A Mt. Pleasant Workers' Compensation Lawyer’s Guide to Workers Compensation

What Mt. Pleasant Workers Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation

As a hard-working employee in Mt. Pleasant, you know the demands of keeping up with the bustling tourism industry, local businesses at Shem Creek, the challenges of the port and shipping sectors at Wando Welch Terminal, and the fast pace of retail and service jobs along Coleman Boulevard. Unfortunately, workplace accidents can happen even when you're being careful. When they do, you may need a skilled Mt. Pleasant workers' compensation lawyer on your side.

At Derrick Law Firm, we understand how work injuries impact our clients’ lives. Many of our clients are hurt, missing paychecks, and wondering how they’ll cover their medical bills and support their families. Our legal team fights to protect our clients' rights.

Understanding South Carolina Workers' Compensation Laws

In Mt. Pleasant and throughout South Carolina, most employers with four or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. This system is designed to provide injured workers with medical care and wage replacement while protecting employers from lawsuits.

To qualify for benefits, you must prove that your injury or illness is work-related. This means it occurred while performing your job duties or as a direct result of your employment. You don't need to show that your employer was at fault.

However, getting workers' comp benefits can be challenging. Insurance companies are more concerned about their bottom line than paying injured workers, and they may look for reasons to deny or undervalue claims. Our experienced Mt. Pleasant workers' compensation lawyers anticipate these issues and fight to protect our clients’ rights.

Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries

While some occupations are inherently more dangerous than others, a work injury can occur in any industry. Work injuries our Mt. Pleasant workers' compensation lawyers frequently assist clients with include:

Construction accidents. Construction workers face daily risks. For example, in Mt. Pleasant's growing construction industry, falls from heights and crane accidents are prevalent due to the ongoing development of residential and commercial areas. Scaffolding collapses, crane accidents, and other incidents on building sites can also lead to severe injuries.
Slips, trips, and falls. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways are just a few of the hazards that can cause painful slips and falls in any workplace—and even lead to traumatic brain injuries.
Vehicle collisions. People who drive for a living, such as truck drivers or people who travel between job sites, may be hurt in motor vehicle accidents that happen on the clock.
Forklift and heavy machinery accidents. Warehouses, factories, and industrial settings pose unique dangers when heavy equipment is involved. Crush injuries and amputations are not uncommon.
Musculoskeletal disorders. Even office jobs can take a toll over time. Musculoskeletal disorders include back injuries, tendonitis, and other conditions caused by overexertion, repetitive motions, or awkward postures. Repetitive tasks like typing, scanning, or assembly line work may lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Occupational illnesses. Exposure to toxic substances, chemicals, or biohazards can cause respiratory diseases, cancers, and other job-related medical conditions.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The amount of a workers’ compensation settlement depends on the workers’ unique injuries and other factors. However, some basic types of workers’ compensation benefits injured South Carolina workers should know about, including:

Medical Costs

Workers’ compensation includes coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatment related to a work injury. It also included reimbursement for mileage or transportation costs associated with work injury-related medical appointments.

Temporary Partial Disability Payments (TPD)

Workers who can return to work but have injury-related limitations that reduce their pre-injury earnings may be eligible for TPD benefits. TPD benefits are two-thirds of the difference between what the worker earned before a work-related injury or illness and their current earnings. These benefits may continue until the worker can return to their pre-injury job pay or for a maximum of 340 weeks.

Temporary Total Disability Payments (TTD)

TTD payments are also equal to two-thirds of income lost. Since the worker is totally disabled and cannot work due to an injury, the worker may receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage prior to the injury or illness. Temporary total disability payments may continue until the worker is medically cleared to go back to work or for a maximum of 500 weeks.

Permanent Partial Disability Payments (PPD)

Workers with lasting impairments may receive PPD payments. The amount and duration of these benefits depend on the specific injury and the body part affected.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD)

In the most severe cases, workers may get PTD benefits. As with other types of worker’s compensation benefits, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages. In some cases, these benefits extend for up to 500 weeks. In extreme cases, such as brain or spinal cord damage, benefits may extend for the rest of a worker’s life.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Workers’ compensation benefits may also help injured workers with job retraining, job placement, vocational assessments, and counseling to help them return to the workforce after job-related injuries or illnesses.

What an Injured Worker Can Do After a Work Injury in Mt. Pleasant

The pain and stress of an illness or injury can make it hard to think clearly. However, there are some steps injured workers can take that may significantly impact their health, finances, and workers' compensation claims. For example, injured workers can:

Report the injury to their supervisors immediately. Even if it initially seems minor, delaying notification could jeopardize a claim.
Seek medical attention right away. Workers should follow their doctor's treatment plan, attend all recommended appointments, and keep detailed medical care records.
Document everything related to the accident. This includes date, time, location, circumstances, and any witnesses. Photographs and videos may also be helpful.
Start a file to organize important papers. These include accident reports, medical records, correspondence with an employer and the insurance company, and receipts for injury-related expenses.
Refrain from giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. The adjuster aims to find information that can deny or minimize workers’ compensation benefits.
Be cautious about posting online and on social media. The insurance company may monitor activity to find evidence to deny a claim.
Contact a Mt. Pleasant workers' compensation lawyer. A workers’ compensation attorney can protect their client’s rights and fight for their benefits.

Three Reasons to Choose a Mt. Pleasant Workers' Compensation Lawyer at Derrick Law Firm

We strive to provide personalized service, clear guidance, and strong advocacy. Here are just a few reasons why injured workers trust a Mt. Pleasant workers’ compensation lawyer with their claims:

While past results do not guarantee a future result, we have a strong track record of securing settlements and invite you to read many of our reviews.
Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of South Carolina workers' compensation laws and extensive experience handling complex claims.
We strive to treat our clients with the respect and compassion they deserve, and we have systems in processes in place to work to address all concerns of our clients.

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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