Mt. Pleasant Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Work injuries can dramatically affect workers’ lives. Not only are people often left to deal with physical pain and disability, but they also must recover financially and professionally.

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act provides injured workers with compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages incurred after a workplace injury. However, frequently injured workers who have a workers’ compensation case often find that insurance companies that handle their claims will not pay fairly.

At Steinberg Law Firm, our workers’ compensation attorneys understand how these insurance companies operate and all the ways they try to underpay. We have decades of experience handling workers’ compensation cases and are ready to fight with you after you have been hurt at work.

Workers’ Compensation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

The majority of workers are entitled to workers’ compensation under South Carolina law. Employers with more than four full- or part time employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance.

A few exceptions to workers’ compensation coverage do exist. Those who work in the following industries and circumstances should check with a workers’ compensation attorney right away after an injury:
• Agricultural workers
• Railroad workers
• Real estate agents
• Federal employees working in South Carolina
• Corporate officers
• Volunteers
• Independent contractors
• Temporary workers
• Employees at small businesses with fewer than 4 employees and/or less than $3,000 in annual revenue

Workers’ compensation insurance protects both employees and employers. Workers have a guaranteed path to recover damages when hurt at work and employers need not worry about paying these costs to injured workers out of pocket. However, the involvement of a third-party insurance company means that many injured people who need workers’ compensation benefits are denied from receiving them.

Insurance companies place profits above everything else and will pay out as little as possible. At Steinberg Law Firm, we understand the inner workings of insurance companies and we know how to negotiate with them to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Common Workplace Injuries

There are countless ways in which people are hurt at work. Workers’ compensation is available when an injury or illness occurred while on duty and within the scope of employment. Depending on what the nature of the work performed is, the accident that causes the injury could be anything.

Some of the most common workplace injuries are:
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Sprains
• Strains
• Lacerations
• Pain
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Respiratory issues
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Hearing loss

Who Is Most at Risk for Workplace Injury?

Vehicle and heavy machinery accidents can occur frequently at work, whether an accident with a company car, truck, tractor trailer, forklift or a collision between pedestrian and another vehicle. Machinery can malfunction or be operated incorrectly, resulting in harm. Dangerous chemicals and other substances can burn or otherwise hurt those who come in contact with them.

Workers in some industries are more prone to injury than others.
• Service, such as emergency workers like police and fire fighters
• Transportation and shipping, such as truck drivers
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Installation, maintenance and repair
• Oil and gas

Workers in less dangerous industries and desk jobs are not immune from injuries at work. In fact, these positions carry their own unique risks. Slips and falls can happen anywhere. Painful and potentially debilitating musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel or back problems are caused by overextension and often using ergonomically incorrect workstations and repetitive motions.

After an Injury at Work

Anyone who has been hurt at work should notify a supervisor immediately. It is important to follow the employer’s reporting process exactly and adhere to all deadlines. Failure to do so could hurt the case and even cause the claim to be denied. The injured worker should also seek medical attention immediately, even if they feel the injuries are not serious.

The employer has the right to choose where and by whom an injured employee is treated. If the employee decides to go to a provider who is not chosen by the employer, they may be responsible for the costs of the unauthorized treatment.

Contact a Mt. Pleasant Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have been hurt at work near Mount Pleasant, South Carolina you have rights and deserve to be compensated fairly. Do not let insurance companies play games with you or your livelihood. At Steinberg Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to get workers’ compensation insurance companies to pay you the money that you deserve.

Call one of the workers’ compensation lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm if you or a loved one were injured or killed on the job. To learn more about how the Steinberg Law Firm can help you pursue a claim for compensation based on the injuries you or your loved one has sustained, call 843-720-2800, or contact us through our online form. As always, your initial consultation is free.