The Bureau of Labor Statistics says millions of people get injured each year in the U.S. In 2019, there were nearly 35,000 accidents reported on the job in South Carolina. Fortunately, workers in this state can access workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs of injuries and the wages lost during recovery.
A Hanahan workers’ compensation attorney from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward can assist you with making your workers’ compensation claim. While you have the right to claim compensation, there are mistakes you must avoid that can trap you and increase the chances of your claim getting denied.
Why Workers’ Compensation Exists
There are two benefits to the system. The first benefit is for the worker. Workers’ compensation can pay for your medical expenses and treatment related to your accident and a portion of your lost wages. If you must change jobs, you can also get job training or even disability payments if you cannot return to work due to a permanent disability.
For the employer, workers’ compensation insurance protects them from getting sued by employees. An employee can only sue their employer directly in exceptional cases of negligence or deliberate misconduct. Employers can benefit from workers’ compensation as they are legally protected from lawsuits and have the funds necessary to pay for damages and financial losses after a workplace accident, like medical bills, partial lost wages, and disability.
This system works well for many people. But sometimes, claims are denied for the wrong reasons, or insurance companies try to give you less than your case should be worth. That’s when you need the help of an experienced Hanahan workers’ compensation attorney.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Hanahan
After an injury in the workplace occurs, it is essential to follow the proper steps to ensure you can receive the maximum compensation you are owed. If you fail to inform your employer of the accident or skip over steps, your workers’ compensation claim in Hanahan could be negatively impacted. To avoid damaging your claim, follow skilled attorneys’ rules for personal injuries.
There is a procedure you and your employer must follow to file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. You can lose your claim or delay it significantly if you do not perform these responsibilities. Here is a list of things you need to do:
- Report the injury to your supervisor, preferably in writing.
- Visit the doctor you’re told to see by your employer (workers’ compensation will cover that diagnostic visit).
- Save all documentation related to your case and make copies of any forms you send.
- Keep personal notes of how the accident happened and how your life has changed physically and mentally.
- Follow all doctor’s instructions for care.
If you’re unsure what needs to be done or feel like you can’t complete some of these because of your employer, a workers’ compensation attorney in Hanahan can guide you on what to do.
How Do I Apply for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Hanahan, South Carolina?
Applying for workers’ compensation in South Carolina is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation after a workplace injury. Once you have been seen by a doctor and your injuries have been documented, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. According to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, injured persons can file a claim by filling out one of two documents, Form 50 or Form 52.
If you have been injured in the workplace, you must complete Form 50 to be considered for compensation. If a death has occurred in the workplace, immediate family members can complete Form 52 to see if they’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Once either form has been submitted, your claim will be taken under advisement to see if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, including medical care and treatment, lost wages, and disability services.
How Long Until I Receive My Workers’ Compensation Benefits After I Apply in South Carolina?
After you apply for workers’ compensation in South Carolina, you may wonder how long it will take for you to receive benefits. The timeline for receiving compensation is based on the circumstances surrounding your claim. According to compensation law, a mandatory seven-day processing period is required before compensation can be obtained.
Once this period has passed, you may receive your compensation immediately, or it may take a few months. The best way to determine if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation and the time you will receive it is to speak to a lawyer for workers’ compensation claims in Hanahan, SC.
Do I Always Need a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer?
You do not need a lawyer to file a claim, but you may need one to defend it. If you’ve followed the steps above and there’s no interference from your employer, your claim may be approved, and you’ll get fair compensation.
However, if your claim is denied or your injuries worsen, you may need the help of a lawyer from MDSW Legal. Some of the situations that could require an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Hanahan include but are not limited to the following:
- Disputes about the nature or existence of your injury
- You’re denied necessary treatment from the insurer.
- Your employer refuses to file a claim or interferes with it.
- You are unable to work.
- You’re asked to attend a hearing about your claim.
- Your claim is denied or undervalued.
- You suffered a temporary or permanent disability.
If this is your situation, let us help you get the benefits you deserve. Our results page speaks for itself. All it takes is one phone call or email to reach Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward for a case evaluation with a top-rated attorney for workers’ compensation in Hanahan, South Carolina.
Can I Afford to Hire a Hanahan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
When a severe or life-threatening accident occurs in the workplace, you may be unable to work temporarily or permanently due to your injuries. If you are not receiving a steady income, you may experience debt or financial strain as you navigate treatment and costly medical treatment and bills. When your finances are already tight, hiring a lawyer to defend your claim is the last thing on your mind.
However, we have good news for you: injured workers can afford to hire a lawyer for workers’ compensation in South Carolina! Our highly-experienced lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t collect payment until after you’ve won your claim. Once you’ve successfully secured fair compensation, we will deduct our fees straight from your payout for your convenience.
Call Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Hanahan
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Hanahan, contact the Hanahan workers’ compensation lawyers from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys. Our team will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a consultation. Your consultation is free, and we will give you legal advice on what to do next in your workers’ compensation case.