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Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Serving Sumter
When you suffer a work-related injury, recovery is often one of many struggles you will have to cope with in the aftermath. Not only will you be burdened with the medical costs of treatment, but your options for future employment may be limited depending on the severity of your injury. Workers’ compensation laws in South Carolina are designed to help you through this experience by providing compensation for damages, but know as a disclaimer that navigating these laws can be difficult.
The detailed complexity of workers’ comp laws in South Carolina can be overwhelming to most people, much like car accidents and real estate issues, but you do not have to file your claim alone.
Contact a HawkLaw Workers’ Compensation Attorney Serving Sumter, SC
If you were injured in a workplace accident in Sumter, SC, you may be entitled to compensation through workers’ comp. HawkLaw can help see your case through, allowing you to focus on recovery. Give us a call at 888-HAWKLAW or complete our online contact form, to begin with legal advice and a free consultation*.
Understanding Your Workers’ Comp Rights in South Carolina
At a workplace, you are expected to be able to perform your duties safely without having to worry about unnecessary dangers. Even so, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that private industries reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022 alone. This is an increase of 7.5% from the previous year.
- Respiratory illnesses drastically increased.
- Injuries and illnesses required a median of 10 days off work.
- Workers’ comp claims elicited a median of 15 days in a job transfer or restriction.
In the state of South Carolina, workers are protected under the SC Workers’ Compensation Act. According to this law, any employee who suffers an injury by accident throughout the course of employment is entitled to benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and potentially disability benefits, depending on the nature of their injury.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Sumter, SC
Workers’ comp claims in the state are governed by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, and it all begins with you reporting your injury to your employer. Your employer will then file the claim with the commission on your behalf. If they fail to file, you can take the action yourself.
- Prioritize medical attention over reporting.
- You have 90 days from the accident to report.
- Do not overlook small problems, as they could get worse.
- The statute of limitations for claims is two years, much like auto accidents.
- The two-year countdown begins with the discovery of an injury or illness.
Some of the Most Common Problems That Cause Workplace Accidents in Sumter
Workplace accidents can come in many forms, and understanding the most common causes can be a good way to avoid putting yourself in danger. The following are some of the most common problems that lead to workplace accidents:
- Being overfatigued (lifting, pushing, pulling, bending)
- Ladder and scaffolding falls
- Workplace violence
- Toxic fumes
- Fires and explosions
- Slippery surfaces that cause falls
- Falling objects
- Motor vehicle crashes and truck accidents
- Trauma due to repeated strain
Understanding What South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Pays For
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover the damages employees suffer in the event of an accident at work. The severity of the accident determines how much is actually paid out, but quite a few different costs can be covered by these benefits. Take a look at exactly what workers’ compensation can cover in South Carolina:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Physical disfigurement
- Reimbursement for medical costs and travel
- Permanent disability
- Death benefits
Why Work With HawkLaw
When you work with HawkLaw, you can approach your workers’ comp claim and legal issues with confidence. Our law firm’s attorneys have years of experience with workers’ comp cases and insurance companies in South Carolina, with more than $275 million recovered for our clients in the past throughout our practice areas.* You can potentially become a part of our legal service winnings across Sumter, Columbia, Charleston, Lexington, Orangeburg, and beyond.
Testimonials
“Hi, I would like to thank Drew and Nissy for their help and support during my time with HawkLaw. I appreciate your courtesy, your hard-working effort, and your professionalism on my case. I will always keep you in mind, should I need you in the future. God bless and take care.” — Wanda C.
“I am completely satisfied in my decision in [hiring] Hawklaw. My attorney Nancy is very professional, her paralegal Sarah is very competent and professional. I can send her updates and she always replies in a very timely manner. If you are looking for an awesome law firm, look no further then the [HawkLaw] team. HAWKLAW FIGHTS FOR YOU!” — Keith H.
Learn More About Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina! Click the Links Below
- What Are the Different Types of Workers’ Comp Cases? Discover the various types of workers’ compensation cases under South Carolina law.
- How Do I File for Workers’ Comp in South Carolina? Explore the step-by-step process of filing for workers’ comp.
- How Long Does Workers’ Comp Last After Injury? Take a look at the limits of workers’ comp benefits and when you can expect to run out.
- What to Expect at a Workers’ Comp Hearing. A workers comp hearing may be an integral part of the process. Here’s what to expect.
- Will Lost Wages Be Covered By Workers’ Comp? Lost wages are one of the many kinds of benefits available from workers’ comp. Check out how it works.
Frequent Answered Questions
Workers’ comp cases can vary in how long it takes to settle. Straightforward injury claims may settle in less than six months, while others may last multiple years.
Since medical records are confidential and subject to HIPAA regulations, they must be maintained separately from more public forms. This may require you to provide medical authorization to release your records.
- Medical records are important legal evidence.
- Your privacy must be legally respected.
- Your employer cannot gain access to injured workers’ records without permission.
The workers’ comp process in South Carolina is relatively straightforward. It can be summarized in approximately four steps for most cases.
- Get medical treatment for your injuries.
- File a claim with your employer.
- Hire a SC workers’ compensation lawyer.
- Wait for approval.
Workers’ compensation lawyers and personal injury lawyers in SC typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay unless they win your case.* Most personal injury attorneys charge the state cap of 33% of your winnings.
Your case may qualify for workers’ compensation if you suffered any damages from an on-the-job injury.
- Both illnesses and injuries can qualify.
- Ongoing injuries can be eligible for disability.
- Could receive benefits whether you need time off or a job transfer.
John Hawkins is the Founder and CEO of HawkLaw He has been licensed to practice law in South Carolina since his graduation with honors in 1994 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was on the Law Review and Order of Wig and Robe.