Workers power the South Carolina economy, and they deserve compensation whenever they are hurt on the job. At Hart Law, we understand the difficulties workers face when they are dealing with injuries. Many are afraid that they will be unable to provide for their families and that they might lose their homes. Fortunately, the majority of workers in the state are covered by workers’ compensation.

In South Carolina, injured workers can request no-fault benefits if they are hurt while working. You should receive medical care for free, along with wage loss or disability benefits if you cannot work. Contact our office to speak with a Florence workplace injury lawyer at our office.

Our law firm provides personalized representation for injured workers throughout Florence, SC, Florence County, and the surrounding areas of Florence, South Carolina. We handle workers’ compensation cases and personal injury cases, and we are ready to fight for every client who has been hurt on the job. If you need a Florence workers’ compensation lawyer or a Florence personal injury lawyer, our legal team is here to help.

Workplace Injuries at a Glance

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 30,000 workplace injuries in South Carolina, which led to a day off or job restrictions in 2023. That is far too many accidents. Workers are hurt on the job in a variety of accidents, including falls, fires, electrocution, and being struck by accidents.

Other workers struggle with repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel or bursitis. These injuries develop slowly, but at some point, they are so painful that a worker needs to stay home.

Still, other workers pick up an occupational illness. Many workplaces have pollution or toxic chemicals. A worker can develop respiratory issues, cancer, or another disease. Contact Hart Law to discuss whether your injury is covered by workers’ comp.

Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle in Florence, SC

Workers in Florence, South Carolina, are hurt in many different ways, and our law firm handles all types of work injury claims. Some of the most common types of workplace accidents and injuries we see include:

  • Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces
  • Machinery accidents and equipment failures
  • Crush injuries from heavy objects or vehicles
  • Truck accidents and car accident injuries that happen during work travel
  • Electrical accidents and fires
  • Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Occupational illnesses from chemical or toxic exposure
  • Serious injuries and catastrophic injuries from construction accidents
  • Broken bones and fractures

Serious injuries and catastrophic injuries often require long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and ongoing care that goes well beyond what a worker expects. Medical bills pile up fast, and lost wages make it even harder to stay afloat. Our Florence workers’ compensation lawyers fight to make sure injured workers get every benefit they are entitled to, including compensation for medical costs and lost income.

Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Most employers are covered by the system. You should receive benefits if you are hurt within the scope of employment. This is a no-fault system, so your own negligence would not matter.

Workers should receive:

  • Medical care to cover the cost of doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospital visits, and rehabilitation. All reasonable and necessary care is covered.
  • Wage replacement benefits. Tens of thousands of workers need time off to heal. You should receive a portion of your average weekly wage to help defray the financial burden.
  • Disability benefits. Some workers are permanently disabled even after they reach maximum improvement. South Carolina makes disability benefits available. Someone who is totally and permanently disabled might receive benefits for life.
  • Vocational rehabilitation. To become gainfully employed, some workers need to transition to a new industry. Workers’ comp can pay for additional training or education.
  • Death benefits. Some family members can receive workers’ comp when a loved one dies on the job.

Workers’ compensation benefits exist to protect injured employees and their families when a work accident disrupts everything. The workers’ compensation system is designed to make sure injured workers can get medical care and keep some income coming in while they recover. However, the insurance company does not always make it easy to receive benefits, and having workers’ compensation lawyers on your side from the start can make a significant difference.

When You Need to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Too many workers are denied benefits. You might be denied because you applied too late or failed to report the accident to your employer within 90 days. Other workers are denied because their injury is not work-related or not serious enough.

We can help with an appeal. Often, we work with your medical team to fully document the severity of the injury and prove it is work-related.

Other workers are initially approved but pressured to return to work too soon. We can review and advocate for extended benefits where necessary.

Building a strong workers’ compensation claim takes more than just filing paperwork. You need medical records, documentation from medical providers, and a clear connection between your work injury and your on-the-job injury circumstances. Our workers’ compensation attorneys know what it takes to build a solid case and push back when the insurance company tries to minimize or deny your claim.

Retaliation in South Carolina

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate if you file a workers’ compensation claim. You should not be demoted, suffer a cut in pay, or terminated for filing a claim.

Hart Law can make sure your rights are protected. Raise any concerns you have about workplace retaliation so that we can investigate. Employers rarely admit they are firing someone for filing a claim, but there are red flags, such as threats or rumors.

If you believe your employer has taken legal action against you in retaliation for filing a workers’ comp claim, reach out to our law firm right away. Retaliation is a serious violation of South Carolina law, and you may be able to pursue compensation for additional compensation on top of your workers’ comp benefits. Do not let fear of retaliation stop you from pursuing the workers’ compensation benefits you are legally entitled to.

