On-the-job accidents, injuries, and illnesses are, unfortunately, all too common in Charleston. Some occupations, including builders and factory workers, are especially susceptible to workplace accidents and injuries, given their close proximity to dangerous equipment.
If you recently suffered a medical complication due to a workplace occurrence, you may be eligible to pursue various workers’ compensation benefits and, in some cases, third-party compensation. The experienced Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances of your workplace occurrence and determine your eligibility for filing a claim. We can then guide you throughout the process and pursue a favorable result on your behalf.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our experienced Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers, please contact us online today.
Charleston Workers’ Compensation Guide
- Why Choose Our Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
- How Much Money Is My Charleston Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
- Common Locations for Workplace Injuries in Charleston
- Common Types of Workplace Accidents That Happen in Charleston
- Common Workplace Injuries in Charleston
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Charleston Workers' Compensation Case
- Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident in Charleston
- Contact Our Experienced Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Why Choose Our Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
Suppose you suffered an injury or illness while on the job and within the scope of your employment; you need to speak with a Charleston workers’ compensation lawyer as quickly as possible. The skilled legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can quickly determine your eligibility for filing a workers’ compensation claim and/or a third-party claim in your case. We can handle every step of the process for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Unlike many firms, we limit our caseload so that we can give our clients the time and attention that both they — and their cases — deserve.
Some of our most recent client testimonials can be found by clicking here.
Our office currently has locations throughout South Carolina to best serve injured clients. Let us help you recover the compensation you need for your workplace injuries and damages.
How Much Money Is My Charleston Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
Determining the worth of a Charleston workers’ compensation case involves several factors, each contributing to the final settlement or award. Various types of benefits exist within the workers’ compensation system, designed to support injured workers through their recovery and beyond. These benefits typically include medical treatment coverage, wage replacement, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for eligible dependents in the event of a fatal workplace incident.
Medical treatment coverage ensures that injured workers receive the necessary medical care to recover from their injuries. This coverage encompasses doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other essential treatments related to the work injury.
Wage replacement benefits compensate workers for lost wages during their recovery period. The amount of wage replacement benefits often corresponds to a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage prior to the injury, subject to statutory caps and limitations.
Disability benefits come into play when an injury results in temporary or permanent impairment, hindering the worker’s ability to perform their job duties. These benefits provide financial support based on the severity and duration of the disability, categorized as temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent total disability, or permanent partial disability.
Vocational rehabilitation services may be offered to injured workers unable to return to their previous occupation due to their injuries. These services aim to facilitate the worker’s transition to suitable alternative employment through job training, education, and job placement assistance.
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, individuals injured on the job may pursue third-party damages in certain situations. If a third party, such as a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the worker’s injury, the injured worker may be entitled to seek compensation through a separate personal injury lawsuit. Third-party damages can include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages, depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury.
The worth of a Charleston workers’ compensation case hinges on the unique circumstances of each individual’s injury, the severity of their impairment, and the extent of their financial losses. Our experienced lawyers can navigate this process for you and work to maximize the benefits you recover.
Common Locations for Workplace Injuries in Charleston
In Charleston, South Carolina, workplace injuries can occur in various locations across a wide range of industries. Common locations include the following:
- Construction Sites — Construction sites rank among the top locations for workplace injuries in Charleston. Because of ongoing development projects in the area, workers face hazards such as falls from heights, electrocution, struck-by accidents involving heavy machinery or falling objects, and scaffolding collapses.
- Manufacturing Facilities — Manufacturing facilities also pose significant risks for workplace injuries in Charleston. Workers in these environments handle heavy machinery, operate power tools, and are exposed to hazardous materials. Common injuries include crush injuries, burns, lacerations, and musculoskeletal disorders resulting from repetitive motions or improper lifting techniques.
- Healthcare Facilities — Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are another prevalent location for workplace injuries in Charleston. Healthcare workers face risks such as needle sticks, exposure to infectious diseases, patient handling injuries, and workplace violence incidents.
- Retail Establishments — Retail establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores, also experience a significant number of workplace injuries in Charleston. Slip-and-fall accidents, lifting injuries, and incidents involving customer altercations are common in these environments.
- Office Environments — Finally, office environments, while seemingly low-risk, are not immune to workplace injuries in Charleston. Repetitive strain injuries, ergonomic issues, and slip-and-fall accidents can occur in office settings.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents That Happen in Charleston
Workplace injuries in Charleston, South Carolina, stem from various causes, each presenting unique risks to workers across different industries.
Slips, trips, and falls represent one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in Charleston. Wet or slippery floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting can contribute to these accidents.
