Myrtle Beach is known for its vibrant tourism, construction, hospitality, and maritime industries. As one of the country’s fastest-growing metro areas, there’s no shortage of jobs. But the risk of workplace injuries is real in Myrtle Beach. When on-the-job injuries occur, they can be physically and financially devastating.
The Myrtle Beach workplace accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm understand the specific challenges that local workers face. Since 1969, we’ve won several million dollars in total for injured clients throughout the Grand Strand and Pee Dee areas of South Carolina. If you were injured on the job, we’re ready to fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation about your potential South Carolina workers’ compensation claim and third-party lawsuit.
Common Types and Causes of Work-Related Injuries in Myrtle Beach
Some examples of common injuries workers in Myrtle Beach can experience include:
- Motor vehicle accidents and other transportation accidents
- Slips and falls
- Falls from heights
- Injuries from falling equipment or flying objects
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Defective product injuries
- Heatstroke and overexertion
- Fires and explosions
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Excavation collapses and cave-ins
- Violence and physical attacks
Jobs in Myrtle Beach That Frequently Experience Workplace Accidents
While some positions are riskier than others, people in virtually any line of work could get hurt on the job — even office workers, retail employees, and people in other “safe” occupations. A few examples of the types of accidents workers face on different jobs include:
- Tourism and hospitality industry – Employees in these industries commonly work around large groups of people and spend hours on their feet. They might also work around water or lift heavy objects, adding to the risk of slip-and-fall accidents or orthopedic injuries.
- Construction industry – Construction crews are the lifeblood of Myrtle Beach’s expanding skyline. Construction is an inherently dangerous industry, though, and machinery accidents, falls from heights, toxic exposure, lacerations, caught-between, and orthopedic injuries happen frequently.
- Maritime and fishing industry – Workers in shipbuilding, maritime transport, and fisheries could face accidents such as slips and falls on wet decks, heavy machinery injuries, or even accidents at sea.
- Outdoor workers – With Myrtle Beach’s warm and humid climate, outdoor workers must remain well-hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Retail work – While working in a store might seem like a safe job, retail workers actually face several serious injury risks. Lifting injuries, trip-and-fall accidents, falling objects, and customer violence are just a few examples.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Work Injuries in Myrtle Beach, SC
According to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, most businesses and nonprofits in the state must carry workers’ comp coverage for their employees. Employers can self-insure, get a commercial policy, or participate in the state’s assigned risk program. There are some exemptions.
Eligible injured workers who file a successful workers’ compensation claim could receive benefits for:
- Medical attention from a doctor their employer designates
- A portion of lost wages
- Ongoing care
- Travel expenses that pertain to medical treatment
- Death benefits including burial expenses
To begin the claims process, you must notify your employer immediately, no more than 90 days from the accident date, and request medical care. You’ll also need to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission no more than two years after the accident.
Once you notify your employer, they must file an Employer’s First Report of Injury or face financial penalties. However, don’t assume your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will automatically pay you full and fair benefits. Get our Myrtle Beach workers’ compensation lawyers to review your case and fight for all the benefits you deserve. We are ready to help you pursue an appeal if your workers’ comp claim is denied or undervalued.
Potential Third-Party Personal Injury Claims for Work Injuries
For most people who sustain a job site injury in Myrtle Beach, the workers’ comp system is their only possible recourse. However, if your lawyer can prove that a third party – someone other than your employer and co-workers – contributed to your accident and injuries, you might be entitled to further monetary compensation through a personal injury claim.
Possible compensation in a third-party personal injury claim goes beyond medical bills and partial lost wage benefits. It can also include money for all your lost income and earning potential, physical pain, emotional distress, and other losses that don’t have a fixed cost.
A few scenarios that could involve third-party claims include:
- Defective products – Machinery and tool manufacturers are liable for injuries caused by product defects. Our attorneys can research the design, manufacturing, and safety standards of products that might have contributed to the accident.
- Negligent subcontractors – Frequently, subcontractors will work together with construction employees. If their negligence leads to a workplace injury, you might have a claim against them.
- Negligent drivers – If a driver hurt you while you were operating a motor vehicle for work purposes or otherwise doing your job, you might be entitled to compensation from them.
- Premises liability – If the accident happened while you were working on someone else’s property and was caused by an unreasonably dangerous condition on that property, you might have a claim against the property owner.
Benefits of Hiring a Work Injury Lawyer
After a workplace accident, your first priority is your health and well-being. Dealing with insurance and the legal system on your own will only add stress and burnout.
Our attorneys can manage the legal complexities of a work injury for you. We can file workers’ comp claims and prepare appeals if necessary. If a third party is involved, we can investigate who might be responsible, work with expert witnesses to build a strong case, represent you in negotiations and mediation, and fight for you in court if necessary.
Deadlines for Filing a Myrtle Beach Work Injury Case
If your work injury case involves a third-party claim, you and your lawyer must follow the deadlines in South Carolina’s statute of limitations. According to Section 15-3-530 of the state’s Code of Laws, you have only three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. The courts dismiss suits filed after the deadline expires. Workers’ compensation claims have even shorter deadlines.
It’s crucial to remember that workplace injury cases take time to build. The earlier your lawyer can start, the better your outcome could be.
Talk to Our Myrtle Beach Work Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured on the job in Myrtle Beach or elsewhere in Horry County, Jebaily Law Firm is ready to evaluate your case and answer your questions. Our attorneys take a comprehensive approach, helping you navigate the workers’ comp and personal injury systems. We’re proud of our results and community outreach. It’s our goal to help keep Myrtle Beach a great place to live and a safe place to work.
Contact our office today for a free consultation.
