No one starts their day on the job expecting to land in the hospital after a workplace injury. However, workplace injuries often happen due to many factors beyond the employee’s control.
Unfortunately, workplace accidents are common in South Carolina. If you sustained injuries on the job, you may have a right to workers’ compensation insurance benefits. A Kingstree workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your accident case.
Our team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys can explain what to do after a workplace accident and help you file your claim. Consult a Kingstree personal injury lawyer for free to learn what we can do for your case. Call or complete our online contact form to get started.
The Purpose of Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance serves two objectives: to protect an employer from litigation and to offer injured workers benefits if they cannot work. Workers’ compensation benefits replace 66% of your average wages after an accident at work.
Your benefits may also pay for your accident-related medical expenses. If you cannot return to your previous job, you may be eligible for job training in a new field. The ultimate goal of workers’ compensation insurance is to assist injured workers until they are fit to return to work.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The benefits you may receive with a workers’ compensation claim will depend on your specific situation. You may reclaim the cost of necessary health care, such as:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Prosthetic devices
- Medical supplies
- Prescription drugs
We understand the high medical bills you may face in Kingstree, South Carolina, after an accident. You may be eligible for several other benefits, including:
- Medical transportation
- Disability benefits
- Social security disability
- Job training programs
- Death benefits
- Additional losses
A workers’ compensation attorney in Kingstree, South Carolina, can discuss your case in-depth to determine what workers’ compensation benefits may be available and how much your case is worth.
Disability Benefits
Workplace accidents may cause injuries that can heal over time. In this case, you may be able to collect benefits for temporary disability. If you can return to work but cannot perform all your usual duties, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits.
However, you may experience injuries that prevent you from returning to work. In that situation, permanent disability benefits may be your best option. Find out more with an experienced attorney.
What Should You do After a Workplace Injury?
You must follow the proper procedure to receive appropriate compensation through a workers’ compensation claim. If you fail to take the correct steps after a workplace accident, your personal injury claim and eligibility for compensation could be negatively affected.
To increase your chances of winning a workers’ compensation claim after a workplace injury, you should complete the following steps after your accident:
- Report the injury to your employer in writing, if possible
- Get a medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and care
- Keep detailed notes about your accident
- Retain any letter or email from your employer
- Save copies of any forms you complete
- Attend any meetings regarding your workers’ compensation claim
- If your employers ask you to visit a specific doctor to verify your diagnosis, do so
If you need help with these steps or have questions about the claims process, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Kingstree can explain in more detail. We have the training to explain workers’ compensation law to clients like you.
Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Kingstree?
If your workplace injury case is straightforward, you file promptly, and your employer is supportive, you may not require legal assistance. On the other hand, if you experience complications, it may be in your best interest to team up with the Thumbs Up Guys from the MDSW law firm.
You may want a lawyer on your side if:
- Your employer disputes your claim or does not believe you are injured.
- Your employer refuses to file your workers’ compensation claim.
- You have difficulty getting the treatment you need.
- You are no longer able to do your job.
- Your boss questions your permanent disability rating.
- Your boss asks you to attend a workers’ compensation hearing.
- Your workers’ compensation claim gets denied.
If the board denies your claim or you believe you deserve more benefits than you received, a Kingstree workers’ compensation attorney can help you appeal the decision. Contact us after any work-related injury to see if you qualify for damages.
Can I File a Lawsuit Instead of a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In most workplace accident cases, you do not have the right to file a lawsuit against your employer. The workers’ comp system serves to protect employers from lawsuits. However, there are some situations where a worker may be able to waive their right to claim workers’ compensation and instead file a personal injury lawsuit.
Employers owe their employees a duty of care. Part of this is that they must provide a reasonably safe work environment. The word “reasonably” is vital because some jobs, by their very nature, are dangerous. However, your employer must ensure that no hazards exist.
If you were injured because your employer was negligent in their duty to provide a reasonably safe work environment, or if your employer intentionally caused you harm, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer before accepting benefits if you want to pursue a lawsuit against your employer.
When Is a Third Party Liable for a Workplace Injury?
When a party other than your employer is liable for your damages, a personal injury lawsuit may be your only choice for adequate compensation. If your injury came from a defective tool, you may need to sue the manufacturer to recover compensation.
Likewise, if you were injured while out on a call and off company property, you may need to file a lawsuit against the property owner.
Can an Experienced Lawyer Tell If You Qualify for a Lawsuit?
If you need clarification about the best path for recovering compensation after a workplace accident, speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Kingstree about your options. Determining if a third party is responsible for your accident and subsequent injuries can be complex.
However, experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Kingstree, South Carolina, are well-equipped to tackle your personal injury claim.
We will launch an in-depth investigation to analyze how your accident occurred and who is at fault to help you secure financial compensation for your losses after a workplace accident. We address all legal issues so you can focus on your recovery after a catastrophic injury.
Why Hire Us for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
After an on-the-job injury, you can contact Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys. We help injured employees throughout Kingstree, applying our experience and legal knowledge to bring you funds for your losses.
We are locally known as the Thumbs Up Guys, and our law firm fights for worker rights.
We’re proud to stand behind our record of success. We’ve brought clients like you $187,000 for foot surgery and $125,000 for a neck injury. Learn more about your workers’ compensation claim today.
Call a Kingstree Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you suffered an accident, you can contact a Kingstree workers’ compensation lawyer from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys. We will try to get back to you within 24 hours of your call to get started on your case immediately.
We can review your case for free and provide legal advice after your occupational accident. Call or complete our online contact form to get started.