
You’re not legally required to use a workers’ compensation lawyer in South Carolina, but it’s usually a good idea. A workers’ comp lawyer can provide valuable administrative and legal support and serve as your representative throughout the whole process.
If you’ve been injured at work, you’ll want a legal professional on your side. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in South Carolina at Farmer & Morris, PLLC to learn more about how we can help.
Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina
Most employers in South Carolina are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to pay for injuries employees sustain while on the job. When a worker gets hurt while performing job duties, workers’ compensation will step in and pay the following benefits:
- Cost of medical treatment for injuries
- Up to two-thirds of your average weekly earnings
- Vocational retraining if you need to switch careers
- Funeral and burial expenses for fatal injuries
Workers’ compensation is no-fault coverage, so it doesn’t matter who caused the injury. As long as it happened at work and you meet the requirements for a compensable claim, you can receive benefits. When you get injured, you report the injury to your supervisor. They should then fill out a report and submit a claim. Once the claim is approved, you will start receiving benefits.
What Can a Lawyer Do for Me?
Here are just a few of the ways that a workers’ compensation lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC can help you.
Gather Medical Documentation
A lawyer can gather and organize your medical documentation, including intake forms, accident reports, labs, imaging results, and doctor’s notes. Lawyers can also work with medical and vocational experts to accurately characterize your injuries and work limitations.
Filing Claim Documents
Workers’ compensation claims involve a lot of paperwork, and filing errors can delay or jeopardize your claim. A lawyer can handle all the paperwork and ensure that everything is filed correctly the first time. An attorney will also respond to requests for additional information and evidence.
Communicating With Insurance Companies
In most cases, you should leave communications with insurance companies and adjusters to your lawyer. Insurance companies may ask you to make a recorded statement. You should instead direct them to your lawyer to communicate on your behalf. Insurance companies can twist your statements, but lawyers know how to undermine these tactics.
Appealing Claim Denials
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or your benefits terminated without explanation, we can help you file a formal appeal. We can file an appeal request and represent you in front of the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
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Benefits of Working With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
A workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that insurance companies treat you fairly during the process. Below are just a few of the benefits of hiring a lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC:
- Faster resolutions. All other things being equal, a lawyer can expedite claim timelines. They can push back against unreasonable demands and hold insurance companies accountable for responding and resolving your claim in a timely manner.
- Negotiation leverage. Insurance companies and your employer may try to deny your injuries or dispute whether medical coverage is necessary. We can push back against these attempts to devalue your claim or dispute fault.
- Peace of mind. When you’re injured, the last thing you want to do is deal with insurance claims and possible litigation. A lawyer can handle the difficult legal legwork, so you can focus on healing and recovery.
How Much Does a Workers ‘ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
One reason why people hesitate to hire a lawyer is that they are worried about the cost. The good news is that most workers’ compensation lawyers like Farmer & Morris, PLLC, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that your attorney takes their fee out of a final settlement.
So if your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you don’t have to pay. This arrangement lets you secure legal counsel without upfront fees and incentivizes your attorney to pursue the maximum possible settlement.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
You need to report your injury to your supervisor within 90 days of the injury occurrence or the discovery of your injuries. In general, reporting as early as you can will be better for your case. If your employer refuses to file or denies your injuries, you have two years to file a formal claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer from Farmer & Morris, PLLC Today
Do you have more questions about working with a workers’ compensation lawyer in South Carolina? If so, contact Farmer & Morris, PLLC today to discuss your case. We have recovered over $100 million dollars for countless clients and are here to offer our skills and resources. Call our offices today to schedule a case evaluation with a knowledgeable team member.