Representing Injured Workers Across Columbia, South Carolina

At Hart Law, our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer is committed to supporting injured workers injured on the job in South Carolina. Workplace injuries can disrupt your life, lead to mounting medical bills, and make it hard to return to work. Workers’ compensation is designed to help with these challenges, offering workers’ compensation benefits for medical care, wage replacement, and more. Yet, the process of securing these workers’ compensation benefits can be complex, and a simple error may delay or even deny your workers’ comp claim. That’s where our legal team comes in.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, call Hart Law at (803) 771-7701 for a free consultation or visit our contact page. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorney is ready to fight for your rights.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Columbia, SC

Workers’ compensation is a no fault insurance program that provides financial assistance to employees injured while performing job-related duties. In South Carolina, nearly all most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, protecting employees across various industries. The workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers quickly without having to file a personal injury lawsuit.

This no fault system means you don’t have to prove your employer was careless. You just have to show the injury happened at work. This makes getting benefits easier than a regular personal injury claim. Our workers’ comp lawyer can explain how the system works for your case.

The South Carolina workers’ compensation program helps with medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. If your employer is a South Carolina employer, they likely have coverage for you already.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law

South Carolina workers’ compensation law has specific rules about how benefits work. South Carolina law requires employers to have coverage and protects injured workers with specific rights. Understanding workers’ compensation law helps you know what you deserve.

Some federal employees are covered under different rules than regular workers’ compensation programs. Our workers’ comp lawyer knows all the special cases and exceptions in South Carolina employers’ coverage.

What Benefits Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation can cover the following expenses for injured workers in Columbia:

Medical Care and Medical Treatment

Medical care coverage includes hospital stays, surgery, medical expenses, and ongoing rehabilitation like physical therapy. All medical bills from your work injury should be covered. Your medical provider can send the bills directly to the insurance carrier. You should not have to pay these medical bills out of your own pocket.

Medical treatment covers everything needed to help you get better. This includes doctor visits, tests, medicines, and therapy. Our workers’ comp attorney makes sure all your medical coverage is covered properly.

Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefits replace a portion of lost income if you are unable to work temporarily. When you get hurt at work, you might not be able to do your job right away. Workers’ compensation helps replace the wages you lose during recovery.

Permanent disability happens when your injury causes long-term changes to your body. Permanent disability benefits provide compensation based on the severity of your disability benefits. If you can’t do your old job anymore, you may get permanent disability benefits to help you. These benefits may continue for a long time.

Wage Replacement Benefits

Wage replacement helps you keep your bills paid while you heal. You get a percentage of your normal paycheck. The amount depends on your average weekly wage before the injury. Our workers’ compensation lawyer makes sure you get the right amount of wage replacement.

Our goal is to help you get the maximum compensation possible. We work through the legal process on your behalf, addressing delays and ensuring all deadlines are met.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Cases We Handle

The National Safety Council estimates that a worker in the United States is injured every seven seconds. Workplace accident injuries can range from minor to life-altering. Our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer is experienced in handling cases involving a wide variety of injuries.

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome result from repetitive motions over time, often seen in desk jobs or manual labor.
  • Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents: These common accidents can lead to serious injuries, especially if they occur from heights or involve hazardous substances.
  • Equipment-Related Injuries: Injuries from machinery or tools are prevalent in construction and manufacturing jobs, leading to cuts, punctures, or fractures.
  • Overexertion Injuries: Overexertion can cause muscle strains, sprains, and other injuries resulting from heavy lifting or repetitive physical tasks.
  • Exposure to Harmful Substances: Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals, like asbestos, can lead to chronic illnesses that qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Workplace Violence: Injuries sustained from assaults or other violent acts in the workplace may also qualify for workers’ comp payment.
  • Spinal cord injuries from a work-related accident.
  • Motor vehicle accidents if you drive for work.

If you or a loved one has been affected by any of these work-related injury incidents, our legal team is ready to assist with your workers’ comp claim.

How Much Does Hiring a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?

At Hart Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t need to worry about legal fees upfront. We only get paid when we win your workers’ comp case, securing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. This means you have no risk in hiring us.

Many injured people worry about paying for legal help. Our fee structure means we only win if you win. You don’t pay anything up front. This aggressive legal representation is how we show our commitment to injured workers like you.

Types of Compensation for Workplace Accidents in Columbia, South Carolina

There are many types of compensation available when you get hurt at work in South Carolina. Your workers’ compensation claim could include several types of benefits.

