In South Carolina, the attorney client privilege protects confidential information given to a lawyer by his or client regarding a legal matter. Not all communication between a client and his lawyer is protected information. There must be an attorney client relationship and the communication must be confidential. Several other factors contribute to determining whether or not a communication is protected.
To learn more about the attorney-client privilege in South Carolina, click here.
FAQs
After an accident occurs or an injury is suffered, you may feel lost and confused. Few people who have suffered an accident or incurred an injury have an extensive background in this area. Without this knowledge, they are left wondering how best to proceed in order to protect their legal rights. Fortunately, we are here to provide you with the answers that you are looking for. Check out our many frequently asked questions and their accompanying answers for more information.
What is an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?
When you are pursuing a workers' compensation claim, your employer may request that you have an independent medical examination (IME) done. The doctor or chiropractor who will administer the IME 
typically has not treated you in the past. The purpose of an IME is to have a third party conduct a medical examination so that their examination is not biased based upon any relationship that they may have with you. Your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier has a right to request that you undergo an IME and should the doctor feel that your injuries are not related to your accident, then the insurance company could deny your claim. That is why it is important to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney before you begin your workers' compensation claim. Contact workers' compensation attorney Shelly Leeke today for a free consultation at 1-888-690-0211.
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a non-malignant, progressive lung disease caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Victims of asbestosis may have no symptoms for 20-30 years after exposure, but asbestosis causes permanent damage to the lungs and there is no cure or effective treatments. In advanced stages asbestosis victims require oxygen 24/7, and asbestosis can cause pulmonary hypertension, cardio pulmonary arrest and death.
What is Average Weekly Wage?
Average weekly wage is the injured workers' average gross wages for a week. Average weekly wage is based on the gross amount earned before taxes or deductions. It includes overtime, bonuses and any other benefits received. In South Carolina, the average weekly wage is calculated by taking the total amount you earned during the last fifty-two weeks and dividing this amount of money by the number of weeks you actually worked.
What is included with pain and suffering damages?
Pain and suffering damages are money awarded for the physical pain and emotional suffering that a victim incurred in addition to medical costs and lost wages.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of a body part. Mesothelioma can occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart, and most commonly, the chest. The disease is most prevalent in men age 65 or older and is almost always associated with asbestos exposure that may have occurred 25-30 years prior to the diagnosis. Mesothelioma is the deadliest of asbestos exposure related illnesses, and there is no effective cure or treatment. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue and pleural effusions. Mesothelioma testing is initiated by a CT scan, followed by biopsy and lab testing with specialized stains. Mesothelioma is deadly and life expectancy averages only 4-18 months following a diagnosis. The disease can lay dormant for years after exposure to asbestos, so if you suspect or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the work related exposure may well have occurred long ago.
What is my employer required to pay if I am involved in a work accident?
If your injury is covered by workers' compensation benefits, your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier must pay the following:
1) Any and all medical expenses related to the injury;
2) Weekly disability benefits checks for all periods you are out of work with written doctor's authorization;
3) A lump sum payment for permanents disabilities and/or lost wages you incurred after your treatment has finished.
1) Any and all medical expenses related to the injury;
2) Weekly disability benefits checks for all periods you are out of work with written doctor's authorization;
3) A lump sum payment for permanents disabilities and/or lost wages you incurred after your treatment has finished.
What is South Carolina’s Seat Belt law?
South Carolina seat belt law has always stated that every person in the vehicle is required to wear a safety seat belt. Originally, the law was secondary, which means that a police officer had to have already stopped a person for another violation before they could give them a ticket for not abiding by
the seat belt law. However, as of 2005, the seat belt law became a primary enforcement, which means that a police officer can pull a person over if anyone in the vehicle does not appear be wearing a seat belt. A person can be fined up to $25 for violating the law and up to $50 for violating the legislation more than once. It is also important to note that the driver is responsible for requiring every passenger of the vehicle who is 17 years of age or younger, who does not have a license, to wear a seat belt. Therefore, if you may be wearing a seat belt and your child is not, you will get fined because your child's safety is your responsibility.
What is Supplemental Security Income and can a Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina help me determine if I’m eligible for SSI?
You may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income provided you meet the stringent requirements for this program. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your case.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that isn't funded by Social Security taxes but rather by general tax revenues. It is a federal income supplement program to help those with basic needs. Basic needs could include shelter, food and clothing.
SSI is also for the disabled, elderly and the blind when they have little or no income.
Eligibility for SSI can be determined by a Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina. However, you should know that SSA determines this based upon the Benefit Eligibility Screen Tool (BEST).
The BEST will take you through a number of questions and based on those answers, will list which, if any, benefits you are eligible for. Even this doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically get them. You still must apply and finish the process of determining whether or not you qualify.
Some of the questions that may be asked will pertain to your personal finances, along with your spouse's earnings. To better understand the types of questions you may be asked, you should speak with a Social Security disability attorney.
When it comes to Social Security, any component can be very time-consuming and complex. This is why it is usually best to enlist the help of someone who has experience in this area of law. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina can look at the specifics of your case to help you determine your eligibility.
Seeking the Help of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina
The South Carolina Social Security disability attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help with the complicated and time-consuming tasks associated with filing a disability claim. Before you file a Social Security disability claim in South Carolina, contact a disability attorney for a consultation 1-888-690-0211.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that isn't funded by Social Security taxes but rather by general tax revenues. It is a federal income supplement program to help those with basic needs. Basic needs could include shelter, food and clothing.
SSI is also for the disabled, elderly and the blind when they have little or no income.
Eligibility for SSI can be determined by a Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina. However, you should know that SSA determines this based upon the Benefit Eligibility Screen Tool (BEST).
The BEST will take you through a number of questions and based on those answers, will list which, if any, benefits you are eligible for. Even this doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically get them. You still must apply and finish the process of determining whether or not you qualify.
Some of the questions that may be asked will pertain to your personal finances, along with your spouse's earnings. To better understand the types of questions you may be asked, you should speak with a Social Security disability attorney.
When it comes to Social Security, any component can be very time-consuming and complex. This is why it is usually best to enlist the help of someone who has experience in this area of law. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina can look at the specifics of your case to help you determine your eligibility.
Seeking the Help of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina
The South Carolina Social Security disability attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help with the complicated and time-consuming tasks associated with filing a disability claim. Before you file a Social Security disability claim in South Carolina, contact a disability attorney for a consultation 1-888-690-0211.
What is the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?
To determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor you must look at the employer's right of control over the worker. There are four common questions used to determine an employer's right of control:
1) Is there direct evidence of the right to control?
2) Who paid the worker?
3) Who furnished the supplies or equipment?
4) Who has the right to fire the worker?
If you were injured in a work accident and are usure if you are an employee or an independent contract contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 843-277-6061.
1) Is there direct evidence of the right to control?
2) Who paid the worker?
3) Who furnished the supplies or equipment?
4) Who has the right to fire the worker?
If you were injured in a work accident and are usure if you are an employee or an independent contract contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 843-277-6061.
