Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that assists in covering the needs of a worker who was injured while on the job. Workers’ Compensation laws were not enacted until about 1911 and in South Carolina specifically the South Carolina Industrial Commission was created to administer and enforce the states Corkers’ Compensation laws.
Everyday hundreds of people are injured on the job and according to a 2010 more than 156,000 emergency room visitors expected their workers’ compensation benefits to cover their visit. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics note that more than 2.86 million recordable workplace injury cases reported in 2011.
Specifically in South Carolina more than 59,000 new Workers’ Compensation cases were opened between mid-2011 and 2012.
Throughout the years, Workers’ Compensation laws have been amended to ensure proper coverage for injured workers. Unfortunately some employers and insurers are still inclined to not provide adequate benefits for workplace accident victims.
On average an injured worker tends to miss at least 8 days of work while they recover from the accident. A workplace accident can occur most everywhere and although some industries may be more dangerous than others there are no specific occupations where injuries do not happen.
Some common workplace injuries include:
Other serious workplace injuries include loss of limb or permanent disability which might include loss of eyesight of hearing. Workers’ Compensation benefits may also cover occupational diseases such as lung disease or skin conditions.
Although most every occupational industry experiences some types of injuries, there are some that report workplace injuries more frequently than others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that 20 percent of the days-away-from work cases in 2011 can be attributed to five specific occupations.
Some commonly dangerous occupational fields include:
Law enforcement officers also have a high incidence of workplace injuries as their job is considered very dangerous. However, they may also be injured during training as well as administrative duty.
Speaking with an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney can help you determine if you are receiving adequate Workers’ Compensation benefits. Fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form now get your claim reviewed by one of our trusted attorneys.
Workers’ Compensation is meant to cover a wide array of injuries and illnesses however each state has their own criteria for determining the category the injury falls into and thus what type of benefits the victim is entitled to.
In South Carolina the following benefits are most commonly available to all those who have suffered a workplace accident.
Medical Benefits: Coverage of medical appointment, medication, medical devices, and more are usually covered with Workers’ Compensation insurance. However, employees are usually required to see a doctor selected by their employer.
Temporary Partial/Total Disability: If a worker is temporarily disabled due to a workplace accident they will receive 2/3 of their average weekly wage to not exceed $784.03 and up to a maximum of 500 weeks.
Permanent Partial/Total Disability: According to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission a total of 3,481 permanent disability agreements were made between mid-2011 and 2012. Permanent disability provides 2/3 of a worker’s average weekly wage if they have become permanently disabled, this may include loss of eyesight, loss of limb, facial disfiguration and many other types of injuries.
Death Benefits: If an employee suffers a fatal workplace injury or is diagnosed with a fatal occupational disease the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation to cover burial expenses. The victim’s spouse and/or children may also be entitled to recover lost wage benefits.
South Carolina law specifies that employees must notify their employer about an injury within 90 days of the occurrence. For repetitive injury cases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, employees must report their injury within 90 days of the diagnosis or discovery of the damage.
If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury due to someone else’s negligence, our attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. You need experienced attorneys that will provide comprehensive legal counsel and can help guide you through the entire litigation process.
At Harbin & Burnett we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured and are committed to helping you get every dollar you deserve in the minimum time possible. Our office is located in Anderson, South Carolina, and we proudly serve the following areas:
Contact us at 1 (888) 821-0247 to learn more about your legal options, your first consultation is free, there’s no obligation and you’ll never pay a fee unless you recover the compensation you deserve.
