Florence Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Work Injury

Fighting for Injured Workers in the Heart of the Pee Dee Region

Work injuries are an unfortunate reality in a city like Florence, where employers include major hospital systems, national employers, and manufacturing giants. If you find yourself in this challenging situation, you need a Florence workers’ compensation lawyer who understands the impact an on-the-job injury can have on your life. At Derrick Law Firm, we have been fighting for the rights of injured workers in South Carolina for decades.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In South Carolina, most businesses with four or more employees must carry workers’ comp insurance. Here’s how the system works:

Getting hurt. If you get hurt at work, you can file a claim for benefits.

Filing and reviewing your claim. Your employer’s insurance carrier will review your claim and determine if your injury is covered.

Approval. If approved, you’ll receive medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.

Denial. If your claim is denied, you may be able to appeal and can utilize the help of a Florence workers’ compensation lawyer if needed.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits even if your own actions contributed to your injury.

Benefits You Can Receive Through Workers’ Compensation

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be entitled to:

Medical benefits. You may be entitled to coverage for all authorized doctors’ visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other reasonable and necessary treatment related to your work injury.

Wage replacement. You may be entitled to weekly payments equaling up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage if your injury forces you to miss more than seven days of work. These benefits can continue for up to 500 weeks, depending on the severity of your injury.

Permanent disability benefits. You may be entitled to additional compensation if your work injury leaves you with a permanent impairment that affects your earning capacity. The amount is based on your level of disability.

Vocational rehabilitation. You may receive job retraining and placement services if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous position.

In the tragic event that a work injury results in death, the worker’s family may also be eligible to receive funeral expenses and death benefits.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

At Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have experience with a wide range of work-related accidents, including, but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders include back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other conditions caused by overexertion, repetitive motions, or awkward postures.
Slips, trips, and falls. These accidents can cause injuries ranging from sprains and fractures to traumatic brain injuries sustained in falls on wet, cluttered, or uneven surfaces.
Machinery accidents. Machinery accidents may cause crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities resulting from malfunctioning equipment, inadequate guarding, or insufficient training.
Motor vehicle accidents. These include injuries to truck drivers, delivery workers, and other employees who drive for work, often due to long hours and demanding schedules.
Workplace violence. Workplace violence may result in physical and psychological trauma.
Occupational illnesses. Chronic conditions like respiratory diseases, cancer, or hearing loss may develop over time due to exposure to toxic substances or harmful noise levels.

These injuries can happen in any industry, but some workplaces carry higher risks. In Florence, workers’ compensation claims are common in manufacturing, warehousing, health care, construction, and agriculture. No matter where you work or how you were injured, our dedicated attorneys are here to help.

What to Do if You’re Hurt on the Job in Florence

If you suffer an injury at work, take these key steps to protect your health and your right to workers’ compensation benefits:

1. Report Your Injury

Notify your supervisor or HR department immediately after sustaining an injury at work. In South Carolina, you must report your injury within 90 days to be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. It’s best to submit this report in writing via email or by filling out an incident report form so you have a record of your timely notification.

When reporting your injury, provide as much detail as possible about what happened, which body parts were affected, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. If there were witnesses to your accident, mention their names as well. The more information you can provide upfront, the stronger foundation you’ll have for your workers’ comp claim.

2. Get Medical Care

Your health should be your top priority after a work injury. If you need emergency treatment, immediately head to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility. For non-emergency situations, you’ll need to visit a doctor authorized by your employer or their insurance carrier.

Be sure to inform the doctor that your injury is work-related so they can document it properly in your medical records. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to demonstrate your commitment to recovery.

3. Document Everything

To build a strong workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need thorough documentation of your injury and its impact on your life. Start by keeping a detailed account of the accident, including the date, time, location, and circumstances surrounding your injury.

Next, maintain records of all medical treatment you receive. This should include doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, medication prescriptions, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays or transportation costs to and from appointments.

It’s also a good idea to keep a journal documenting the effects of your injury on your daily life. Note any pain, limitations, or emotional distress you experience, as well as any activities you’re unable to participate in due to your condition.

4. File Your Claim

To officially initiate your workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to submit the appropriate paperwork to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC). This involves filing the appropriate form (Form 50) on the SCWCC website.

This form asks for information about your job, employer, wages, and the details of your injury or illness. It’s crucial to fill it out accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions could delay your benefits or even lead to a denial of your claim.

While not every workers compensation claim requires a lawyer, given the complexity of these forms and the strict deadlines for filing, it could be helpful to enlist the help of a Florence workers’ compensation lawyer at this stage. An attorney will work to ensure your paperwork is in order and submitted on time.

5. Follow Your Treatment Plan

Once you’ve initiated your workers’ comp claim, it’s essential to adhere closely to the treatment plan laid out by your doctor. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending physical therapy sessions, or undergoing surgical procedures.

Following your treatment plan demonstrates that you’re taking your recovery seriously and doing everything possible to return to work. If you skip appointments or disregard your doctor’s orders, the insurance company may argue that you’re not as injured as you claim or are not committed to getting better.

Remember, your medical providers are there to help you heal and get back on your feet. Communicate openly with them about your symptoms, progress, and concerns. The better they understand your condition, the more effectively they can treat you and support your workers’ comp case.

6. Consult a Florence Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

With a knowledgeable workers’ comp lawyer, you can focus on your health and recovery while an attorney handles the legal heavy lifting. At Derrick Law Firm, our workers compensation lawyers work to secure the medical care and financial benefits our clients need to move forward after a work injury.

Fight for the Benefits You Deserve with a Derrick Law Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

You're not alone if you’ve been injured on the job in Florence. The dedicated attorneys at Derrick Law Firm have been standing up for workers’ rights in our region for years. We understand the challenges our clients face, and we’re here to help them overcome them.

From our office on West Evans Street, not far from the City Center Farmers Market, we’re ready to put our decades’ worth of experience to work for you. If we are able to take your case, our attorneys will work to guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process.

We are Proud To Serve Personal Injury Clients Throughout South Carolina

With nine office locations in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, Florence, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Charleston, and Greenville and over 30 years of experience with personal injury cases, Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers has the knowledge, skill and experience to protect you and your family.

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