Workers’ compensation lawyers help victims of workplace accidents gain money for their injuries and lost wages. The system exists to keep disputes between employers and employees out of the courts. It’s a swift way to get compensation, but it sometimes lets victims down.
If you live in Folly Beach and you’ve been injured on the job, our workers’ compensation lawyers in Folly Beach at MDSW Legal can help you build your claim, file appeals, and guide you through the process. Workers’ compensation is your right and you don’t have to settle for less than the true value of your injury.
Things You Must Do After a Workplace Injury
All workers have responsibilities they have to follow to make a claim under workers’ compensation. The first is to notify your employer of an injury as soon as you can after it happens. This starts the process. If it’s a repetitive stress injury, report the problem as soon as you notice pain or discomfort.
Your employer may have a doctor as part of their workers’ compensation policy. You must see this doctor first for a diagnosis, but you can also ask your employer to pay for the examination. You may also see your own doctor for a second opinion, though you must pay for it out of pocket.
After you’ve received your diagnosis, you can fill out Form 50, the formal claim paperwork in South Carolina for workers’ compensation. This is the time to call a lawyer. Our workers’ compensation lawyer can help you write a strong claim that covers everything.
Should I Wait to Contact a Lawyer Until After I Submit My Claim?
Sometimes, a claim seems straightforward, but it ends up getting denied. Many workers don’t reach out to workers’ compensation lawyers until after they’ve received a denial. Their claim may have gone through the first time with our help.
The insurance companies will pick apart the language you used to find reasons to deny or reduce claims. By working with a Folly Beach workers’ compensation attorney early, you can ensure your claim is strong and has a higher chance of getting accepted.
If you have a filled out Form 50 and haven’t submitted it yet, bring it with you to your consultation. We will go over it with you and see if there are ways to improve it and find out how much your case is worth. And if it gets rejected, we’ll be glad to help you further during your hearing.
What Happens If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If they deny your claim and you wish to contest it, the next step is to face the Workers’ Compensation Commission in South Carolina. They will schedule a hearing for you to present your case for why your claim should be approved. This is the time to have a lawyer by your side.
One of their investigators will examine the evidence, listen to our arguments, then judge if you’re eligible for compensation and how much you will get. Either side can appeal this within 15 days of the hearing. If it is appealed, the entire commission will listen to the arguments, minus the one that already heard them.
Further appeals are possible to the circuit court and to the South Carolina Supreme Court, but most cases will not go beyond the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Rest assured that we will take your case as far as it needs to go to get you what you deserve.
Where Can I Learn More about South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation System?
At most places of business, you can find a labor poster. The labor poster has all the basic information about your workplace rights, minimum wage rights, and workers’ compensation rights. This is the first place to turn.
Among the things you’ll see is the name and contact information of the insurer and doctor your employer works with for workers’ compensation claims. You may also see a list of your rights and responsibilities. Be sure to understand these so that you know what you need to do after a workplace injury.
You can also go to the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission website. There, you can find information about how to file the right forms and how the appeals process works.You may wish to read the Injured Workers FAQ.
Get Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Today
We understand the frustrations of the workers’ compensation system, and how unfair it feels when an insurance company denies a legitimate claim. By hiring one of our Folly Beach workers’ compensation lawyers at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, you can fight back against their denials and get the compensation you deserve.
To get started, call us at our office number or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Your consultation with us is free and confidential, and you are under no obligation to hire us as your lawyer. Give us the opportunity to convince you we’re the team to go with for your workers’ compensation claim.