Factory workers are at risk for several types of injuries, ranging from slips and falls to machinery accidents to repetitive stress injuries. When an injury is caused by a person’s job, medical care and lost wages should usually be covered by workers’ compensation. A Greenville factory workers injury lawyer could help you file your claim.
Workers’ compensation cases can be complicated, making legal guidance incredibly valuable. Our dedicated team of attorneys at Eller Frye Law Firm could help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.
How Can Factory Workers Apply for Workers’ Compensation?
The first step in applying for workers’ compensation is reporting the injury to the employer. The timing of this report will depend on the type and seriousness of the injury. If the employee falls during their shift, they should report the injury right away. If an employee’s arm gets caught in a machine and is seriously injured, they should get emergency medical care right away and handle the report later. If they develop a repetitive strain injury over multiple years, they may not be aware of the problem until they see a doctor about their symptoms. In this case, they should report the injury as soon as they learn about it.
The next step is filing a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, which must be done within two years of the initial injury. This requires filling out a form with information about the injury and the benefits the injured person needs. The employee will see a doctor approved by their employer, who will determine whether the injury is work-related and whether the employee can continue working while they recover. If the employer denies the claim or there are any other disagreements, the injured person can request a hearing to review their case. Consulting an experienced factory workers injury lawyer in Greenville could be invaluable during this stage.
What Compensation Could a Factory Worker Receive for an Injury?
Workers’ compensation includes expenses for medical care from an approved provider, as well as travel expenses for treatment if necessary. If the injured person cannot work for more than seven days, they will also receive compensation for a portion of their lost wages. These benefits can be temporary or permanent, and partial or full. According to South Carolina Code § 42-9-10, someone who is fully disabled will receive two-thirds of their average weekly pay until they are able to return to work. Workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina can usually be paid out for up to 500 weeks, but some serious injuries like paralysis allow for lifetime benefits.
When a worker is partially disabled, meaning they can work but not in their regular role or schedule, they can receive two-thirds of the difference between their current pay and their regular pay. This will last until they can return to their regular role.
If a factory worker dies in a workplace accident, their spouse and children can receive workers’ compensation death benefits. These include both burial expenses and two-thirds of the worker’s regular pay for up to 500 weeks. A Greenville factory worker accident attorney could assist grieving families in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Talk to a Greenville Attorney About Your Factory Work Injury Today
Navigating the workers’ compensation system on your own can be overwhelming. Hiring a Greenville factory workers injury lawyer could make the process easier and reduce the chance of a mistake that will hurt your claim.
Schedule your free consultation with Eller Frye Law Firm today.
(864)-686-4827