Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Work injuries are those that occur in the workplace during the course of employment. The injuries vary, depending on the type of job, from mild to severe. In most cases of workplace injury, the employment site is dangerous and unsafe. Examples of dangers seen in the workplace are defective equipment or non-contained hazardous chemicals. In addition, repetitive motions during the workday or heavy lifting can result in work injuries.
Workers’ Compensation in Work Injuries
Most of the time, work injuries fall under the scope of workers’ compensation. This state-sponsored workplace insurance covers injuries obtained during the course of employment. Employers in the state are mandated to obtain workers’ compensation coverage, and claims are processed through the South Carolina State Accident Fund.
The workers’ medical bills are paid until maximum improvement has been reached and he/she receives compensation for lost wages. A shorter period of absence from work (more than seven days but less than 14) is compensable from the eighth day on. However, on the other hand, if the work absence extends past 14 days, the worker’s benefits will extend back to their first day of lost wages. Your attorney will help you file a claim and challenge a denial.
What Type of Work Injuries Are Not Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
The following injuries are not covered by workers’ comp:
- Any injury that is self-inflicted
- Injuries due to psychological disorders
- Work injuries resulting from horseplay
- Injuries due to being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Injuries caused by ignoring company policy
Common Work Injuries
The following are the most common workplace injuries:
- Slips and falls: Falls alone are common among all types of workers. From office workers to those doing construction work, the threat of a trip or slip and fall is real. Office workers are not exempt either, especially if the office has cords and cables strewn about. These can lead to fractures and frequently a head injury.
- Defective equipment: Injuries are caused by equipment that is defective due to manufacturing, design or failure to warn. One of the worst injuries occurs when clothing or a person’s hair is caught in the equipment, and an automatic shut-off is not activated. This malfunction can cause the person to be pulled into the machinery and crushed. Defective power tools and scaffolds are also implicated in many work injuries. Power tools can cause lacerations or penetrating injuries while a defective scaffold can cause someone to fall from a great height. This can result in fractures, traumatic injuries to the chest, abdomen and head.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Whether you are driving a slow-moving construction vehicle or delivering a product across town, if you are in an accident with a motor vehicle, you have the right to claim workers’ compensation. These accidents can lead to traumatic injury to the head and spine or death.
- Hazardous materials: Work injuries can involve hazardous substances. Usually, this is due to the absence of appropriate safeguards. An example is the exposure workers experienced to asbestos years ago. They developed mesothelioma, lung cancer and other problems, and many are filing a lawsuit against their employers.
- Insufficient training: With changes in the workforce and the need for skilled workers, many employers are not providing sufficient training. This leads to any number of work injuries.
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured on the job, contact the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers to set up a free review of your case. We will help you determine if a workers’ comp case is possible, and if not, whether you can file a lawsuit against the employer or a third party. We can be reached at (843) 232-0944 or contact us online.
