Workers in all industry types are susceptible to injuries in the workplace. If and when an injury on the job occurs, the injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Marc Brown is an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you to navigate the claims process and recover the compensation you’re owed. Contact our law firm today to learn more about how we can help.
Common Types Of Workplace Accidents
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), a worker is injured on the job somewhere in the United States once every seven seconds. Some of the top types of worker injuries and accidents include:
- Sprains and strains
- Repetitive movement injuries
- Soreness or pain
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures
- Overexertion injuries
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
Construction Worker Injuries
Construction workers are at an increased risk of injury compared to workers in other industries. The four most common sources of injury and death in construction jobs are falls, caught-in/between accidents, electrocution, and struck-by-object accidents, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The Long-Term Impacts of Work Injuries
The consequences of a workplace injury can extend far beyond the immediate health impacts, and can include:
- Decreased earning capacity
- The need for ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Necessary career changes or retraining
This can affect an individual’s quality of life and future employment opportunities. In addition, chronic pain, long-term disability, and the inability to perform previous work roles are potential outcomes that need to be considered in any work injury claim and evaluated by an experienced Columbia work injury lawyer.
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation System
Workers’ compensation in South Carolina is a state-mandated system designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who sustain injuries or illnesses directly related to their job duties. Governed by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, this system is a no-fault means of ensuring that workers are supported without the need for litigation to prove employer negligence.
The Eligibility Criteria for South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claims
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina, you must meet several criteria:
- You must be an employee working for a business that carries workers’ compensation insurance.
- Your injury or illness must be directly related to your job duties or employment.
- The claim must be filed within a specific timeframe after the injury or the diagnosis of a job-related illness.
You may initially handle your workers’ compensation claims independently, especially if it is a really straightforward case. However, it is important to recognize the following signs that you might need a lawyer to assist with your workers’ compensation claim:
- You suffered a severe injury or its impact on your life can be long-term or complex
- Your employer or its insurance company disputes the cause of the injury or illness
- You have received insufficient compensation, or your claim was denied, requiring an appeal
What To Do After A Workplace Injury
After a worker is involved in an on-the-job accident, it’s important that they report the accident to their supervisor and ask for medical care for their injuries right away. Failure to provide an employer with a notice of the injury within the required time frame (within 90 days) can be a bar to a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Once an employer has been provided with notice of a worker’s injury, the claims process should be initiated by the employer, who has the responsibility of reporting your accident to the insurer. Through workers’ compensation insurance, an injured worker can receive coverage for the full value of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses, as well as a portion of their lost wages should the injury result in more than seven days of missed work. The injured worker is also entitled to additional compensation if they receive a permanent impairment or disability rating related to the work injury.
How An Attorney Can Help
Suffering a work injury can be terrifying, especially if your injuries are serious. While you may assume that you are covered under workers’ compensation insurance and therefore have nothing to worry about, don’t be so sure. Your employer may deny your claim, or an insurance company may offer you less than you deserve.
The assistance of a skilled Columbia work injury lawyer can be crucial if complications in your work injury claim arise. Here is how experienced Columbia personal injury lawyers can help:
Navigating Appeals and Denials
If your workers’ compensation claim is initially denied, a skilled work injury lawyer can help file an appeal, represent you in court, and prepare all the necessary documentation to challenge the denial. A lawyer’s expertise can be particularly important in interpreting and applying the specific legal statutes relevant to your claim.
Dealing with Complex Claims Involving Multiple Parties
Your work injury case may involve third parties or multiple defendants, adding layers of complexity to your claim. A skilled work injury lawyer is crucial in these cases to ensure that all angles are covered, liability is accurately assigned, and the compensation reflects the true extent of your injury.
The best way to protect your right to your full benefit amount is to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Columbia like Marc Brown. Attorney Marc Brown knows the law and what steps you need to take to pursue your claim. He can negotiate on your behalf and represent you should your case require litigation.
Get Legal Help From A Columbia Work Injury Lawyer Today
A lawyer’s involvement can be vital when dealing with the complexities of a work injury claim, particularly when the initial filing leads to a dispute or denial. An experienced Columbia work injury lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your claim by ensuring that all the legal requirements are followed and that your rights are protected.
If you are involved in an accident or suffer a repetitive movement injury while working in Columbia or anywhere in South Carolina or Georgia, attorney Marc Brown is here to help you. Schedule a free consultation with our law firm today.