and explain whether a slip-and-fall claim may be appropriate.

When a small slip deserves closer attention

Premises liability cases are about accountability. If unsafe property conditions caused your injury, speaking with a premises liability attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Personalized legal guidance can provide clarity and help you decide how to move forward.

What evidence strengthens a Mississippi store injury claim?

2025-11-28T11:11:01Z

If you get hurt in a Mississippi big box store, your claim often depends on proving that the owner knew or likely should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it or warn visitors. Mississippi law expects store owners to take reasonable steps to keep customers safe and alert them to hidden risks. How the owner responded can affect the strength of your claim.

How does Mississippi define legal notice?

Mississippi law recognizes several ways to show negligence:

Actual notice: When the owner or employee knew about the risk, either because they created it or someone informed them and did not act. Supporting proof may include employee statements, internal reports or emails
Constructive notice: When a hazard existed long enough that a reasonable owner should have discovered and corrected it. Circumstantial evidence, such as cleaning logs or photos of footprints or dried spills, can help demonstrate this
Owner-created condition: When an employee caused the hazard, making prior notice unnecessary. Video footage or eyewitness accounts may illustrate how the risk developed

Understanding these categories may help identify the type of proof that may support a claim.

What types of evidence can help?

Stronger claims often combine multiple forms of documentation:

Photographs or videos capturing the hazard, lighting and signs of how long it may have been present
Surveillance footage showing when the risk appeared and whether staff checked it
Witness statements describing what shoppers or employees noticed
Maintenance logs or cleaning records reflecting inspection and hazard management routines

Using several types of proof together may provide a clearer picture of the hazard, the store’s response and the impact on safety.

How can you show injury and financial impact?

Medical records, x-rays or prescriptions can link the injury to the incident, while pay stubs, tax documents or financial statements can demonstrate lost income. Personal accounts describing how the injury affected daily life or work may further illustrate the consequences. Providing proof of both physical and financial impacts can help convey the full effects of the incident. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which may reduce recovery if you share responsibility.

What deadlines apply to store injury claims?

Most personal injury claims in Mississippi need to be filed within three years of the accident. If a minor suffers the injury, the time to file may pause until they reach the age of majority, but the exact timing can vary depending on the situation. For claims against government-owned stores, you generally must provide notice within 90 days and submit a formal claim within one year. In some situations, the statute of limitations starts later, such as when you discover the injury afterward or regain mental capacity.

Bringing your evidence together

Collecting clear, timely documentation can help show the full story of your accident, including how the risk existed, how the store responded and how the injury affected daily life. Photos, statements and records together may strengthen your injury claim and provide a fair understanding of the situation.

A driver’s guide to road safety

2025-08-18T09:28:39Z

Driver negligence is the leading cause of car accidents in Mississippi, resulting in serious injuries and death. As the person behind the wheel, protecting yourself and others from harm is your top priority.

Before you enter your vehicle, here are reminders for practicing safe driving.

Wear your seat belt properly.

Mississippi requires you to wear seat belts as a precaution. This effectively prevents you from leaving your seat during a sudden stop or crash.

With that said, wear your seat belt as soon as you enter the car. Ensure the shoulder and lap belts lie flat on your body and that the buckle is locked properly.

Be alert.

Anything can happen when you are driving, such as a car swerving. You must stay vigilant and drive defensively to anticipate any signs of danger. If you sense that something bad could happen, always choose the low-risk option on the road.

Minimize distractions.

Car crashes commonly happen due to distractions. Keeping your eyes off the road for a mere second can trigger a series of unfortunate events. To avoid this, here are some tips to help you focus on driving carefully:

Monitor your emotions, as these could remove your attention from the road.
Refrain from playing loud music in the car or wearing headphones while driving.
Remove objects from your windshield to get an unobstructed view of the road.
Avoid using your cellphone while driving.

In case you need to make a text or call, park in a car-free area before doing so.

Use the car’s signal lights.

Drivers on the road will not know what is on your mind until you let them know. If you are planning to move to another lane or overtake a car, flip the lever to turn on your car’s signal lights.

