A work-related injury can derail a person’s life for weeks, months, or longer, which is why if you’ve been hurt on the job, you should consider speaking with a Chesterfield County work injury lawyer here at the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. to learn more about your legal options. Contact us today so we can get started.
Injured on the Job? Speak With a Chesterfield County Work Injury Lawyer.
Those who’ve been injured on the job often find themselves unable to return to work temporarily. If this has happened to you and you are currently seeking workers’ compensation, a form of insurance designed to compensate injured workers regardless of fault, or you are looking to file a third-party claim, a Chesterfield County personal injury lawyer here at our firm is here to help.
Reporting a Workplace Injury
If you are injured on the job, once you call an ambulance to the scene, you should report your injuries to your employer immediately. You should understand that workers only have 90 days from the date of an injury to report it to their employer if they wish to file a workers’ compensation claim, and waiting longer than 90 days will most likely revoke their right to workers’ compensation benefits. If you can, you should also ask witnesses for their contact information and take pictures of the cause and aftermath of your accident.
Once you’ve been treated at a hospital and receive a copy of your medical documents, you should hire an experienced Chesterfield County work injury lawyer. Though you are required to notify your employer of your injury within 90 days, you will have two years from the date of your injury to actually file your workers’ compensation claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. That said, the sooner you file, the better off you will be. Our firm is prepared to assist you today.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina
As long as you can prove that you were injured on the job, you should receive workers’ compensation benefits. Here in South Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits can cover the cost of all medical bills associated with your injury and up to 66 ⅔ percent of your average weekly wage, not to exceed the average weekly wage in the state of South Carolina.
Third-Party Claims in South Carolina
In some cases, it is best to file a third-party claim, as opposed to a workers’ compensation claim. A third-party claim is when someone sues an outside third party who is not their employer for their injuries. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, there is no predetermined cap on the amount of damages you can recover in a third-party claim. Potential third parties can include property owners, defective product manufacturers/designers, and independent contractors.
Contact a Chesterfield County Work Injury Lawyer
Injured workers in the state of South Carolina can depend on the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. to fight for their right to compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with our experienced legal team.
