Workplace injuries have a negative impact on South Carolina workers and their families. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30,300 people became ill or were injured at work in South Carolina in a recent year.
While the workers’ compensation program is in place to provide financial relief to injured workers, the process of securing full and fair benefits can be challenging. It may also be insufficient to fully compensate a worker for the effects of their injuries. In some cases, additional compensation could be available from a third-party personal injury claim.
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job, our South Carolina workplace injury lawyers want to help you pursue the maximum benefits you deserve from every available source. Our experienced attorneys can handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Contact Jebaily Law Firm today to learn more about how we advocate for injured South Carolina workers and discover what we can do for you in a free case review.
Common Types and Causes of Work Injuries in South Carolina
A wide range of injuries can occur in workplaces. Some examples of the most common injuries South Carolina workers sustain include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries, including spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Joint damage
- Repetitive stress and strain injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Internal injuries
- Illness arising from exposure to toxic substances
- Crushing injuries
The causes of workplace injuries are varied, and some of them are more likely to occur in specific industries or settings. Common causes of workplace injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Accidents involving heavy equipment or machinery
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Falling, flying, or swinging objects
- Fires and explosions
- Soil collapse during excavation
Some conditions make accidents and injuries more likely to happen. Working in physically or environmentally intense conditions can lead to exhaustion, cutting corners, and mistakes. Poor equipment maintenance practices, lax attention to safety, and inadequate training are other practices that increase the risk of workplace injuries.
High-Risk Jobs in South Carolina with a Greater Chance of Workplace Injuries
Many industries and work environments present the potential for accidents. After all, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. However, there are some industries in which work injuries are more common. In South Carolina, these include:
- Public and private healthcare facilities
- Utility companies
- Law enforcement and public safety
- Non-metallic mineral product manufacturing
- Food manufacturing
Other potentially dangerous industries include construction, roofing, transportation, warehousing and logistics, heavy equipment operation, factory work, landscaping, and more. However, workplace injuries can occur in virtually any line of work – even “safe” jobs like office and retail positions.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Employees
In general, South Carolina law requires employers with four or more workers to carry workers’ compensation insurance and provide benefits when employees are injured on the job or develop occupational diseases. The South Carolina workers’ compensation system offers benefits for medical treatment, partial compensation for lost wages, death benefits, and permanent and temporary disability benefits.
Benefits in a workers’ compensation claim are calculated by taking into account many factors, including your average weekly wage before the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the extent to which you can work after the accident. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to review your specific situation and advise you about the potential to seek benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, temporary total disability, rehabilitation costs, and more.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims in Work Injury Cases
The workers’ compensation program provides financial assistance in the event of an on-the-job injury, regardless of who is at fault. Under this system, employees aren’t allowed to sue their employers or coworkers even if they caused the accident that led to their injury.
However, when non-employer third parties are involved, and their negligence causes or contributes to an accident, injured workers can file a personal injury lawsuit against them to seek additional compensation. For example, if you were injured in a car accident while driving as a part of your work duties, you could bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
This process can be complex and may not be an option in all cases. Still, it’s worth discussing with our South Carolina personal injury lawyers if you believe it applies to your situation. You can count on us to thoroughly investigate your accident to uncover all potential sources of compensation.
Deadlines for South Carolina Work Injury Claims
You must report your injury to your employer in writing within 90 days of the accident to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You must also file a claim with the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the injury date to protect your right to benefits.
South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. If a third party was involved in the accident, you have three years from the injury date to file a personal injury claim against them. Your attorney will need this time to investigate your accident, build a workers’ compensation claim, and determine whether you have a potential third-party personal injury case. That means you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible following the accident.
Benefits of Hiring a Work Injury Lawyer
When you’ve been injured at work, the process of seeking the workers’ compensation benefits and any additional compensation you deserve can be challenging, particularly when you’re trying to balance the legal process with the demands of your physical recovery. That’s why a work injury attorney in South Carolina plays such an essential role.
Contacting Jebaily Law Firm is a critical step in fighting for your legal rights after a workplace injury. We’re a full-service firm, and working with injury victims is a primary area of focus for us. We can help you by:
- Evaluating and thoroughly investigating your case
- Handling all paperwork and documentation
- Pursuing maximum compensation through workers’ comp and third-party claims
- Representing you in all negotiations and, if necessary, in hearings and at trial
Our team is ready to put our 50-plus years of experience to work for you to ensure your legal rights are upheld and justice is served if you’ve been hurt on the job.
Get Help from Our South Carolina Workplace Accident Lawyers Now
Jebaily Law Firm is a recognized South Carolina work-related accident law firm that values hard work, determination, and results. We bring these values to our efforts on behalf of workplace injury victims just like you.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to discussing your case and helping you understand your legal options for seeking fair compensation.
