If you have ever found yourself in a work-related injury or occupational illness, a Mt. Pleasant workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help you recover what you have lost. When you suffer a work injury or come down with an illness or disease, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. A top-rated Mt. Pleasant personal injury lawyer can help you get back on track and get your bills squared away while you cannot work.
Over the years, the number of workers’ compensation claims being filed seems to continue to climb. A short-term illness or even a disability suffered can put your life in turmoil. However, workers’ compensation benefits can help ease the blow inflicted on you financially. Our firm is available 24/7 and ready to work tirelessly on your case so you can focus on recovery and healing.
How You Can Receive Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that covers an employee who is injured while working. This is a safety net designed to help individuals who suffer common workers’ compensation injuries with a plethora of expenses that they accrue due to the incident at work. This insurance is paid regardless of liability.
Employers benefit from this compensation, too. They do not have to worry about the backlash from accidents at work because they are covered. The incident should be reported to the insurance company within 90 days of the accident and then relayed from the insurer to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Employees Who May Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
State law requires most companies to protect employees with workers’ comp coverage. Employees who work in South Carolina have a great chance to be candidates for workers’ compensation benefits. You may be eligible for benefits if:
- You work for an employer with more than four employees.
- Your injuries were a result of a work-related injury.
- Your injury happened while on the clock.
- You developed a health condition due to the working conditions of your employer.
If you or a loved one thinks they have a case for eligibility, you should seek the advice of a workers’ compensation lawyer in Mt. Pleasant. Shelly Leeke Law Firm can provide you with a complimentary consultation so we can review your case and see if your circumstances warrant a claim.
Benefits You Can Recover with Help from a Mt. Pleasant Workers’ Compensation Attorney
A workplace injury can vary in its severity. The extent of your injury plays a significant factor in your compensation, and the time away from your work duties also contributes to the overall decision. The following are some areas in which workers can receive compensation benefits:
- Vocational Rehabilitation – When your injuries are so severe that you may not be able to continue working in the same industry, you can rely on your employer’s workers’ compensation protection coverage to cover the costs of on-the-job training or education opportunities so you have your greatest chance to re-enter the workforce at no cost to you.
- Medical Expenses – Medical bills are one of the most stressful parts of an injury. Medical expenses include hospital prescriptions and any other health-related hit your wallet may have taken.
- Disability Compensation – The compensation you will be awarded for your disability is based on the severity of your injury. If your injury does not prevent you from returning to work in some capacity, you may only be awarded a small amount; still, a permanent disability may warrant a more significant return.
- Death Benefits – In the tragic case you have lost a loved one due to a work injury, contact our legal staff for help moving forward. You may be able to recover burial expenses along with other funeral-related expenditures under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 42, Chapter 1, §42-1-110.
What Happens if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied
If your claim is denied, do not worry. We can ask for the insurer to review the claim as well as go through the appeals process for you.
We can have a workers’ compensation attorney in Mt. Pleasant with our firm, contact you to review your circumstances where we will go over all the available options for your case, along with discussing the reasons for being rejected. Contact our legal team if you are contemplating a negotiation or an appeal for your claim. We can walk you through filing a request with the South Carolina Circuit Court or Workers’ Compensation Commission.
The Difference a Legal Advocate Can Make
When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you become the opponent, which means you should not expect to be greeted with warm hugs and smiles, and the process will be a long and grueling journey if you choose to attempt it alone. While you are not required to hire a Mt. Pleasant workers’ compensation lawyer when filing a claim, it may be the right option to do just that. Some reasons it may be beneficial to have a dedicated workers’ comp law firm on your side are as follows:
- A conflict may start between the two parties even if no prior incidents were documented.
- Employers may have extensive resources within their insurance company that may make it difficult to fight back alone.
- You may be required to show proof of your wages lost during the claim process.
- You may be required to see a doctor, as decided by your employer and their insurance company.
When you choose a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney in Mt. Pleasant, you get the piece of mind that comes with it. We will stand beside you and fight for all the benefits you may receive. Find out what other legal options may apply when you contact our office to discuss the specific details of your case.
Mt. Pleasant Workers’ Compensation FAQ
Do All Employers Protect Their Staff with Workers’ Compensation?
Employers with four or more employees are legally required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. This does not only include full-time workers, but part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees as well. Workers’ compensation coverage generally does not extend to independent contractors or other excluded workers.
Can I Collect Workers’ Comp After a Car Accident?
If your car accident was work-related, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, if you were driving home from work but your boss asked you to make a deposit at the bank, and on the way to the bank, you were hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to workers’ comp. However, if you were driving home after making the bank deposit when you were hit by a drunk driver, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Should I Accept a Lump Sum Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
Unless you have reviewed the lump sum settlement offer with your legal representative, you should not accept the settlement offer. Once you accept a lump sum settlement offer, the insurance company is no longer required to compensate you. If your injuries worsen and you require additional financial support, the insurance company will not provide you with additional workers’ comp benefits.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Workers’ Compensation?
According to South Carolina Code §42-15-20, your worker’s compensation claim must be filed within two years of the accident date. You will also need to report your accident to your employer within 90 days, according to the SCWCC. If you miss either of these deadlines, it could adversely impact your ability to get your workers’ compensation claim approved.
Contact Mt. Pleasant’s Leading Workers’ Compensation Law Firm for Help Today
If all legal processes seem intimidating or overwhelming, do not worry – we can help. If you have considered bringing your workers’ comp case to court or filing a claim with the insurance company, you are not alone. It would be wise if you were backed by the legal support of an experienced Mt. Pleasant workers’ compensation attorney.
Get in touch with Shelly Leeke Law Firm to learn more about how much compensation you may be entitled to. Our team will fight to make the liable party pay you for all the damage done and get the justice you deserve. Please fill out our convenient contact form or call to schedule your risk-free consultation today at no cost.
