You can suffer an on-the-job injury in Summerville, South Carolina that occurs through no fault of your own. For example, your employer may inadvertently create an unsafe work environment that leads to your on-the-job injury. In this example, you may be eligible for compensation through a workers’ compensation claim.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we offer legal help to those struggling to get fair compensation from their employer following a workplace accident and injury. For more information, get in touch with us today. From here, a South Carolina workers compensation lawyer from our team can review your case and help you figure out what to do from here.
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation in Summerville
You can file a workers’ compensation claim if you get injured while working. If your claim is successful, you may be able to get compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses you incur due to the fact that you cannot currently work. The amount of workers’ compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injury and other factors.
South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Commission offers a wealth of resources for those who want to submit a workers’ compensation claim in Summerville. You can use these resources to help you file a successful claim for workers’ compensation. Even if you utilize these resources, there is no guarantee that your workers’ compensation claim will be approved.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has plenty of experience with workers’ compensation cases in Summerville. Reach out to a Summerville workers’ compensation lawyer from our team. Our attorney can analyze your case and offer personalized tips and recommendations to put you in a great position to secure the most compensation possible.
When to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Summerville
There is a 90-day window for you to file a workers’ compensation claim in Summerville. This window opens the day you suffer your on-the-job injury. If you choose not to report the injury to your employer during this period, you lose the opportunity to request compensation for your injury at a later time.
With a work injury in Summerville, you may qualify for compensation for any of the following reasons:
- Medical Benefits: These cover any hospital bills and other medical costs relating to your workplace injury.
- Lost Wages: You can get money for any wages you lose due to your injury.
- Permanent Disability: If your injury is permanent, you may receive compensation for many years to come.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Summerville can describe your options as you seek damages from your employer. Your attorney can answer your workers’ compensation legal questions. Also, your lawyer may be able to help you avoid a lawsuit altogether.
When You Are Eligible to Pursue Workers’ Compensation in Summerville
To get workers’ compensation, you must suffer an on-the-job injury in Summerville that occurs due to someone else’s negligence. You must be able to show that your injury is related to hazardous work conditions or other on-the-job dangers. Only if your injury is related to your job can you seek compensation from your employer.
Meanwhile, to file a workers’ compensation claim, your employer must have at least four employees on staff. If your employer does not meet this requirement, it can be difficult to get compensation from them for your workplace injury. Conversely, you may still be able to do so if you partner with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Summerville.
Look for a workers’ compensation lawyer that has handled cases in Summerville and other South Carolina communities. This lawyer knows the ins and outs of local laws. The attorney will commit the time, energy, and resources required to help you determine which laws were violated in your case so you can pursue a significant amount of compensation.
How Negotiations Are Handled in a Summerville Workers’ Compensation Case
When you work with a Summerville workers’ compensation lawyer, you should not expect immediate results. Rather, your attorney can initiate a negotiation on your behalf. The negotiation involves you and your employer, and it may allow you to secure compensation without going to court.
In a negotiation, your attorney ensures your legal rights are protected, and your best interests are represented. If your employer offers a settlement, your lawyer notifies you about it. You then have the option to accept, refuse, or counter a settlement.
Negotiations can help you and your employer find common ground. Regardless, you should not accept a settlement unless you feel it is in your best interests to do so. If no settlement can be reached, your attorney can help you present a compelling argument for damages in court.
How to Determine Whether Now Is the Right Time to File a Summerville Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you are on the fence about submitting a claim for workers’ compensation in Summerville, consider what can happen if you choose not to do so. Your on-the-job injury can impact your health and well-being long into the future. Those who decide against seeking workers’ compensation are solely responsible for any costs relating to their injury.
It can be beneficial to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer following your on-the-job injury. The lawyer cannot change the fact that you suffered a work injury. Conversely, the attorney can examine the facts of your case and help you explore all of the legal options at your disposal.
When you move forward with a workers’ compensation claim, your employer may do everything they can to avoid paying you. If you have a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer at your side, you can reap the benefits that come with working with an attorney that puts their clients’ needs front and center. Your attorney likely has a track record of success with clients, and as such, will have no trouble helping you submit a strong argument in your pursuit of damages.
Get Started with a Summerville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm makes it easy to connect with a Summerville workers’ compensation attorney. For more information or to request a free consultation, please contact us today.
