Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Represent Injured Workers to Help Them Obtain Maximum Compensation
Our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers at Hart Law are here for you if you or a loved one has been injured on the job. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
When you or a loved one is injured at work, we understand how difficult, painful, and confusing it can be to get back on your feet. You may face steep medical bills and lost income due to missed work, all while dealing with the pain and discomfort of your injuries.
Employee compensation benefits (often called “workers’ compensation”) exist in order to provide those hurt in work-related incidents with medical care, wage support, and a higher quality of life. The process of obtaining workers’ compensation, however, can be complex and lengthy. A simple error may result in the denial of your claim.
Types of Cases Our Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Handle
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that a worker is injured every seven seconds in the United States. The following are some of the most common types of workplace accidents:
- Repetitive movement injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Cuts, punctures, and lacerations
- Overexertion injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Knee injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Unsafe work condition injuries
- Injuries from objects and equipment
How Much Does Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
In the aftermath of serious injuries and having to miss work, most workers are already facing financial hardship. That is why Hart Law operates on a contingency fee basis, so you do not need to worry about the cost of pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. Our attorney fees will only be charged after we win your case and secure a compensatory award.
Types of Compensation for Workplace Accidents in Columbia, SC
Getting hurt at work, especially if you are seriously injured, can be stressful. It is a common mistake to assume that you have workers’ compensation coverage and therefore do not need to worry but that isn’t always the case. There is a chance your employer will deny you your claim, or an insurance company will offer you less than you deserve. Our goal is to obtain maximum compensation for our clients for the following:
- Medical treatment including hospital stays, diagnostic testing, medications, surgery, counseling, and physical therapy
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits for lasting symptoms or limitations
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand the laws and what steps you need to take in order to pursue your claim. Our attorneys can negotiate on your behalf, as well as represent you in court if your case requires it.
Workplace Injuries and Third-Party Claims
If you are injured due to the actions or negligence of someone other than your employer, you can bring a third-party claim for workers’ compensation. Third parties could involve product or equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners that contributed in some way to your injury.
Bringing a third party into a lawsuit will require the assistance of a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer. Once you accept a workers’ compensation settlement, you cannot sue your employer for causing your injuries. You may, however, sue someone other than your employer in a third-party lawsuit. You can seek compensation from a third party that contributed to your injuries with the help of one of our attorneys. Depending on the circumstances, you may qualify for workers’ compensation as well as a third-party lawsuit.
Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
Workers’ compensation claims can seem confusing or ambiguous at times. Employers in Columbia are required to post information about workers’ compensation insurance in the workplace, but most don’t teach employees more about their rights in the event of a workplace injury. At Hart Law, we are here to answer your questions and help you through the claims process.
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Employers cannot fire a worker for requesting workers’ compensation benefits in Columbia. Such action is considered retaliation, which is illegal. However, if your injuries prevent you from performing the essential tasks of your job then your employer has the right to terminate your employment. If your injury causes you to lose your job, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
How Long Can I Stay on Workers’ Compensation in Columbia, SC?
In South Carolina, injured workers may receive workers’ compensation for up to 500 weeks, or for life if they suffer a permanent and total disability, brain injury, or paralysis. Workers’ compensation ends when your doctor allows you to return to work, with or without restrictions, or when you reach full medical recovery.
Will Workers’ Compensation Reimburse My Full Salary?
Workers’ compensation will not cover your full salary. It will reimburse your lost wages up to two-thirds of your gross weekly earnings. South Carolina also places a cap on how much a recipient can receive weekly. For accidents occurring on or after January 1, 2022 the maximum weekly compensation rate shall be $963.37.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing?
Workers’ compensation claims are subject to strict deadlines, or you may lose your right to benefits. To be eligible for benefits, you must report your injuries to your employer within 30 days. Within 10 days, the employer must notify his or her insurance company about the situation. Workers’ compensation claims in Columbia, South Carolina, must be filed within 1 year of the date of the accident.
Speak with a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
You may not receive fair treatment during your workers’ compensation case. The process may be slowed down by a denied claim, excessive proof requests, or delayed payments. You might also have trouble obtaining fair compensation if your employer fails to file your claim on time or refuses to corroborate your story. You can protect your rights in these situations by contacting Hart Law’s workers’ compensation attorneys.
If you have suffered a workplace injury, our experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys can assist you. A member of our legal team will meet with you to discuss your accident injury and damage claims, and assist you in recovering from it. Contact us at (803) 771-7701 for a free consultation at the Columbia office of Hart Law.