Think You Know Everything About Workers' Compensation?

If you have been injured at work, filing a workers' compensation claim is the best way to make your life return to normal. With workers' compensation, your employer is responsible for the injuries that you sustained, whether or not the injuries were your fault. You do not have to prove that your employer was negligent in any way, like most other accident cases, and your employer cannot deny claim because he thinks that it was your fault.

Regardless, workers' compensation claims are not easily navigated and require some research. Every year, more than 40 million people in the U.S. are injured while working; therefore, you should make it a priority to know what your rights are if you were to be injured on the job.

Injuries that occur in the workplace include:

Injuries from a fall
Injuries from falling objects
Burns
Back Injuries
Auto Accidents while on the job
Occupational diseases from exposure to toxins or chemicals
Repetitive movement injuries

If you are injured at work, the first thing you should do is report the injury to your employer. An employer may not fire you for filing a workers' compensation claim. Laws have been put in place in order to protect you if you were to be injured in the workplace. If you are injured on the job and you are fired because you filed a workers' compensation claim, you may have a claim against your employer for retaliation.

Think You Know Everything About Workers' Compensation?

You must also remember that you have a limited amount of time (usually 90 days) to report the injury or you may lose your right to benefits. If you suffer a serious injury, you could face permanent impairment or work restrictions, so you should contact an attorney immediately to discuss your rights.

Your employer's insurance company represents your employer, not you, and they will certainly look for any reason to reject your claim. Even though you may represent yourself and request a claim hearing on your own if your claim is denied, be aware that the insurance will hire an attorney, so it is certainly best to have your rights protected by an experienced sc work injury attorney.

If you win your case, then your employer's insurance carrier is responsible for paying 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;

Think You Know Everything About Workers' Compensation?

3) A lump sum payment for permanents disabilities and/or lost wages you incurred after your treatment has finished.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you at least seek the guidance of a workers' compensation attorney. Most attorneys offer a free consultation to those seeking workers' compensation.