Posted on: August 23, 2013
So many South Carolina workers never get the help they need from workers’ compensation because they believe their injuries were their own fault. The law protects workers in the same way whether their injuries were caused by their own negligence, by their employer’s negligence, or a simple accident.
Don’t blame yourself out of benefits
If you were hurt on the job and feel the accident was your fault, you’re not alone. A lot of South Carolinians hurt at work look back at their injuries and see how they could have prevented them.
The beauty of the South Carolina workers’ compensation system is that it protects workers no matter who was at fault or how they were injured as long as it was in the normal course of their work duties.
Why it doesn’t matter who was at fault
The establishment of the workers’ compensation system was a compromise. Employers agreed to pay for an insurance policy that would cover all employees in the event of any kind of work-related accident as long as employees would give up the right to sue employers for work-related injuries and illnesses.
That trade-off resulted in a system that is designed to protect both parties.
Report your injury
Even if you are ashamed of how you hurt yourself, report your injury to your employer and get the help you need. It should be covered under the workers’ compensation plan.
If your employer isn’t helping
If your employer suggests you shouldn’t be allowed to make a claim because your injury was your own fault, contact an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney immediately. Your employer should know that you are covered regardless of how you were injured and should be protecting your rights to benefits.
Working with a lawyer
The South Carolina workers’ compensation system can be confusing. The experienced and knowledgeable legal team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers offers a free case evaluation that can help you understand your rights, the process , and your options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or Orangeburg; we can also meet with you in your home or anywhere in South Carolina.
Call or text (888) 612-7001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form