Frequently Asked Questions About SC Personal Injury Lawsuits
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim? What if the driver who hit me is uninsured? Why do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?
We answer these questions and many more in our collection of frequently asked questions. Unlike many websites that provide brief yes-or-no answers to important legal questions like these, we provide detailed answers to help you get a better idea of your rights, your options, and what you can hope for in the future.
If your questions are not answered here, feel free to connect with us through our website, or call us at 843-488-5360, to speak directly with us about your legal concerns.
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Do I need an attorney for my Workers Compensation claim? If you have an injury from a work accident that heals completely in a short time and you miss no work, and your employer's insurance carrier gives appropriate medical care and provides pharmaceuticals as needed, you may not need a workers' compensation attorney.
On the other hand, if your injury is serious enough to keep you out of work for more than 1 week, or is expected to leave you with a permanent limitation or impairment, you will be at a disadvantage unless you are familiar with the Workers' Compensation statutes, regulations, case law, and procedures.An insurance adjuster has no legal or ethical duty to look out for your best interests. An experienced Workers' Compensation Attorney can make sure you receive all benefits to include compensation and medical treatment now, and in the future, if applicable.
Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm have over 29 years of experience in personal injury law including workers' compensation, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, and insurance claims.
Voted Best Attorney by the readers of the Horry Independent and Myrtle Beach Herald, The Derrick Law Firm will work to get you the full value of your case.
Have You Been Injured On The Job And Need To File A Workers' Compensation Claim?
If you've been hurt at your job you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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Who can receive workers' compensation? An employee of a business who is hurt while working is entitled to workers' compensation.
The definition of an employee is quite broad. It includes full-time and part-time workers, adults and minors, and others who have been hired to do certain jobs. The critical test is the degree of control the employer exercises over the worker.
The law also recognizes "statutory employees." These are employees who work for a subcontractor, who may be working for a business or another contractor.Employers should inquire whether or not a subcontractor working for them has workers' compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees employed by the subcontractor.
If the subcontractor does not, the subcontractor's injured employees would be covered under the employer's workers' compensation insurance.
Have You Been Injured On The Job And Need To File A Workers' Compensation Claim?
If you've been hurt at your job you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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Who provides workers' compensation for my injury on the job? When a person is hurt at work, they are typically entitled to workers' compensation benefits. However, the person responsible for providing workers' compensation insurance depends on the situation.
If a person is hurt and working for a subcontractor, the subcontractor would be the first point of contact. If the subcontractor does not carry workers' compensation insurance, then the owner, or the principal contractor, would be liable for the worker's injuries.
This would be just as if the subcontractor's employee was one of the principal contractor's employees.
If you are hurt on the job and there are discrepancies on who will cover your medical treatment and expenses, contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney.
Myrtle Beach Worker's Compensation Lawyer Dirk Derrick has over 31 years of experience in personal injury law including workers' compensation.
Have You Been Injured On The Job And Need To File A Workers' Compensation Claim?
If you've been hurt at your job you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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How is compensation determined for a work injury? Workers' compensation pays for necessary medical treatment, loss of wages during the disability, and compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.
If an injured employee is unable to work for more than seven days, the employee is eligible for payment of lost wages. This compensation is limited to two-thirds of the employee's weekly wage and limited to the current maximum weekly wage in South Carolina.
If the employee is out of work for more than 14 days, the employee is entitled to compensation from the day of the accident.
The award for total disability or death is limited by law to compensation for 500 weeks.Paraplegics, quadriplegics, and brain-damaged workers are eligible for lifetime benefits. Compensation for partial disability is determined by the Commission from medical reports, testimony of the parties, and the impact of the disability on the injured employee's livelihood.
If you have been injured at work and are unsure if you are being compensated fairly, contact experienced Myrtle Beach Workers' Compensation Attorney Dirk Derrick for a free consultation. 843-488-5360.
Attorney Derrick was voted BEST ATTORNEY by the readers of the Myrtle Beach Herald and the Horry Independent.
The Derrick Law Firm serves the state of South Carolina and has office locations in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mt. Pleasant, SC.
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Who settles workers' compensation disputes? Whether you are arguing that you are eligible for workers' compensation based on your work history or that your injury happened while working, the state agency charged with settling disputes such as these and with administering workers' compensation is the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.
The Commission is governed by seven commissioners, each appointed to a six-year term by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The commissioners are responsible for hearing and deciding contested cases, for conducting informal conferences with employers and employees, and for approving settlements and hearing appeals. A single commissioner hears the case first. The commissioner's decision may be appealed to the full Commission, and in turn to courts at various levels.Have You Been Injured On The Job And Need To File A Workers' Compensation Claim?
