On-the-job injuries happen frequently. Over 2.8 million work-related nonfatal injuries and illnesses occurred in a single recent year. Knowing what to do after a work accident can help you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to. Dealing with a workplace injury can be stressful, so consult an experienced South Carolina workers’ comp attorney from Jebaily Law Firm with any questions.
Here’s what to do after you’ve been injured on the job in South Carolina.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment After a Workplace Accident
These essential steps can help your claim for workers’ compensation benefits if you get hurt at work:
- Report your work injury to your supervisor.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Seeing a doctor right away not only protects your health but also provides an official record of your injury, which is necessary when you file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses to the incident. If necessary, they can confirm how your injuries happened.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s course of treatment to avoid re-injury, worsening health, or jeopardizing your workers’ compensation benefits.
Key Steps to Secure Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Although most South Carolina employees are covered by their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance coverage, getting your benefits is not automatic. Prompt notification and filing are part of the critical steps to securing your benefits:
- Report the work injury to your employer as soon as possible. South Carolina law requires that you inform your employer about the injury within 90 days of the accident. Failing to do so could jeopardize your claim.
- Complete the workers’ compensation claim form that your employer provides. Include as much information and make sure to sign and date the form. The claim form is crucial as it officially starts the claims process.
- Keep detailed records of everything related to your injury and medical treatment. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have a work-related injury so they can document everything accurately from the start. These documents include medical reports, bills, and correspondence with your employer and the insurance company.
- Get help from our South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys to handle your case and any appeals that may be necessary if the insurance company denies or undervalues your workers’ compensation claim.
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Most South Carolina employees have workers’ compensation protection from the first day of their job. That means if you get hurt at work, you are likely entitled to:
- Medical treatment benefits
- Partial replacement of lost wages if you cannot work
- Job retraining, if necessary
- Permanent disability compensation, if applicable
Surviving family members can also receive death benefits if an employee passes away from a work-related accident, injury, or illness.
How Our Lawyers Help Workers Who Got Hurt or Ill at Work
Hiring a lawyer can be your best step forward if you’re facing challenges with your workers’ compensation claim, such as a denial or dispute by your employer or their insurance carrier. At Jebaily Law Firm, we protect the rights of injured workers and help them overcome the complexities of the workers’ compensation system in South Carolina. Whether it’s gathering additional evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or representing you at workers’ compensation hearings, our results-getting legal team is here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t struggle through the workers’ compensation process on your own. Contact Jebaily Law Firm today to discuss your situation with an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney.
