You have the right to file for workers’ compensation immediately after a serious accident – but how do you kickstart the process, and what can you do if an insurer won’t offer you support? When in doubt, you can work with an Anderson workers’ compensation lawyer to make your voice heard.
John Foy & Associates takes pride in offering legal support to workers fighting to recover from workplace accidents. Our efforts have helped us secure over $1 billion on behalf of our clients since 2003. If you’re ready to get the financial aid you need to recover from an accident, let our Anderson personal injury lawyers go to work for you.
When are You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
You have the right to request workers’ compensation the same day you start working a job, provided you were injured on a job site while on the clock. If you can tie a physical injury to workplace negligence, workers’ compensation insurance can help you pay for emergency care, ongoing medical treatments, and even psychiatric care tied to your emotional distress.
The term “workplace injury” can cover a wide range of conditions, including slip and fall accidents, product failures, misuse of machinery, and even assault. The severity of your injury can directly impact the support you receive through a workers’ compensation policy.
If you are struggling to recover from a recent injury, we recommend scheduling a free case consultation with an Anderson workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. The faster you speak with a lawyer, the easier it may be to protect your right to comprehensive financial support.
Are Employers Obligated to Offer You Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Any South Carolina business with three or more employees, including the owner, must legally provide those employees with workers’ compensation insurance. Owners can turn to third-party insurers to secure the policy they need to protect their employees from harm.
Arguably, no one should stand in your way when you move to file a workers’ compensation claim, and your employer should have enough coverage to help you physically and financially recover. However, insurance companies do not want to support you financially, and your employer may argue that they don’t owe you damages.
Even medical professionals can complicate your recovery. If you go to a doctor recommended by your boss, that doctor might push you to return to work sooner than you should or cast doubt on the severity of your injuries. Fortunately, experienced attorneys can help you respond to and defuse this kind of misconduct.
Get the strong arm
Can Independent Contractors Work with Anderson Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
Many employers opt to work with independent contractors because they believe doing so will allow them to deny a contractor’s workers’ compensation claim. However, this isn’t actually the case.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Anderson can analyze your contract alongside state and federal laws to determine what protections you benefit from while working with certain clients. We can also outline your right to legal action and represent you if and when employers try to contest your right to support.
How to File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
To file a workers’ compensation claim after a workplace accident, you can:
- Report your injury to your employer within 30 days of your accident
- Contact an attorney for legal support
- Discuss your right to action with an attorney
- Gather evidence proving that your injury stemmed from workplace negligence
- Keep track of your recovery costs and include copies of bills, invoices, and other expenses in your claim
- File the appropriate claim forms before your right to act expires
Whatever you do, do not sign any paperwork or provide any statements about your injuries in conversations with your employer or insurance claims adjusters. You are not required to provide insurance claims adjusters with any statements regarding your losses – and you shouldn’t without a lawyer present.
Instead, inform your employer that you’ve been injured. Don’t go into detail about the severity of your injury. Then, once you’ve received essential medical care, meet with an attorney to discuss how you can proceed with your financial recovery.
When Do You Need to Finalize Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim with an employer’s insurance company, you need to report your injury to your supervisor within 30 days of your accident. While confirming your injury verbally does allow you to file a claim, it’s often in your best interest to inform an employer of your injury via email or in writing, as that creates a communication record.
Once you’ve informed your employer of your plans, you have one year to finalize your claim. That countdown may begin on the day you’re injured or on the day you get medical treatment for a work-based condition. You can hammer out the details of your filing deadline with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Anderson, SC.
Because you have so little time to complete your claim, we encourage you to schedule a free workers’ compensation case consultation as soon as you can after a serious accident. Our team can walk you through the details of the filing process and help you decide how you want to hold negligent parties accountable for your losses.
Don’t Let Your Chance to File Pass You By
John Foy & Associates’ workers’ compensation attorneys in Anderson want to make it as easy as possible for you to recover from a workplace accident. We don’t let insurance companies lowball your recovery or wrongfully deny your claim. You can count on us to help you finalize your paperwork, negotiate for support, and appeal denied claims.
You only have one year to finalize your workers’ compensation claim. Don’t wait a minute longer. Book your free case consultation with our contingency-based attorneys today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form