A Murrells Inlet Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Guide to Workers’ Comp and Benefits

Common Types of Work Injuries in Murrells Inlet

Thousands of people are employed in and around Murrells Inlet. Work injuries depend on the specific circumstances of an accident, but some different types of injuries include:

• Back and neck injuries. Lifting heavy luggage, moving equipment, or even spending long hours on your feet can lead to painful back and neck injuries. Herniated discs, muscle strains, and pinched nerves may occur.
• Slip and fall accidents. Wet floors or spills create hazardous working conditions. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage may result from a slip and fall.
• Cuts and lacerations. Sharp knives are a necessity in a professional kitchen, but one wrong move could slice tendons and cause permanent nerve damage. Housekeeping and maintenance workers are also at risk of cuts from broken glass and other sharp objects.
• Burn injuries. Hot stoves, boiling water, and scalding dishes fresh from the dishwasher put restaurant workers at high risk of painful first-, second-, and third-degree burns. Chemicals used to sanitize kitchens and clean hotel rooms can also cause skin burns.
• Overexertion injuries. Murrells Inlet can get quite hot and humid in the summer. Workers who do physical labor in high temperatures may suffer heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
• Repetitive motion injuries. Making the same motions over and over can inflame the tendons and put pressure on the nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is a risk for some workers.

If you have suffered any work-related injury or illness, notify your employer immediately. Then, consider speaking with a Murrells Inlet workers’ compensation lawyer to learn about your rights and legal options.

Comprehensive Benefits for Injured Workers in South Carolina 

Workers’ compensation provides a wide range of benefits to help workers recover from their injuries and make ends meet while they are unable to work. These benefits may include:

• Payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up visits, medication, medical devices, and prosthetics
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments
• Compensation for a portion of your lost wages if you miss more than seven days of work
• Compensation for permanent impairment, such as scars, loss of function, or the amputation of a body part
• Lifetime medical care and wage loss benefits for catastrophic injuries that prevent you from ever returning to work
• Vocational rehabilitation services to help you return to suitable employment
• Compensation for a portion of your lost wages if you must return to lower-paying work due to permanent restrictions
• Death benefits for surviving family members if a work-related injury or illness is fatal

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Murrells Inlet

The effects of a work-related injury can be overwhelming, but injured workers may reduce the stress and protect their rights by:

1. Reporting the injury to their employer immediately
2. Seeking prompt medical care from the doctor chosen by their employer or their insurance company
3. Following all of the doctor’s treatment recommendations
4. Attending all follow-up appointments
5. Keeping copies of medical records and bills
6. Contacting an experienced Murrells Inlet workers’ compensation lawyer
7. Resting and recovering so you can hopefully return to work

What if a Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

Employers and insurance companies often look for ways to deny workers’ compensation claims or reduce the benefits they have to pay. Some common reasons for denial include:

• The injury was not reported promptly
• There is a dispute over whether the injury is work-related
• There is insufficient medical evidence to support the claim
• The worker did not follow the doctor’s orders
• The worker refused a drug test after the accident

Workers who believe their claim was unfairly denied may be able to file an appeal with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. 

Three Things to Look for in a Murrells Inlet Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Injured workers have choices when it comes to hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer. While we can’t speak to how other lawyers or law firms work, there are a few things we want you to know about Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers:

• We provide personalized service. If we take your case, you will work directly with an attorney. We take the time to listen to our clients’ stories, answer their questions, and craft legal strategies tailored to their specific needs and goals.
• We have extensive experience. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling workers’ compensation claims. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, we understand the tactics employers and insurers often use to minimize payouts and work to successfully advocate for our clients’ recoveries.
• We are committed to open communication. We know how important it is for our clients to stay informed about what is happening with their cases. We update our clients throughout the process and have systems in place to work to ensure prompt return of phone calls and emails.