Greenville Workers Compensation Lawyer, SC

Did you know that in a recent year, more than 29,000 South Carolina workers were injured on the job? Working is stressful enough without worrying that you’ll get hurt. Fortunately, most Greenville workers are covered under the state’s workman’s compensation program, in which employers provide medical treatment coverage for injured workers while working. But the worker’s comp process can be complicated, and it may not cover everything you need to make a full recovery. If you were injured in a workplace accident, you have legal options. The Joel Bieber Firm, Greenville workers compensation lawyers, can help. We are your guide through the complex and sometimes contentious claims process and ensure that your employer fairly compensates you for your injuries and other losses.

Getting hurt on the job can devastate you and your family, especially if you are the primary breadwinner. But recovering the damages you’re entitled to doesn’t have to be complicated. Let us help. Contact The Joel Bieber Firm for a free consultation about your workers’ compensation case.

Greenville Workers' Compensation Regulations

Workers’ compensation laws and statutes can be confusing, but our legal team is familiar with the current South Carolina law and closely monitors any changes to these statutes to fully protect our clients. There is a lot of misleading information and some “urban legends” that surround workers comp, so here are the facts you need to know:

Only Certain Employers Are Required to Carry Workers Compensation Insurance

Very small businesses are not required to offer worker’s comp. But businesses with four or more employees, which includes family members working for the business and part-time workers, must have workers’ compensation coverage in South Carolina. There are a few exceptions to this requirement, including businesses that:

Have an annual employee payroll under $30,000
Employee agricultural workers
County and state fair associations
Railway express companies and railroads
Federal government employees
Owner-operator commercial drivers
Real estate agents who work on commission and meet specific requirements

If you’re unsure if your employer falls into these categories, contact a Greenville workers compensation lawyer.

Workers' Compensation Claims Are Overseen by Regulatory Organizations

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) oversees workers’ compensation claims and ensures that employers comply with state law. It is composed of seven governor-appointed commissioners who serve six-year terms.

The WCC disseminates all workers comp rules pertaining to state workers comp laws to South Carolina employers.

There Is a Time Limit to File a Workers’ Comp Claim

You have 90 days from the accident date to report the injury to your employer. If your injury involves damage from the repetitive motion you do on the job, you need to notify your employer within 90 days of the injury or condition (such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a strained back) being diagnosed.

Then, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation insurance claim. If you miss the deadline, you may be rendered ineligible.

Furthermore, if more than seven years have elapsed since your last exposure to the working conditions that caused your repetitive trauma injury, you may not receive workers’ compensation coverage for that injury.

How Does Workers' Compensation Work in Greenville?

If you’re hurt on the job, never try to “tough it out.” You’re legally entitled to medical treatment, and your employer (in most cases) is obligated to provide it for you. However, to ensure that your claim is covered, you must follow a few protocols.

First, immediately report the injury to your supervisor or manager. If you need emergency care, your health and safety come first, so always call for an ambulance or other urgent care if needed.

A workplace injury has to be reported as soon as possible. If you don’t report the injury within 90 days, you risk being disqualified for workers’ comp coverage.

To receive benefits, you must undergo an evaluation by an employer-designated medical professional. If you don’t go to the medical center chosen by your employer, your bills may not be paid. Make sure to detail the full extent of your injury at your first appointment, including stating how it happened.

Then, your employer files a claim with the WCC. If they do not, you may file your claim directly with the agency. After this, your employer’s insurance agency will contact you to gather more details about the injury, the circumstances in which it occurred, and how badly you’re hurt.

Be very careful when talking to the insurance adjustor – you may think they are on your side, but they aren’t. Their job is to save your employer as much money on the claim as possible.

At this point, the services of a Greenville workers compensation lawyer protect your interests. Your Greenville personal injury attorney is on your side and will ensure that your medical care is all covered.
The insurance company will either approve or deny your claim, or they may contest it or adjust it. If you don’t get the full compensation for your medical treatment, including any aftercare or physical therapy, you may petition the WCC for a hearing.

The commission listens to testimony from both parties, reviews the evidence of the situation, and makes a legally binding ruling about your benefits. Hiring an experienced Greenville workers compensation attorney can help you construct a strong case for the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

You Have Rights — a Greenville Workers Compensation Lawyer Can Help You Understand Them

The Joel Bieber Firm is dedicated to helping victims of workplace injuries secure the compensation they’re entitled to.

When you work with our firm, you benefit from our deep understanding of the complex laws regulating workers’ compensation claims. We ensure that all filing deadlines are met on time and complete the legal paperwork required on your behalf.

Your legal team also deals with the employer’s insurance company on your behalf, negotiating for the highest settlement possible and protecting you from having your claim minimized or denied. Contact our Greenville workers compensation lawyers with years of experience today for a free consultation about your workers compensation benefits.