If you have been involved in a construction accident in South Carolina, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. The physical pain of an injury is often compounded by emotional distress, especially when it comes to how you will pay your bills and support your family. One of the most common concerns for construction workers after an accident is lost wages. It’s natural to wonder: “Who will pay for my lost wages while I recover?” At Christian & Christian Law, we understand your concerns. We are here to help guide you through this tough time with compassion and understanding, ensuring that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
The reality is, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you’ve lost as a result of a construction accident. This compensation comes from various sources, and it’s crucial to understand how these different avenues work. If you’re unsure where to turn or who is responsible for your lost wages, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover for Lost Wages in South Carolina Construction Accidents?
In South Carolina, workers’ compensation is typically the first avenue for recovering lost wages after a construction accident. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job. Construction companies in South Carolina are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which helps cover medical expenses and lost wages due to work-related injuries.
Under South Carolina law, if you are injured while working in a construction job, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can provide compensation for a portion of your lost wages. However, it’s important to note that workers’ compensation typically only covers a percentage of your wages, often around two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This means you will not receive your full paycheck while you recover, which can place a strain on your financial situation.
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Additionally, workers’ compensation covers only certain types of injuries. If your injury is covered under the law, the insurance company will handle the claims process. However, if your employer denies your claim or if your injury is not covered under workers’ compensation, you may need to explore other options for recovering your lost wages.
Third-Party Liability and Personal Injury Claims
While workers’ compensation provides a safety net for injured workers, it does not always cover the full extent of your lost wages, especially if your injuries are severe or long-lasting. In some construction accident cases, a third party may be responsible for the accident in addition to your employer. This could include contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. If a third party is found to be responsible for your injuries, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
Personal injury claims allow you to seek compensation for additional damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, including full wages lost as a result of the accident, pain and suffering, and other financial losses. The amount of compensation you can receive in a personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your lost wages, and the impact your injuries have on your ability to work in the future.
Everyone there was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. My car was totaled, and I was a little intimidated talking with a couple of other lawyers in Greenville. But with Christian and Christian, not only did they answer my questions, but they did so in a way that made what could have been a hectic situation, easy. Overall, an excellent experience with high quality lawyers who truly go above and beyond and really try to get you the results or answers you need. I met Josh like 4 years ago when my Son was injured at Daycare. He was very concerned about the well being of my Child and Me. Very Understanding Professional and Just a great Staff. If You need a Lawyer that’s all about YOU this is the Place. I just closed a Case on 6/23/2021 from a injury on a Property. They handled everything because no one else would help Me. I’m forever grateful for Your hard Work and Time. Once again Thank You Josh and Sally. My husband was referred to this law firm from another lawyer after his mother passed away while residing in a nursing home. Matt took on his case and we are pleased with how everything turned out. It took a long, long time to finally settle, but it was worth the wait. The staff here is friendly and I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. I was referred to Harold by a family friend, and I couldn’t be happier. He took the time to listen to my case, answered all my questions and truly treated me like a friend not a client. His knowledge of medical malpractice is priceless he actually successfully won, one of the first medical malpractice cases in Greenville County.
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A personal injury claim may require proving that the third party’s negligence or recklessness caused your accident. This is often a more complex process than filing a workers’ compensation claim, but it can result in significantly higher compensation for your lost wages and other damages.
Long-Term Disability Benefits for Severe Injuries
In cases where the construction accident results in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits. These benefits can provide financial support if you are no longer able to work at all or if you are unable to return to the type of work you performed before the accident. Disability benefits are often available through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance or through private disability insurance policies.
If your disability is deemed permanent, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits or permanent total disability benefits. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of your lost wages for the duration of your disability. However, like workers’ compensation, these benefits may only cover a fraction of your actual earnings.
If you are facing long-term disability, it’s important to seek legal advice from a professional who can help you navigate the process and ensure that you are receiving the full compensation you deserve. Legal professionals can also help if you are denied disability benefits or if your workers’ compensation claim is challenged by your employer or insurance company.
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The Role of Insurance Companies in Paying for Lost Wages
When it comes to paying for lost wages after a construction accident, insurance companies are often the ones responsible for providing compensation. However, insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts. As a result, they may try to offer you less compensation than you deserve or deny your claim altogether. This is where having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference.
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or they may question whether your injuries were caused by the construction accident. They may also try to limit your compensation by offering a lump-sum settlement that does not fully account for your lost wages or future medical needs. It’s important to understand that you do not have to accept an offer from an insurance company that you feel is insufficient.
An attorney can help you negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that your claim is handled fairly. In cases where an insurance company refuses to provide adequate compensation, your attorney may be able to help you take legal action to pursue a fair settlement or judgment for your lost wages.
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How Christian & Christian Law Can Help You Recover Lost Wages
Dealing with the aftermath of a construction accident is challenging, especially when you are worried about how to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. At Christian & Christian Law, we understand the stress you are experiencing, and we are here to help. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery without the added worry of financial strain.
If you have been injured in a construction accident in South Carolina, we can guide you through the workers’ compensation process, help you file a personal injury claim if applicable, and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your lost wages. Our team is here to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Contact Us Today for Help with Lost Wages Claims
If you are struggling with lost wages after a construction accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. Our team at Christian & Christian Law has the experience and dedication to help you navigate the complexities of your case and secure a successful result. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you move forward with confidence.
To learn more about this subject click here: How to Prove Fault in a Construction Accident Case