What Will You Do After a Greenville Work Accident?

A Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers Workers’ Comp Attorney Shares the Information You Need If You Suffer a Work-Related Injury

The Greenville Area Development Corporation describes Greenville County as the “economic engine of South Carolina.” Whether you work in local government, education, health care, or for a company like Michelin North America or Flour Corporation, you risk an on-the-job injury.

You may be hurt and unable to work. South Carolina workers’ compensation law may allow you to make a fair recovery, but getting to the point of a settlement may be challenging.

See if an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you protect your rights, advise you on what to do after a work-related injury, and fight for your fair compensation.

Understanding South Carolina's Workers' Compensation System

South Carolina's workers' compensation system is a no-fault insurance program designed to provide financial assistance to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Most employers in the state are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits for employees who are hurt on the job.

However, insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims to protect their revenue. That's why it could be crucial to have an experienced workers' compensation lawyer on your side as soon as possible after your injury.

Watch for Injuries After a Workplace Accident

Each work-related injury has its own unique circumstances. However, some common causes of work injuries in Greenville include:

• Slips, trips, and falls. Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting lead to slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.
• Overexertion. Lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy objects without proper techniques or help can cause overexertion and musculoskeletal injuries.
• Repetitive strain injuries. Repetitive tasks or motions performed over long periods without adequate rest or ergonomic support can result in repetitive strain injuries.
• Dangerous equipment. Employees may be injured by coming into contact with objects or equipment at work. This includes being struck by falling objects, getting caught in machinery, or using tools and equipment.
• Fires and explosions. Workplaces with flammable materials, hazardous chemicals, or faulty electrical systems face risks of fires and explosions.
• Electrocution. Contact with live electrical components, faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits can result in electrocution at work.
• Exposure to hazardous substances. Workers exposed to chemicals, fumes, gases, and biological agents can suffer from acute or chronic health effects.
• Violence. Employees may face the threat of violence from co-workers, clients, customers, or intruders.

These and other risks can lead to serious work-related injuries or illnesses.

Common Types of Work Injuries in Greenville

Greenville workers face a wide range of potential hazards and risks on the job, leading to various types of injuries and illnesses, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal injuries

These include sprains, strains, herniated discs, and other muscle, tendon, ligament, and nerve injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries often result from overexertion, repetitive motions, or improper lifting techniques.

Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries are often caused by sudden accidents or incidents, such as falls, being struck by objects, machinery accidents, and motor vehicle crashes. These injuries can range from cuts and bruises to broken bones, head injuries, and even paralysis or amputation in severe cases.

Occupational Illnesses

Certain occupations put workers at risk of developing illnesses due to exposure to hazardous substances like chemicals, toxic fumes, or other environmental factors. Common occupational illnesses include respiratory conditions, skin diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud noises in industries like manufacturing, construction, or transportation can lead to permanent hearing damage or loss.

Psychological Injuries

While often overlooked, psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can result from traumatic workplace incidents or chronic stress and burnout.

Regardless of the type of injury or illness you've sustained, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits if it occurred while performing your job duties.

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.