When people get hurt on the job, the damages tend to add up fast. This is especially true if you are unable to work while recovering from injuries. In addition to mounting medical bills, for example, one may face weeks—or even months—of lost wages.
Thankfully, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. In the state of South Carolina, for example, the only employees that are not covered by this mandate are:
Put another way, there’s a good chance you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you were hurt while performing your job duties. As long as none of the above exceptions apply to you—and you are appropriately classified as an employee and not an independent contractor—you should be entitled to funds for certain expenditures over the course of your recovery.
The easiest way to confirm that you’re covered by your employer’s insurance is by checking your place of work for a notice stating as much. In the Palmetto State, businesses that are required to carry a workers’ compensation policy—which is most of them—are also required to post a notice that they comply with the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.
If you don’t see a poster anywhere on the premises, the second easiest way to confirm coverage is by asking your employer. If you’re planning on filing a claim, however, it’s best to limit correspondence with your co-workers and/or managers until your case has been resolved. As such, you should have your attorney reach out instead.
In fact, your legal team should handle all communication with the opposing party moving forward. Interacting with your employer (or their insurer) directly opens the door for them to manipulate you into accepting an unfair settlement or otherwise jeopardizing your claim.
No matter how sympathetic your employer might be, it’s important to remember that they’re not obligated to protect your best interests. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney, on the other hand, will advocate for your rights at every stage of the proceedings.
Once your lawyer confirms your employer has an active policy and you’re covered under it, they’ll gather the evidence need to prove you’re entitled to compensation, so you don’t have to worry about making ends meet when you should be focusing on your health.
If you were seriously hurt while on the clock, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Just because your employer has insurance, however, doesn’t mean securing the funds you deserve will be easy.
For help seeking what is rightfully yours, turn to Hodge & Langley Law Firm. Our compassionate team is proud to advocate for injured parties who might otherwise get taken advantage of. Call 864-585-3873 or complete our Online Contact Form to set up a free case review with a workers’ compensation lawyer in South Carolina.
Submission of information in this contact form does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In order to establish such a relationship with our firm we require a direct meeting with the attorney.
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