Murrells Inlet Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Murrells Inlet

Suffering a workplace injury can bring not only physical pain but also the worry of how to manage financially during recovery. At Morris Law Firm, we understand the weight of these concerns.

Our team, led by Jeff Morris, a dedicated Murrells Inlet workers' compensation lawyer, is here to ease the burden. We guide injured workers through their workers' compensation claims, ensuring that they receive the support and benefits they rightfully deserve.

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Why Choose Our Murrells Inlet Workers' Compensation Lawyers?

Our firm excels in providing top-tier client service and achieving multi-million dollar case results. We are committed to being responsive and fully informing you about your options.

With a free, no-obligation initial case review and a contingency fee structure, our services are accessible and client-focused. Our past clients, as reflected in our 5.0-star rating on Google Reviews, have consistently praised our efficiency, professionalism, and honest legal guidance. We are ready to extend the same skilled level of service to you.

We have an office located at 11054 SC-707 near St. James High School. This local presence allows us to understand our clients personally, not just as case numbers.

Understanding Workers' Compensation Benefits

Workers' compensation in South Carolina is designed to cover different losses for injured workers.

At Morris Law Firm, we'll guide you through the benefits you deserve, which can include:

• Medical benefits: Workers' compensation covers all necessary medical expenses related to workplace injuries or illnesses. This includes doctor's visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and medical supplies. Your employer's workers' compensation insurer may also reimburse you for travel expenses to and from medical appointments.
• Temporary disability benefits: If an injury or illness results in time away from work, workers' compensation provides income replacement benefits. These benefits kick in once you're out of work for seven days, and payments begin on the eighth day that you're out of work. However, if you miss work for more than two weeks (14 days), you have a right to collect compensation for the first week you can not work. Workers receive partial income payments for temporary disability.
• Temporary partial disability. These benefits kick in if you can do some of your everyday job tasks but at a limited capacity. Workers can receive payments amounting to ⅔ of the difference between their previous and current earnings. For instance, if you make $300 per week less than before you suffered an injury, you can receive $199.80 per week in temporary partial benefits.
• Permanent disability benefits: Workers may be entitled to additional compensation in cases where an injury or illness results in a permanent impairment. The amount is determined based on the nature and extent of the impairment, as well as the employee's age, education, and occupation. There are two types of permanent disability benefits: permanent partial disability (PPD) and permanent total disability (PTD). PPD benefits are paid for a specific number of weeks, depending on the body part affected and the degree of impairment. PTD benefits are paid for life if the employee cannot perform any work. However, certain injuries, such as permanent brain injuries and quadriplegia, do not contain a 500-week maximum.

We're committed to ensuring that you understand the full range of benefits available to you and work diligently to secure them. If you have any questions or need legal assistance, please contact us today.

Where Can Workers' Comp Accidents Occur in Murrells Inlet?

Workers' comp accidents can occur in any industry or occupation, but some of the common ones in Murrells Inlet are:

• Fishing and seafood processing: Murrells Inlet is known as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina" and has a thriving fishing and seafood industry. However, workers in this sector face many risks, such as slips and falls on wet surfaces, cuts and punctures from knives and hooks, exposure to chemicals and bacteria, and injuries from heavy equipment and machinery.
• Tourism and hospitality: Murrells Inlet attracts many visitors who come to enjoy its attractions, such as the MarshWalk, Brookgreen Gardens, and Myrtle Beach State Park. Workers in the tourism and hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides, may encounter hazards such as burns, food poisoning, assaults, and car accidents.
• Construction and landscaping: Murrells Inlet is also a popular destination for retirees and second-home buyers, creating demand for construction and landscaping services. Workers in these fields may suffer injuries from falls, electrocutions, struck-by objects, and overexertion.

If you suffered an injury in a work comp accident in Murrells Inlet, you should immediately report it to your employer and seek medical attention from an approved provider. You should also file a claim with the workers' compensation insurer and follow the steps involved in the settlement process.

You may also want to consult a workers' compensation lawyer who can navigate the legal system on your behalf and protect your rights.

Our Focus on Murrells Inlet Workers' Compensation Claims

Work comp accidents are incidents that cause injuries or illnesses to employees due to their work duties. These accidents can happen in any industry or occupation, but some are more common or prevalent in certain sectors.

If you suffered an injury in a work comp accident in Murrells Inlet, you may receive workers' compensation benefits, which can cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Some of the types of work comp accidents that can occur in Murrells Inlet are:

• Slips, trips, and falls: These are the most common work-related accidents, accounting for one-third of all personal injuries in the workplace. They can happen on wet or slippery surfaces, uneven or cluttered floors, stairs, ladders, scaffolds, or roofs. They can cause injuries such as head, back, neck, or spinal cord injuries, broken bones, cuts, sprains, or pulled muscles.
• Fires and explosions: These are rare but potentially devastating work-related accidents, especially in industries that deal with flammable or combustible materials, such as fishing, seafood processing, construction, or landscaping. They can cause injuries such as burns, smoke inhalation, lung damage, or blast injuries.
• Vehicle-related accidents: These are accidents that involve cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, or other vehicles that employees use for work purposes. They can happen on the road, in parking lots, or at the workplace. They can cause injuries such as whiplash, fractures, concussions, or internal injuries.
• Overexertion: This is a type of work-related injury that results from excessive physical effort, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects or performing repetitive or strenuous tasks. It can cause injuries such as strains, sprains, hernias, or joint damage.
• Workplace violence: This is a type of work-related injury that results from intentional or unintentional acts of violence, such as assaults, robberies, shootings, stabbings, or harassment. It can happen in any industry or occupation, but some are more vulnerable, such as tourism and hospitality workers, who may interact with strangers or deal with cash transactions. It can cause injuries such as bruises, cuts, punctures, or psychological trauma.

