Myrtle Beach is quickly growing, which means there is a lot of construction in and around the Grand Strand. New buildings are popping up and highway expansion projects are underway along U.S. 501. Unfortunately, with an increase in construction, comes an increase in on-the-job work injuries for construction workers.
If you have suffered a construction site injury, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits, and if another person or business caused your injury, you may be able to file a third party claim as well. Contact our Myrtle Beach workers compensation lawyers to see how we can help ensure you are treated fairly and receive a full, fair recovery.
Common Construction Incidents that Lead to Injury
Construction sites are dangerous places with heavy machinery and constantly moving parts. When construction workers are harmed on site, the injuries are often severe or even fatal. In fact, 20 percent of work-related deaths occur within the construction industry. The most common causes of construction site injuries include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and roofs
- Electrocution
- Crushing/Pinching injuries from construction equipment
- Machinery accidents (cars, trucks, forklifts, and other heavy equipment, etc.)
- Malfunctioning tools
- Car accidents in road construction zones
These causes often lead to serious injuries including:
- Head Injury/Traumatic Brain Injury
- Burns
- Broken/crushed bones
- Back and spine injuries
- Death
If you suffered an injury on site, your employer should make sure you receive proper medical treatment, ongoing pay, and other benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. If your boss or supervisor is giving you a hard time about your injury and the treatment you require, it may be time to consult with an injury lawyer about your rights.
What to Do After a Construction Injury in Myrtle Beach
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Myrtle Beach, there are a few steps you should follow to help ensure your workers’ compensation claim proceeds smoothly:
1.Report the injury to your supervisor. This will enable them to create an incident report and will provide evidence that you reported your injury within the required timeframe. In South Carolina, you must report all injuries within 90 days.
2.Seek medical treatment for your injuries. Your employer may want you to visit a company-approved doctor. It is best to follow their recommendation. If you do not agree with the doctor’s assessment, you can request a second opinion.
3.Keep copies of everything. It’s important to keep record of all correspondence and medical treatment you receive after being hurt. This may include emails, medical bills, prescriptions, and more. All of this will be factored in when determining your final workers’ compensation settlement.
4.Contact a workplace injury lawyer. Some construction injuries don’t require a workers’ compensation attorney, but some certainly do. If you’ve been hurt on the job, it never hurts to seek a free consultation from a qualified workers’ comp lawyer in Myrtle Beach. Our attorneys can help you understand what kind of outcome you should expect from your case and whether you’d benefit from working with a lawyer or handling it on your own.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Construction Workers Should Receive After an Injury
In South Carolina, injured workers are entitled to three main benefits:
1.Medical Care
2.Weekly workers’ compensation checks (or payment for time missed due to your injury)
3.Compensation for permanent disability which may come in the form of a workers’ compensation settlement
Your employer should have workers compensation insurance to ensure you receive these benefits. If your employer is refusing medical treatment or pay, contact our Myrtle Beach office for a free consultation to see how we can help.
Compensation Available in a Third-Party Civil Case for Construction Injuries
If the actions of someone other than your employer, such as the driver of a car or a third-party contractor, you may be able file a third-party civil claim to recover compensation for your damages. Damages in third party claims may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death benefits
- Punitive damages
How a Myrtle Beach Workplace Injury Attorney Can Help
Workers’ compensation claims don’t always require hiring an attorney. If you had a minor injury and you are receiving workers’ comp benefits, you can likely proceed on your own and avoid any legal fees. However, if you’ve suffered a life-changing injury or your employer is giving you the run-around, working with a qualified injury lawyer can help ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process and secure a full, fair settlement when all is said and done.
When you hire an attorney to help with your construction injury, the attorney should:
1. Investigate what exactly caused the accident so that all responsible parties may be held accountable.
South Carolina has a no-fault workers’ compensation system. This means if you were hurt at work, you have a right to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer – no matter whose fault it was. You may also be able to file a third-party claim in addition to your workers’ comp claim if someone other than your employer caused your injury.
2. Work with experts to further prove your case.
Injury lawyers have a close network of experts like accident reconstructionists, doctors, and life-care planners to further build your case, determine the cause of your injury, and accurately depict how your life and your future has been affected.
3. Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Accident attorneys handle cases like yours day in and day out and know how to present your case to adjusters so that you’re able to maximize your recovery.
Contact Our Myrtle Beach Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Construction workers work in a dangerous environment every day. If you’ve been injured at work, do not let your employer or their insurance company take advantage of you. Do not allow them to pin the fault on you and do not allow them to pressure you into settling quickly.
If you believe you aren’t being treated fairly, contact our Myrtle Beach injury firm to schedule a free case evaluation at 843-427-2800. Our legal team is here to help you protect your rights.