If you suffer an on-the-job injury, you may be out of work for months or years. You may request workers’ compensation that your employer refuses to pay despite the fact that they are responsible for your workplace injury. At this point, you can hire a Forest Acres personal injury lawyers to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has extensive experience with Forest Acres workers’ comp claims. If you are dealing with the financial consequences of a work injury that occurred due to your employer’s negligence, our South Carolina personal injury lawyers can help. To get started, please reach out to us to schedule a free consultation today.
How to Get Workers’ Compensation in Forest Acres
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission manages workers’ comp claims in Forest Acres and other cities and towns across the state. It provides injured workers’ FAQs to answer common questions about workers’ compensation in South Carolina. If you get injured at work and believe you are eligible for benefits based on your workplace injury, you can submit your claim to the commission.
To file a claim, you must first notify your employer about your on-the-job injury. You should report your injury to your employer within 90 days. Otherwise, you may be ineligible for workplace injury benefits.
You have up to two years to file your claim with the commission. There is no charge to submit a claim. A Forest Acres workers’ compensation attorney can help you prepare your claim and argue your case.
Why You Should Report Your Work Injury to Your Employer Right Away
Many problems can come up if you choose not to report an accident at work. An on-the-job accident can cause an injury that affects your productivity. Also, those who do not report a workplace accident can compromise their ability to get workers’ comp benefits.
It is in your best interests to let your employer know about a work accident and injury as soon as it happens. You should go to a doctor for a medical evaluation as well. Ideally, you and your employer will be able to work together to ensure you get the help you need to rebound from your on-the-job accident and injury.
Of course, it is an employer’s responsibility to take appropriate actions when a worker reports an on-the-job incident. If an employer tries to ignore the incident, they can still be held accountable for it. With help from a lawyer, you can request compensation based on a work injury that occurs due to no fault of your own.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Forest Acres, SC
There are many reasons you should hire a workers’ comp attorney after a workplace injury. These include:
- Your attorney gathers all of the facts surrounding your case so they can put together a compelling argument to support your request for benefits.
- Your lawyer works with insurance companies on your behalf, helping you get fair compensation.
- Your attorney can explain exactly how much your case is worth and make sure you request the most compensation possible.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers legal resources to those involved in workplace injury disputes. In addition, our workers’ compensation lawyer in Forest Acres, SC, can help you settle your claim as quickly as possible. To learn more, please get in touch with us.
Workers’ Comp Benefits You May Be Eligible to Receive
If you meet the requirements for workers’ comp in South Carolina, you may be able to get several types of benefits, such as:
- Death: If your parent, spouse, or child is killed at work, you may be able to get death benefits.
- Disability: An on-the-job injury can prevent you from working, and disability benefits typically give you two-thirds of what you would receive if you were able to work.
- Medical: Your employer may be required to cover the short- and long-term medical costs relating to your work injury.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: You may be entitled to these benefits if you get injured, cannot continue in your current role, and want to pursue new career opportunities.
Do not expect your claim to be resolved immediately, even if you are dealing with one of the most common workers’ compensation injuries. Fortunately, a workers’ compensation attorney in Forest Acres leaves no stone unturned to help you resolve your case. They will advocate for you and make sure that your legal rights are protected throughout your litigation.
How to Present a Compelling Argument in a Workers’ Comp Case
Your lawyer will allocate as much time as needed to build your case. They will offer tips and recommendations to help you navigate the legal process. Your attorney remains available to answer any questions you have about workers’ comp claims and other legal topics.
Along with these things, your lawyer will help you collect evidence to support your claim. For instance, you may have medical bills that show how much you paid to treat your work injury. These bills can be valuable since they can highlight the costs and severity of your injury.
If you have an abundance of evidence, your employer may be inclined to settle. They can propose a settlement at any point leading up to your trial. If you accept a settlement, your case is closed.
How to Approach a Workers’ Comp Case Settlement
When you receive a settlement offer, your first reaction may be to accept it. However, it is important not to make a rash decision. Rather than verbally accept a settlement offer, consult with an attorney to discuss the proposal in detail.
Your Forest Acres workers’ compensation attorney can explain all aspects of a settlement proposal to you. They will not push you to make a decision. Instead, they will respond to any concerns and questions you have about the proposal. If you do not feel a settlement offer lines up with your best interests, it is OK to decline the proposal.
You will not be penalized if you reject a settlement offer. In this situation, your lawyer notifies the defendant in your case about your decision, and you and your attorney keep looking for ways to strengthen your argument.
Hire a Forest Acres Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Your Case Today
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you with your workers’ comp claim. For more information or to request a free case consultation, please contact us today.
