You should always feel safe and secure on the job. Unfortunately, workplace accidents in South Carolina are all too common. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in South Carolina, at least 2.1 employer-related injuries occur per 100 workers.
A workplace accident can lead to physical injuries and significant financial strain. However, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation to ease the burden during your recovery. At Land Parker Welch LLC, we can explain when you are entitled to workers’ compensation in South Carolina and what you can do to recover the benefits you deserve.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries in South Carolina
The National Safety Council finds the three most common causes of work-related injuries include exposure to harmful substances, overexertion, and slip-and-fall accidents. Other common types of workplace injuries that can impact South Carolina workers include:
- Being hit with objects or machinery
- Falls from heights
- Falling objects
- Machinery accidents
- Workplace violence
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Mechanical defects
- Transportation accidents
These incidents can cause repetitive motion injuries, broken bones, crushed limbs, traumatic brain injuries, common workers’ compensation injuries, and other serious medical issues.
Types of Work Injuries Which Are Not Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program. Most employees injured at work can seek benefits, such as compensation for medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages. However, the injury must have occurred while the employee performed work “arising out of and in the course of employment.” In other words, the injury must have happened while the employee was doing job-related work. This could exclude certain injuries from workers’ compensation, like:
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Work injuries caused by horseplay or inappropriate behavior
- Injuries from intoxication or working while under the influence of drugs
- Injuries caused by violating or ignoring company safety policies
- Injuries resulting from accidents while the worker was on a lunch break, commuting, or running a personal errand
Additionally, not all people who work are eligible for South Carolina workers’ compensation benefits. Independent contractors, federal employees, railroad workers, and those who work for a business with less than four employees typically are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Navigating Workers’ Compensation Claims in South Carolina
The workers’ compensation claims process in South Carolina can be challenging for an injured worker to manage alone. There are strict guidelines injured individuals must follow according to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, including:
- Reporting all injuries immediately and no longer than 90 days from the date of the accident
- Seeking medical treatment from an employer-approved healthcare provider
Injured individuals must also consider the implications of:
- Dealing with work restrictions or light-duty restrictions
- Calculating weekly benefits
- Understanding what other workers’ compensation benefits they could be entitled to
- Knowing what could happen to their benefits if they work a second job
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in South Carolina can help you prepare a solid workers’ compensation claim. At Land Parker Welch LLC, we’ll manage all deadlines, gather evidence to prove your injury or illness was related to work, and prepare a claim that gives you the best opportunity to recover the benefits you are owed. Our skilled team can also help you appeal any denied workers’ comp claims and assist families with applying for death benefits if they lost a loved one in a workplace accident.
Contact a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Were you hurt at work? You need a workplace injury claims attorney in South Carolina. At Land Parker Welch LLC, our legal team is dedicated to helping you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need to rebuild your life after a work-related injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.
