How Long Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation?

In South Carolina, you can receive workers’ compensation for a maximum length of 500 weeks. Also, workers’ compensation will pay two-thirds of your average weekly pay when you start receiving benefits.

If you have been injured due to an accident at work, workers’ compensation may cover your medical expenses related to your injury. This coverage may extend to hospital bills, surgeries, medical supplies, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Read on to learn more about workers’ compensation, what you may be entitled to collect, and what you may expect after experiencing an injury at work.

Workers’ Compensation Pays a Portion of Your Weekly Wages

In South Carolina, if you were injured on the job due to an accident or someone’s negligence, workers’ compensation entitles you to 66.67 percent of your average pay, according to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Workers’ compensation may provide coverage for your lost wages, your medical care costs, and expenses related to permanent disabilities if they have occurred.

If you were injured in an accident at work and expect to collect workers’ compensation, you should be aware that various factors will be addressed regarding the accident to meet the requirements.

Within the process, the first step you must take is to immediately report your accident. This is essential in processing your claim, as any delay might jeopardize your ability to collect compensation. If your injury is not reported within 90 days, you may lose the ability to claim benefits for your injury.

What to Expect from Workers Compensation

According to the South Carolina Bar, you may need to receive medical treatment after sustaining an injury at work. You may request that your employer cover medical treatment costs, but you must see a doctor of their choosing or within their insurance provider’s network.

You may undergo a seven-day waiting period before you receive the first payment. These payments are made by your employer’s insurance company after you have missed more than seven days of work. After you miss 14 days of work because of your injury, you will be compensated for the first seven days of missed work. From that point on, you can expect to be paid a rate of 66.67 percent of your weekly pay until a doctor gives you clearance to return to work.

A Lawyer May Help You with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you were injured at work due to an accident and suffered injuries, be aware of how the workers’ compensation process works and how it may affect your situation. There is a specific protocol that must be followed to ensure all aspects are documented. While there are many variables to consider, you may have questions regarding the individual circumstances you are facing. If so, you may wish to discuss your case with a legal representative.

Additionally, an attorney can fight for your rights and pursue compensation on your behalf if you have been injured in a work accident.

If You Are Considering Suing Your Employer

Suing your employer may be possible, depending on the situation you encountered that caused your accident. In South Carolina, you generally cannot sue your employer or a co-worker if you are injured on the job. However, one exception to this is if you think your accident occurred due to intentional harm by your employer. Another exception is where the injury was caused by a co-worker hired by a temp or staffing agency. Under that circumstance you would sue the staffing agency not your employer.

If you are in this situation, discussing your case with an attorney may prove to be helpful. A lawyer can provide legal guidance and examine your case to determine its potential. If it is deemed possible to bring a case against your employer, your lawyer may help you bring a lawsuit.

Contact Hammack Law Firm for Your Workers’ Compensation Case

If you were injured due to an accident at work, you may be able to receive coverage for your injury expenses and lost wages through workers’ compensation. After a work-related accident, you should not have to worry about managing the costs related to your injuries, including lost income. If you have received a first workers’ compensation offer, our team of legal professionals can help you assess the value of the offer and determine if you should accept it.

At Hammack Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting on behalf of our clients and helping them recover the awards they are entitled to collect after work-related injuries. If you were injured at work, you technically have 90 days to report your injury, but please report it to a supervisor immediately. Early reporting with a written record helps establish your claim and minimizes confusion down the road. Once you pass the requisite week-long waiting period, you may begin to receive your benefits. You can receive workers’ compensation for up to 500 weeks for most injuries, but you can get lifetime benefits for traumatic brain injuries, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.

If you would like to speak to a legal representative about your case, contact the offices of Hammack Law Firm at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 today. We aim to seek the maximum financial compensation for each client we represent.

 

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To get started with our Greenville personal injury law firm, please simply contact us online or call (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 for a free consultation.