
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is responsible for determining the annual maximum weekly compensation rate for work injury victims across the state. As of January 1, 2022, the maximum weekly compensation rate is set at $963.37.
However, the exact amount of compensation you could receive through your employer’s workers’ comp insurance provider could vary widely depending on the specific details of your case. There are also other types of workers’ comp benefits you could be entitled to. Here is more about how much you could be awarded in full through your South Carolina workers’ compensation settlement.
Which Workers’ Compensation Benefits Do You Qualify For?
When you have been injured in an on-the-job accident, you should be protected by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Under the law, South Carolina employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation coverage if they have a minimum of four employees on staff.
Your injuries must be considered work-related to qualify. If you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, there are certain benefits you could be eligible for depending on the specific details of your case. Some of these benefits include the following:
Disability Benefits And Compensation Rates
One of the most important benefits you may be able to collect are disability benefits. Generally, these amount to approximately two-thirds of your average weekly salary.
However, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce has placed a cap on the maximum amount of disability benefits that can be paid out weekly. As of January 1, 2022, the weekly compensation rate is set at a maximum of $963.37.
Normally, you can expect to collect your disability benefits until you are able to return to work. However, once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your workers’ compensation benefits may be terminated depending on the details of your case.
You can find out more about how much your disability benefits could amount to when you contact your workers’ comp lawyer for more information.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation benefits describe the cost of job training and educational opportunities an employee may need after suffering a debilitating work injury.
If your work injuries will prevent you from being able to continue working in your current industry, and the only way you can reenter the workforce is to go back to school or obtain additional job training, the insurance company can cover these costs. You can find out whether you are eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits when you go over your injuries with your attorney.
Medical Benefits
The cost of your medical treatment and care following an on-the-job injury is likely to be astronomical. Even a seemingly minor injury can wind up costing thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage should be responsible for covering all of your medical expenses and treatment. This does not just include your current medical care, but any future medical care as it relates to your work injuries.
Some examples of the different types of medical expenses that could be covered through your workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Transportation costs
- Co-pays
- Prescription medication fees
- Ambulance bills
- Diagnostic imaging bills
- Hospital bills
- Medical treatment
- Medical equipment fees
Death Benefits
When a work-related injury takes the life of an employee, that employee’s surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits. Not only will the decedent’s employer’s workers’ comp provider cover the cost of the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses, they may also be responsible for covering the decedent’s medical bills.
The surviving family members may be able to collect disability benefits amounting to approximately two-thirds of the decedent’s average weekly wages for a period of time after the accident. The maximum amount of time that surviving family members can collect benefits can vary widely, depending on whether a surviving spouse remarries, the age of the decedent’s dependents, and other factors.
For a legal consultation with a lawyer serving North Carolina and South Carolina, call 828.286.3866
How To Maximize Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
If you hope to get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim, you should not file your application for benefits without first reviewing it with your attorney. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny workers’ compensation claims.
However, if your attorney has reviewed your application in advance, we can preemptively prepare for the possibility of a workers’ comp claim denial.
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Meet With A South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When you have been seriously injured in a work-related accident, you may have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. Although workers’ comp may not be enough to cover your losses in full, your attorney can help you maximize your workers’ compensation settlement amount.
Reach out to a South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can reach our office through our quick contact form or by phone to get started on your case as soon as today.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form