When you get hurt at work, your health, income, and future may all be at risk. The pain may keep you from working, and the stress of mounting bills can make recovery even harder. Workers’ compensation is supposed to help, but getting the benefits you need isn’t always easy.
If you’re having a hard time with a benefits claim, John Foy & Associates will fight for you. Our Allendale workers’ compensation lawyers know how to take on insurers who delay, deny, or undervalue claims. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
With 350 years of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered in settlements and judgments, we are ready to fight for you. Our Allendale personal injury lawyers make sure workers across South Carolina get the support they need. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance. This system covers job-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of who was at fault. However, injured workers often run into roadblocks when trying to claim benefits.
Workers’ compensation should provide:
- Medical treatment for your work injury or illness
- Partial wage replacement if you cannot work due to your injury
- Permanent disability benefits if you suffer lasting damage
- Vocational rehabilitation if you need to train for a new job due to your injury
Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies sometimes try to minimize or deny benefits. If this has happened to you, our Allendale workers’ compensation attorney will review your situation and determine how we can fight for the full amount you deserve.
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Common Workplace Injuries in Allendale, S.C.
Workers in Allendale can suffer injuries on the job in many ways, whether in a factory, office, construction site, or driving for work. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Back and neck injuries from heavy lifting or falls
- Burn injuries from chemicals, explosions, or hot surfaces
- Construction accidents involving heavy machinery or falls from heights
- Motor vehicle accidents while driving for work
- Workplace violence injuries
No matter what type of injury you have suffered, we will get the medical care and financial support that allows you to focus on healing and helps you move forward.
Our Allendale Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Will Build a Case to Support Your Claim
Dealing with a workplace injury can be stressful, especially when the insurance company tries to make things difficult. That’s where our workers’ compensation lawyers in Allendale come in.
At John Foy & Associates, we will:
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your benefits
- Handle appeals if your claim is denied
- Explore third-party claims for additional compensation
We can also answer questions about your specific situation, such as whether workers’ compensation covers pre-existing health conditions or if you can collect workers’ comp and disability benefits at the same time.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay until we win your case. Let our experienced team fight for the benefits you deserve. To go over your legal options and next steps, you can call us today for a free consultation.
Filing Deadlines for Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina
It’s important to act quickly if you are hurt at work. In South Carolina, you have:
- Ninety days to report the injury to your employer. Per the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, failing to report a work-related injury or accident makes you ineligible to receive benefits.
- Two years to file a formal workers’ compensation claim.
Missing these deadlines can make it harder to get benefits. If you’re unsure about your claim, our Allendale workers’ comp lawyers will make sure we file everything correctly and on time.
What Happens When Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied?
Many workers assume that if they are hurt on the job, they will automatically get benefits. Unfortunately, insurance companies can deny claims for various reasons. They can:
- Allege that your injury wasn’t work-related
- Claim you didn’t report the injury on time
- Say you didn’t follow proper medical treatment
- Accuse you of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the injury
If your claim has been denied, don’t give up. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Allendale can appeal the decision and present the evidence needed to prove your case.
Can You File a Third-Party Injury Claim?
Workers’ compensation covers job-related injuries, but it doesn’t allow you to sue your employer. However, if someone other than your employer caused your injury, you may have a third-party claim for additional damages.
Examples of third-party claims include:
- A reckless driver who hits you while you are making a delivery
- A defective machine that causes a serious injury
- A subcontractor’s negligence that results in a construction accident
A third-party injury claim can help you recover damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as full lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, among other damages.
We will advise you if you have a valid third-party claim.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
If you were injured on the job, taking the right steps can help protect your rights:
- Report the injury: Tell your employer as soon as possible. South Carolina law requires you to report your injury within 90 days of the accident.
- Seek medical care: Your employer or their insurance company will likely choose the doctor you see. If you see your doctor without permission, workers’ compensation benefits may not cover the costs.
- Keep careful records: Write down details about the injury, medical visits, and any communication with your employer. This documentation can support your claim.
- File a claim: Your employer should report your injury to their insurance company, but if they don’t, you can file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Get help from an attorney: If your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued, we will step in and fight for your benefits.
Get Help from Our Allendale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are recovering from a job-related injury, the time to get legal help is now. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather the evidence needed for your claim.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or a denied claim, our Allendale workers’ compensation lawyers will protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve. At John Foy & Associates, we understand how challenging this process can be, especially when you’re already dealing with pain and uncertainty.
Our team will handle the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance company, and stand up for you at every step. Call for a free consultation and find out how we can help. We don’t charge any fees until we win your case.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form