Workers’ Comp Benefits After a Greenville Job Injury
The specific benefits you can receive through South Carolina's workers' compensation system will depend on the severity of your injury or illness. Some of the possible benefits include:
Medical Benefits
Workers' compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury or illness, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other health-related costs.
Lost Income
If your injury or illness prevents you from returning to work after your injury, you may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, which provide a portion of your average weekly wages (typically two-thirds) for a specified period. If you can return to work but with limitations that reduce your earnings, you may qualify for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits.
In some cases, work-related injuries are so severe that you may never be able to return to the same job that you had prior to your accident. For injuries or illnesses that result in permanent impairment or disability, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. These benefits are designed to compensate you for your ongoing limitations or inability to work.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In some cases, workers' compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation services to help you acquire new skills or transition to a different type of employment if you cannot return to your previous job due to your injury or illness.
Death Benefits
If a work-related injury or illness tragically results in the loss of life, workers' compensation provides death benefits to the employee's surviving spouse and dependents.
Four Reasons to Contact a Workers' Compensation Lawyer
There are time limits and specific requirements for filing a workers' compensation claim in South Carolina. Failing to report your injury or illness within the designated timeframe or missing other deadlines can delay or prevent you from receiving benefits.
While a lawyer can’t promise you a recovery, our workers’ comp attorneys provide our clients with the following:
- Documentation. We work with our clients to gather and organize all necessary medical records, employer documentation, and other evidence to build a strong case.
- Insurance companies. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize or deny claims. Our workers' compensation lawyers communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on our clients' behalf.
- Appealing denied claims. If a claim is initially denied, a lawyer may be able to assist through the appeals process, and attend any necessary hearings or legal proceedings.
- Exploring additional legal options. In some cases, injured workers may have additional legal options beyond workers' compensation, such as personal injury claims against third parties. A lawyer can evaluate your situation and advise you on all available avenues for recovery.
At Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand that dealing with a work injury can be overwhelming and stressful. Our goal is to take the legal burden off the shoulders of our clients so they can focus on their recovery.
What to Do If You’re Hurt at Work in Greenville
If you've been injured on the job, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving the workers' compensation benefits you deserve:
1. Seek immediate medical attention. Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if your injury seems minor, seeking medical treatment and having your condition properly documented is crucial.
2. Report your injury to your employer. In South Carolina, you are required to report your injury to your employer within 90 days. However, it's best to report the incident as soon as possible.
3. Document everything. Keep detailed records of your injury, including the date, time, location, and circumstances surrounding the incident. Also, document any medical treatment you receive and any communication with your employer or the insurance company.
4. Follow your doctor's orders. Strictly adhering to your prescribed treatment plan is essential for your recovery and for demonstrating the severity of your injury or illness to the insurance company.
5. Consult with a workers' compensation lawyer. Given the complexities of the workers' compensation system, it's highly recommended to seek legal representation from an experienced workers' compensation lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.