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Do You Know When To Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Columbia, SC?

September 20, 2022

workers comp lawyer

Do You Know When To Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Columbia, SC?

If you’ve been injured in a work-related accident or you’ve become ill due to a work hazard, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. We know this can be an overwhelming situation, so we’re here to help. We’ll let you know when to hire a workers’ comp lawyer and how they can help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you’re searching for a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney, look no further than Bernstein & Bernstein. We’ve been helping people in the community since 1943, and our lawyers will fight hard to get you the benefits you’re entitled to.

When to Hire a Workers' Comp Lawyer

Here in South Carolina, workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides financial reimbursement for lost wages, help for medical treatments, and payment for permanent disability or death. This program is available to all employees for work-related illnesses, accidents, or injuries, regardless of who was at fault – this could include the employee, employer, a co-worker, a customer, or a third party.

If you are in a situation where you think you deserve workers’ compensation, the time to act is now. But you’re probably wondering, “Can I handle this on my own, or should I hire a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney?” We’re here to answer your questions.

When Can You Represent Yourself in a Columbia, SC Workers’ Comp Case

If you’re wondering when to hire a workers’ comp lawyer or represent yourself, the answer depends on the severity of your injury, the overall complexity of your case, and the actions of your employer (or its insurance company).

In most cases, you should be able to handle everything yourself without an attorney if all of the following statements are true:

  • You suffered a minor workplace injury (ex. a twisted ankle, a minor cut, etc.).
  • Your employer admits that the injury took place at work.
  • You missed little to no work due to your injury.
  • You don’t have a pre-existing condition that affects the same part of your body as the recent workplace injury (ex. an old back injury from a car accident that was there before you hurt yourself on the job).

Note: These are relatively uncomplicated situations where you can probably forgo a workers’ comp lawyer. However, it can still be a good idea to contact an attorney for a free consultation about your case and what you can expect moving forward.

When You Should Hire a Lawyer in a Workers’ Comp Case

You should hire a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney at the first sign of any complexity in your case. Some of the most common examples that call for lawyer intervention include:

  • Your employer denies your claim or isn’t paying your benefits in a timely manner.
  • Your employer’s settlement offer doesn’t cover all your medical bills or lost wages.
  • Your medical issues prevent you from returning to your job, limit your abilities at work, or keep you from working at all.
  • You are currently receiving or planning to apply for Social Security disability benefits.
  • Your boss is retaliating against you for firing a workers’ comp claim (ex. Fired, demoted, hours cut, etc.)
  • Insurers are pushing back on your claim.
  • You have to attend a workers’ compensation hearing.

Timeline for Hiring a Lawyer in a Columbia, SC Workers’ Comp Case

The sooner you decide to hire a lawyer for your workers’ compensation case, the better. The best time to hire a lawyer is immediately after you get injured. Your attorney will be able to guide you through this complicated process and work hard to get you the help and benefits you need. Plus, most lawyers don’t charge any fees upfront, so you won’t have to worry about paying them right away.

Note: Yes, it’s best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. However, as soon as you get hurt, your first thought must be about taking care of yourself. Always seek medical treatment as quickly as possible (no matter how minor or significant your injury is) and ensure that your condition doesn’t get worse.

How a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Get You the Benefits You Deserve

When you hire a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney, they will work hard to get you the benefits and compensation you deserve. They know all the ins and outs of the system and will take a lot of stress and responsibility off your shoulders. Some of the ways that an attorney will help you include:

  • File all the necessary paperwork and forms and meet all deadlines.
  • Gather the evidence required to support your case.
  • Negotiate with the insurance company.
  • Write a settlement agreement to avoid unanticipated consequences.
  • Represent you during a hearing or trial.
  • Arrange treatment from recommended physicians.
  • Conduct depositions of medical experts.
  • Negotiate settlement agreements.
  • Advise you on third-party claims and other potential benefits.

Experienced Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Columbia, SC

Need help winning the battle to get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve? Contact one of our Columbia, South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys at Bernstein and Bernstein. We can help sort through the details of your case, represent you in court, and earn you the benefits you need. Call our office at (803) 799-7900 or contact us online.

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