Myrtle Beach Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workplace injuries can happen to anyone in any career field. If you are too injured to work, this may present a problem. While nearly every employed person has a right to workers’ compensation, more than half of Americans cannot afford to miss work to stay home and recover from illness or injury.

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation may be difficult to understand. If you make mistakes or miss vital steps, your accident claim may be denied. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Myrtle Beach from the MDSW law firm can help you with your claim or appeal process.

What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Despite workers’ safety regulations put into place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace accidents are all too common. Roughly 12,900 workplace injuries happen every day.

Some of the most common injuries you may file a workers’ compensation claim for include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Injuries resulting from getting in machinery
• Injuries from being struck falling objects
• Electrocution
• Chemical burn accidents
• Work vehicle accidents
• Repetitive motion injuries

Workers’ compensation claims are not just for construction workers. Even office workers may file a claim. The Myrtle Beach workers’ compensation attorneys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys can discuss the nature of your accident and help you understand your options.

What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job in South Carolina

The first thing you should do after being injured on the job is to seek medical attention. At your earliest convenience, alert your employer, in writing if possible.

Your employer should initiate your claim with the South Carolina workers’ compensation commission. Keep a copy of your written notice and any medical care you receive, including how much you pay for your treatment.

When to File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

You must report your accident to your employer within 90 days, but you have up to two years to file your workers’ compensation claim. If you wait too long to act, you risk causing delays or weakening your case.

After you report your injury, your employer should then initiate your workers’ compensation claim. However, if your employer fails to file or disputes your injuries are work-related, you may file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Even though you may file within two years of your accident, it’s in your best interest to file your accident claim as soon as possible. A Myrtle Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can ensure a timely filing of your claim.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available in South Carolina

The purpose of workers compensation insurance is to provide injured workers with the ability to seek medical treatment and cover normal expenses while they take time away from work to heal. If you were hurt on the job, you may qualify for benefits for short-term rehabilitation or long-term disability.

Medical Care

After a workplace accident causes you bodily harm, any reasonable medical care you need to recover should be paid by your employer’s insurer. This includes:

• Doctor’s appointments
• Diagnosis
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication

Other medical conditions you have that are pre-existing or unrelated to the workplace accident will not be covered by your workers’ compensation claim.

Lost Wages

If a work injury prevents you from working, you are considered temporarily disabled. You could be eligible for lost wages until you are fit to return to work. At most, you may be able to collect benefits for up to 500 weeks, but that is not typical for workers’ compensation cases.

How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay in South Carolina?

Workers’ compensation pays two-thirds of your average weekly wages, or 66%. However, this cannot exceed 100% of the average weekly income in South Carolina. For workplace accidents that happened on or after January 1, 2020, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $903.40.

What to Do if Your Settlement Is Too Low or Your Claim Is Denied

If the settlement offer you receive seems too low, do not accept it until you have your lawyer look over it. You may be unable to negotiate after you accept it. Our qualified workers’ compensation attorneys in Myrtle Beach can tell you if you are being treated fairly.

If your claim was denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Our law firm can help you with this process. We will revise your case or make corrections before the appeal goes to the workers’ compensation commission for a decision.

Call the Thumbs Up Guys Today

If you were injured on the job, contact our team of workers’ compensation lawyers in Myrtle Beach Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys. Take action after your workplace injury. We can guide you through the claims process to improve your understanding of your rights.