Barnwell
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, from construction and manufacturing to office jobs and retail. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. 

However, employers and insurance companies don’t always make the claims process easy, and many workers struggle to get the full benefits they deserve. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Barnwell can help you navigate the process, protect your rights, and fight back if your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued. 

At John Foy & Associates, we have decades of experience advocating for injured workers and ensuring they receive fair compensation. Let our Barnwell personal injury lawyers handle your claim so you can focus on your recovery.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?

Most employees in Barnwell are covered under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws, which require employers with four or more employees to provide coverage. This includes full-time, part-time, and some seasonal workers.

To qualify for benefits, you must meet these requirements:

• You were injured while performing work-related duties. Injuries that happen on the job or due to work conditions generally qualify.
• You reported the injury within 90 days. South Carolina law requires employees to notify their employer of a workplace injury within 90 days of the accident.
• You file a claim within two years. The statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina is two years from the date of injury.

Even if you meet these qualifications, insurance companies may still try to deny your claim or limit your benefits. A Barnwell workers’ compensation attorney can ensure your claim is properly handled and push back against any unfair denials.

What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits for injured employees. Depending on your injury and work restrictions, you may be entitled to:

• Medical benefits: Covers doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medications related to your injury.
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
• Permanent disability benefits: If your injury causes lasting impairment, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.
• Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous job, workers’ compensation may cover training for a new career.
• Death benefits: If a workplace injury leads to a fatality, the worker’s dependents may receive compensation and coverage for funeral expenses.

A workers’ compensation law firm in Barnwell can evaluate your case and ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under South Carolina law.

Common Workplace Injuries in Barnwell

Workplace accidents can happen in any job setting, but some injuries are more common than others.

• Slip and fall injuries: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways can cause serious falls.
• Back and neck injuries: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and poor ergonomics can lead to strains, herniated discs, and chronic pain.
• Fractures and broken bones: Machinery accidents, falls, and impact injuries can result in fractures.
• Burn injuries: Workers in kitchens, factories, or construction sites face risks of thermal and chemical burns.
• Repetitive stress injuries (RSI): Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and nerve damage can develop over time due to repetitive tasks.
• Hearing loss: Exposure to loud machinery without proper protection can cause permanent hearing damage.

Even if your injury seems minor at first, delayed symptoms or complications can affect your ability to work. It’s crucial to report your injury and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

Many injured workers wrongfully receive claim denials due to errors, missing paperwork, or disputes over whether the injury is work-related. If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal.

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Barnwell can help by:

• Reviewing the denial letter and identifying the reason for the rejection.
• Gathering medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to strengthen your claim.
• Filing an appeal with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC).
• Representing you in hearings and fighting for your right to full benefits.

Even if your claim hasn’t been outright denied, insurance companies may offer a lower settlement than you deserve. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are not pressured into accepting less than what you’re entitled to.

Can You Sue Your Employer for a Workplace Injury?

In most cases, workers’ compensation is your only legal remedy for a workplace injury, meaning you cannot sue your employer directly. However, there are some exceptions where a lawsuit may be possible:

• If a third party (such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer) contributed to your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim.
• If your employer intentionally caused harm or acted with extreme negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
• If your employer does not carry required workers’ compensation insurance, you may have legal grounds for a claim outside of the workers’ compensation system.

A Barnwell workers’ compensation attorney can review your case and determine if additional legal options are available.

John Foy & Associates Can Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

At John Foy & Associates, we understand how stressful a workplace injury can be—especially when you’re facing medical bills and lost income. Our firm has helped injured workers recover compensation for decades, and we don’t back down from tough cases.

When you work with us, you’ll have a dedicated legal team handling every step of your workers’ compensation claim, from filing paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

If you’ve been injured on the job in Barnwell, don’t let the insurance company undervalue your claim. Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation and let us fight for the benefits you deserve.