Camden Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Camden Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If a job-related injury has left you dealing with medical treatment, lost paychecks, and confusion about whether your claim will be approved, a Camden workers’ compensation lawyer can help. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws involve strict rules and complex procedures that are hard to master on your own. This is especially true when benefits are being denied or delayed.

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III represents injured workers in Camden, helping with workers’ compensation claims, disputes, and hearings. We also guide clients through the process of pursuing the benefits available under South Carolina law.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III helps injured workers in Camden and Kershaw County who are pursuing workers’ compensation claims. Charles T. Brooks III represents workers who have been injured on the job as well as in claims for job-related injuries. He also assists clients with disputed medical care or wage benefits.

As we are familiar with the South Carolina workers’ compensation process and local filing requirements, the firm works with clients whose claims have been denied. Our Camden personal injury lawyers can also fight for clients when benefits have been cut off by the employer or insurer at any point in the claims process.

Workplace Injury Risks in Camden

Workplace injuries can occur in a variety of job settings in Camden, including factories and distribution centers near DeKalb Street, public sector jobs in the downtown Camden area, and construction projects along Broad Street and Springdale Drive.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private employers in South Carolina had 30,100 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, with about 19,000 of those cases involving days away from work, job transfers, or restricted duties. It is important to understand how workers’ compensation protections may apply when an injury occurs.

Injuries and Conditions That May Be Covered

Injuries from sudden workplace accidents and medical conditions that gradually arise because of job-related duties may both be covered by South Carolina workers’ compensation benefits. Injuries caused by workplace hazards, vehicles, equipment, repetitive strain, and exposure to harmful substances may all be covered.

When an occupational disease is linked to employment, it may be compensable. A pre-existing medical condition that is substantially worsened by workplace activity may also be compensable. Causation is a frequent point of contention, as with all workers’ compensation claims. As a result, it’s critical to document the condition and follow all legal requirements.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina

Per S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-160, an injury must arise out of and in the course of the employment. Injured workers in Camden may be entitled to benefits that cover both medical treatment and loss of income. Benefits may include payment for medical treatment that has been authorized, other related healthcare costs, and wages that are lost when a person can’t return to work due to an injury.

Depending on the situation, there may also be benefits for permanent impairment and vocational rehabilitation. South Carolina workers’ compensation does not provide for recovery of pain and suffering. This can be a common issue when workers anticipate a broader type of recovery that is similar to a personal injury case.

FAQs About Camden, SC Workers’ Compensation Law

Can Workers’ Compensation Be Applied to Injuries That Occur Over Time?

In some cases, yes, workers’ comp may be applied to injuries that occur over time. Injuries such as repetitive motion injuries or those caused by physical strain over an extended period may be covered by workers’ compensation. These cases can be more complex due to the nature of the injury’s gradual development. Medical documentation and a history of employment duties are often key pieces of evidence.

What If My Employer Says My Injury Happened Outside Work?

Employers or their insurance carriers might dispute a workers’ compensation claim by alleging that an injury did not occur during employment or was not caused by work-related activities. These defenses typically involve a close examination of medical records, witness testimonies, and job descriptions. If causation is in question, the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission might need to adjudicate the matter.

Do All Camden Businesses Have to Provide Workers’ Compensation?

While most South Carolina employers with four or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation, there are exceptions. Questions about coverage often arise with smaller businesses, agricultural employment, and independent contractors. Determining whether an employer is mandated to provide coverage is important for understanding an injured worker’s options after an accident.

How Often Do Fatal Work Injuries Occur in South Carolina?

In 2023, there were 112 fatal occupational injuries in South Carolina, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While most workers’ compensation claims relate to nonfatal injuries, this data highlights the risks that exist in various industries across the state, including construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Survivors of the deceased can obtain death benefits through workers’ compensation.

What Happens If My Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

When an employer who is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance is not insured, an injured employee may still have a claim against that employer. Those cases may have additional requirements and procedures involving the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

An employer may suffer additional penalties if they fail to maintain the proper insurance. Whether an employer is required to have workers’ compensation insurance depends on the employer’s size and classification, along with various factors under South Carolina law.

Contact a Camden Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A workplace injury can impact your health and financial stability by introducing uncertainty around income, medical care, and your return to work. The South Carolina workers’ compensation system has numerous rules, deadlines, and procedures that can be hard to navigate without assistance.

An experienced Camden workers’ compensation attorney can help injured employees evaluate their options and respond to any claim disputes that may arise.

At The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we represent workers in Camden and throughout Kershaw County, South Carolina, in all workers’ compensation matters, including those involving denied or delayed benefits. Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more about your rights and the benefits you may be entitled to under state law. Schedule a consultation today.