Navigating the South Carolina workers’ compensation process can be challenging for employees who have never filed a claim before. Many workers often wonder if their expenses will be fully covered, or if they will be forced to pay out-of-pocket for their treatment. This article is designed to provide an overview of what is typically covered under workers’ compensation law in South Carolina.
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Accidents & injuries
When a person is injured on the job – even if the injury was their fault – their medical expenses are to be covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
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Work-related illnesses
Medical costs related to illnesses that were caused by harmful substances or allergens at the worker’s place of employment are covered under South Carolina workers’ compensation law.
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Repetitive stress injuries
Repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome that develop over time due to a person’s job are covered.
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Missed wages
You are entitled to receive compensation at the rate of 66 ⅔ percent of your average weekly wage based on the four quarters prior to your injury – but no more than the maximum average weekly wage determined by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. If you work more than one job, all of your wages can be included as part of your average weekly wage.
If you return to light work duty before you are fully discharged by a physician and consequently make less than you earned in your previous role, you will be entitled to weekly compensation at the rate of 66 ⅔ percent of the difference between your average weekly wage and your new wage.
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Travel expenses
If the round-trip distance to your doctor or pharmacy is more than 10 miles from your home, you can be reimbursed for mileage at the rate allowed for South Carolina state employees.
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Ongoing care
If you require extra treatment following your work-related injury or illness – such as surgery or physical therapy – then your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover this.
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Funeral costs
In the event that a work-related accident or illness causes death, up to $12,000 of your funeral and burial costs will be covered. Your beneficiaries may also be entitled to receive death benefits.
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Temporary & permanent disability
If your injury or illness causes you to be temporarily or permanently disabled, you are entitled to compensation under South Carolina workers’ compensation law. The best thing to do is to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can examine the circumstances of your disability. Only a qualified lawyer can ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Injured at work? Contact McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates
Although South Carolina workers’ compensation law might seem straightforward on paper, employees who file claims encounter hurdles far too often. That’s why hiring a personal injury attorney for your workers’ compensation claim is advisable.
A qualified attorney has experience with workers’ compensation claims and knows how to navigate the system. They know what papers to file, how to file them, and how to go up against insurance companies who will do everything they can to avoid paying out. They can also help you if your employer alleges that your claim isn’t valid, or tries to fire you as a result of your claim. They know what your case is worth, and they can make sure you get every penny you’re owed – especially if you end up being permanently disabled as a result of your workplace injury or illness. Sadly, employees who do not hire a lawyer often end up settling for amounts that are far too low and don’t take into account the entire financial picture, from doctor’s appointments to surgeries and long-term prognosis.
The attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates have been working with workers’ compensation claims for more than 40 years. We know exactly how to handle these cases, and we do everything we can to make sure our clients are treated fairly by insurance companies.
We have offices throughout South Carolina, in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter.
Give McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates a call today at 803-768-3447. It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help.®