When you are involved in a workplace accident, the steps you take in the days and weeks after can make all the difference in your claim. If you do not carefully follow the requirements outlined in the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, you risk losing your right to collect benefits.
This article outlines the key actions you should take after suffering an on-the-job injury. If you have further questions about what to do after a workplace accident in Greenville or want to discuss your claim eligibility, contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney at our firm.
Below are some of the most crucial steps to take after sustaining an injury or illness while at work in Greenville:
Work injuries or illnesses must be reported to an employer within 90 days for the employee to remain eligible for coverage. Sometimes, an injury or illness will develop over time; the worker may still qualify for benefits if the ailment is reported within the proper time frame.
Next, seek emergency medical care if necessary or schedule an appointment with a doctor approved by your employer or its insurer. Medical bills will only be reimbursed from preapproved medical providers. Many employees think they should delay treatment until their claim is approved, but this process can take some time. Once the claim goes through, the injured worker is reimbursed for the reasonable cost of their medical treatment.
Although it is possible to handle a workers’ compensation claim on your own, it is beneficial to rely on an experienced professional. If your claim is denied, a Greenville workplace accident lawyer could help negotiate with your employer’s insurance company or appeal the decision on your behalf.
In most cases, employers report injuries to their insurance, and the employee receives benefits. However, if the injury is not reported or the claim is denied, the worker must file a Form 50 with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If the claim is disputed, the worker can request a hearing for the commission. During the hearing, a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commissioner will hear testimony and receive evidence. Then, they will decide whether benefits are due and, if so, what amount.
If the Commissioner denies the claim, the injured employee can file an appeal within 14 days or elect to resolve the dispute through mediation.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to dispute an employee’s eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. This is where a workers’ comp lawyer comes into the picture. An experienced legal professional could gather evidence and documentation to support your claim and negotiate on your behalf to secure adequate benefits. At Eller Frye Law, our attorneys are familiar with the procedural requirements for filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina. They could assist you with challenging a denial or appeal.
No matter what type of injury you suffered, you are entitled to reasonable coverage from your employer if it occurred within the scope of your employment. To learn more about what to do after a workplace accident in Greenville, contact our office for a free consultation.
864-740-8540 