Florence Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Florence Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have been injured on the job, a Florence workers’ compensation lawyer can secure the benefits you need. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws are riddled with complicated filing deadlines, medical requirements, and procedural hurdles, all of which can seem especially daunting when a claim has been delayed or denied.

Workers in Florence, SC, may find themselves in a dispute over employer-provided medical treatment or eligibility for benefits. The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III advocates on behalf of injured workers in Florence throughout the workers’ compensation process.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Charles T. Brooks III represents injured workers in Florence and the surrounding communities. If you have been injured on the job or developed an occupational condition, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you with your workers’ compensation matter, including any disputes over benefits.

Charles T. Brooks III is well-versed in South Carolina workers’ compensation laws and procedures. He’s a personal injury lawyer in Florence who can guide and represent you through the claims process, including any filings and hearings before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Workers’ Compensation Claims Involving Large Employers and Industrial Facilities

The Florence area has employers in the manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and distribution industries. Any workers’ comp claims involving these employers may involve several complex procedures.

Injured employees may need to:

• Report the injury to an internal party.
• File a report with more than one supervisor.
• Get a claims administrator, such as a third-party insurance adjustor, to approve any benefits.

Occasionally, disputes may arise about when an injury was reported, to which department, or even if it was sustained during assigned job duties.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded that, in 2023, private employers in South Carolina reported 30,100 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, and about 19,000 of those were cases where days away from work, job transfers, or restricted duty were required. This gives a glimpse into how common injuries are in mass production workplaces.

Work Injuries Related to Repetitive Tasks and High-Volume Operations

Jobs in Florence can involve highly repetitive or physically strenuous work, and these injuries can be the result of job activities that may take place over an extended period. The typical repetitive-use injury involves: 

• Lifting, bending, or reaching
• Standing for long periods
• Repetitive hand/arm movements

They are common in manufacturing, warehousing, and service-based industries.

These injuries, sometimes called “repetitive stress” injuries, can also be the subject of disputes. Since the symptoms of repetitive stress injuries can sometimes take weeks or even months to manifest themselves, an employer or carrier may:

• Deny the claim.
• Dispute that the injury is work-related.
• Assert that it is the result of a pre-existing condition.

These types of claims often require an in-depth medical and employment history to substantiate the work connection.

Workers’ Compensation Issues for Healthcare and Service Industry Employees

Florence healthcare or service-industry employees may be injured at work due to the physically intensive and fast-paced nature of their work environment. Employees in healthcare could be injured at McLeod Regional Medical Center, MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, or another healthcare facility. These injuries can arise from:

• Lifting or moving patients
• Helping a patient walk
• Standing for long periods of time
• Encountering harmful elements

Service-industry workers can be injured by the repetition of the same movements over a long shift. Some workers’ compensation cases in these industries can be complex if there is a dispute over the worker’s work restrictions, return-to-work date, or the fact that the injury was caused by gradual job duties.

FAQs About Florence, SC Workers’ Compensation Law

Do I Need to Report a Work Injury in Writing?

South Carolina does not always require a written notice, but having a written record of a workplace injury can prevent issues later. Verbal reports can be second-guessed if some of the details are forgotten or there is disagreement about timelines. Providing a written notice, filling out an incident report, or sending a follow-up email can make a clear record of when and how the injury was reported in case benefits are delayed or denied.

Can I Be Denied Benefits If I Finish My Shift After an Injury?

Claimants do not necessarily void a workers’ compensation claim if they continue to work after being injured. In many cases, injuries may become progressively worse, and an employee may not be aware of the full extent of the injury or condition. However, an employer or insurance company may contest the claim that the injury was more severe or work-related. In such a case, medical records and timely reporting are often important.

How Often Do Fatal Workplace Accidents Occur in South Carolina?

Each year, thousands of serious workplace accidents are reported throughout the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, 112 fatal occupational injuries were reported in South Carolina. These workers were employed in construction, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing, among other industries. While most workers’ compensation claims are for nonfatal injuries, these figures illustrate how dangerous hazards in the workplace can be.

What If My Employer Changes My Job Duties After I’m Injured?

An employer might change your job duties after an on-the-job injury based on new restrictions provided by your physician. Conflicts sometimes arise when the modified job responsibilities exceed your medical restrictions or interfere with your wage loss benefits. If your job has changed, you may have questions about how temporarily modified duty affects your eligibility for continuing workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina.

Contact a Florence Workers’ Compensation Attorney

An injury on the job can impact your health, income, and ability to keep working, especially if you need to take time off to recover. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system has its own set of rules, reporting procedures, and medical requirements that can be overwhelming to manage on your own.

When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Florence, we can explain your options and respond to disputes about benefits or eligibility. The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III represents workers in Florence who need assistance with workers’ compensation claims and other issues. Consulting an attorney can provide you with information about your rights and potential benefits under South Carolina law. Schedule a consultation today.