Some jobs are more dangerous than others, and the employees face hazardous conditions that occasionally put their lives in jeopardy. But no matter what type of position you hold, the majority of employees are eligible to receive workers’ compensation if they sustain injuries while at work. Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of coverage employers must carry in case an employee is hurt while on duty. It will cover medical expenses and a portion of the employee’s wages if they get hurt on the job or get sick while at work.
The insurance also protects employers from a lawsuit by employees that get hurt while working in their normal employment capacity. If you or someone you love suffers injuries while on duty at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. An employee must be on duty when the injury takes place to receive benefits, and the injury must fall into the covered categories. There may be times when an employer may deny an employee’s workers’ compensation claim so if you suffer from a work-related injury, it is always a good idea to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.
What Types of Injuries Does Greenville, South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Work-related injuries in Greenville, South Carolina are those that take place while you are in the process of performing job duties for your employer. Usually, the injuries will happen when you are on the job site, or in another type of company property (like a work vehicle), or another area where you are performing work activities. You should also know that this includes company activities like holiday parties, workshops, or any other type of activities your employer may sponsor for staff members. Any injuries you suffer have to be a result of you being on duty when you get hurt to make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, carpal tunnel for a data entry operator or a hand or foot injury from working on a construction site are work-related injuries that qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you suffer injuries while on duty at work and are unsure if your injury makes you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you should schedule an appointment with a workers’ compensation attorney in the Greenville area. Immediately after your injury, you need to notify your employer and seek medical attention for treatment and an evaluation of your injuries. You should also schedule an appointment with a workers’ compensation attorney to go over the details of your case. Your lawyer will be able to tell you if your injuries deem you eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and give you specifics on how long you have to file your claim.
What Should I Do After I Suffer an Injury at Work?
When you suffer an injury while you are working, you need to make sure you seek medical treatment and follow your employer’s protocols for reporting your injury. An employee that follows the company policies stands a better chance of receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
After an injury or accident while on duty, an employee should:
- Let your manager or supervisor know about your injury. Make sure you give your notice in writing and file an accident report and keep a copy for yourself as proof of the notification.
- Get medical treatment immediately after the injury and keep a written documentation of all medical treatments and appointments relating to your injury. This documentation will support your request for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and provide copies of your medical documentation to support your claim. You need to include as much detail as possible and include the names of any other employees that were a witness to your injury.
- Schedule an appointment with a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and to get any questions you may have about the process answered. A lawyer will make sure you meet all the necessary deadlines for filing your claim in Greenville, South Carolina.
How Long Do I Have to File My Greenville, South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claim?
All states give employees a time limit to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. In South Carolina, you have to notify your employer of any type of injury you suffer while on-duty as soon as possible after the injury. You do have 90 days to make the notification of any discomfort or pain due to the injury, but a workers’ compensation attorney will tell you that letting your employer know about the injury immediately after it happens will improve your chances of collecting benefits. You must make a claim for benefits due to your injuries within 2 years of the injury or accident. A workers’ compensation attorney will also tell you that there will be a 7-day waiting period prior to you receiving benefits.
Like with any other accident you are in, you should schedule an appointment with a lawyer to advise you on how to proceed with your claim. A workers’ compensation attorney will have knowledge of all the specifics surrounding the claims process and can guide you through the end. After a work-related injury, the last thing you should have to worry about is the claims process for your case. Hire an attorney to protect your rights and your interests and to make sure you receive all the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Call the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Case
If you or someone you love suffers from a work-related injury, call us at the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm today. We can help you get your request for benefits filed and will remain by your side until you receive the resolution. A workers’ compensation attorney from our office can fight with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you receive the benefits you need to recover from your injuries and get back to work. Call our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your case.