Some of the types of work comp injuries that can occur in Murrells Inlet are:

• Muscle strains and sprains: These injuries affect the muscles, tendons, or ligaments, usually due to overstretching, twisting, or tearing. They can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility.
• Cuts, bruises, or other puncture wounds: These injuries break the skin or cause bleeding, usually due to sharp objects, such as knives, hooks, nails, or glass. They can cause infection, scarring, or nerve damage.
• Contusions: These are injuries that cause bleeding under the skin, usually due to blunt force trauma, such as being hit by an object or falling. They can cause discoloration, swelling, or pain.
• Inflammation of the joints: This is a type of injury that causes swelling, redness, or warmth in the joints, usually due to overuse, stress, or infection. It can affect the knees, elbows, shoulders, or wrists. It can cause stiffness, pain, or reduced mobility.
• Bone fractures: These are injuries that cause cracks or breaks in the bones, usually due to high-impact trauma, such as falls, collisions, or crushes. They can affect any part of the body, but some are more common, such as the ribs, collarbone, or ankle. They can cause deformity, pain, bleeding, or nerve damage.

We also work with families who lost a loved one to their injuries. Our Murrells Inlet attorneys can explain your rights to benefits. Qualifying family members can receive death benefits, including ⅔ of the worker's earnings for up to 500 weeks, per S.C. Code 42-9-290. The family can also receive reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses for up to $12,000.

Overcoming South Carolina Workers' Comp Claim Denials

Nothing is more frustrating than getting a denial for your workers' compensation claim. You may feel like giving up, but don't lose hope. At Morris Law Firm, we know how to handle these denials and fight for your rights.

We have seen many reasons for denials by the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission (SCWCC), such as paperwork errors or lack of evidence.

We don't let these stop us. We review your case with a fine-tooth comb, gathering all the proof we need to support your claim. We handle the appeals process, standing by your side and making sure your case gets a fair hearing. Our goal is to turn a negative outcome into a positive one.

Ensuring Correct Claim Submission 

The first step to a successful workers' compensation claim is to submit it correctly. This may seem simple, but it can be tricky and confusing.

The SCWCC has strict requirements to qualify for workers' compensation, including:

• Timelines for filing your claim (you have 90 days to report your injury to the employer and two years to file your case with the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission)
•  Forms and supporting documents that must accompany your application
•  Doctors you must work with

That's why our team at Morris Law Firm is here to help you. We ensure you have all the documents you need, from medical to employment records. We also keep track of the deadlines and rules so you don't miss anything. We want to make the process as smooth as possible for you and avoid any denials due to mistakes or oversights.

Protecting Your Right to Benefits 

Getting your workers' compensation benefits is not always easy. You may face some challenges along the way, and we are ready to overcome them.

One challenge is delays from insurance companies, which can make you wait longer for your money. We know how to deal with these delays, and we put pressure on the insurance companies to speed things up.

Another challenge is employer retaliation, which can make you feel scared or threatened. We won't let this happen to you. We stand up for you, and we make sure the law protects you. We want you to get your benefits without any hassle, and we want you to feel safe and respected.

What to Do After a Murrells Inlet Workplace Injury

When you are facing a workplace injury, the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial for the strength of your workers' compensation claim. At Morris Law Firm, we understand how important this initial phase is and provide comprehensive guidance to ensure your case is solid from the start.

Report the injury as soon as it occurs. This not only creates an official record of the incident but also initiates the workers' compensation process. We emphasize the importance of this step to our clients, guiding them through the proper procedures for reporting to their employer.

Following this, seek medical attention. Visit a designated doctor, as they are often the ones approved by the workers' compensation insurance. Their assessment forms the basis of your claim, as it provides an objective evaluation of your injuries.

Keeping thorough records is another key aspect we stress. This includes all medical documentation, a diary of symptoms, time off work, and how the injury impacts daily life. Such comprehensive documentation serves as evidence supporting your claim.

Additionally, be mindful of claim timelines. South Carolina workers' compensation claims have strict deadlines, and missing these can jeopardize your ability to receive benefits. Our team is here to monitor these deadlines, and we ensure that everything is filed appropriately and on time.

Consult our Murrells Inlet Workers' Comp Attorneys Now

At Morris Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face following a workplace injury. Our commitment is to guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and your needs are met.

If you're in Murrells Inlet and dealing with a workers' compensation issue, let our experienced team of Murrells Inlet personal injury attorneys support you in navigating these complexities. Contact us today or call (843) 466-4444 for a free case review and take the first step towards securing the benefits you need for a better tomorrow.