Workers’ compensation is insurance that benefits employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In Rock Hill, SC, workers’ compensation is mandatory for most employers. This means that if you are injured or become ill as a result of your job, you will be able to receive benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.
If you are an injured worker, it is important to contact a Rock Hill workers’ compensation lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. We value the attorney-client relationship, and we will help you file a workers’ compensation claim, understand your rights and options, and fight for the full benefits you are entitled to.
Workers’ Compensation in Rock Hill, South Carolina
Under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws, if you suffer a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation benefits help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits
- Ongoing care costs
Medical Expenses
One of the first things you will want to do after being injured at work is seek medical attention. Your employer’s workers’ compensation policy will likely cover the cost of your medical treatment. This includes both emergency care and ongoing care costs. You should not have to worry about how you will pay for your medical treatment if workers’ compensation covers you.
Lost Wages
Workers’ compensation will also cover a portion of your lost wages if you cannot work due to your injury or illness. This benefit is usually paid out at two-thirds of your average weekly wage and is referred to as your compensation rate.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation benefits can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other necessary expenses. This benefit is designed to help you retrain for a new job if your injury or illness prevents you from returning to your previous occupation. In some cases, workers’ compensation will assign a vocational rehabilitation specialist to your case; this specialist will help you in your job search efforts.
Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation will provide death benefits to the worker’s surviving spouse and/or dependent children if a worker dies due to their injury or illness. These benefits can help cover funeral costs and lost income.
Ongoing Care Costs
If you require in-home care due to your injury or illness, workers’ compensation may help cover the cost of this care.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in South Carolina
If you have suffered a workplace accident or become ill due to your job, it is important to notify your employer. Your employer should then direct you to a doctor for evaluation and treatment, if necessary.
It is also important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are not just for those injured at work. If you become ill due to your job, you may also be eligible for benefits. For example, if you develop an illness such as cancer due to exposure to hazardous materials at work, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
If you have any questions about whether or not you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, it is best to speak with an attorney who specializes in this area of the law. An experienced attorney will be able to review your case and advise you of your rights and options. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Rock Hill, SC, today to get started on your claim.
Tips for Obtaining Workers’ Comp Benefits in Rock Hill, SC
A workplace injury can quickly become more complicated than most South Carolinians expect. Some cases will be fairly straightforward, and the worker will obtain their workers’ compensation benefits without much trouble. However, many injured workers in Rock Hill find that getting the full extent of their benefits is more challenging than they initially thought.
If you have suffered an on-the-job injury in Rock Hill, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting the benefits you need and deserve:
- Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer is required to file a report with their workers’ compensation insurance company, but they may be reluctant to do so if they think you will not pursue a claim. By reporting your injury right away, you are making it clear that you intend to file a claim and seek benefits.
- Get medical care as soon as possible. Documenting your injuries and getting the treatment you need to recover is important. Workers’ compensation will likely cover the cost of your medical treatment, so keep all your receipts and records.
- Make sure you file the proper forms. Many cases will require filing WCC Form 50 or Form 52.
- Keep detailed records of your injuries by taking pictures of your injuries, and saving any other documentation that will help to support your claim.
- Speak with an attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, who specializes in workers’ compensation law. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Rock Hill, SC, today if you have been injured on the job. An experienced attorney can help you get the benefits you need to recover from your injuries. Please schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Rock Hill, SC?
You should give your employer notice of your injury, in writing, within 30 days of your accident. Because while the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation benefits is two years in South Carolina, the longer you wait to report and file your claim, the more likely it is to be denied. The limitations period typically begins on the date of an accident for an injury claim. Still, the limitations period for a death claim begins running on the date of the person’s death, which could be well after the date of an accident.
Contact the Rock Hill, SC Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor Today
If you have been injured on the job, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that you are taking all the necessary steps to protect your rights and obtain the benefits you deserve.
The workers’ compensation process is complex and can seem daunting. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your workers’ compensation case and ensure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to.
Call The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for a free consultation with an experienced Rock Hill workers’ compensation attorney. We fight to protect the rights of injured workers and will work to get you the benefits you deserve.
