Suffering a work-related injury can have a devastating impact on your life. Not only may it be more challenging for you to support yourself and your family, but your injuries could make it difficult or impossible for you to complete daily living tasks without the aid of a home health care attendant. Fortunately, you do not need to go through these challenging times alone.
With help from an experienced Moncks Corner workers’ compensation lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can fight for the benefits and compensation you are entitled to. You can find out more about how much your workers’ compensation benefits could be worth and the steps to take if the insurance company denies your claim when you contact our South Carolina workers compensation law firm for a 100% free consultation.
Do Not Fall into Financial Ruin After a Work Injury
When you suffer a work-related injury, you may need to take time off so you can heal. Unfortunately, if you live paycheck to paycheck like millions of other South Carolina residents, even one week without pay could be devastating to you and your family. Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to those who meet the qualifying requirements.
However, getting your claim for benefits could prove to be difficult, as insurance companies are profit driven and are likely to deny your workers’ compensation claim, no matter how deserving you might be. Having a reputable workers’ compensation lawyer in Moncks Corner, SC at Shelly Leeke Law Firm by your side could be an invaluable asset when you need to hold the insurance company accountable.
Workers’ Compensation Laws in South Carolina
According to South Carolina Workers’ Compensation laws under the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 42, any employer that has more than four employees is obligated to protect their employees with workers’ compensation protection coverage. If your employer is legally required to have workers comp but does not, you may have the option of filing a lawsuit against them if you suffer a work-related injury.
You should be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation protection coverage whether you work part-time, full-time, temporary, or seasonally. As long as you are considered an employee, your employer’s coverage should extend to you.
It is important to remember that workers’ compensation coverage does not apply to independent contractors. Even if you have long-lasting relationships with your clients as an independent contractor, you are not protected by their insurance policy. Instead, you may have the opportunity to purchase your own workers’ comp protection coverage to protect you in the event of an on-the-job injury.
Common Types of On-the-Job Injuries in Moncks Corner
There are countless types of injuries possible depending on your line of work. Even individuals who work behind a desk all day have the potential to develop injuries related to overexertion, exposure to toxic substances or chemicals, and repetitive stress injuries.
Some lines of work are more dangerous than others. For example, construction workers may be more likely to suffer electrocution injuries, third-degree burns, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. No matter what type of injury you sustain, as long as your injuries occurred within the scope of your employment, you may be able to get approved for the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Could Be Entitled To
If you were hoping to escape financial struggles altogether, workers’ compensation benefits would not be the answer you are looking for. Although workers’ compensation can help you avoid financial ruin, it does not provide compensation for every loss after a work-related accident. However, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider will be obligated to provide you with specific types and amounts of benefits based on the severity of your injuries.
First, you can expect the insurance company to provide total compensation for your medical bills. Your employer’s workers’ comp should cover every single healthcare cost related to your on-the-job injury. The insurance company will also provide you with vocational rehabilitation benefits if it is determined that your injuries are so severe you need to find work in another industry. These vocational rehabilitation benefits will cover your job training or education so you can find work in another field.
Additionally, every week you can expect to be awarded disability or wage replacement benefits. In South Carolina, this is generally set at approximately 2/3 of your average weekly income. However, there are maximum limits that change annually that could prevent you from recovering the full 2/3 of your average income. Typically, these benefits can be paid until you return to work or reach the maximum number of weeks allowable under South Carolina workers’ compensation laws under SC §42-9-5.
What to Do if Your Claim for Workers’ Comp Is Denied
Workers’ compensation claims are denied far more often than you might expect. You may need the legal help of your Moncks Corner workers’ compensation attorney to show the insurance company you are taking your claim seriously. Otherwise, they may take extraordinary measures to avoid financial liability.
Some of the most common reasons insurance companies give for denying Moncks Corner workers’ compensation claims include:
- Having a pre-existing condition
- Misrepresenting policy terms
- Accusing you of self-inflicting your injuries
- Missing or incorrectly filled out paperwork
- Lack of sufficient evidence or supporting documents
- Violations of your employer’s code of conduct
Insurance companies have also been known to delay processing claims in the hopes of pressuring claimants into accepting less than they would have otherwise been entitled to. With help from your workers’ compensation lawyer, you can avoid being taken advantage of and get your denial overturned. However, if the insurance company refuses to compensate you fairly, we will be prepared to move forward with an appeal before the South Carolina Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Get Help from a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Moncks Corner, SC Today
When you are struggling to cope with the aftermath of your on-the-job injury, fighting for workers’ compensation benefits may be the furthest thing from your mind. It is not unusual for insurance companies to deny even the most deserving workers’ compensation claimants. Make sure you are ready to hold them accountable to their financial obligations.
Contact a reputable Moncks Corner workers’ compensation lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm to learn more about how you can make the insurance company pay. You can reach us through our secured contact form or by phone to get started on your Moncks Corner workers comp case as soon as today.
