Greenville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Fighting for Your Compensation Rights in Greenville, SC

Have you been injured at work? Are you wondering how you are going to pay your medical bills, make up for lost wages, or even get back to living a normal life? Most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect people like you who become injured on the job. However, you should never negotiate with or accept a settlement from any insurance company until you first consult a licensed attorney.

Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC, is committed to helping victims of personal injuries receive the justice and compensation that they deserve. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Greenville take a thorough approach to help ensure that you and your family are not taken advantage of by your employer or their insurance company.

Injured on the job? Call our Greenville workers' compensation lawyer at (864) 432-5353 for a free consultation, or contact us online. We’re ready to hear about your unique situation and offer you next steps.

When Should I Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer? 

If you've been injured, navigating the workers' compensation process can be complex and overwhelming. While not every case requires legal representation, there are specific situations where hiring a workers' comp lawyer can greatly benefit you. Here are key indicators that it's time to consider seeking legal counsel:

• Denied or Delayed Claims: If your workers' compensation claim has been denied or significantly delayed, it's a red flag. A lawyer can help assess the situation, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Severe Injuries: In cases of severe injuries that lead to long-term disabilities or significant medical treatment, having a lawyer by your side can help secure the appropriate compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and potential future needs.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition aggravated or exacerbated by a work-related incident, proving your case can be challenging. A skilled attorney can help demonstrate the connection between the incident and your worsened condition.
• Retaliation or Discrimination: If you believe you're facing workplace retaliation or discrimination due to filing a workers' comp claim, legal intervention can protect your rights and prevent unjust actions by your employer.
• Disputed Settlements: If the insurance company offers an insufficient settlement to cover your expenses and losses, a lawyer can negotiate to ensure you're adequately compensated.
• Issues Getting Medical Treatment: If you're encountering difficulties in receiving necessary medical treatment or your treatment plan is being disputed, an attorney can help ensure you get the medical care you need.
• Complex Cases: Some workers' comp cases involve complex legal and medical issues. A lawyer's expertise can guide you through intricate processes, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
• Death Benefits: If you've lost a loved one due to a work-related incident, seeking death benefits can be emotionally challenging. A compassionate lawyer can handle the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on healing.

Our Greenville workers compensation lawyer can clarify your circumstances and outline the best course of action! 

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina?

If you've been injured at your workplace in South Carolina, it's crucial to follow the proper steps to file a workers' compensation claim. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a smoother process and protect your rights.

Step 1: Report the Injury Immediately. As soon as you suffer an injury while on the job, promptly report it to your supervisor. One of the most significant errors people make is failing to report their injury promptly, leading to potential complications later. Ensure that an official accident report is filed, containing a detailed description of the incident and the circumstances surrounding your injury.

Step 2: Provide a Comprehensive Injury Description. When filing the accident report, make sure to provide a thorough account of your injury and the specific activities you were engaged in when the accident occurred. A comprehensive description will support your claim and provide essential information for the process.

Step 3: Your Employer's Role. Once you've submitted the accident report, your employer will take necessary action. They will contact their workers’ compensation insurance provider, initiating the claim process. Subsequently, they will schedule an appointment for you to see a doctor approved by the insurance provider.

Step 4: Request Copies of Documentation. Throughout the process, it's essential to keep track of all relevant documents. Request a copy of your accident report and any other paperwork related to your injury. These records will serve as essential evidence and ensure you stay informed about the progress of your claim.

By following these steps diligently, you can navigate the workers' compensation claim process in South Carolina with greater confidence and increase your chances of receiving the benefits you rightfully deserve.

Why Would a Workers' Comp Claim Be Denied?

There are various reasons that a workers' compensation claim may be denied, including, but not limited to:

• Failure to report an injury in a timely manner
• Failure to file on time
• Not seeking or receiving medical treatment for your injuries
• If the employer disputes the claim
• The complexity of the claim is difficult to prove
• Failure to provide sufficient evidence that the injury was work-related

Thankfully, even if your claim was denied, you are still able to file an appeal with the Department of Workers' Claims. Contacting a skilled workers' comp lawyer before filing your claim can help determine what areas of your case need to be strengthened before contesting the ruling.

Our experienced Greenville workers' compensation attorneys can guide you through the claim and appeal process to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

What Types of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Because Carolinians do many different types of jobs, there are a vast number of injuries that can occur while at work. Some of these injuries may be minor, while others can be severe and life-altering. If you are not sure whether your injury qualifies you to file a worker’s compensation claim, you should always consult with a lawyer about your specific situation.

Some common workplace injuries that typically qualify for workers’ compensation include:

• Sprains, dislocations, or broken bones
• Concussions or any type of head injury
• Lacerations, scrapes, or bruises
• Vision, smell, or hearing loss
• Injuries caused by electric shock
• Disc, back, or spinal cord injuries
• Brain or neurological damage
• Loss of limbs/dismemberment
• Respiratory damage/lung diseases
• Mental or psychological conditions

What Can I Receive Compensation For?

Medical Treatment: In almost all workers’ compensation cases, your employer is responsible for the cost of your doctor visits and treatments for your injury. This includes medical necessities such as prescription medication, crutches, wheelchairs, and more. In some cases, employers may even be responsible to cover your medical expenses for the rest of your life. This is why it is always important to consult an attorney before accepting any settlements from an insurance company.

Lost Wages: Most people don’t realize that after being injured at work, your employer is also responsible for reimbursing you for up to 66% of your lost wages. We can help you precisely calculate your salary and benefits to make sure you receive the most compensation allowed under the law.

Compensation for Permanency: Your employer may be responsible for compensating you for any permanent of life-altering conditions that persist due to your injury. After being treated by a physician, we can evaluate any and all physical or mental limitations, restrictions, or losses that could entitle you to receive additional compensation.

How Much Does a Worker's Compensation Attorney Cost?

Our legal team is committed to seeking justice and compensation for members of South Carolina’s working class who have been injured or disabled while on the job. Every case is different and can very in difficulty depending on the type of injury and attention needed to successfully complete your claim. For this reason, all consultations with us are completely free, and you won’t have to pay any attorney’s fees until we resolve your case. Our main priority is your well-being and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

What to do if your Worker’s Compensation claim heading for mediation in Greenville, South Carolina?

Several situations may lead to mediation for a Worker’s Compensation claim in South Carolina. If that's the case, consider seeking assistance from the Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC, who specialize in handling such cases. Some of these situations include:

• If you are claiming total and permanent disability, your claim will be sent to mediation
• If you are making a claim after developing an occupational disease, your claim might be sent to mediation
• If you are making a third-party lien reduction claim, your claim might also be sent to mediation
• Contested death claims might require mediation

If your Worker’s Compensation claim is heading for mediation, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about the next steps to take. The Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC, comprising skilled Worker’s Compensation lawyers in Greenville, South Carolina, can assess your situation, guide you through the mediation process, and assist in preparing for the proceedings.

Why Choose our Greenville Workers' Compensation Lawyers?

Filing a workers' compensation claim can be a difficult and complicated process. An experienced workers comp attorney can make the process of navigating through easier. Filing, processing and following up on a claim can be strenuous affair when trying to also focus on recovering from your injury.

Finding an attorney to represent you can make all the difference in the success of a claim. Whether it's recovering lost wages or mountains of medical bills, our experienced workers' comp attorneys can give you the guidance and care you need to recover.

Start fighting for the compensation you deserve with the help of our Greenville workers' compensation attorneys. Contact us today!