Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

After a work injury, many of our clients come to us worried about how they will pay their medical bills, when they will return to work, how they’ll support their family during recovery, and whether or not they’re being treated fairly. These fears are completely understandable. Whether you’ve just been injured or you’ve already started the workers compensation process, our award-winning Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and voted Columbia’s Best Workers’ Compensation Law Firm for three years running, you can trust that our team will have your back throughout your case and beyond. 

Contact our Award-Winning Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Let us use our experience to seamlessly guide you through the process and fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case and your future. For a free case evaluation directly with an established Columbia workers’ compensation attorney, simply call our office today at (803) 888-2200, start an online chat, or submit our secure request form. We look forward to speaking with you.

What To Do After a Work Injury in Columbia, South Carolina

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in Columbia, you probably have a lot of questions about where to begin and what the legal process will look like. While each case is different, the typical process is:

1. Notify your employer

After a work injury, you must notify your employer of the injury within 90 days of the accident; however, the sooner the better. This should be done via a written report to either your supervisor or administrator.

2. File a claim

This must be done within 2 years of your work accident by way of a Form 50 claim filing. This can be found on the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC) website. Although an injured worker has up to 2 years from the accident/injury to make this filing, it is important to file the claim as soon as possible.

3. Visit an approved medical provider and follow the treatment plan

Your employer’s insurance company will provide you with a medical provider(s). It’s critical for your health and case that you visit the approved provider and follow their recommended treatment plan.

4. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney

There are many benefits to hiring a South Carolina workers comp attorney to help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and ensure that your rights are being protected.

Your attorney will help ensure all deadlines are met, optimize your claim, manage important communication, keep you up to date on the status of your case, appeal denied claims, aggressively negotiate on your behalf, and fight to get you the entirety of what you deserve. 

What Benefits Am I Entitled to Under South Carolina Law?

The benefits you may be entitled to following a work injury in South Carolina will depend on the specifics of your case, injuries, and policy. You may qualify for benefits including:

• Medical Care
• Lost Wages
• Reduced Earning Capacity
• Partial or Permanent Disability
• Bodily Disfigurement
• Medical Appointment Transportation
• Loss of Life
• And Other Benefits

Our team is here to help you understand what you may be entitled to under South Carolina law specific to your case. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (803) 888-2200.

Common Workers’ Compensation Accidents in South Carolina

Our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers handle all types of work accident cases in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. These include but are not limited to:

• Overexertion
• Slip, Trip, and Falls
• Ladder Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Equipment/Machinery Work Accidents
• Falling Objects
• Crush Accidents
• Toxic Exposure
• Crashes/Collisions
• Fire and Explosions
• Electrocutions
• Workplace Violence
• Extreme Temperature Accidents
• Third Party Neglect
• And More.

Whether you’ve been in one of these accidents, something similar, or a different workplace accident, we’re here to help you understand your options under South Carolina law.

Common Workers’ Comp Injuries in Columbia, SC

Every workplace accident is different and can result in a wide array of injuries. Our Columbia workers’ comp lawyers commonly handle cases involving:

• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Burns/Radiation Injuries
• Crush Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Sprains
• Eye Injuries
• Elbow Injuries
• Head Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Shoulder Injuries
• Brain Injuries
• And More

No matter the severity of your workplace injury or illness, we’re here to help you get the help, justice, and benefits that you deserve.

When To Hire a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

We always recommend at least speaking to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney following an unexpected work accident. Our workers’ compensation law firm offers free case evaluations directly with a lawyer so you can get your questions answered and understand the process ahead at no cost to you. This is especially important if:

• You’re out of work 
• The settlement offer seems low
• You suffered serious injuries, such as an injury that requires surgery or specialist treatment
• You’re not being taken seriously by your employer or its insurance company
• Your injuries or illness prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity
• Your injuries or illness prevent you from returning to work at all
• You currently receive (or plan to apply for) social security disability benefits
• Your claim was denied by your employer or their insurance company
• You face discrimination from your employer
• You have pre-existing conditions
• You may have a third-party claim
• The accident resulted in death

No matter where in the process you are, we’re here to listen to you and help you move forward. For a free case evaluation, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200.

Third Party Workers’ Compensation Claims in Columbia

One of the many benefits of hiring Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC for your workers’ compensation case is that we also handle third-party comp claims, when applicable. Our Columbia personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience and frequently help injured workers qualify for additional compensation via third party claims.

You may qualify for a third-party claim if a third-party was at-fault for your accident and resulting injuries. This can include but is not limited to cases involving:

• Defective Equipment
• Negligent Drivers
• Negligent Contractors 
• Outside Vendors
• Negligent Property Owners

Some examples of possible third-party cases include if another driver hit you while you were driving for your job, an improperly maintained or defective piece of equipment caused your injury, or you slipped and fell on a freshly cleaned floor and there were no warning signs.

