A Columbia, SC workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure you and/or your dependents receive what you’re entitled to if you get sick or injured on the job. Let’s look at how workers’ compensation works and when a Columbia lawyer can help you receive the benefits you deserve.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?
The Workers’ Compensation Act in South Carolina allows an employee who suffers an injury or illness by accident arising out of and in the course of employment to receive benefits. The injured worker must provide notice of the injury to the employer and file the claim. Benefits include medical expenses, compensation for lost time or diminished income, and disability benefits if he/she suffered a permanent injury. You may forego these benefits if you fail to file a claim or if the claim is denied. We can help you through the claim procedures, including a complicated appeals process.
Insurance companies are rarely motivated to look out for workers’ interests, and they will often do whatever they can to disprove claims and refuse to give out funds, even if the claims are legitimate. One reason the insurance company may deny your claim is if the cause of the injury is unclear. They may argue that the injury was sustained outside of the workplace, or was a pre-existing condition. A workers’ compensation lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim and protect your rights.
Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
A lawyer isn’t always necessary when you want to claim a workplace injury to receive benefits. If the injury is minor and heals completely, is clearly related to your work, and/or doesn’t require you to miss a long period of work, your claim is likely to be smaller and unlikely to be disputed.
More complex cases, however, can be more difficult to navigate, for both workers and insurance companies. These might include your case if:
- You have a pre-existing condition
- You have an injury that is difficult to define
- You are being accused of fraud
- You are unable to work for the long term or indefinitely
- You receive Social Security disability or other government benefits
- You have not yet received benefits after submitting your claim
- You are unable to receive the medical care you need without workers’ compensation benefits
- You have an repetitive motion injury
- You have an occupational illness or disease
- You have a serious brain injury
- You have a mental injury
Or, if you’re currently disputing or appealing your claim, a lawyer may be necessary to expedite the process.
Why Work with a Columbia, SC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
A workers’ compensation lawyer can offer you a better chance of receiving the benefits you deserve, even if your claim is denied. They will help gather documentation and evidence, recommend experienced and qualified doctors and medical personnel, represent you at your hearing, and negotiate on your behalf to earn the best possible outcome.
Here are three reasons why you should work with a Columbia, SC workers’ compensation lawyer:
There’s a Time Limit to Make Your Claim
In South Carolina, if you are a victim of a workplace accident and suffer an injury, you have up to 90 days to report the incident, and up to two years to file a claim. This may sound like a long time, but if you’re unsure if your injury qualifies you for workers’ compensation or are facing other pressures, the clock can run out surprisingly quickly. It’s best to contact a Columbia, SC workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case, collect evidence, and make your claim.
You Can Recover More with a Columbia, SC Lawyer
People who are represented by a workers’ compensation lawyer are likely to recover more than those who approach the process alone. Insurance companies are working to save their own money and may try to talk you out of pursuing your claim, try to discredit your case, or dispute minor inconsistencies to convince you to settle for less than you deserve.
When you work with an experienced attorney in Columbia, SC, you’ve got a local professional in your corner to advocate for your best interests. They can help you present a solid case and receive the benefits for which you’re entitled.
You Don’t Owe Anything Up Front
Many workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you don’t owe anything upfront. Their fee will come out of what you are awarded for your permanent disability, either in a settlement or as determined by the Workers’ Compensation Commission. This means you won’t ever have to worry about paying out of pocket for an attorney. By law, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in the case of a legitimate workplace injury, and a Columbia, SC lawyer will make sure the law is upheld.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Columbia, SC
Looking for help with your worker’s compensation claim? The workers’ compensation attorneys at Bernstein & Bernstein are your source for thorough and responsive legal action. We handle each case personally to ensure that you’re taken care of — throughout the legal process and after. Give us a call to get started.