Fort Mill boasts a thriving, diverse economy with many notable businesses that employ thousands of people. Workers who are injured can deal with considerable stress trying to navigate the state’s workers’ compensation system. Call our law firm as soon as possible. 

Hart Law believes that workers deserve a fair shake, and that means obtaining benefits when you are injured while performing job duties. Call or reach out online to speak with a Fort Mill workers’ compensation lawyer at our office.

What Industries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Virtually every industry in the state is covered by workers’ compensation. There are very few exceptions made. If an employer has at least one employee, they need to buy a workers’ compensation insurance policy.

We have helped many people injured in the most common industries:

Construction

Workers are injured in all sorts of accidents on a job site, including falls, electrocution, crush injuries, and being hit by an object or motor vehicle. Construction workers should reach out to us to discuss whether they can request benefits.

Transportation Industry

This industry sees many accidents, including collisions involving commercial vehicles. Drivers and others can suffer traumatic injuries, including concussions, fractures, and more.

Clerical and Office Workers

Even sedentary workers can be hurt during working hours. Constant repetitive motions can lead to tennis elbow, bursitis, carpal tunnel, and other stress-induced injuries. Let us review the medical evidence you need to connect your injury to work.

Restaurant and Hospitality Industries

Workers in the hospital industry suffer high rates of injury. Constantly lifting, pulling, tugging, and standing for long hours leads to overexertion and soft-tissue pain.

An Overview of South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation System

Our system is focused on streamlining the claims process so injured workers get the help they need. An injured worker should not have to pay for any medical care if they are hurt while performing job duties. They can also receive other benefits.

Workers’ comp has done away with proving fault. There are three types of benefits available on a no-fault basis:

  • Medical care. Workers should receive necessary, reasonable care for free until they reach maximum improvement. This care can include surgery, pain management, rehabilitation, and more.
  • Lost wages. Injuries keep men and women out of work. You can receive a percentage of your average weekly wage until you improve enough to return to gainful employment.
  • Permanent disability. Some workers remain disabled for life, and South Carolina provides benefits to them. Someone totally disabled might receive benefits until they die.

Reasons Workers Need an Attorney

Although the system is no-fault, too many people are denied each year. Hire an attorney if:

  • Your initial claim is denied for any reason. A lawyer can review whether you have grounds to appeal.
  • Your doctor is pressuring you to return to work when you are still disabled.
  • A loved one died due to a work-related accident or illness. You might receive a death benefit. (South Carolina Code § 42-9-290.)
  • You receive a low disability rating. A low rating will negatively impact the amount of benefits you receive 
  • The insurer miscalculates your average wages, resulting in an unfairly small payout.

Our firm can step in, review the facts, and seek remedies appropriate for your case.

FAQs about Fort Mill Workplace Accidents & Workers’ Compensation

Will I Receive Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

No, workers’ comp does not pay anything for pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injury. We might bring a third-party claim to seek full compensation, but workers’ comp won’t provide any pain and suffering or mental distress damages.

Can I Receive Benefits for PTSD or Other Mental Injuries?

In some cases, workers can receive compensation for mental injuries. Call our office to find out more. These types of claims are closely scrutinized and often rejected. We usually need to show a traumatizing event well outside the ordinary.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Applying for Benefits?

Retaliation is illegal. You might be entitled to reinstatement or damages if your employer retaliates against you. However, that doesn’t mean your boss must keep the job open indefinitely.

What is the #1 Mistake to Avoid with South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cases?

You cannot wait too long to report the accident to your boss. Under South Carolina Code § 42-15-20, the maximum amount of time to report an accident to your employer is 90 days. If you delay past that deadline, you might not receive any benefits.

Contact a Fort Mill, SC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

You work hard to support yourself and your loved ones. After a tragic accident, workers’ comp should be there for you. Call Hart Law to discuss your accident and any concerns at (803) 771-7701. We can help you file an initial claim, or we can take over an appeal.