Workers' Compensation

Helping You Understand the Claims Process

What should you do if you are injured on the job? Under workers compensation laws, it is not necessary to prove that your employer did anything to cause your injury in order to receive benefits. These benefits come from an insurance policy that your employer is required to have to cover workplace injuries. Contact an attorney at Cox & Fisher, LLC to learn more about the workers' compensation claims process.

It is important to tell your employer about your injuries right away. In order to receive benefits, you must report your injuries to your employer within 90 days of your accident. After you notify your employer, speak to one of our workers' compensation lawyers.

After your accident, your employer will send you to one of their doctors. Typically, this is a company doctor. Before you can settle your workers' compensation claim, the doctor must certify that you have reached maximum medical improvement and give you an impairment rating if you have any permanent injury or disability. You may seek the advice of an independent physician for a second opinion. Our lawyers can coordinate with you and with doctors who can give you an unbiased independent medical examination.

What are You Entitled to Under Workers' Compensation?

After suffering an injury, the last thing people want to do is fight with an insurance company. The claims process is confusing if you are unfamiliar with workers' compensation laws. A workers' compensation claim is not a lawsuit against your employer, but is a request for benefits simply as a result of being injured in the performance of your job. These benefits may include:

• Payment of your medical bills for treatment
• Two-thirds of your average weekly wage for temporary disability if you cannot work as a result of your injury
• A lump sum payment if you have suffered any permanent injury or disability

Third Party and Workers' Compensation Claims

You may also have a personal injury claim against another party responsible for your job related injury. Such claims can arise from a car wreck or a defective tool or machine. However, you must resolve the workers' compensation claim before settling a personal injury claim. If you settle a personal injury claim first, you may waive your right to file a workers' compensation claim. Additionally, you may have to reimburse any workers' compensation benefits received after you receive a personal injury settlement. Let us guide you through these complicated laws.

To learn more about filing a claim for a work-related injury, contact a workers' compensation lawyer at Cox & Fisher, LLC. We represent people throughout South Carolina, including in Spartanburg, Pickens, Anderson, and Laurens.