Florence Workers’ Compensation Attorneys 

Types of Employees We Represent 

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our attorneys represent injured workers from all different walks of life.

We help employees from a variety of industries and backgrounds, including: 

Regardless of your employment industry, you can trust our lawyers to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves.

What Is Included in Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you were injured on the job, workers' compensation can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ compensation benefits also cover permanent disabilities and death benefits for surviving family members in the event of a work-related fatality.

In addition to immediate financial support for medical bills and lost wages, rehabilitation costs may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other necessary medical procedures aimed at restoring your lost capabilities or helping you adapt to permanent changes. For some, this might also mean vocational rehabilitation services, which can be instrumental in helping you transition to new job roles if your current capacity is altered substantially by your injuries.

Common Workplace Accidents in Florence

Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC represents injured workers after all types of workplace accidents, such as: 

Work Vehicle Accidents

Delivery employees, truck operators, and other employed drivers can suffer serious injuries in accidents involving cars, trucks, and other work vehicles. Common causes include fatigue, distracted driving, inclement weather, and hazardous roads.

Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents are common in warehouses and industrial settings. Common causes include inadequate training, neglected maintenance, or negligent operation, increasing the likelihood of collisions, tip-overs, and falling objects. 

Heavy Equipment Accidents 

Incidents involving cranes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries due to the size and power of the equipment. These accidents often occur on construction sites or manufacturing plants due to equipment malfunctions, operator errors, or inadequate safety protocols. 

Ladder & Scaffolding Falls

Falls from heights are common in construction or renovation sites where workers perform tasks at elevated levels. Ladder and scaffolding collapses may occur due to faulty construction, improper assembly, overloading, unsecured platforms, or inadequate safety measures.

Slips, Trips, & Falls 

Slip-and-fall injuries are common in offices, warehouses, and retail spaces. They frequently occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, and other hazards, increasing the risk of serious injuries like concussions and fractures.   

Common Work-Related Injuries Leading to Workers’ Compensation Claims 

Our firm has a proven track record of results in a wide range of workers’ compensation cases.

Common workplace injury claims we handle include: 

• Amputations: Limb loss frequently affects workers in the manufacturing, construction, and industrial industries. This injury commonly occurs due to machinery accidents, construction site incidents, and industrial accidents.
• Arthritis: This injury causes inflammation of the joints due to repetitive motion or prolonged physical strain. Arthritis is especially prevalent among office workers, construction workers, and individuals in physically demanding jobs.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This injury compresses the median nerve in the wrists of affected workers, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. This syndrome commonly affects employees who perform repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as computer programmers, assembly line workers, and data entry operators.
• Catastrophic Injuries: These refer to severe and life-altering injuries that significantly impact a worker’s quality of life, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries resulting from accidents in construction, transportation, or industrial work.
• Chronic Pain Syndrome: This refers to persistent and debilitating pain that limits an employee’s long-term ability to perform physical tasks, focus on job-related duties, and maintain consistent attendance. Common causes include repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting. 
• Eye Injuries: Damage to the eye can occur due to chemical exposure, flying debris, and other accidents in the workplace. Eye injuries are especially common in manufacturing, construction, and laboratories.
• Fractures: Broken bones and fractures often result from falls, struck-by injuries, and other workplace accidents in various industries, including construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. 
• Occupational Illnesses: These refer to conditions that develop gradually over time due to exposure to hazardous substances or work-related environments, such as asbestos-related diseases in construction or occupational lung diseases in mining.
• Occupational Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in gradual hearing impairment, especially in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and aviation.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other RSIs are caused by repetitive movements or overuse of a specific body part. These injuries often affect workers in office settings, manufacturing, and assembly line work.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. SCIs are especially common in workplace accidents involving falls, construction incidents, and work vehicle collisions.
• Tendonitis: This injury refers to inflammation and irritation of tendons caused by repetitive motions or overexertion. Tendonitis frequently impacts employees in physically demanding occupations, such as factory work and construction.   
• Tennis Elbow: This overuse injury causes pain and inflammation in the tendons of the elbow. Tennis elbow is common among workers who engage in repetitive activities, such as construction work or manual labor.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This compresses the nerves and blood vessels in the upper chest region, leading to pain and numbness in the arms and hands. This syndrome frequently occurs in occupations involving repetitive arm movements or poor posture.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Severe head injuries can result from falls, struck-by injuries, and vehicle accidents, especially in construction and transportation.
• Whiplash: This neck injury is caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration in work vehicle accidents and other incidents involving sudden impact or jolts.

