Workers’ compensation is one of the most important workplace protections in America. This right allows you to get payment for injuries sustained on the job. However, since these payouts are done through insurance companies, you may get less than you truly deserve.
The Daniel Island, SC, workers’ compensation lawyers at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward can help you with your workplace injury case. Here’s why you may need to hire a lawyer to help you with your claim and what you should do to ensure your claim goes through.
Meet Your Deadlines to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina
In South Carolina, you have 90 days to report a workplace injury to your employer. After that, you have two years to make a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer.
Your employer may do this on your behalf, but you should make sure what they say in your claim is true and complete. The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission has answers to numerous questions regarding your responsibilities as an injured worker.
If you feel what your employer reported was incorrect, if you get an insurance adjuster asking questions, or if your claim was rejected, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer immediately. We can take over your claim process and show the insurers that you mean business about your claim.
Do not neglect these deadlines, and try to get your reporting and claim in far sooner. The longer you delay, the more likely people will forget details that could help your case. You could even speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Daniel Island before you notify your employer if you wish.
Why Can’t I Sue My Employer for a Workplace Injury?
The workers’ compensation system was set up to prevent injury cases from clogging up the civil court system. It also lets workers get money for injuries far sooner than going through the court. However, there are some exceptions where you can sue someone as part of your claim.
The three main reasons you can sue your employer over a workers’ compensation situation are:
- They don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance when they’re required to do so
- Your employer caused you intentional harm
- Your employer committed gross negligence, and you were hurt because of it
You may also sue a third party involved in your workplace accident, like if you were driving a delivery truck on the clock and another vehicle hit you. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can determine if you qualify for an additional lawsuit and help you file it.
Does It Cost a Lot to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
All workers should have access to an attorney for their workers’ compensation claims. This is why we work on a contingency basis. This means you do not have to pay us a fee unless you win your case. When you win, we will take a percentage of the total winnings.
A competent lawyer will do their best to get you more money than you would have on your own, even after they take their fee. The best way to ensure you have a competent Daniel Island workers’ compensation attorney is to ask them questions during your consultation, such as:
- Do I need a lawyer at all?
- What benefits am I entitled to under South Carolina law?
- Have you seen cases like mine before?
- Did you win in those cases?
- What was your average compensation?
- What should I say to the claims administrator and my doctor?
If you are satisfied with your lawyer’s answers and you feel a rapport with them, that’s a good sign that they will work well with you on your case.
Get Your Claim Started With a Free Consultation
Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys are ready to assist you with your Daniel Island workers’ compensation claim. Everyone deserves to have experienced legal counsel when they need it. Therefore our consultations are free and without obligation.
Find out if you have a case. Reach out to our team by picking up the phone or contacting us online. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get the compensation you need after your workplace accident.