Before we go any further, let us clarify the title statement. What may be more accurate than, “Won’t Get You Fired”, would be to say, “Shouldn’t Get You Fired”. Because it shouldn’t – that’s against the law. But things happen every day that are against the law. Technically speaking, filing a workers’ compensation claim should not have any effect on your employment status whatsoever. Unfortunately, some employers think they are above the law. If you or someone you know has ever been fired, seemingly because they filed a workers’ compensation claim and nothing more, it’s time to retain the services of a legal representative familiar with workers’ comp claims. Injured But Afraid To File? Generally speaking – if you are injured on the job but are hesitant to a file workers’ compensation claim, you’re hurting yourself even more! Failure to…Read More
Most days, you wake up and start getting ready for work without a thought of what could happen while you are there. We are referring to an on-the-job injury that could change your life – at least for the immediate future. When bad things happen at work, and employees get hurt, SC Worker’s Compensation Laws protect their rights. That’s in a perfect world. On occasion, a wrench gets thrown into the works and employees may have a tough time getting the compensation they are due. When that happens, an experienced and proficient legal team can help defend the rights of the injured person and get them the compensation they deserve. To substantiate your company’s liability for damages in a workers’ compensation case, you may be required to deal with something called “burden of proof”. If it gets to this, don’t…Read More
What Should I Do If SC Workers’ Comp Doesn’t Pay For Surgery? You received an injury at work. The good news is that, in South Carolina, workers’ compensation will cover your lost wages, medical costs, etc. But what if surgery is needed because of the injury? One would think that there wouldn’t be a problem because it falls under medical expenses. Unfortunately, your employer’s insurance company may try to refuse to pay for the surgery you need. Battles with insurance companies aren’t pleasant or easy. If you’re injured on the job, your best bet is to inquire with an experienced attorney as to your rights and representation. Even if all goes smoothly, it won’t hurt to talk to an attorney when you’re injured. Many law offices offer the first consultation free of charge. So, let’s say that your employer’s insurance…Read More
After a workplace injury, to cover the costs of your medical bills and lost wages, you are likely to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Let’s say, for example, that was marginally related to work, you were injured in a car accident. For the injuries you sustained, could you still file a workers’ compensation claim? The coming and going rule in South Carolina may say, “No!” But not necessarily. The “Coming And Going Rule” You may be asking, “What on earth is a coming and going rule?” First and foremost, it applies to benefits that fall under workers’ compensation. Specifically, it means that if you are going home from work or coming to work, and you’re injured in an accident, you cannot have those injuries covered under workers’ compensation. If, however, within the scope of employment, you are injured, you are eligible…Read More
Factors That Affect The Value Of Your Workers’ Compensation Claim If a South Carolina employee is injured on the job, the workers’ compensation benefits and medical expenses of the injured employee may be paid by the employer. Workers’ Compensation claims have numerous factors that may affect the value of the claim including the following: Average weekly wage The body part(s) injured Whether more than one body part has been injured or affected by the injury The extent of the disability Future medical treatment needs The following are important factors to keep in mind for your South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claim: The person making the decisions regarding your claim may not be your boss or your company, oftentimes, it is an insurance company. If your claim is denied or if you disagree with the benefits you have received, you can request…Read More
If you have ever suffered from a back injury, you know how excruciating they can be. Coupled with being one of the harder injuries to shake, they plague industries and people working in them. Of all workplace injuries, almost 20% – more than 1 million workers – have suffered from a back injury (according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics). In fact, the only thing that accounts for more lost days of work is the common cold! More Back Injury Statistics At some point throughout their lives, lower back pain will be experienced by approximately 80% of adults. Lower back pain can result from a work-related injury. Injuries involving the lower back account for 80% of work-related injuries associated with material handling tasks. Of all the strains and sprains (the largest classification of job-related injuries) that take place on…Read More
Workers’ Compensation cases can be tricky. One would think that if you get hurt on the job, and you wind up with doctor bills and lost wages, you should be able to receive compensation. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. But even with existing laws in place, it’s not always easy to win a Workers’ Comp case and get the compensation you’re entitled to. Injured On The Job? If you experienced a workplace injury and have missed work, lost wages, acquired medical bills, etc., you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation. Hopefully, as soon as the injury occurred, you filled out an accident report. If not, it should be done in expedited fashion (within 30 days of the injury). If not, it could weaken your case. Free consultations are offered by most reputable Workers’ Compensation attorneys. Has Your Claim…Read More
Over time, disabling medical conditions can develop from an employee being exposed to on-the-job health risks. These medical conditions are referred to as occupational diseases. Included in such health risks are exposure to harmful agents (such as chemicals) and physical activities that are damaging or repetitive. In many cases, occupational diseases can be covered under North Carolina’s Worker’s Compensation. What’s Covered? The North Carolina General Statute 97-53 specifies which conditions are covered under North Carolina’s Occupational Diseases. To be covered, proof of a condition (and that their employment caused the condition) is required. If it can be proved that their employment substantially contributed to or caused their condition, but the condition is not listed in the general statute, the employee must be able to also prove the they were placed at greater risk (by their employment) of developing the condition…Read More
Were you injured on the job? Did you make sure to get an accident report in within 30 days of your injury? Did you further file a Workers’ Compensation case? As long as you haven’t been denied, you’re probably wondering when your disability benefits will start. If you haven’t already, make sure that you immediately retain legal representation for your Workers’ Compensation case. Best case scenario, you retained the services of a reliable Workers’ Compensation attorney before you filed your case. If you didn’t, and your case has been denied, it’s even more important that you check with an attorney for your appeal. Now, let’s get the disability benefits. Know Your Rights If you, as an employed worker in North Carolina, have suffered a permanent physical impairment or wage loss because of an occupational disease or an on-the-job injury, you…Read More
Getting hurt at work isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. No one wants that – not you, not your employer. There are Workers’ Compensation laws in place to protect employees that receive occupational injuries. The way the laws work, both parties are actually protected and represented. Specific rules and requirements must be fulfilled in order for a Workers’ Compensation case to be successful. If not, rulings go in favor of the employer. Acquiring legal representation for your Workers’ Compensation case gives you the best chance of success. Accidents happen. Financial and medical consequences for an injured worker and their family can be very serious. When is it time to look into the possibility of being represented by a North Carolina Workers’ Comp lawyer that is board-certified? Let’s examine this question more closely… So You Had An Accident… When an…Read More
