Workers’ Compensation is a system designed to protect workers financially in case they are injured while on the job and cannot make a living because of it. Although there are some exceptions, most of the injuries incurred while at work are covered by South Carolina workers’ compensation and require the employer to compensate the employee. Despite this, claims can still be denied by the insurance company representing the employer. If you are thinking of filing a claim it’s always best to consult an attorney first and to know exactly what South Carolina workers’ compensation covers.
Short Term Disabilities Covered by Workers’ Compensation
The majority of workers’ compensation cases in South Carolina are short-term disabilities that result from accidents at work. These include injuries from falls, heavy lifting and other work related accidents resulting from negligence. In special situations, injuries resulting from car accidents, repetitive trauma or carpal tunnel syndrome can also be covered. Workers who have suffered from a short term disability are entitled to full medical treatment for the injury, pay to cover any missed work, and a bulk settlement at the end of the case to cover permanent injuries.
Permanent Total Disabilities Covered by Workers’ Compensation
In some instances, the accident or injury can be so severe that the worker who sustained it will never be able to work again. In accidents like these, which include brain trauma, paralysis, and loss of limb, the worker is entitled to medical care to deal with the injury as well as weekly payments to cover the loss of income. The amount is related to several factors including the work experience, education, and age of the employee. Other categories of injury include permanent partial injury (loss of a body part that will not affect the ability to work), disfigurement (scarring and burns), and death.
What Kind of Injuries May Not Be Covered by Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?
Even though the system is designed to compensate injured workers, every work related injury is not covered by workers’ compensation in South Carolina. If the injured employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol then any injury they sustain will not be covered by workers’ compensation. Coverage can also be denied if the injuries are self-inflicted, if they were sustained while committing a crime, if they were sustained while the employee wasn’t on the job, or if the injury happened while the employee was violating company policy. If you are unsure if your injuries are covered under workers’ compensation then contact an attorney who specializes in work related injuries to find out more.
Workers’ compensation is an important system in South Carolina. Without it employers would force their employees into increasingly dangerous situations knowing that they would not be financially responsible if an injury were to occur. Unfortunately, it’s still difficult to get a claim accepted even if it is perfectly valid. In some instances the best results can be achieved by submitting a claim through an attorney who specializes in that area of law and can appeal any rejected claim on your behalf.
If you have suffered an injury at work you may be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. For more information, visit the website of Joye Law Firm, a workers’ compensation law firm located in South Carolina at www.JoyeLawFirm.com.
