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’ compensation benefits. Let us review your rights in greater detail. Call us to speak with a Lexington workplace injury attorney.

What Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation will cover most injuries suffered while working. The key is that you are injured while doing your job. They don’t 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 lawyer at Hart Law.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina

Injured workers can receive various benefits if their claim is approved:

  • Medical treatment. Your employer’s insurance carrier should pay for all necessary and reasonable medical treatment, including surgery, doctor’s appointments, crutches, physical therapy and other rehab, and pain medication.
  • Wage loss benefits. Many workers need to miss time from work. They might be 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 benefits based on their disability rating and other factors.
  • Death benefit. Did a loved one die? Then some dependent family members might receive 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. As soon as you can, write down any witnesses, as well as important facts such as what happened.
  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 lawyer. Many initial claims are denied, but you have critical rights to appeal. A lawyer can share other useful tips for how to strengthen your claim.

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

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 a claim for compensation.

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

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

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 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.

Hart Law is available to help any worker hurt in an on-the-job accident. Call (803) 771-7701 to speak with a lawyer today in a free consultation.