Another prevalent cause of workplace injuries is overexertion or bodily strain. This often occurs in jobs requiring repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or awkward postures. Musculoskeletal disorders, such as strains, sprains, and back injuries, result from overexertion and can affect workers across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and retail.
Contact with objects and equipment is another leading cause of workplace injuries in Charleston. Workers may be struck by falling objects, caught in machinery, or injured by tools and equipment during operation.
Exposure to harmful substances and environments also contributes to workplace injuries in Charleston. Chemical spills, toxic fumes, and exposure to hazardous materials can result in respiratory problems, skin irritations, and long-term health issues.
Finally, workplace violence is a significant concern for workers in Charleston. Healthcare workers, retail employees, and service industry workers are particularly vulnerable to assaults, threats, and harassment from customers, patients, or coworkers.
If you suffered an illness or injury in one of these occurrences, the experienced Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can investigate the circumstances and determine your available legal options.
Common Workplace Injuries in Charleston
In Charleston, South Carolina, workplace accidents can result in a range of specific injuries that affect workers across various industries. Common workplace injuries include the following:
One common injury that workers may suffer in Charleston workplace accidents is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These injuries affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, often resulting from overexertion, repetitive motions, or awkward postures. MSDs can manifest as strains, sprains, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in affected areas.
Another prevalent injury category is traumatic injuries, which include fractures, lacerations, and contusions. These injuries often occur in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, where workers are exposed to heavy machinery, tools, and equipment. Traumatic injuries can result from falls, being struck by objects, or being caught in machinery accidents, leading to significant physical harm and requiring immediate medical attention.
Burn injuries are also a concern in Charleston workplaces, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to heat sources, chemicals, or flammable materials. Thermal burns, chemical burns, and electrical burns can cause severe tissue damage, pain, and long-term complications.
In addition, workers may suffer from exposure-related injuries due to contact with harmful substances or environments. Chemical exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritations, and systemic health issues, while exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos or silica can cause long-term health conditions such as mesothelioma or silicosis.
Furthermore, workplace accidents can result in psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Workers who experience traumatic events or workplace violence may suffer from psychological trauma, affecting their mental well-being and ability to perform job duties.
If you sustained an injury or illness in the workplace, the experienced team of Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers are ready to help. While you seek treatment for your medical condition, our team can begin investigating your circumstances and gathering documentation to support your claim. Once your treatment is complete, we can file the workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance company and pursue the benefits you deserve.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Charleston Workers' Compensation Case
Fighting the employer’s insurance company in a Charleston, South Carolina, workers’ compensation case can be difficult, but it is necessary to ensure fair treatment and adequate compensation for injured workers.
One challenge in battling the insurance company is its primary goal to minimize costs and liabilities. Insurance adjusters may seek to downplay the severity of your injuries or deny your claim altogether, leaving you without the support you need during your recovery. It is crucial to gather strong evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and documentation of your injury’s effect on your ability to work.
Moreover, understanding South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws and regulations is vital for effectively challenging the insurance company’s decisions. Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can provide valuable legal guidance and representation throughout the process. An attorney can process complex paperwork, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and represent you during hearings or appeals if necessary.
In addition, being proactive in advocating for your rights and communicating openly with your employer and their insurance company are essential. Keep detailed records of all communications, including emails, letters, and phone calls, to document your efforts to resolve the dispute. By staying organized and persistent, you can demonstrate your commitment to pursuing fair treatment and compensation for your workplace injury.
At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we will aggressively fight for your rights during insurance company negotiations in pursuit of the full workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident in Charleston
Following a workplace accident in Charleston, South Carolina, taking important steps can help protect your well-being and ensure you receive the necessary support and compensation:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Prompt medical care is crucial for assessing the extent of your injuries and initiating treatment.
- Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Provide details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and nature of the injuries sustained.
- Document the accident scene by taking photographs or videos, if possible. Collect contact information from any witnesses who can provide statements about what happened.
- Keep thorough records of all medical treatment, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and rehabilitation sessions. This documentation will be essential for your workers’ compensation claim.
- Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights and options. An attorney can guide you through the claims process, gather evidence, and advocate for your best interests.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all medical appointments to ensure proper recovery and rehabilitation.
- Be cautious when communicating with your employer’s insurance company. Avoid providing recorded statements or signing documents without legal advice.
At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can aggressively represent your interests throughout the process, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions.
Contact Our Experienced Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you recently suffered an injury or illness while you were on the job, the experienced legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers is ready to help you.
Our team can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits on your behalf and/or a third-party claim and work to secure the full compensation you deserve for your losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney, please contact us today at (843) 466-4444.