If you've been hurt at your job you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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What info can I give an insurance company after an accident? If you become seriously injured in a tractor trailer truck accident,or any kind of auto accident, the at-fault party's insurance company will contact you about your claim.
Before speaking with them, know that the trucking company and their insurance adjusters are experienced and will want to limit damages early on if possible.
The adjusters represent the truck company, and owe you no loyalty. They do not look out for your best interest. Do not give them statements or sign any releases for medical records or employment records.
In serious auto accidents, trucking companies and their insurance companies will start investigating the accident immediately. You need to retain a truck accident attorney immediately to allow an investigation immediately after the wreck.
Accident Attorney Dirk Derrick of The Derrick Law Firm has over 31 years of experience in personal injury law including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, workers' compensation, wrongful death, and insurance claims.
Voted Best Attorney by the readers of the Horry Independent and Myrtle Beach Herald, The Derrick Law Firm will work to get you the full value of your case.
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Contact us online, or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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Are trucking companies regulated? Yes, the trucking industry is regulated.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the trucking industry with rules and regulations. Violations of these rules and regulations often lead to accidents, and often become evidence at the trial in these cases.
Truck accidents can cause serious injury because of the size and weight of an 18-wheeler. Cars are often crushed and people are seriously injured in these kinds of accidents.
If you find yourself or a family member seriously injured in an accident, you may need a personal injury attorney to look out for your best interests when the insurance company will not.
Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Dirk Derrick has over 31 years of experience in personal injury including tractor trailer accidents, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, workers' compensation, wrongful death, and insurance claims.
Voted Best Attorney by the readers of the Horry Independent and Myrtle Beach Herald, The Derrick Law Firm will work to get you the full value of your case.
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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Auto Accidents: Should I call the police? Yes, you should call the police in every auto accident case. Do not simply exchange insurance information and leave. Call the police and other emergency personnel if necessary and wait for them to arrive on scene.
A police report is imperative for filing a claim for property damage to your vehicle, as well as if you or your passengers are injured in the wreck. Having documentation of an accident could be crucial if the at fault party tries to deny liability.
For more information about what to do in the event of an accident, get your FREE copy of The Truth About Your SC Injury Claim. This book, written by Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney Dirk Derrick, has information about what to do after an accident and especially what steps to take if you are injured.
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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What are common causes of a truck accident? Tractor trailer truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons.
Some potential causes for a tractor trailer accident may include the following:
- Hiring an unqualified or proven bad driver
- Lack of training on the part of the truck driver
- Lack of driving experience
- Overloaded trucks
- Trucks loaded improperly allowing material to shift
- Poorly maintained equipment on the trucks
- A tired driver who has driven too many hours without rest
- Speeding
- Inattention
- Driving aggressively
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Unsafe safety equipment
- Violating Federal standards
While there many reasons a truck accident may happen, you must protect yourself in the event of any accident you might be involved with in the future. Make sure you and your family are protected and be sure to have enough auto insurance.
Get your FREE copy of 3 Feet From Disaster from Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Attorney Dirk Derrick. This book details what insurance coverage you need and how to protect your livelihood.
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Contact us online, or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
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Should I hire an attorney if I've been in a car accident? You may or may not need a personal injury attorney in the event of a car accident. If you are not hurt, or if the accident was your fault, an attorney will not be able to pursue a personal injury claim for you.
If the wreck was caused by someone else, and you were sore afterwards, but fully heal within a week with no substantial loss of time from work, an attorney will probably not increase the value of your case to the extent necessary to justify an attorney's fee.
If the wreck was caused by someone else, and you are admitted into the hospital, missed substantial time from work, suffered broken bones, or have the type of injury that is never going to heal completely, a personal injury attorney can help you make sure you obtain all available benefits, including potential future benefits, which need to be addressed now or be forever waived.
This is a difficult question to answer in a yes or no format because all cases are different.Some cases are going to be major cases from day one. You may think other cases are minor, but when healing doesn't take place like expected, unexpected injuries are discovered and will need treatment that was not anticipated.
In every case, there are insurance adjusters who have supervisors and attorneys advising them of the law and how to maximize the profit for the company. Unless you have legal knowledge and experience with insurance claims, you could be at a disadvantage without an attorney.To determine whether you may or may not need a Personal Injury Lawyer, contact The Derrick Law Firm at 843-488-5360 for your FREE consultation.
Myrtle Beach SC Personal Injury Attorney Dirk Derrick has over 31 years of experience in personal injury law including auto accidents, tractor trailer truck accidents, workers' compensation, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and other insurance claims.
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Conway, South Carolina office directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your free consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.