Every day, hard-working people across Lexington head into work dedicating their time and effort to their jobs. They build our city, serve our community, and support their families. But sometimes, the unexpected happens. A slip and fall. A malfunctioning machine. A sudden injury that turns life upside down. When you find yourself hurt on the job, you need someone who will stand up and fight for your rights. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we have over 35 years of combined experience fiercely advocating for injured workers just like you. We are your trusted Lexington workers’ compensation lawyers.
Why You Need a Workers Comp Lawyer By Your Side
Getting hurt at work is stressful enough. Your injuries are painful, the medical bills are piling up, and you may be missing paychecks. The last thing you need is to battle the complicated workers’ compensation system on your own. That is a fight you should not have to face alone. Insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their interests. You need someone doing the same for you.
As experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers, we know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims. We will not let them push you around or give you less than you deserve. With us in your corner, you can focus on your recovery while we handle every aspect of your claim:
- Ensuring all required forms and paperwork are completed accurately and submitted on time
- Gathering evidence to build the strongest possible case, including incident reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance company
- Fighting for your right to quality medical care and the benefits you deserve
- Representing you in court or at hearings if needed
- Exploring all potential sources of compensation, including third-party claims
We know how to build winning cases and get results. Our goal is to maximize your compensation while making the process as stress-free as possible for you.
Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries
Workplace accidents can happen in any job, from construction sites to corporate offices. Some of the most common include:
- Slips, trips, and falls due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, clutter, or unsafe ladders/scaffolding
- Being struck by falling objects or moving machinery
- Vehicle crashes for workers who drive for their jobs
- Repetitive motion injuries from repetitive physical tasks
- Overexertion from heavy lifting or physically demanding work
These and other work-related accidents can result in all types of injuries:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Sprains, strains, and torn muscles
- Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Burns from fire, chemicals, or explosions
- Illnesses from toxic exposure
No matter what type of injury you suffered, if it happened at work or because of your job duties, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover your medical bills, lost wages, ongoing care, and more. However, getting the full amount you deserve often requires help from an experienced attorney.
What To Do If You Get Hurt at Work
The steps you take after a workplace injury are important. Some key things to remember:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally in writing. There are strict deadlines for reporting.
- Get medical care right away. Your health is the top priority. Tell the doctor your injury is work-related.
- Follow the doctor’s treatment plan. Go to all follow-up appointments.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Get names of witnesses. Keep all medical records and bills.
- Be careful what you say to the insurance company. They may try to use your words against you. You can even direct them to talk to us instead.
- Contact Lexington workers’ compensation lawyers. The earlier you get legal advice, the better your rights will be protected.
What Benefits Are Available Through Workers Comp?
South Carolina law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When a worker gets injured, this insurance provides certain benefits, including:
- Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary care related to your injury, including doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, surgery, and equipment. You will typically need to see doctors chosen by the insurance company.
- Wage replacement benefits to help make up for lost income while you cannot work. The amount will be a portion of your average weekly wages before the injury.
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury causes lasting impairment that impacts your ability to work. The amount depends on the severity of disability.
- Vocational rehabilitation services if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job. This can include job retraining, education, resume help, and more.
In the tragic event a work injury results in death, close family members can receive survivors’ benefits.
There are different types of disability (temporary total, temporary partial, permanent total, permanent partial) based on the extent of your injuries. Calculating the correct benefit amount can be complicated. The insurance company’s calculations are not always accurate. We can ensure you are getting the full amount you deserve under the law.
Third-Party Claims for Additional Compensation
While workers’ comp is usually the primary source of benefits for injured workers, sometimes there are other avenues for compensation. If someone besides your employer played a role in causing your injuries, you may have a third-party liability claim. This allows you to file a separate lawsuit for additional damages not covered by workers’ comp. Examples of potential third-party claims include:
- Car accident claims if you were injured in a work-related crash caused by another driver.
- Product liability claims if you were injured by a defective machine, tool, or equipment
- Premises liability claims if you were injured on someone else’s unsafe property while working
Exploring these additional claims is one of the many ways our law firm fights to maximize your compensation. We leave no stone unturned in building the strongest case possible for you.
Hurt at Work? Call Us for Help
Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to put our decades of experience and proven track record of success to work for you. Let our Lexington workers’ compensation lawyers fight to get you the full compensation you need to move forward after a workplace injury. You focus on healing. We will take care of the rest.
With locations in Lexington and Mauldin, South Carolina, we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.