Being involved in a work-related accident is never easy. On top of dealing with the physical implications of your injuries, you will very likely need to take time off of work which could have a devastating impact on your ability to provide for yourself and your family.
Fortunately, when you contact a North Charleston workers’ compensation attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for help, we can guide you through the application process and assist you if your workers’ compensation application is denied. Contact our North Charleston personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and learn more about what you need to do to get your workers’ comp claim approved.
Employers Are Required to Protect Their Employees in North Charleston
Your workers’ compensation lawyer in North Charleston, SC needs to be sure you understand how the state’s workers’ compensation laws work. Virtually all employers across the state are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation coverage.
Here, your employer purchases workers’ compensation insurance coverage that protects all of their employees. Any company that has four or more employees is required to have workers’ comp insurance coverage. This coverage extends to employees whether they are temporary, part-time, full-time, or temp to hire.
From the minute you start working, you should be protected by your employer’s worker’s comp insurance coverage. Any employers who fail to obtain sufficient workers’ comp coverage for their employees could phase third-party liability lawsuits and legal sanctions if an employee later suffers an on-the-job injury.
How to Qualify for North Charleston Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are many misconceptions surrounding who qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits. Your workers’ compensation lawyer in North Charleston, SC will need to evaluate your case to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
Generally, it does not matter how long you have been working with your company, nor does it matter how many hours you work each week. As long as your injuries were sustained during a work-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
However, there are many instances in which you may find yourself disqualified from workers’ comp coverage. For instance, someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of a work accident may not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Employees who self-inflict injuries may also be disqualified. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility requirements for workers’ compensation benefits, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with a workers’ compensation lawyer in North Charleston at Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
Types of Workers’ Compensation
There are several different types of workers’ compensation benefits that may be available depending on the specific details of your case. Once you have filled out your application for workers’ comp benefits and sent it to the insurance company for review, you can begin collecting benefits shortly after your claim has been approved.
There are many types of benefits that may be available to injured employees and surviving family members after work accidents.
Disability benefits
Disability benefits are designed to compensate you for a percentage of your lost income when your injuries will keep you out of work. The amount of compensation you can be awarded each week will be dependent on the amount of compensation you earn weekly. Typically, work injury victims have the right to 2/3 of their average weekly salary. However, there is a maximum amount allowable to be paid out each week to all workers’ compensation recipients regardless of your average weekly income. This amount changes annually.
Compensation for your medical expenses
Every single health care cost related to your on-the-job injuries should be covered by your employer‘s worker’s comp insurance provider. The insurance company will cover the costs of diagnostic testing, ambulance fees, prescription medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, transportation costs, ongoing medical treatment, out-of-pocket medical expenses, medical equipment costs, home accommodations, and any future medical expenses that may relate to your work-related injury.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits
In some instances, work-related injuries are so severe you will not be able to continue working in the same industry. If this happens, your employer is obligated to provide you with benefits so you can go back to school or obtain further job training so you can obtain gainful employment in another line of work.
Death benefits
Fatal work injuries are more common than many people think. Surviving family members may be entitled to disability benefits that replace a percentage of the deceased employee’s wages. The insurance company will also cover the costs of the decedent’s funeral expenses, burial costs, and any of the decedent’s medical expenses as well.
Do Not Be Surprised If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied
It is more common than you might think for work injury victims to face workers’ compensation claim denials. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help you fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
Insurance companies lose money when they pay out on workers comp claims. Insurance adjusters are there to reduce the amount they pay out and deny claims wherever possible. In some cases, by simply providing the insurance company with additional evidence to support your case, they will be compelled to approve your application.
However, if the insurance company continues to deny your claim in bad faith, delay the processing of your claim, or argue that you are not entitled to benefits, our team will be here to ensure the liable party is held accountable for their financial obligations.
Reach Out to a North Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Help Today
It is not uncommon for insurance providers to deny even the most deserving claimant the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.
If you find yourself facing a denial and are unsure of where to turn for help, contact a reputable North Charleston workers’ compensation attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm. Our firm proudly offers complimentary consultations to work injury victims across North Charleston and surrounding cities. Claim yours by calling our office or filling out our quick contact form today.
