Workplace accidents can happen anywhere, on construction sites and in office buildings. In an instant, a worker can suffer a devastating injury that requires expensive medical care and keeps them out of work. Hart Law is here to help.

Our office receives regular phone calls from injured workers who are scared. They cannot work, and they have no way to support themselves and their loved ones. If you were hurt while working, you should receive workers’ comp benefits. Let us review your rights in greater detail. Call us to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Lexington, SC.

What Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ comp will cover most workplace injuries suffered while on the job. The key is that the injury occurred while you were doing your job. It does not cover any injury you suffer playing basketball on the weekend or while on vacation. But if you are working when injured, then you should be good to go.

Workers’ compensation benefits are awarded in a no-fault manner. A worker’s own careless behavior will not prevent them from receiving compensation. Likewise, workers do not need to show their employer was negligent, either.

Most workers’ compensation claims arise from:

  • Accidents at work, including fires, electrocution, falls, struck-by accidents, caught-in-between accidents, and more.
  • Slowly developing repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel, bursitis, tennis elbow, and more.
  • Deafness due to excessive noise.
  • Occupational illnesses stemming from toxic exposure, such as cancer or respiratory illnesses.

Hurt at work? You might have a claim. Speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Hart Law.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina

Injured workers in Lexington, SC, can receive various benefits if their workers’ compensation claim is approved:

  • Medical treatment. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier should pay for all necessary and reasonable medical treatment, including surgery, doctor visits, crutches, physical therapy, and other rehab, and pain medication.
  • Wage loss benefits. Many workers need to miss time from work. They might be temporarily totally disabled, or they can only work their job with restrictions. Benefits will replace a portion of your lost wages.
  • Permanent disability benefits. Even after years of care, some workers continue to be disabled. Workers can usually receive permanent disability benefits based on their disability rating and other factors.
  • Death benefit. Did a loved one die? Then some dependent family members might receive death benefits.

Call our office to learn more. We can discuss how long you can receive benefits.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident

Workers have important obligations to meet, which can directly impact whether they receive workers’ comp:

  1. Notify your employer of the accident. You must report within 90 days. If you fail to, then you might not receive any workers’ compensation. (S.C. Code § 42-15-20.)
  2. Receive medical care. Your employer has the right to choose who treats you. Go to a doctor on their list or a company physician.
  3. Document the accident and gather evidence. As soon as you can, write down any witnesses, as well as important facts such as what happened. Strong evidence helps support your workers’ compensation claim.
  4. Continue with all medical care. If you stop getting treatment early, then you can lose benefits.
  5. File a workers’ compensation claim. The deadline is one year from the accident. We recommend avoiding delay.
  6. Consult an experienced attorney. Many initial claims are denied, but you have critical rights to appeal. A workers’ comp lawyer can share other useful tips for how to strengthen your claim.

Deadlines are life-changing. We know workers are often struggling with crippling pain and depression, but our law firm is only a phone call away.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Lexington Can Help You

Going through a work-related injury alone is hard. Dealing with the workers’ compensation system, your employer, and the insurance company at the same time is a lot to handle while you are healing. That is why injured workers in Lexington, SC, and Columbia, SC, turn to our legal team for help.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys know how to gather evidence, review medical records, and build a strong case on your behalf. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to protecting what you deserve. We also look at whether you might have a personal injury claim against a third party, which could mean additional damages beyond what workers’ comp provides. This kind of aggressive advocacy is what sets our law firm apart.

South Carolina law gives employees important protections, but the workers’ compensation process can move fast. Medical bills, medical expenses, and lost wages pile up quickly. Our workers’ compensation attorneys fight to make sure the insurance company pays what it owes. We handle employees across Lexington, SC, Columbia, SC, and surrounding areas, and we work on contingency, so there is no cost unless we win.

Common Questions Regarding Lexington Workers’ Compensation Cases

What is the maximum amount of time I can receive benefits?

The maximum is 500 weeks, unless you are permanently and totally disabled. Call our office for help calculating the benefits you might receive.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

No. Retaliation is unlawful in South Carolina. Any worker who suffers retaliation might file claims for compensation.

Is a lawyer required to file a workers’ compensation claim?

No, you can file without a workers’ compensation lawyer. But you could fail to submit sufficient documentation to back up your claim, and you might miss a deadline. A lawyer in Lexington is a big help, and we work on contingency.

What medical benefits can I receive after a job-related injury?

Workers’ compensation insurance covers a wide range of medical benefits after a job-related injury. This includes doctor visits, surgery, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation services if you cannot return to your previous job. The goal is to help you recover and get back to work as safely as possible.

What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

Do not give up. Denials happen often, and South Carolina law gives you the right to appeal. A workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case, look at the evidence, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm right away so you do not miss any deadlines.

Consult a Lexington Workplace Injury Lawyer Today

We believe in obtaining the maximum compensation for our clients. We can investigate whether you might file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, such as a driver who struck you or the manufacturer of a dangerous product. This type of claim can increase what you take home and may cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Hart Law is available to help any worker hurt in an on-the-job accident in Lexington, SC, and beyond. Our legal team and experienced attorneys have the combined experience needed to handle life-altering workplace injuries and stand up to any insurance company. We offer a free consultation and a free case evaluation so you can understand your legal options with no risk. Call (803) 771-7701 to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer today and get your free legal consultation.