A workplace injury that causes paralysis can be devastating. Greenville paraplegia and quadriplegia workers’ compensation injuries can prevent you from working and completely disrupt your everyday activities.
If you were injured at work, you will most likely need to pursue compensation through the workers’ compensation system. An attorney could help you navigate this process and get the compensation you are entitled to.
What Are Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Injuries?
Paraplegia and quadriplegia are both types of paralysis caused by spinal cord damage. Paraplegia is paralysis below the waist that usually involves both legs. Some paraplegics are completely paralyzed, while others have some amount of sensation and movement. Quadriplegics are paralyzed from the neck down. This affects the arms, legs, and torso. Like paraplegia, the specific effects can vary from person to person.
Both conditions are caused by brain or spinal cord damage. The most common workplace injuries that cause this type of damage are vehicle accidents, falls, and accidents involving heavy machinery. For those seeking financial recovery through a Greenville workers’ compensation claim, proving that their paraplegia or quadriplegia injury was work-related is relatively easy when the cause is a sudden workplace accident. Strokes, oxygen deprivation, and other illnesses can also damage the spinal cord, but these are less commonly work-related.
What Compensation Is Available for Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Caused by Work?
When someone is injured at work, they generally need to go through the workers’ compensation system instead of filing a lawsuit. Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance pays the benefits while the injured person is unable to work. A Greenville paraplegia or quadriplegia workers’ comp injury claim does not require proving fault. For example, if an employee is injured because they made a mistake with a piece of machinery, this would not affect their ability to receive benefits. However, they can only receive compensation for a portion of their lost wages and their medical bills. They cannot receive pain and suffering damages.
While people can occasionally recover from paralysis, it is usually permanent. South Carolina usually limits workers’ compensation benefits to 500 weeks. However, South Carolina Code of Laws § 42-9-10 lists a few conditions that are eligible for lifetime workers’ compensation. Paraplegia and quadriplegia both fall into this category. Because they qualify for lifetime benefits based on the specific type of injury, people with these conditions do not need to prove that they are unable to work at all.
Workers’ compensation benefits are paid weekly and are two-thirds of the injured worker’s average pay. If the person is able to return to work at some point, their benefits would end when their doctor says that they are ready to go back to their job. After an on-the-job injury, the worker usually needs to see a doctor approved by their employer. They do not need to pay for this medical care.
Talk to a Greenville Workers’ Comp Attorney About Your Paraplegia or Quadriplegia Injuries
A workplace injury that causes paraplegia or quadriplegia will permanently change the course of your life, including your ability to work. Greenville paraplegia and quadriplegia workers’ compensation injuries can be overwhelming.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer could review your case, identify which benefits you qualify for, and guide you through the process. Schedule a free consultation with Eller Frye Law Firm to discuss your case today.
(864)-686-4827