Workplace injuries cause pain and fear. Injured workers often wonder if they will ever heal and return to work, and few know where to turn to receive answers regarding their rights to workers’ compensation. Reach out to Hart Law to discuss any on-the-job accident or injury. South Carolina mandates that virtually all employers buy into the workers’ compensation system and cover all employees.

In a free consultation with a Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer, we can discuss whether you qualify for benefits and what evidence you will need to submit a strong claim.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system where employers purchase an insurance policy to cover workplace injuries and accidents. An injured worker should be eligible for a variety of benefits when hurt within the scope of employment:

Medical Benefits

Injuries require immediate care to stabilize an injured worker. You should also receive rehabilitation, pain medication, and occupational therapy free of charge. Your provider will send bills directly to the insurance provider, and you should never have to pay out of pocket. However, some disagreements arise if you need new therapies.

Disability Benefits

Many workers are disabled, at least temporarily. You should receive a portion of your weekly wages if you are unable to head into work.

If a worker is still disabled after reaching maximum medical improvement, then they have a permanent disability. Permanent disability benefits are usually a lifeline for a worker who cannot return to work.

Many workers head back into work on “light duty,” which means that critical tasks are removed. These workers might also receive wage loss benefits to make up for some of their lost income.

How to Report Your Workplace Accident

South Carolina law requires that workers report any workplace injury as soon as possible, and in no event after 90 days have passed. If you miss this deadline, then you are generally barred from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. (South Carolina Code § 42-15-20.)

Avoid any delay. You should tell your supervisor about the incident as soon as you can. They have the right to send you to a doctor of their choice. Of course, if your injury is immediately life-threatening, an ambulance can take you to the hospital. But there is a risk that future medical care will not be covered if you do not meet with the employer’s recommended doctor.

After you report the accident, sit down and write down your memories, including the names of any witnesses. Some workers are denied benefits because the workers’ comp insurer does not believe the accident was work-related. You should start building your claim now.

Greenville, SC Workplace Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions members of the public ask our firm.

Can I Receive Compensation for Carpal Tunnel and Similar Injuries?

You can if they are work-related. Workers’ compensation covers injuries caused by dramatic accidents, like fires or falls. But you can also suffer significant injuries through constant, repetitive motions. So long as an injury is caused by work conditions, you should qualify for benefits. Report the injury as soon as you can after diagnosis.

Do I Really Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Many people file an initial claim on their own without the benefit of a lawyer. It is easy to make mistakes, though, which is why so many people are initially denied. You certainly need an attorney for an appeal after any denial. Reach out to Hart Law so we can find out more about the accident and prepare an appeal. We can represent you at a hearing to argue that you deserve benefits.

What is the Maximum Amount of Time I Can Receive Benefits?

Typically, workers’ compensation benefits do not last more than 500 weeks. But there are always exceptions, including for someone who is permanently injured, such as paralysis due to spinal cord or severe brain injury. In extreme cases, a worker might receive benefits for life.

Schedule a Consultation with a Greenville Workers’ Compensation Attorney

In a free consultation with Hart Law, we can describe the workers’ compensation process. We can also discuss whether you can file a lawsuit. Workers are usually prohibited from suing their employer for a workplace accident, but you might have a solid claim against another defendant for hurting you. We can review whether to sue a manufacturer, vendor, or customer for your injuries.

Speak with an attorney at our office today by calling (803) 771-7701. Our firm has handled many claims for workers, and we can discuss how we charge for our services and answer your questions.