Workplace injuries can take a huge toll on a person, and not just physically. In addition to physical injuries, victims of Aiken workplace accidents and illnesses are typically faced with financial burdens including medical bills and rehabilitation costs. Employers have workers’ compensation insurance to help cover these costs, but receiving a fair amount of money following your workplace accident can be an uphill battle. An Aiken workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the complicated workers’ compensation system and advise you on your next moves so that you can maxmize your chances of receiving a fair sum following your South Carolina workplace accident.
Most Aiken employers with four or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance under South Carolina law. Exceptions to this rule include “casual employees” who work on an as-needed basis, agricultural employees, railroad employees, federal employees, and some real estate agents.
According to the National Safety Council, some of the industries with the highest rates of workplace injuries are construction, education and health services, transportation and warehousing, and retail. However, injuries can happen at any workplace – even those which seem like unlikely places for accidents to occur.
The injuries that take place at workplaces can range from slip-and-falls to brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation, fractures, and more. However, not all Aiken workers’ compensation claims have to do with direct injuries. Many deal with repetitive injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back problems; others relate to illnesses such as heart conditions, lung disease, or mesothelioma, which can be attributable to work conditions.
If you’ve been injured at work in Aiken, your employer is required by law to file your workers’ compensation claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within a certain number of days of receiving your injury report. However, not every employer follows this rule – and some even refuse to acknowledge their employee’s injury.
An Aiken workers’ compensation attorney can be extremely beneficial in these cases. An experienced lawyer will not only make sure your claim gets filed, but will also ensure that every piece of paperwork is completed correctly and ahead of deadlines. South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys can also make sure you receive the care and equipment needed to treat your injury, including surgery and prosthetic devices.
It’s important to follow all of the rules and regulations under South Carolina workers’ compensation law so that your case remains rock solid. Remember – your employer’s insurance company will try to poke holes in your case in an effort to deny your claim altogether. A qualified Aiken workers’ compensation attorney can anticipate what the other side will try to do, and will fight on your behalf so that you can focus on getting better.
The attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates will advocate for you every step of the way. They know exactly what you’re entitled to following your Aiken on-the-job injury, including medical expenses, two-thirds of your weekly wage (up to a maximum), prescription reimbursements, medical mileage, and compensation for permanent disability and/or disfigurement (if applicable).
McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates has been representing victims of Aiken workplace accidents for more than four decades, and we would love to speak with you if you’ve been injured at work.
Give our Aiken workers’ compensation lawyers a call today at 803-529-3476 for a free, no obligation case evaluation.