Third-Party Claims After a Work Injury

Workers’ compensation is your sole remedy against your employer, but if someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to your work injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against that responsible party. These are called third-party claims, and they can open the door to compensatory damages that workers’ comp does not cover, such as emotional distress and full lost wages.

Common third-party personal injury cases that arise from workplace accidents include:

  • Truck accidents caused by a trucking company or a negligent driver while you were working
  • Car accident injuries that happen during work travel caused by another driver
  • Injuries from defective equipment where a manufacturer is the responsible party
  • Injuries caused by a subcontractor or another company on a shared job site

A third-party personal injury claim can result in additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp pays, including compensatory damages for pain and suffering that workers’ comp does not provide. Our personal injury attorney team looks at every on-the-job injury case to determine if a third-party claim applies. If it does, we pursue compensation from every responsible party so you can fully recover damages for everything you have lost.

Wrongful Death Cases Involving Workplace Accidents

When a worker is killed on the job, their family members may be entitled to both workers’ compensation death benefits and a wrongful death claim against a responsible party. Wrongful death cases arising from workplace accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties and overlapping legal rules. Our Florence personal injury lawyer team handles wrongful death cases with care and compassion, helping grieving families recover compensation and hold the right parties accountable.

In wrongful death cases, family members may be able to seek damages to cover funeral and burial costs, lost income the deceased worker would have provided, and the emotional distress of losing a loved one. Contact our law firm as soon as possible after a fatal work accident, because legal steps must be taken quickly to preserve your rights.

FAQs: Florence Workplace Accidents

How much time do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?

Workers must meet two deadlines. First, you need to report a work-related injury or illness to your employer within 90 days. The clock begins when you are hurt or diagnosed with a workplace illness. Second, a worker must file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits within two years (S.C. Code § 42-15-40.) Please reach out to our firm so you don’t miss these deadlines.

Should I sue my boss for an injury?

Workers’ compensation is the sole legal remedy you have against your employer after an on-the-job injury. However, you might sue a third party if they are liable. For example, you might have been hurt by a defective product, in which case you can sue the manufacturer.

How much can I receive in benefits?

Wage replacement benefits are typically 2/3 of your average weekly wages, for up to a maximum of 500 weeks. Someone who is totally and permanently disabled might receive benefits longer. The exact amount depends on your average weekly wage before the injury and the nature of your disability, which is why it is worth speaking with Florence workers’ compensation lawyers who can help you understand what you are entitled to under your employer’s policy.

What if I need physical therapy or long-term medical treatment?

Physical therapy and other forms of ongoing medical treatment should be covered under workers’ compensation as long as they are considered reasonable and necessary. Medical providers must generally be approved through the workers’ comp system, which is another reason having an attorney helps. Our legal team works to make sure you have access to the medical care you need without having to fight for every appointment or procedure.

Do I need a lawyer if my workers’ comp claim was denied?

Yes. A denied workers’ comp claim can be appealed, and having a workers’ compensation lawyer dramatically improves your chances of a successful appeal. Our attorneys gather medical records, work with your medical team, and build the documentation needed to prove your on-the-job injury is work-related and covered. Do not give up if you receive a denial. Contact Hart Law for a free case evaluation to find out what your options are.

What if I was injured in a car accident or truck accident while working?

If you were hurt in a car accident or truck accident while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to both workers’ compensation benefits and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or trucking company. This type of case involves two separate claims that can work together to maximize your total recovery. Our Florence workers’ compensation lawyer team handles both claims on your behalf so you can focus on healing while we pursue compensation from every available source.

How does a contingency fee basis work for workplace injury cases?

A contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no upfront cost and no financial risk in reaching out to our law firm. This arrangement ensures that every injured worker in Florence, SC, regardless of their financial situation, can access the legal help they need to pursue compensation and protect their rights.

What should I do immediately after a work injury?

Seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor at first. Then report the work accident to your employer as soon as possible and document everything you can, including how the injury happened, where it occurred, and who witnessed it. Taking these legal steps quickly protects your ability to file a workers’ comp claim and gives our workers’ compensation attorneys the best possible foundation to build your case on.

Contact a Florence Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Hart Law is proud to help injured workers with their claims. We have a thriving personal injury practice along with deep knowledge of the workers’ compensation system. Reach out to schedule a free consultation by calling (803) 771-7701.

Our law firm handles workers’ compensation cases and personal injury cases throughout Florence, SC on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. We offer a free case evaluation and free consultation so you can speak with our workers’ compensation lawyers at no cost and no obligation. Whether your case involves a workplace accident, occupational illnesses, catastrophic injuries, or a wrongful death, our team is ready to fight for you and your family. Contact our office today to get started.