Medical Treatment

Workers’ compensation covers a range of medical expenses, including but not limited to:

  • Hospital stays and doctor’s visits
  • Diagnostic testing and imaging (like X-rays or MRIs)
  • Prescription medications
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Surgery and specialized medical treatment
  • Follow-up care and ongoing medical evidence of your recovery

All these medical expenses should be covered under your workers’ compensation policy. You should not have to pay out of pocket.

Wage Replacement and Lost Income

Temporary disability benefits help you manage lost income when you’re unable to work due to your injury. These benefits cover a portion of your income and are typically available until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are able to return to work. Most injured workers get about two-thirds of their pay while healing.

Some injured workers may get light-duty work where they can do other tasks while recovering. This can help you keep earning money while you heal.

Permanent Disability Compensation

For injuries with lasting effects, permanent disability benefits offer compensation to help you manage life with a permanent condition. Our workers’ compensation attorney can assess the extent of your injuries and ensure you receive the appropriate level of workers’ comp benefits based on your limitations.

Some injured workers may receive a lump sum payment for permanent disability. This is a one-time payment for serious, lasting injuries.

Navigating Third-Party Claims in Workplace Accidents

Sometimes, injuries at work are caused by a third party, not your employer. In these situations, you may be eligible to file a third-party claim to seek additional compensation beyond workers’ comp. This can include situations where:

  • Defective Equipment: If faulty machinery caused your injury, you may file a claim against the manufacturer.
  • Subcontractor Negligence: If an outside contractor’s negligence led to your accident, a claim can be filed against that party.
  • Hazardous Property Conditions: Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions can be held liable if their negligence caused your injuries.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Hart Law can guide you through filing a third-party claim, which may provide additional compensation for pain, suffering, and other damages not covered by standard workers’ compensation.

This personal injury law claim is separate from your workers’ comp benefits. You could get both.

Reporting Your Work Injury Correctly

You should report all work-related injury to your employer immediately. Be sure to tell an individual with a supervisory role at your company such as a manager, supervisor, or on-site nurse. Reporting your injury to another co-worker may not be considered notice of an injury.

Once you have notified your employer, ask to be seen by the employer’s recommended medical professional for an evaluation and medical treatment. If you have experienced a serious injury that requires emergency care, seek medical attention first and tell your employer about your injury at the earliest possible opportunity.

Failure to report a work related injury within 90 days of the accident may disqualify you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This deadline is very important. Don’t wait to report your injury.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident

Here are the key steps to protect your workers’ compensation claim:

  1. Report the Accident Immediately: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible after the workplace accident.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Get medical treatment immediately. Follow all recommended treatments, as medical records from healthcare providers will be critical for your workers’ comp claim.
  3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit your workers’ compensation claim within the one-year deadline. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about completing the necessary forms.
  4. Document Everything: Keep copies of all medical records, medical bills, and other documents related to your injury and recovery.
  5. Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: If you’re unsure of your rights or have trouble getting workers’ compensation benefits, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your interests.

Taking these steps quickly helps protect your workers’ comp benefits.

Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Columbia, SC

Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In Columbia, South Carolina, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against injured workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you suspect retaliation, such as job loss or demotion after filing a claim, you may be entitled to additional compensation and legal help. Talk to our workers’ comp lawyer if this happens to you.

How Long Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Injured workers in South Carolina may receive workers’ compensation benefits for up to 500 weeks. However, if your injury results in permanent total disability, workers’ compensation benefits may extend for life. Our legal team can help you determine the full duration and scope of the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.

Will Workers’ Compensation Cover My Full Salary?

For maximum compensation as provided in Title 42 of the SC Code of Laws, 1976 the maximum weekly compensation rate equals 66⅔ % of an individual’s average weekly wage, not to exceed the average weekly wage in this State for the preceding fiscal year as determined by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. 

Why You Need a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated, especially when dealing with delays or denials from insurance companies. Our attorneys at Hart Law:

  • Handle All Communications: We manage correspondence with your employer, their insurance company, and medical providers.
  • Ensure Accurate Documentation: We help ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and filed accurately to avoid delays or errors.
  • Advocate for Fair Benefits: We negotiate with insurance providers to seek the highest possible compensation.
  • Represent You in Court if Needed: If a settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to represent you in court to seek the compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Columbia, SC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

You shouldn’t have to struggle through the workers’ compensation process alone. Hart Law’s Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys understand the intricacies of workers’ comp claims and are here to guide you through every step.

To discuss your case and learn more about your options, contact Hart Law for a free consultation at (803) 771-7701, or visit our contact page.