Sumter Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Sumter Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A Sumter workers’ compensation lawyer can assert your rights if you were hurt on the job and are dealing with medical expenses, lost income, or uncertainty about your benefits. The workers’ compensation system in South Carolina is complex, particularly when your claim is delayed, denied, or disputed.

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III represents injured workers in Sumter. We can guide you through the claims process and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to under state law.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we provide experienced and focused legal counsel on workers’ compensation issues for clients in Sumter and the surrounding communities. Charles T. Brooks III handles claims for workers who have been injured on the job or in a workplace accident, along with those involving injuries that were caused by employment. We can also handle any disputes regarding benefits under South Carolina law.

As a Sumter personal injury attorney well-versed in the workers’ compensation system, as well as the procedures and processes common in Sumter, we offer dedicated and individualized representation to our city’s workers. We make sure their rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Common Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation

According to S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-160, a workers’ compensation injury qualifies for benefits when it:

1. Occurs both because of and during the period of employment
2. Has a direct causative link between workplace conditions and the injury

The statutory definition is commonly used in the context of a dispute in which the employer, or its insurer, contends that an injury, illness, or aggravation of a pre-existing condition is not work-related.

Workplace injuries or illnesses covered by workers’ compensation in South Carolina can arise from both accidents and long-term exposure to work activities. These include, but are not limited to, incidents such as:

• Trips, falls, and slips
• Machinery-related injuries
• Vehicle accidents
• Strains and sprains
• Repetitive trauma, such as back and shoulder injuries

Additionally, occupational diseases or conditions that developed due to the nature of your work activities, including exposure to harmful substances or environments, may also be covered if they are directly related to your job duties. If you have a pre-existing condition that is made worse by your work, you could obtain workers’ comp benefits in South Carolina as long as your workplace or work activities significantly contributed to the worsening of the condition.

Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina

In South Carolina, if you are injured at work, you could obtain workers’ compensation benefits that cover the cost of your medical treatment, related healthcare costs, and lost wages. Typical benefits available include:

• Payment for authorized medical treatment related to your work injury
• Reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs
• Wage replacement when your injury temporarily or permanently prevents you from working
• Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairment
• Vocational rehabilitation when appropriate

Pain and suffering damages are not recoverable in South Carolina under the state’s workers’ compensation laws.

Workplace Injuries and Risks: A Sumter Perspective

Workers’ compensation claims in Sumter can arise from a wide range of industries and workplaces, including those on Broad Street or Industrial Park Road, which feature a mix of manufacturing and logistics facilities. They may also occur due to construction work at sites near East Wesmark Boulevard or other active building areas.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private employers in South Carolina had 30,100 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2023, which resulted in roughly 19,000 cases needing days off for recovery or job transfer. This represents a recordable case rate of 1.9 per 100 full-time workers. When these incidents do occur, it’s important to know your rights under the state’s workers’ compensation system and the types of benefits that you can get.

FAQs About Sumter, SC Workers’ Compensation Law

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina?

South Carolina law generally prohibits an employer from discharging or demoting an employee because the employee filed a workers’ compensation claim. If the employer argues that it fired the employee for reasons like performance and attendance issues, then a retaliatory termination claim may become more complex.

If a worker is disciplined or terminated from a job because they sought workers’ compensation benefits, a lawyer can explain if state law rights were violated.

Can I See My Own Doctor for a Work Injury?

In South Carolina, employers generally have the right to select the authorized treating physician for a workers’ compensation claim. While treatment from an unauthorized provider may not be covered, exceptions exist in emergencies or if the employer fails to provide medical care. Disagreements can arise if workers believe that the chosen provider is minimizing restrictions or prematurely clearing them to return to work.

What Happens If My Employer Disputes My Injury Claim?

If an employer or insurance carrier disputes a workers’ compensation claim, it may result in delayed or denied benefits. Common disputes center on whether: 

• The injury is work-related.
• It was reported in a timely manner.
• Medical treatment is necessary.

When disagreements arise, the claim may proceed to a hearing before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, where evidence and testimony are presented.

How Often Do Serious Workplace Injuries Occur in South Carolina?

Serious workplace injuries are relatively common in South Carolina. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in the state suffered 112 fatal work injuries in 2023, reflecting hazards in construction, transportation, manufacturing, and other industries. While most workers’ compensation claims involve nonfatal injuries, these data underscore the importance of workplace safety measures and the need for access to benefits when injuries occur.

Contact a Sumter Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace injuries can impact your health, wages, and ability to support yourself and your family. Filing and navigating deadlines, medical treatment, and disputes over benefits through South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is often necessary after suffering a work-related injury. A Sumter workers’ compensation attorney can work with injured employees to evaluate their options and pursue claims when issues arise.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we represent workers in Sumter who are looking for guidance with workers’ compensation claims and related disputes. Contacting an attorney can provide you with information about your legal rights and the benefits you may be entitled to. Schedule a consultation today to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer who can advocate on your behalf.