While some injuries are visibly severe and require immediate medical intervention, others might manifest subtly and gradually, making it crucial to seek timely medical diagnosis to establish a connection to your work duties. For instance, conditions like repetitive stress injuries often worsen over time and can permanently impair function if not addressed promptly. Our firm advises regular medical check-ups to catch these injuries early and to assist in documenting them thoroughly as part of your workers' compensation claim, ensuring medical records accurately reflect the cause and extent of your injuries.

Florence’s Industrial Impact on Work Injuries

Florence, South Carolina, boasts a diverse economy with prominent sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. This economic diversity inevitably influences the types and frequency of work-related injuries encountered. In the manufacturing sector, which includes plants producing automotive parts and machinery, the risk of machinery-related accidents is notably high. Employees in these industries are prone to injuries such as crush injuries, lacerations, and even amputations if safety protocols are not rigorously followed.

Key Considerations for Filing a Work Injury Claim in Florence

Filing a work injury claim in Florence requires careful consideration of specific regional factors. First, it’s crucial to report the injury to your employer within the 90-day state-mandated timeframe to preserve your eligibility for compensation. Following the report, selecting a medical provider approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance is essential for ensuring that medical expenses are covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Work Accident in Florence?

After sustaining a work accident in Florence, it’s imperative to prioritize your health. Seek immediate medical attention even if injuries initially appear minor, as some complications may manifest later. Ensure you report the accident to your employer as soon as possible, maintaining records of whom you spoke to and when. Documentation is key; collect evidence like photographs of the injury scene, eyewitness accounts, and any relevant surveillance footage.

These initial steps bolster your position for filing a strong workers’ compensation claim. Understand your right to choose a pre-approved healthcare provider under your employer’s policy, and engage with them to clearly communicate how the injury occurred. Holding onto all paperwork — medical receipts, and reports from healthcare professionals and employers — secures a comprehensive set of documents that can substantiate your claim effectively.

How Does South Carolina’s Fault System Affect Workers’ Compensation?

In South Carolina, the no-fault nature of the workers’ compensation system allows injured workers to receive benefits without the need to prove employer negligence. This framework aims to facilitate expedited access to medical care and financial support. However, understanding that this system doesn’t cover all scenarios is essential; for instance, compensation might be reduced or denied if the injury results from intoxication or the violation of workplace safety policies.

It’s equally important to recognize that while workers’ compensation covers medical costs and a portion of lost wages, it typically does not compensate for pain and suffering. If you feel that your benefits do not fully address your circumstances, consulting with a skilled Florence work injury lawyer can help in evaluating potential additional claims or exploring other legal avenues like personal injury suits.

What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, it’s not the end of your legal journey. Denials can occur due to insufficient evidence, claims errors, or disputes over the injury's work-related nature. Immediately request written clarification of the denial reasons from your employer’s insurance provider to understand and remedy any deficiencies.

Every denial has an appeal process, during which precise legal guidance can prove invaluable. Engaging with an attorney familiar with the South Carolina workers’ compensation system is advisable to craft a comprehensive appeal. Legal professionals will highlight overlooked evidence and assemble any additional documentation necessary to support your claim, ensuring that every legitimate injury leads to rightful compensation.

Can I Choose My Doctor for Treatment?

In South Carolina, while workers’ compensation laws require treatment from a medical provider approved by your employer’s insurance to qualify for coverage, you have rights within this framework. If you wish to switch medical providers after your initial treatment, express these concerns to your employer’s insurance and justify the request. If your employer or their insurer delays or refuses a change, consulting with an experienced Florence work injury attorney is recommended.

