Workers’ Compensation – How It Works

Workers’ Compensation – How It Works

Workers’ Compensation – How It Works Worker hold letter with approved Workers Comp claim.

The Workers’ Compensation Claim 

When a worker becomes sick due to work-related activities or is injured on the job, workers’ compensation provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. In South Carolina, employers with a minimum of four employees must have workers’ comp insurance. It helps protect the workers and their families when they are unable to work. By doing this, both the company that hires the employee and the worker are protected.

What Does South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Do?

The availability of workers’ comp insurance in the Palmetto state helps by doing the following:

  • Workers’ compensation protects the safety of employees.
  • Companies are also protected by workers’ compensation.
  • Workers’ compensation helps injured or sick employees get the right training for a different job if they are no longer able to do the one they had.
  • It helps families with death benefits if the worker loses their life at work.

How Employees and Employers Are Protected by Workers’ Compensation

The advent of workers’ comp helps both the owner of the business and his or her employees since the employee is not able to sue the owner if a claim is filed. So, the owner of the business benefits since they will not need to pay for their worker's injuries or illnesses out-of-pocket. Likewise, the employee will not need to worry about themselves or their family if the injury or sickness is severe and requires medical treatment or loss of wages.

Paying for Workers’ Comp

So, who actually pays for workers’ comp? The employer pays into a fund that pays for worker injuries and illnesses. They are required to do so by the State of South Carolina. 

What Injuries Are Not Covered?

Some injuries are not covered by workers’ comp. These include:

  • Benefits are not paid if the worker is drunk or drugged at the time of the incident.
  • The accident occurred when the worker was breaking the law or acting against the business’s policies.
  • The worker inflicted the injury on themself.
  • The injured party was not working when the injury occurred.

Who May Not Be Covered

  • Farm workers
  • Workers who are not paid a salary and only work when needed
  • Railway workers
  • Those who earn less than $3,000 
  • Sellers of farm products
  • State federal employees
  • Real estate agents
  • Volunteers
  • LLC members
  • Sole proprietors
  • Partners in the business

What Happens After an Injury/Sickness at Work?

The following steps occur after an employee becomes sick or injured on the job:

  • The employee is required to let the employer know what happened. If they do not do this in a prescribed amount of time, their benefits may be lost.
  • The employer provides the claim form to the worker.
  • Once the worker completes and turns the claim form in to the employer, the employer files the claim with the state workers’ compensation board.
  • The workers’ compensation board processes the claim.

How Is the Compensation Calculated?

The rate the worker receives is based on the type of business and the rates in that state. Other factors that affect the rates are:

  • The number of employees
  • The business’s safety record
  • The payroll of the company

How an Attorney Can Help

Because of the complexity of workers’ compensation, the insight of a lawyer experienced with workers’ comp is critical. They can help ensure that the worker or their family receives the proper benefits. In addition, if the claim is denied, the workers’ comp attorney is able to file an appeal.

Myrtle Beach Area Workers’ Comp Attorney

At Morris Law in the Myrtle Beach area, we work with employees injured on the job or who develop a serious illness that is work-related. We are there for them every step of the way. Call us at (843) 232-0944 to set up a free case review. If it is easier for you, you can also contact us online.

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What Our Clients Say

Thank you so much for your advice! I highly recommend him! Mr. Morris was extremely helpful with helping me understand the situation.
What seemed very confusing to me he actually broke everything down so I could understand what everything meant. Thank you so much for your advice! I highly recommend him!

Crissy Blumer

I would highly recommend Morris Law firm. Everything about my experience was easy and stress-free. At a time where I was frazzled and in need, the Morris Law Firm was there for me with answers and direction.
The knowledgeable staff was friendly and helpful. Leigh Anna answered my calls and e-mails promptly and with clear answers. Jeff and his staff were able to help me with all my legal needs.
I appreciate the time and energy that they put towards my case. Anyone looking for legal advise would be well advised to hire The Morris Law firm.

Kylie Reid

I contacted Morris Law after I was injured from a fall at Dollar General. Mr. Morris took my case and immediately began to give the help and guidance I needed. He was able to get me treatments and physical therapy that I would not have been able to get on my own. I was also able to stop working and concentrate on getting my injuries taken care of. We have settled after a long battle and I am pleased with the outcome. I want to thank Mr. Morris and his very capable staff for the great treatment . I recommend Morris Law for your needs.

Vivian Hancheck

Wonderful people. I don’t even know where to begin. From the moment I called to schedule an appointment to our last meeting, Morris Law has been nothing but professional and helpful as I needed help navigating legal matters.

Delora Pitts

Jeff Morris was great to work with. Easy to work with. Made sure I received the best settlement I could get. Thanks Jeff.

John Farber

The staff at The Morris Law firm has been great. I had many questions leading up to my decision on which law firm to use. My experience with everyone I had contact with was positive. They have multiple offices around the state of South Carolina. Highly recommend reaching on to Jeff and his staff if you made need a great lawyer. He has a whole team of professionals waiting to help you.

Matthew Reynolds

I appreciate all that Morris Law Firm did for me. Very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable staff that helped during a difficult time.

Lindsey Rogers

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At Morris Law Firm, we have provided compassionate and aggressive counsel to personal injury victims in Horry County, Aiken County, and throughout South Carolina since 2016. We are available 24/7/365 days of the year. Reach out and get your case evaluated at no cost.

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