Workers’ compensation provides benefits to those who sustain injuries or illnesses while on the job. This system potentially allows injured employees to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost earnings, and degree of disability caused by the workplace accident. If you suffered injuries or contracted an illness while on the job, you may wish to speak with a Beaufort workers’ compensation lawyer from our law firm for more information about your rights.
Workplace accidents are all too common, especially in higher-risk places such as construction sites and factories. While some injuries may be minor, others may be catastrophic injuries, causing permanent impairment or even death. An experienced Beaufort personal injury attorney with Schiller & Hamilton could help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and seek the benefits you need.
Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Beaufort, South Carolina
A variety of situations can lead to workplace accidents that cause catastrophic injuries. Some accidents that often occur on the job include:
- Falls from heights, including scaffolding and ladders
- Slipping on dangerous or wet surfaces
- Repetitive action injuries that cause stress or strain
- Overexertion from pushing, pulling, or throwing
- Workplace violence and physical assaults
- Work-related motor vehicle accidents
- Exposure to toxic or hazardous materials
- Being crushed by or in between work equipment
The injuries resulting from these accidents range from minor sprains, cuts, and bruises to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and severe back or neck strains. While individuals may be able to recover from some of these injuries, others may lead to permanent impairment or even death. A dedicated lawyer may be able to assist individuals or their surviving family members in filing and collecting workers’ comp benefits.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available After an On-The-Job Accident in Beaufort?
For work-related accidents that occur on the job and in the scope of employment, injured workers may be able to obtain compensation for various expenses, such as:
- Medical treatment, hospital expenses, medication, surgical costs, and rehabilitation services
- Income replacement benefits due to an inability to work
- Long-term disability benefits
In the event of fatal workplace accidents, family members also may be entitled to death benefits through this system.
Injured employees who wish to seek workers’ compensation benefits have some responsibilities under the system. According to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, they must report any on-the-job injuries or illnesses within 90 days. In emergencies, injury victims should seek medical treatment first and make a report to their employers as soon as it is practical for them to do so to avoid missing this deadline. Those who have been injured while on the job should seek assistance from a local workers’ compensation attorney.
How Difficult Is It for Injured Beaufort Employees to Apply for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
After suffering a workplace injury or contracting an illness or disease due to your job, you can apply for workers’ compensation insurance. Doing so can be time-consuming, complex, and frustrating. It can also require an incredible amount of paperwork. To strengthen and support your injury case, the workers’ compensation lawyers with Schiller & Hamilton will:
- Collect medical evidence from every professional or facility where you received medical attention
- Document your average weekly wage to prevent an underpayment of your financial benefits
- Review workers’ compensation paperwork for typos and administrative errors that might lead to delays or denials
- Explain each successive step in the workers’ compensation process and appeals process
- File an effective appeal if your initial application for medical and financial benefits was denied
Legal representation throughout your South Carolina workers’ compensation procedure can make the application process easier to understand and navigate. Our legal team will do the hard work and legwork for you, so you can concentrate on recovering from work-related injuries or ailments.
We Also Handle Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims in Beaufort
The denial of benefits is likely to be stressful and frustrating for injured or ill workers. While there are many potential reasons for a denied claim, some common factors include disputes over whether a job injury or illness occurred on the job and whether the injury is sufficiently severe to merit compensation.
Missed deadlines and failing to get adequate or prompt medical care may also contribute to the denial of a workers’ compensation claim. We can help you avoid or appeal these potentially costly denials.
Is It Possible to Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Denial?
If injured workers receive a notice that denies them benefits, it may be to their advantage to contact legal representation in the area for help with their workers’ comp appeal. The appeals process begins with an informal hearing in front of a state workers’ comp commissioner. If the hearing still results in a denial, there are further avenues for appeal, such as a review by a panel of commissioners and eventually by South Carolina’s Court of Appeals.
Look to a Beaufort Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Advice
If you were injured in a workplace accident, developed a work-related illness, or otherwise sustained an injury on the job, you should take immediate action to protect your rights. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but factual disputes could lead to a denial of your claim. If you have received a denial of benefits, you should consider contacting a Beaufort workers’ compensation lawyer at Schiller & Hamilton right away.
Contact one of our team members to set up your initial consultation with an experienced attorney.