Hitting another vehicle due to a lack of communication on the road is possible. This danger may affect others nearby, which is why it is important to use car signals.

Avoid driving under the influence.

Mississippi strictly prohibits driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Violators will have to submit to the law.

Drunk driving impairs your reflexes and reaction time, which could put you and others in danger. If you have had a few drinks or are feeling drunk, ask a sober friend to bring you home instead or book a ridesharing service.

Prepare backup plans in case of an emergency

Accidents occur without notice, so you need to prepare a backup plan. Ensure to save contacts, such as emergency hotlines and your loved ones’ phone numbers, on speed dial in your phone for easy access. You may also install dashboard cameras that can document your rides and serve as evidence for inspection. Having these ready beforehand could mitigate damages and get you help quickly.

What a fall at a Mississippi big box store could cost you

2025-05-16T10:01:46Z

Slip and fall accidents happen fast, but recovery doesn’t. You’re walking through the store when suddenly you slip. Wet floors and uneven tiles cause serious trips in an instant. These accidents don’t just hurt your pride, they can cause injuries that affect your life for months or even years, disrupting your daily routine and independence. If a store neglects a known hazard or fails to warn you, you could face costly medical bills and ongoing pain. In Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties, slip and fall accidents happen often and come with real expenses.

The factors that affect the cost of slip and fall injuries

Older adults suffer the most injuries from falls, which are a leading cause of injury-related incidents and emergency room visits. The hard part is realizing how long and costly recovery can be. Many people underestimate the time and resources it takes to heal fully after a fall. What might start as a simple injury can quickly turn into months or even years of medical treatment, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. This prolonged recovery not only affects your health but also your finances, as ongoing medical bills and additional costs pile up.

Injuries can lead to long-term medical care and expenses

Recovering from a slip and fall injury often involves more than just initial treatment. The effects can be long-lasting, leading to a range of medical and lifestyle challenges that impact your daily life and finances. These include:

Broken bones, head trauma and other serious injuries
Emergency care, surgery and months of therapy
Missing work and relying on others for daily tasks
Difficulty navigating your home after the accident
Need for home modifications like wall handles, ramps or stair lifts
Requirement for in-home care during recovery

These adjustments are often essential but costly. Insurance might not cover all expenses, and stores may resist paying what they owe, leaving victims to bear much of the financial and physical burden alone.

When home becomes a challenge after an accident

After a severe tumble, your home might not feel as safe anymore. Simple tasks like climbing stairs, bathing or cooking can become difficult or even dangerous. You might need to install safety features such as wall handles, ramps or stair lifts, and some people require in-home care to manage daily life during recovery. These changes, forced by someone else’s negligence, can drastically affect your quality of life. Unfortunately, insurance often falls short of covering these costs, and stores may fight responsibility, making it difficult to get the support you need.

Who’s responsible for the unsafe conditions in Mississippi stores?

Mississippi law requires store owners to maintain safe premises. If they knew, or reasonably should have known, about hazards and failed to fix or warn you, they can be held liable for your injuries. This includes dangers like wet floors without warning signs, broken flooring or poor lighting. Whether your accident happened in Jackson, Madison, Pearl or nearby, the law protects your right to seek compensation from negligent property owners. However, don’t expect the store’s insurance company to offer a fair settlement easily. They often fight claims aggressively, which is why legal representation is important if you want to secure fair compensation.

Understanding Partial Fault in Mississippi Car Accidents

2025-02-20T23:48:41Z

Car accidents are often messy, and it’s not always the case that one party is 100% to blame for the crash. In Mississippi, the law recognizes that fault isn't always clear-cut, and there are provisions in place to allow for recovery even if you share some responsibility for the accident.

Mississippi's Comparative Negligence Law

Mississippi follows a legal principle known as "pure comparative negligence." Under this system, the amount of compensation an individual can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if someone is found to be 25% at fault for an accident, and they win their case, they could still recover 75% of the economic damages that they otherwise would have.

How Fault is Determined

Establishing fault in a car accident involves examining the actions of all parties involved. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic signals may contribute to assigning fault percentages. Insurance companies and, in some cases, the courts will evaluate evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstructions by expert witnesses, to make these determinations.

