If you are a truck driver in South Carolina who is an employee of a trucking company or other business, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after an accident. Workers’ compensation can provide resources to help you recover your health and get back to work.
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act protects workers, including truck drivers, who have sustained injuries while performing their jobs for covered employers. The benefits available under the Workers’ Compensation Act allow employees suffering from injuries to receive compensation to cover medical expenses and partial wage replacement for earnings lost while out of work due to a work-related injury or occupational illness.
At the Jebaily Law Firm, our attorneys are experienced in pursuing fair compensation for truck drivers injured on the job. Our workers’ compensation attorneys fight for truck drivers to receive maximum benefits to alleviate the stress of an injury.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.
How Our Lawyers Help Injured Truckers with Workers’ Compensation Cases
If you are a truck driver injured on the job in South Carolina, you are likely experiencing painful injuries. If your injuries keep you off work, you might be worrying about the increasing pile of medical bills. Our attorneys provide our clients with legal guidance and compassionate support while fighting for workers’ rights.
Our attorneys provide the following services to our clients:
- Legal know-how – Our attorneys understand the intricate legal nuances of South Carolina law and can apply our knowledge of workers’ compensation laws to your case.
- Investigations – As we build your case, our attorneys can gather evidence and any witness testimony to analyze and construct a robust claim.
- Open communications – We will update you on all developments in your case and be available to answer your questions promptly.
- Negotiations – Often, insurance companies will try to reduce a claim or even deny it. Our lawyers will be ready to fight for the workers’ compensation benefits you’re owed under the law.
Injury Risks for Truck Drivers in South Carolina
Truck driving is a profession that is demanding on the body and mind. Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report a trend of increased injury-related crashes and truck fatalities in the United States.
The following are common causes of work-related injuries for truck drivers in South Carolina:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Injuries from physical labor
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
Common Injuries Faced by Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are at significant risk of injury while working, whether driving, loading the vehicle, performing inspections, securing cargo, or simply getting in and out of the truck. They can suffer virtually any type of injury in the course of their work. Some examples of frequent trucker injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and sprains
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Joint damage
- Crushing injuries
- Whiplash
- Overexertion
When Can Injured Truckers Seek Workers’ Comp Benefits?
A trucker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits when injured while performing duties associated with their job or becomes ill because of conditions arising out of the job. Truck drivers in South Carolina who have suffered a work-related injury or illness are eligible to file a claim against their employer’s workers’ comp insurer.
Even if the accident was partially the worker’s fault, they are still eligible for benefits under the workers’ compensation no-fault system.
It’s important to note that truckers who operate as independent contractors typically are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, many employers misclassify truck drivers as independent contractors when they are, in fact, employees. The workers’ compensation system focuses on the actual relationship between the worker and the employer, regardless of what label is applied.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
You should contact our attorneys as soon as possible after your injury. Your attorney can ensure your rights are protected and pursue the maximum benefits you’re entitled to.
After you’ve been injured, you have 90 days from the accident date to notify your employer and report your injury. The employer has 10 days to respond and report your claim to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
You should seek medical treatment for your injury right away. Make sure to keep essential documents about your medical treatment.
The claims process can be complex, so it is best to work with our experienced attorneys as early as possible in the process. Disputes and denials are not uncommon, but our workers’ compensation attorneys can handle the legal complexities for you while you focus on healing.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Truck Drivers
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of workers’ compensation benefits available after a workplace accident injures a truck driver in South Carolina:
- Medical benefits
- Partial wage replacement benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Permanent impairment benefits
- Death benefits
Finding the Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming for injured workers. Truck drivers have significant workplace risk factors and challenges that can result in mental and physical injuries.
The right lawyer will be able to answer your questions during a consultation and help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to. The Jebaily Law Firm has over 50 years of experience fighting for South Carolina personal injury victims. With a combined 100 years of legal experience and millions of dollars in compensation secured for our clients, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue the outcome you deserve after a job-related injury.
Get Help from Our South Carolina Truck Driver Workers’ Comp Lawyers
If you’re a truck driver in South Carolina facing challenges after a workplace injury, you don’t have to navigate the complex workers’ compensation system alone. Don’t worry that you might not be able to afford an attorney. We take injury cases on contingency, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. If you don’t get paid, we don’t either.
Jebaily Law Firm is ready to handle every step of your case. We are committed to helping you secure the benefits you need for your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
