Columbia Workers Compensation Lawyer

Columbia, SC Workers Compensation Attorney

Getting injured at work leaves you with more than just physical problems. An accident can threaten your career, bring financial hardship, and cause pain and suffering. South Carolina has workers’ compensation laws to protect injured employees, but navigating a claim can be complex and overwhelming. A Columbia, SC workers compensation lawyer can help you file a claim that supports your recovery after an accident.

Skilled Employee Representation

The Deas Law Firm has been helping accident victims recover from severe damages for over 24 years. We know how challenging it can be to suffer a workplace accident, but we seek to aid your recovery by working on your workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. If you are looking to file a claim, our compassionate attorneys can help.

Understanding South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation

Workplace accidents are an unfortunate reality. Whether you work for Prisma Health, the University of South Carolina, BlueCross BlueShield, or another employer, accidents can be unexpected yet devastating.

South Carolina requires most employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover workplace accidents. Employees can claim workers’ compensation benefits when they have suffered an injury due to a workplace accident or their working conditions.

Some common reasons to file a claim include:

• Exposure to harmful substances or environments: Harmful exposure happens at a rate of 9 per 10,000 full-time workers, making it the most common occupational injury. Harmful substances and environments include infectious diseases, electricity, radiation, or oxygen deficiency.
• Slips and falls: Slips or falls can occur when there are tripping or slipping hazards. Slips and falls can be deadly, accounting for 21% of all preventable injury fatalities.
• Overexertion and bodily reaction: When your work includes excessive physical effort or repetitive motions, it can be easy to overexert yourself. Additionally, you may experience repetitive strain injuries over time through repeated overextension.
• Struck by or against an object: Being injured by an object is extremely common. This can involve being struck by a moving object or being injured by a collapsing structure.
• Machine accidents: Dangerous machinery or machine malfunctions can easily cause injuries such as crush fractures, lacerations, and potentially even amputations.
• Vehicle accidents: If your job involves driving and you are injured in an accident you did not cause, workers’ compensation may be used to recover damages.

What Is Covered in a Worker’s Compensation Case?

The economic costs of your injury can be included in a workers’ compensation claim in Columbia, SC. These may include:

• Medical treatment: Treatment can include surgery, emergency medical services, physical therapy, medications, and other treatments that are deemed necessary. Workers’ compensation can cover all your necessary treatments, though the insurance company may choose your physician for you.
• Temporary wage replacement: If you have missed over seven days of work, workers’ compensation can cover lost wages. Two-thirds of your average weekly pay, or up to $1,178.30 a week, of temporary total disability (TTD) can be provided if you are completely unable to work. Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits can also be provided if you can work but in a limited capacity.
• Permanent wage replacement: When injuries leave permanent disabilities, workers’ compensation can cover the loss of earning potential and future income. Similar to temporary wage replacement, permanent disability benefits can cover partial or total disability.

Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While you recover, a Columbia SC workers’ compensation lawyer can work to build a strong claim. A lawyer can gather evidence of your injuries, communicate with your lawyer and the workers’ compensation insurance company, and help you file your claim.

When filing for compensation, a lawyer can explain what losses are covered via benefits. It can be easy to overlook certain expenses or settle for too little compensation.

A Columbia, SC workers’ compensation attorney can prevent this by calculating your economic losses and negotiating on your behalf. They can also help you remain eligible for benefits by finding medical care that is covered by your workers’ compensation.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Workers Compensation Laws

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Pain and Suffering in Columbia, SC?

No, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering in Columbia, SC. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that covers economic losses, such as your medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are not included. Additionally, receiving workers’ compensation waives your right to file a claim against the at-fault party directly for non-economic damages.

Does It Matter Who Is at Fault for an Accident in a Workers’ Compensation Case in Columbia, SC?

No, it does not matter who is at fault for an accident in a workers’ compensation case in Columbia, SC. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits for your economic losses without proving that your employer or another party was negligent. While the cause of an injury is not reliant on who is at fault, injuries due to alcohol and drug use are not covered under workers’ compensation. This also applies to intentionally injuring yourself.

What Can South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cover If a Worker Dies in an Accident?

South Carolina Workers’ compensation covers death benefits to the deceased worker’s family. This can include two-thirds of the deceased’s hourly wage weekly for up to 500 weeks. Funeral and burial costs can also be covered up to $12,000. If someone in your family was killed during a workplace accident, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.

Can You Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Columbia, SC?

No, you cannot be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Columbia, SC. You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after an accident, and an employer cannot retaliate against you for using or filing for them.

Firing is a form of retaliation, but so is demoting, harassing, and unfavorable scheduling and pay cuts. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws protect your right to file for compensation without fearing termination.

Speak With a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Attorney

It is easy to feel frightened about your future after a workplace injury. Whether you are concerned about the financial cost, impact on your health, career implications, or the claims process, contact Deas Law Firm for help.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.