Kingstree Work Injury Lawyer

Kingstree Work Injury Attorney

Many work injury laws are in place to prevent workplace accidents and provide a way for injured workers to recover compensation. A Kingstree work injury lawyer can help you pursue the benefits you need.

Why Hire the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III?

Founded in 1996, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III brings three decades of experience as a trusted personal injury lawyer representing injured workers throughout South Carolina. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of work injury laws and the workers’ compensation process in South Carolina. Our established law firm can effectively navigate the claims process while relentlessly advocating for your rights as an injured worker.

Understanding Work Injuries in Kingstree

In 2024, South Carolina had 8,600 state and local government injury and illness cases, along with 28,000 private sector cases. Work injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, such as: 

• Crushing incidents
• Being struck by objects
• Falling from high places
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Fires and explosions
• Cumulative injuries, such as repetitive motion damage

The healthcare and social assistance industry has the highest number of injuries, with a total of 308,000 workplace injuries, while transportation and warehousing has the second highest number, at 232,000 injuries. Whether you work for Tidelands Health, Capstone Logistics, or another employer, there is always a risk of injury.

Types of Workplace Injuries

Each workplace injury is unique, depending on the accident. A Kingstree work injury attorney can tailor a claim to your unique case details. Then, they can pursue compensation for the full medical costs of the injury. Some common injuries in a work injury case include:

• Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, and tears are the most common soft tissue injuries, making up 31% of all occupational injuries. A worker may sustain a soft tissue injury from overexertion, a fall, or repetitive motion.
• Repetitive motion injuries. Many job duties, such as typing, using hand-held power tools, or assembly line work, require prolonged or repetitive movements. This can lead to injuries, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Bone fractures. Bone fractures can happen during falls or machinery accidents, or they may occur because of a falling object. A bone fracture can have a long recovery, leading to high medical bills and a significant amount of lost wages.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs happen when force is applied to the head, damaging the brain tissue. Workers may sustain a TBI in a fall, being struck by a falling object, or during a transportation accident.
• Crush injuries. If a body part is caught, compressed, or squeezed, it can lead to fractures, internal bleeding, and even an amputation. Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or collapsing structures may lead to crush injuries.
• Occupational diseases. These are chronic health conditions that many workers develop after repeated exposure to hazards. They include hearing loss, cancers (like mesothelioma), and respiratory illnesses.

After an accident, receiving medical treatment is essential both for your safety and your ability to file a claim. The MUSC Health Black River Medical Center can provide emergency care. Speak with your employer about what provider they recommend. In a workers’ compensation claim, medical bills can be covered, but the employer’s insurance has the right to choose your doctor.

Why You Should Hire a Work Injury Lawyer

A Kingstree work injury lawyer can help you determine how to pursue compensation, whether through a workers’ compensation claim or a claim against another at-fault party. To identify which option is right for your work injury case, hire a work injury lawyer who can gather evidence such as:

• Incident reports
• Witness statements
• Security camera footage
• Photographs from the accident
• Medical records

By analyzing this evidence, a lawyer can determine who is at fault for causing an accident and what damages you have suffered. A lawyer can explain if a no-fault workers’ compensation claim can cover your damages. Otherwise, they may advise you to file an at-fault claim against another at-fault party directly. When a negligent employer fails to uphold safety standards in the workplace, properly maintain equipment, or train employees, they open themselves up to direct liability in a civil claim.

FAQs About Work Injury Law

How Soon Should You Report a Workplace Injury to Your Employer in South Carolina?

You should report a workplace injury to your employer immediately after an accident. A report must be given to your employer within 90 days of the injury. Missing this deadline can prevent you from filing for workers’ compensation. Even before this 90-day deadline, reporting the injury to your employer as early as possible can enable quick medical treatment from the employer’s recommended medical professional.

What Types of Workplace Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation covers work-related injuries that were sustained while performing job duties or while at work. Injuries covered by workers’ compensation include:

• Acute injuries that resulted from a single accident
• Injuries caused by repeated exposure to hazards
• Occupational diseases, such as respiratory illnesses or hearing loss

Regardless of what injury you are suffering from, a Kingstree work injury attorney can explain your legal options.

What Benefits Are Available Through South Carolina Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation benefits include medical costs, lost wages, and permanent disability. Medical costs include necessary medical care for your injury, but your employer’s insurance provider has the right to decide your doctor. You can recover 66 ⅔% of your lost wages, based on your average weekly rate. However, compensation can’t exceed $1,189.94 a week. Benefits for permanent disability can depend on the type of injury and your weekly wage.

Can You File a Claim Against Your Employer for a Work Injury?

Yes, you can file a claim against your employer for a work injury, but you can only do so in very rare circumstances. This differs from a workers’ compensation claim because you must prove that the injury was caused by your employer’s failure to address a hazard in the workplace. Filing directly against your employer can lead to compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Consult an Experienced Kingstree Work Injury Attorney

Recovering from an injury is painful, expensive, and emotionally overwhelming. Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III to learn how we can file a claim that supports your recovery.