What This Means for Your Claim

Being partially at fault does not mean that you can’t recover anything in Mississippi, but it does impact the compensation amount. It's crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim and minimize the percentage of fault attributed to you. This might include taking photographs at the scene, obtaining contact information from witnesses, and more. Your attorney can assist you in compiling the evidence you’ll need to be successful in your case. Understanding Mississippi's comparative negligence laws is essential for anyone involved in a car accident. Even if found partially at fault, there is still the opportunity to recover damages, though the amount will be adjusted according to the level of fault. Consulting with a legal professional can provide further guidance and help ensure a fair evaluation of your claim.

Your health, your choice? Seeing your own doctor after a Mississippi workers’ compensation claim

2024-12-31T17:01:02Z

Workplace injuries can be disruptive and painful. In Mississippi, workers' compensation benefits are available to help cover medical expenses and lost wages. But what happens when you want to see your own doctor for treatment? Many injured workers prefer the familiarity and trust they have with their established physician. However, Mississippi law has specific rules regarding medical treatment under workers' compensation, and understanding these rules is crucial for ensuring you receive proper care and your benefits remain intact.

Employer choice: The initial medical provider

Under Mississippi law, your employer initially has the right to choose the physician who treats your workplace injury. This means you may be required to see a doctor selected by your employer or their insurance carrier. While this may seem restrictive, the law aims to ensure injured workers receive appropriate care from qualified medical professionals. The employer-chosen physician will assess your injuries, recommend treatment and determine your ability to return to work. It's important to attend all scheduled appointments and follow the doctor's recommendations to maintain your eligibility for benefits.

Seeking a change: When you can see your own doctor

While the employer initially controls the choice of physician, Mississippi law allows for some exceptions. If you have a pre-existing relationship with a doctor and wish to continue treatment with them, you may be able to do so under certain circumstances. You may also request a change of physician if you have a valid reason, such as dissatisfaction with the initial doctor's treatment or a long distance to travel for appointments. However, you must follow the proper procedures to request this change, and your employer or their insurer has the right to approve or deny the request. Workers' compensation laws in Mississippi can be complex, especially when choosing a treating physician. Understanding your rights and options is crucial for receiving appropriate care and protecting your benefits. If you have questions or concerns about seeing your own doctor after a workplace injury, seeking guidance from an experienced workers' compensation attorney can help you make informed decisions and ensure you receive the best possible medical care.

Critical steps to take with a retailer after an injury on their property

2024-11-27T15:32:07Z

Sustaining an injury on the premises of a retailer, whether that is Costco, Sam's Club, Target or Walmart can be a distressing experience. However, it is important to know what to do if you do get hurt while inside these stores and any other large retailers. The first step is protecting yourself and your rights by ensuring you document what happened.

Documenting the incident

Filing a report serves as an official record of the incident, and doing so right after the accident (only if you can; not if you need urgent medical attention) you create a documented account of what transpired. The report will have a date, time and the circumstances surrounding the injury. This documentation could be critical in establishing liability if the situation ends up in a lawsuit.

How do you feel? Where is the pain located?

When you document the incident make sure that you stop for a moment, take a deep breath and evaluate how you feel physically and mentally. Then, on the report, describe where the pain is, how you feel or injured yourself and where pain is located, even if the pain is minor. If you are limping, for example, explain where it hurts and why it hurts to walk normally.

Internal investigation

Large retailers usually have protocols for handling accidents and injuries that happen on their premises. Your report will likely trigger an internal investigation, which may include reviewing surveillance video footage, interviewing people who witnessed the injury and looking at the area where the injury happened. Make sure you also take photos and videos of the area, if you can, as well as get information on potential witnesses. The findings of this investigation, along with the report and other evidence can significantly bolster your case if you decide to pursue compensation for your injury, time off work, and other reasons.

Establishing a paper trail

Most large retailers have insurance companies who will manage and cover these situations. It is very important to have an attorney at this point because you do not want to speak with an insurance company because their goal is to save as much money as possible. Their aim is not to compensate you fairly or even give you what you deserve. For that reason, get an attorney. as soon as possible.

