Gaffney Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you suffered injuries at work in Cherokee County, a Gaffney workers’ compensation lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, could help you get the lost wages and medical care coverage you need while you recover. South Carolina law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance for everyone they hire. As a result, you likely have access to these benefits. 

You can get a free consultation with an attorney from our team today. We will discuss your injuries or illness, your employer, and your rights. In addition, we can explain the claims process and if having our team file an appeal might help. 

Table of Contents

• • Compensation Available Through SC Workers’ Compensation Coverage
  • How Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Helps with Gaffney Workers’ Compensation Claims
  • Understanding the Claims and Appeals Processes in South Carolina
  • Do I Have a Third-Party Civil Case?

• Discuss Your Case with One of Our Attorneys for Free Today 

For a legal consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer serving Gaffney, call 828.286.3866

Compensation Available Through SC Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance policy that pays out when an employee suffers an injury at work or contracts an illness linked to workplace exposure. Under the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation laws, the available benefits include:

• Medical care coverage if you see the doctor requested by your employer
• Lost wages covering as much as two-thirds of your usual pay, up to a state-mandated maximum
• Disability or disfigurement compensation if you have permanent injuries
• Vocational training to help you return to your previous job or the workforce with lasting impairments
• Death benefits for surviving family members, including reasonable funeral and burial costs

What Happens If I Need Long-Term Benefits?

Lost wage benefits only last for a limited time. However, suppose you have lasting injuries or require long-term treatment that prevents you from returning to work for a year or more. In that case, you might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

A lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, will review your circumstances and determine if you qualify. Then, we can help you file your claim. These benefits can make paying your bills and making ends meet easier when you cannot work. In addition, you could qualify to receive them until you reach full retirement age, when you begin to draw Social Security benefits.

Gaffney Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866

How Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Helps with Gaffney Workers’ Compensation Claims

At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our lawyers understand how the South Carolina workers’ compensation law works and how to navigate the claims and appeals processes to secure benefits. We believe you should not have to fight for compensation while focusing on your treatment and healing. Let us help.

When you work with our Gaffney workers’ compensation team, you can expect us to: 

• Offer a free initial consultation where we review your case for free
• Look into your accident and injuries
• Gather medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and other evidence necessary to support your claim
• Complete all required documents 
• Meet statutory deadlines
• Navigate the claims and appeals process as necessary
• Represent your best interests 
• Fight for your compensation on a contingency fee basis

While our Spartanburg, SC, office handles workers’ compensation cases in Gaffney and greater Cherokee County, we also have offices in: 

• Rutherfordton, NC
• Morganton, NC 
• Shelby, NC

Understanding the Claims and Appeals Processes in South Carolina

Getting workers’ compensation benefits should be a straightforward process. To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• Work for an employer covered by state law
• Suffer an injury or illness at work or related to your work
• See a doctor approved by your employer for diagnosis and treatment
• Notify your employer of your injury or illness within 90 days
• Ensure your employer files your claim with the workers’ compensation insurer

While this list seems easy enough to complete, the process does not always go the way you expect. For example, your employer may refuse to file your claim, or it disputes or denies your claim. However, you have options if any of these happen to you.

If Your Employer Will Not Report Your Injuries to the Insurer

If your employer refuses to file your claim for you, nothing stops you from doing it independently. You have up to two years from the date of your injury to do so.

According to the Workers’ Compensation Commission, you will need to: 

• Complete Form 50 or 52
• Check box 13a, saying you do not want a hearing at this time
• Submit the form to the Workers’ Compensation Commission according to the instructions

If Your Claim Is Denied

If your employer disputes your claim or the insurer denies it, it might be time to call a Gaffney workers’ compensation lawyer. You will likely need to file an appeal to get approval for compensation benefits. 

According to the South Carolina Bar, this process begins with completing and submitting a Form 50. We will handle this step for you with this information that you will need to provide: 

• What happened
• If there were witnesses
• When and where the accident occurred
• When and to whom you reported the accident and injuries
• Details about your injuries, treatment, and prognosis

This form should provide the Workers’ Compensation Commission with enough information to investigate your case. While they complete their inquiry, we will also research your claim. Our investigation allows us to gather additional evidence and develop compelling support for your claim before your workers’ compensation hearing. 

We will represent you during the hearing and at any further hearings. Our lawyer will ensure you know what to expect every step of the way. 

Complete a Case Evaluation form now

Do I Have a Third-Party Civil Case?

In some situations, injured workers may also have a civil case based on their accident and injuries. While you cannot sue your employer or co-workers for on-the-job injuries, you could hold a third party liable for their role. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, will review your case with you for free today. 

For example, imagine a vendor lost a load while moving merchandise from their truck into your workplace with a forklift. The load fell on you, breaking your leg. You may be able to hold the vendor and their employer legally responsible for additional lost income, pain and suffering, and more. 

You generally have three years to act in this type of case under S.C. Ann § 15-3-530.

Discuss Your Case with One of Our Attorneys for Free Today

At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys provide free consultations for injured workers. We can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. You can reach our Spartanburg, SC, office now by calling (864) 582-1310.

Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form