Quick facts about the South Carolina workers compensation system
A quick run-down of things injured workers most need to know about the South Carolina workers compensation system:
- It doesn’t matter if you were at fault or negligent. If you were hurt on the job, you are generally entitled to benefits. Neither does it matter if the company did everything perfectly. In South Carolina, injured employees are entitled to workers compensation benefits if the company did nothing wrong and followed all safety rules and practices.
- If your accident occurred while you were on the way to or from work, you may be covered by workers comp and you may be entitled to benefits. Consult an experienced workers comp attorney such as the ones at Callison Tighe to go over the specifics of your situation.
- If your accident was caused by a third-party, you may also be able to bring a lawsuit against the negligent person or company. Callison Tighe workers compensation lawyers Rick Detwiler and George Tayor also are experienced courtroom attorneys who can represent you in the event a lawsuit can be brought against a third-party. This means you will not need to deal with multiple lawyers or firms.
- Your employer cannot legally fire you for bringing a workers compensation claim.
- All of your medical expenses related to a work injury are covered – no co-pays, no deductibles. And you are entitled to mileage reimbursements for getting to and from medical appointments.
- If you are out of work due to your work-related injuries, you are likely entitled to temporary weekly wage benefits, based on all wages earned for the past year, including wages from a second job.
- If you have permanent impairment from your injuries, you are likely eligible for permanent disability benefits, payable in a lump sum.
- Just because your claim is initially denied doesn’t mean it’s over. There are appeals possible, and the system is far too complicated for a worker to try to go it alone, particularly when the company likely will have legal representation as well as access to a slew of experts. Make sure you are represented, too.
- Don’t let your employer tell you that you can’t file a claim. Call Callison Tighe at (803) 404-6900 and speak to workers compensation attorney Rick Detwiler. Initial consultations are free.