Workers’ Compensation Lawsuits: Common Workplace Injury Claims
The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC represent injured workers, as well as their families, in the pursuit of workers’ compensation injury and death benefits. It does not matter if you were injured at a construction site, by defective machinery, or a burn accident, we can assist you.
We proudly seek justice on behalf of employees injured or killed on the job who work for private companies, as well as employees working for local, county, city, and state government. Being out of work due to a job-related injury or illness entitles you to Workers’ Compensation benefits in South Carolina. Whether your case involves obtaining benefits for a denied workers comp claim, helping you obtain medical treatment, negotiating a fair and equitable settlement for your on the job injury, or even pursing a claim against a third party who caused and/or contributed to your workplace injury, call our office today to schedule a free appointment.
Physical Injuries
A physical injury pertains to any bodily injury. A physical injury may result from an accident at the workplace or while traveling for work, the negligence of a third-party, an equipment malfunction, or an environmental condition.
Common physical injuries include:
- Burns and injuries suffered in fires and explosions
- Spinal and brain injuries
- Amputation
- Falls
- Internal or external chemical burns
- Poisoning
- Fractures
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Eye injuries, blindness
Repetitive Injury
A repetitive injury is the result of accumulated physical damage which occurs while performing your job. The injury occurs from continued wear and tear at the workplace that results in physical trauma over time. If you feel that you have suffered a repetitive injury, you should reach out to a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation attorney and report it as soon as possible.
Common repetitive injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis and golf elbow
- Ganglion cyst
Illness & Disease
An occupational disease is one that you acquire because of what you are exposed to while on the job. These may include lung disease from Asbestosis exposure or hazardous work-related materials, or a disease contracted because your work in a hospital. Common workers’ compensation illnesses and diseases include:
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Nuclear radiation exposure
- Asbestos exposure and other job-related diseases
Hard-to-Prove Workplace Injuries
Although they can and do occur, some work related injuries are difficult to prove.
These can include:
- Mental and emotional issues from extreme or unusual work conditions or from an ongoing work injury.
- Work-induced heart attacks
- Work-related strokes
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Work-Related Death
In South Carolina, deadly work related accidents can and do occur. If you lost a loved one as a result of a work injury in SC, you may be entitled to death benefits under The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. The results of a workplace injury and potential permanent disability can be life altering, as can a work related death or illnesses.
How to Proceed After a Work Injury
Report the Injury:
When you are hurt in a work injury, it is critical that you report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, but no longer than 90 days after the accident.
Seek Medical Attention:
Your employer should direct you to a physician who will evaluate the extent of your work related injuries. If your employer does not schedule an appointment for medical treatment, you should immediately obtain medical treatment and an evaluation of your condition from a medical doctor so that you begin documenting the extent and severity of your injury.
Be a Responsible Patient:
Follow all of your doctor’s treatment advice. If you do not understand a treatment protocol, just ask. Be honest about the nature and extent of your injury with your doctor. (Fraudulent claims are taken very seriously and a false statement may result in criminal prosecution.) Similarly, make sure that you report each problem that you are experiencing to your physician.
Protect Yourself From a Dispute:
If you are hurt in a work injury in South Carolina, do not feel compelled to volunteer information that does not have anything to do with your injury. For example, if you are dealing with lower back pain from a fall that occurred last week, there is no reason to tell your doctor that you had lower back pain for a two week period ten years ago when you have not experienced continuing back pain.
Get a Second Opinion:
Although you must be completely honest, remember that your employer likely has an ongoing relationship with the physician that they are sending you to. Given this relationship, depending upon the severity and extent of your injuries, it often makes sense to attempt to obtain a second opinion or independent medical opinion.
Maintain Good Records:
Track important dates related to your injury, such as injury occurrence, date of report, conversations regarding your injury. Keep all receipts for medical treatment, medications, any travel related expenses including miles driven to see your doctor and any other costs related to your injury so that you will be fully reimbursed if your comp claim is approved by the insurance carrier.
Call Today for a Free Workers Comp Consultation
The Strom Law Firm, LLC understands the impact that a work related injury or death has upon you and your loved ones. The most important thing you need to focus on is a speedy recovery. You need an advocate who will seek justice on your behalf.