Protecting your rights

In Mississippi, premise liability claims can be complex, and the window for filing a claim can be limited. By reporting your injury promptly, getting an attorney, gathering as much evidence as possible to give to your attorney and ensuring you get the medical care you need and deserve, you could be on your way to receiving the compensation you are entitled to.

How long does a workers’ compensation claim take?

2024-11-01T13:36:28Z

Handling the workers' compensation system can be difficult, especially when you are trying to recover. Regardless of your job, an injury is costly and could lead to an uncertain financial future for you and your family. Knowing what to expect and being aware of possible issues can reduce stress and help you get the benefits you deserve.

The timeline

The timeline for a workers' compensation claim varies depending on several factors. Following, we discuss the standard process:

Immediate reporting: It is crucial to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. In Mississippi, you have 30 days to notify your employer, but the sooner, the better to avoid complications.
Employer's response: Your employer has ten days to inform their workers' compensation insurance company after you report the injury.
Claim processing: The insurance company then has to decide if they will accept or reject your claim. If accepted, you usually start getting benefits in about two weeks.
Medical evaluation: You might need a medical check-up to assess the extent of your injury. This can add time to the process.

If your claim is denied or there is a disagreement regarding benefits, sometimes it can take months or even years to resolve. You might even have to present your case to the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission.

Current hurdles individuals face

Despite the structured process, different problems can slow down or complicate your claim, such as:

Delayed reporting: If you do not report your injury immediately, it can slow down or even stop your claim. Make sure to report and document your injury immediately.
Incomplete documentation: Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can cause setbacks. Ensure your medical records, witness statements, and incident reports are complete and correct.
Employer disputes: Sometimes, employers disagree with the claim, questioning if the injury even happened at work. This can lead to lengthy investigations and legal processes.
Insurance company tactics: Insurance companies might slow things down by asking for more documents or questioning the severity of your injury.

In addition, if your claim goes to court, prepare for further delays. Hearings and appeals can take months, so be patient and persistent.

Tips for a smoother process

To improve your experience and expedite your claim, consider the following tips:

Seek legal advice: Consult a skilled workers' compensation legal professional familiar with Mississippi laws to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Document everything: Keep meticulous records of all communications, medical appointments, and any expenses related to your injury.
Stay informed: Understanding your rights and the claims process can empower you to advocate effectively for your benefits.

The time it takes for a workers' compensation claim can differ for everyone. If you stay informed and act, you might be better positioned to handle any potential issue and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Can worker’s compensation cover my illness?

2024-08-22T22:40:16Z

Work-related injuries and illnesses can be expensive. That is why, in Mississippi, most employers provide worker’s insurance. You could receive compensation if you develop a disease caused by your job’s conditions. Still, you must meet the requirements and complete the paperwork on time.

Workers’ Compensation in Mississippi

The Mississippi Workers' Compensation Act benefits employees who have an injury or illness related to their job. For example, you may be entitled to compensation if you develop a respiratory condition due to chemical exposure at your workplace. The first step in any health-related issue is to visit a medical provider. Then, you can begin the claim process. Carefully following all deadlines is crucial in this procedure. You must notify your employer within 30 days of your work-related illness or injury. Once you finish this step, you can file a claim up to two years after the event. Complying with the deadlines can help you avoid early denial. If your claim is denied and you think it is a mistake, you can seek legal counseling. A lawyer can help you appeal and navigate the legal process. It is vital to remember that the Worker’s Compensation Act only covers injuries and illnesses related to your job. If you are unsure if you are eligible, the assistance of an attorney can also be beneficial in understanding your options.

Receiving your compensation

If your claim is approved, you can obtain benefits that help you lighten the cost of your illness. You could get medical expenses, hospitalization and physical therapy coverage. Also, you could be compensated for lost wages and receive disability benefits. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of a job-related death, your direct family could receive money to cover the damages. The Workers’ Compensation Act is an option for Mississippians who, unfortunately, develop illnesses on the job. If approved, the coverage can help you focus on recovering instead of worrying about medical expenses. This can improve your quality of life in challenging times and mitigate the pressure of making ends meet in your household.