Workers are the foundation of the Orangeburg economy, but too many are left in a fragile state after an on-the-job accident. Medical bills and other expenses pile up, but workers are unable to get back to work due to serious injuries. Contact Hart Law today. Our dedicated legal team is dedicated to helping injured workers through the claims system. You might be entitled to workers’ compensation and other benefits, which our Orangeburg workplace injury lawyer can explain in greater detail in a free consultation.

Injured workers in Orangeburg, SC, and throughout Orangeburg County deserve real answers and experienced legal representation. Whether you are dealing with a denied claim, fighting with an insurance company, or unsure of your legal options, our workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

We Help with All Kinds of Workplace Accidents

Workers can count on Hart Law to assist after the most common causes of workplace accidents, including:

  • Falls
  • Electrocution accidents
  • Burn injuries
  • Struck-by accidents
  • Crush injuries
  • Motor vehicle collisions
  • Toxic exposure
  • Repetitive movement injuries

Virtually any accident that happens while you are working is covered. Workers’ comp will not cover ordinary travel to and from work, unless you are hurt on your employer’s property. However, some workers travel for their job, and you might qualify if you are hurt outside your ordinary place of business. Call Hart Law so we can determine your eligibility and schedule a review.

Workplace injury cases in Orangeburg, South Carolina, cover a wide range of situations. Cases involving toxic exposure, repetitive stress, and car accident injuries while on the clock all fall under South Carolina workers’ compensation law. Even injured individuals who were involved in an accident partly due to their own actions may still qualify. South Carolina uses a no-fault system, which means your own negligence does not automatically bar you from benefits.

When Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

An injured worker first turns to workers’ comp for immediate help after an on-the-job injury or illness. This is a no-fault system. If your employer has purchased an insurance company policy, you are covered if you are hurt while working. South Carolina does not consider whether a worker was negligent or at fault.

Workers’ compensation usually covers:

  • Emergency medical treatment. You should not have to pay for treatment in the emergency room or for life-saving surgery.
  • Rehabilitation and ongoing doctor’s appointments. Many workers need months of physical therapy to help them relearn how to walk or strengthen muscles.
  • Lost wages and wage loss benefits. If you cannot work, then you should receive temporary disability benefits based on your average pre-accident wages.
  • Disability benefits for permanent injuries. Some injuries never heal, leaving workers with a permanent impairment. Permanent disability benefits are available for some workers.
  • Vocational rehabilitation. Workers’ comp should cover retraining so you can return to gainful employment.
  • Social security disability may also be available for workers with long-term or total disabilities. Our workers’ compensation lawyers can help you understand how social security disability fits into your overall recovery plan.

If a loved one dies on the job, workers’ comp should even provide a death benefit for certain surviving family members. (South Carolina Code § 42-9-290.)

How Third-Party Claims Help

Workers’ compensation does not pay any compensation for mental distress or pain and suffering. And workers usually receive only 2/3 of their lost wages, at most. Unfortunately, the workers’ comp system also prevents workers from suing their employer. These benefits are the exclusive remedy available, regardless of whether your employer was lax when it comes to job safety.

Helpfully, Hart Law can review whether you can sustain a third-party lawsuit to recover compensation and maximum compensation beyond what workers’ comp alone provides. You might have a valid personal injury claim in different situations:

  • You are hurt by defective equipment or products. The manufacturer could be liable when a product malfunctions and injures you. We can inspect the product to search for a design or manufacturing flaw.
  • A negligent driver strikes you. Some construction workers are struck by forklifts or dump trucks. And any employee who travels for work could bring a motor vehicle claim against a negligent driver.
  • Dangerous property hazards cause an accident outside of work. You might visit a client and be injured when you fall on their premises or are attacked due to negligent security.

A personal injury lawsuit can allow injured individuals to fight for compensation that the workers’ comp system simply does not provide. Expenses like pain and suffering, full lost wages, and long-term care costs can be involved in a third-party claim. Our attorneys will determine whether this path is available to you and fight to recover every dollar our clients deserve. Let Hart Law review if this type of lawsuit is a possibility. We can usually increase the amount of compensation our clients take home.

FAQs about Orangeburg Workplace Injury Cases

How Much Time Do I Get to Report the Accident?

You should report a workplace accident as soon as you can. If you wait too long, then South Carolina can prohibit you from receiving any workers’ compensation benefits. Avoid delay. Filing your workers’ comp claim quickly also protects your ability to have medical bills and expenses covered right away. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Orangeburg County can help if you are unsure about the filing process or worried that a deadline has passed.

Can My Employer Choose My Doctor?

Yes. The general rule is that your employer, or more likely their insurance company, can choose the doctor who treats you. (South Carolina Code § 42-15-60.) If you do not go to this doctor, then workers’ comp might deny your medical benefits. If you believe the employer-chosen doctor is not providing proper medical treatment or is minimizing your injuries, speak with a personal injury lawyer about your legal options in Orangeburg, SC.

Must My Employer Keep My Job Open?

No. Your employer cannot retaliate against you and fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. But they also are not required to keep a position open indefinitely. South Carolina law does offer some support and public safety protections against wrongful retaliation, and our attorneys can help if you believe your employer crossed that line.

What Should I Do If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?

A denied workers’ comp claim is not the end of the road. South Carolina allows workers to appeal a denied claim through the court system. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Orangeburg County handle filing appeals, gathering additional evidence, and representing injured workers before court. Do not give up on the compensation you deserve just because an insurance company said no. Filing an appeal with the help of an experienced workers’ comp lawyer gives you the best chance of recovering your workers’ comp benefits.

What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and a Personal Injury Claim?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides set benefits to workers injured on the job regardless of who caused the accident. A personal injury claim is filed against a third party whose negligence caused your injuries, and it can include damages like pain and suffering that workers’ comp does not cover. In Orangeburg, South Carolina, many injured workers qualify for both. Our firm reviews every case to see if a personal injury claim can run alongside your workers’ compensation claim to help you reach maximum compensation.

Call Our Orangeburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

Workplace accidents can happen to anyone, even the most experienced and careful employee. Workers’ compensation benefits provide a safety net, but many workers need a seasoned lawyer to guide them through the recovery process. Our firm serves clients across Orangeburg, SC, Orangeburg County, and surrounding communities throughout South Carolina. Injured individuals in Orangeburg, South Carolina, can count on our dedicated team for experienced legal representation and personal support every step of the way.

Reach out to Hart Law to schedule your free consultation or free case evaluation by calling (803) 771-7701. Our injury lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.