Workers' compensation total disability benefits become retroactive for how long if the disability continues?

In the context of workers' compensation laws in Mississippi, total disability benefits can be quite significant for individuals who are unable to perform their work due to a work-related injury or illness. When a worker is deemed to have a total disability, the statute provides a retroactive benefit period that is essential for ensuring that they receive financial assistance for the time they were unable to work before the benefits officially start.

The correct answer indicates that total disability benefits are retroactive for a period of two weeks if the disability continues. This means that if an employee is found to be totally disabled, they can receive compensation not only from the date of the formal determination of their disability but also for the two weeks preceding that determination. This provision is designed to alleviate any immediate financial burden on injured workers, allowing for a brief period of support as they navigate the implications of their disability.

Such a retroactive benefit period helps ensure that workers are not financially penalized while waiting for the claims process and makes the workers' compensation system more responsive to the needs of injured employees.