If you think your work accident may have involved a third-party, it’s in your best interest to call our team as soon as possible.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation: Temporary Disability

If you are out of work for more than 7 days due to a work-related injury or illness, then you may be entitled to receive temporary compensation while you are out of work. There are a few different forms of temporary disability benefits.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – These benefits are paid to an injured employee while they are out of work due to a work-related injury or illness. They are paid until the employee can return to work, or under certain circumstances, a Commissioner allows the employer and insurance carrier to stop payment.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – These benefits are paid to employees who have returned to work on light duty or reduced hours and are currently making less per week on average than they were prior to the injury.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation: Permanent Disability

In addition to temporary disability, there are also permanent disability benefits and statuses.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) to a scheduled member – These benefits are paid to a worker who has injured a single body part or “member” as a result of a work accident. In this instance, a worker is compensated for his or her loss of use of that specific body part based on how many weeks of compensation are eligible for that specific body part under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) resulting in a partial wage loss – A worker may be eligible for this type of permanency award if they have more than one injured body part due to a work-related accident. These benefits are paid to a worker who may not be able to return to gainful employment making the same amount as before their injury, and compensates them for that future partial wage loss. 

Permanent Total Disability (PPD) – A worker may be eligible for this type of permanency award if they have more than one injured body part or have sustained an injury that results in 50% or more loss of use of the back due to a work-related accident and they are unable to return to any gainful employment in the future. In addition, if the injured worker’s accident results in the loss of both hands, arms, shoulders, feet, legs, hips, or vision in both eyes, this constitutes permanent and total disability.

Permanent Total Disability (PPD) resulting in a lifetime award  – A worker may be eligible for this type of permanency award if their injury from a work accident renders them a paraplegic, a quadriplegic, or they suffer from physical brain damage and they are determined to be totally and permanently disabled. In this instance, the injured worker is entitled to benefits for the remainder of their life.

How Much Is My Columbia Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?

Understandably, you may be wanting to understand how much your workers’ compensation case is worth. Without understanding the specifics of your case, it is impossible to give an accurate answer, as it will depend on multiple things such as:

• Your injuries
• What body part(s) are injured
• The impairment rating(s)
• How your injuries impact your ability to return to work
• Your pre-injury role and job description
• Your skillset
• Education level
• The amount of money you were making prior to the accident
• Future medical needs

Call our workers’ compensation law firm today at (803) 888-2200 for a free consultation and to learn what you may be entitled to.

Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Columbia, SC Are Here To Help

We are here to fight to get you the entirety of what you deserve, helping you secure a brighter future. Allow us to take on the legal process so you can focus your time and energy into healing. With Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC on your side, you can expect our team to:

• Handle all paperwork and deadlines
• Represent you in court
• Optimize your claim using our experience and resources
• Recover your lost wages
• File a third-party claim if applicable
• Guide you through the process 
• Ensure you are getting the attention and care you need
• Keep you updated on the status of your case so you never feel alone
• Aggressively litigate denied claims

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today

Your initial consultation directly with a Columbia workers’ comp attorney at our firm is complimentary, so it won’t cost you a thing to start understanding your options and next steps. To speak with a lawyer today, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200 or submit our secure online form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to hearing from you.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions:

My Workers’ Comp Claim Was Denied – What Can I Do?

Being injured on the job is a frustrating experience, and that is heightened when your employer or its insurance company denies your claim. There are many reasons why your claim may have been denied. It could be due to missed deadlines, “off the job” injury arguments, misclassification of employment status, pre-existing conditions, and other reasons. Just because your claim was denied doesn’t mean that you do not deserve justice and compensation. Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand whether or not you have a case, and an experienced attorney can help you fight denied claims.

Learn More: What To Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied in SC

Am I Eligible For Workers’ Comp?

Under state law, not every Columbia employee is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a federal employee, agricultural worker, corporate officer, independent contractor, realtor, temporary employee, or an employee working at a business with less than four employees, you may not qualify. To understand your eligibility status, simply give our team a call at (803) 888-2200.

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?

It is against the law for your employer to fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. It is also illegal for your employer to fire you strictly for being unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. Your employer should work with you and make accommodations for you during the recovery process.

Learn More: Can Your Employer Fire You If You Get Hurt at Work?

Can I Sue My Employer After a Work Injury?

Generally, no, you cannot sue your employer for a work injury. South Carolina statutory laws protect employers by making workers’ compensation claims the only way for employees who have been injured on the job to seek benefits.

There are some cases in which you may be able to bring a suit against third parties, such as contractors or manufacturers. If you think you may have a case against a third-party, it’s in your best interest to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your options as soon as possible.

Learn More: Can I Sue My Employer If I Was Hurt At Work?

What Industries Do You Represent?

Our team represents injured workers across all industries, including but not limited to:

• Chemical Plants
• Factory and Warehouse Workers
• Food Processing Plants
• Restaurant Employees
• Grocery Stores
• Teacher Injuries
• First Responders
• Healthcare Workers
• Truck Drivers
• Mechanics
• Delivery Driver Injuries
• Law Enforcement
• And Much More

No matter what industry you were working in at the time of the accident, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team today.

How Much Does Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Cost?

With Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer for your case does not cost you anything up-front or out-of-pocket and there are no hourly fees. Instead, our workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning at the end of your case we collect a percentage of the benefits recovered on your behalf. For more information, please contact our team at (803) 888-2200.