Having legal support ensures that any change of medical provider adheres to legal protocols, securing both continued treatment and financial coverage without interruptions. Should you disagree with the decisions of the treating physician, an attorney can advise on pursuing a second opinion, safeguarding both your physical recovery and financial health against systemic obstacles.

Why Is Legal Assistance Crucial in Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Engaging legal assistance in workers’ compensation claims can significantly affect the outcome and ensure that justice is served. Legal professionals adeptly manage complex legal procedures, interpret evolving legislation, and preemptively address potential disputes. By collaborating early with lawyers from Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, you gain advocates committed to ensuring your rights are preserved and a fair resolution is achieved.

A knowledgeable legal team streamlines the documentation process, providing seasoned advice on claim filing and appeal strategies tailored to your unique situation. This legal insight effectively counters employer or insurer tactics, preventing unmerited reductions or denials of benefits. Importantly, partnering with attorneys ensures you remain focused on your recovery while resting assured that experienced professionals address your legal concerns.

Are Employers Required to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance in SC?

Under South Carolina law, employers with four or more full-time employees are generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, certain exceptions may apply to agricultural workers, railroad and railway express workers, and federal employees. Consulting a knowledgeable work accident attorney in Florence is essential to determine your potential eligibility and make informed decisions for your financial health and well-being.   

Small businesses, family-owned farms, and specific industries enjoy particular exemptions, which can complicate the landscape of workers’ compensation. If your employer is not carrying mandatory insurance, our attorneys can assist you in exploring alternative options such as pursuing a civil lawsuit to seek damages that the workers’ compensation system would typically cover. 

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation is available to most employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

To be eligible for benefits, employees must meet the following criteria:  

• Employment status: You must be an official employee to recover benefits. Independent contractors and volunteers are generally ineligible for workers’ compensation. 
• Work-related injury or illness: To qualify for workers' compensation, your injury or illness must have occurred as a result of your employment or in the course of your job duties.
• Employer coverage: Your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance. In South Carolina, this applies to most employers with four or more employees. 
• Timely reporting: Under state workers’ compensation laws, you must report your injury or illness to your employer within 90 days to be eligible for benefits. 

Keep in mind that specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specifics of your case, making it crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after a workplace accident. 

I Contracted COVID-19 While Working at the McLeod Regional Medical Center. Am I Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Yes, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you contracted COVID-19 as a healthcare employee. If you developed the coronavirus as an essential worker at the McLeod Regional Medical Center, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Florence have a deep understanding of the evolving laws and complexities surrounding COVID-19 cases to pursue the maximum benefits available to you. 

I Developed Tendonitis at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Florence County. Can I Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Tendonitis is a repetitive stress injury resulting from physically demanding labor, making it a common injury among Amazon workers. If you developed tendonitis at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Florence County, you may be eligible to recover benefits in a workers’ compensation claim. Fortunately, our work injury attorneys have extensive experience representing employees at Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities, making us well-equipped to pursue the best possible outcome in your claim.   

Why Choose Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC? 

Why trust Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC to represent your best interests after a workplace accident? 

When you partner with our experienced firm, you’ll benefit from: 

• Legal experience: Put decades of experience on your side by partnering with our work accident attorneys.
• Winning results: With millions of dollars recovered for injured South Carolinians, our winning track record of results speaks for itself. 
• Personalized representation: When you choose Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, you can expect personalized and reliable representation tailored to your unique legal circumstances. 
• Upfront communication: Our firm goes above and beyond to keep you informed and up-to-date throughout your claim, empowering you to make informed decisions for your health and well-being. 
• Complimentary case evaluations: We offer contingency fees and free consultations for your convenience and clarity. 
• Trial readiness: While many claims are settled outside of court, our advocates never hesitate to prepare cases for trial if necessary to achieve a fair settlement. 

If you were injured on the job in Florence, you deserve financial relief to support you during your recovery. Contact us online to discuss your case with our skilled lawyers.