What to do after You’re Hurt on the Job in South Carolina
Getting hurt on the job can be overwhelming and stressful. You may not know what to do or where to turn first to ensure that your claims for benefits are covered, that your family is cared for and that you can afford the expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation you’ll require. Read on to learn about the most critical steps to take after a workplace injury in South Carolina, and contact our talented Workers’ Compensation attorneys for assistance in filing or appealing a Workers’ Compensation claim.
- Get medical attention: There are many things you should do after you’re hurt on the job, but nothing is more important than getting proper medical care right away. South Carolina law allows injured employees to choose their own doctor after a workplace injury, so you do not need to concern yourself with whether you’ve selected an acceptable physician. If you fail to seek treatment right away, your employer could try to argue that your injuries weren’t serious and that your claim is frivolous. Additionally, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an injury will ensure that records exist showing that the injury arose when you said it did.
- Report your claim as soon as possible: There are strict rules requiring workers to report injuries in a timely manner to their employer. Failing to do so by the deadline could cause you to lose the right to receive benefits for your workplace injuries. Make sure that your claim is submitted in writing, that a written report detailing the accident exists on file with your employer, and that you received a copy for your own records.
- Speak with witnesses, and save documents stemming from your claim: In case your employer attempts to argue that you received your injury when you weren’t at work, making it exempt from coverage under South Carolina Workers’ Compensation law, make sure you speak to anyone who may have witnessed your accident, and ask if they would be willing to vouch for your version of events. Additionally, save any records or receipts you receive from doctors’ visits, or any other documents stemming from your accident.
- Speak with an attorney about your claims: In addition to the time limits surrounding when you need to notify your employer of your injury, there are strict time limits governing when you must file a claim for benefits under Workers’ Compensation. Be sure to take action as soon as possible. A Workers’ Compensation attorney can help you prepare and submit your application for benefits, and can also advise you as to whether you may have a claim for damages against another party who through negligent or reckless behavior was responsible for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured on the job in South Carolina, make sure that you receive the money you deserve to provide for your family, pay for your medical expenses, and compensate you for your time off work by contacting an experienced, seasoned, and dedicated Spartanburg workers’ compensation attorney at the Chad Pye Law Firm for a free consultation on your case, at 864-583-5658.
