Georgetown Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Majority of Georgetown County workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you typically pay no upfront attorney fees. Your attorney is generally paid only if they recover benefits or compensation for you.

Hoffman Law Firm can explain how workers’ compensation attorney fees work and help you understand your options after a workplace injury.

No. The South Carolina law protects employees from any form of retaliation, including termination of employment.

This means that your employer cannot fire you solely because you filed an accident claim for your on-the-job injury.

A denied claim does not necessarily mean your case is over. Depending on the reason for the denial, you may be able to pursue your claim through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Evidence such as medical records, employment information, accident reports, and witness statements may help support your case.

Hoffman Law Firm can review your denied workers’ compensation claim and help you understand the next steps available under South Carolina law.

Workers’ compensation, often called workers’ comp, is a type of insurance that helps employees who get hurt or become sick because of their job.

It can help pay for medical treatment, recovery costs, and some of the wages you may miss while you’re unable to work.

Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

It’s designed to help injured workers get the support they need while also protecting employers from unexpected costs after a workplace injury.

You may also hear people call it workman’s compensation or workman’s comp.

These terms all mean the same thing, benefits available to employees after a work-related injury or illness.

Do not assume that your employer’s insurance company has your best interests in mind.

They may try to offer less than you are entitled to after your work-related injury – which is why it is crucial to have an experienced Charleston workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

Our team will fight to maximize your recovery, ensuring you are not taken advantage of. Hoffman Law Firm’s attorneys know SC law inside and out, and we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you have suffered a work-related injury in Georgetown County, schedule your free consultation today to get started.

Depending on your injury and claim, workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Medical care: Authorized doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, medication, and physical therapy
• Lost wages: Benefits that may help replace a portion of your income while you are unable to work
• Disability benefits: Compensation for qualifying permanent injuries or loss of function

Hoffman Law Firm can review your Georgetown County work injury and help you understand which benefits may be available.

Because work related injuries are very diverse, you must only prove that your accident occurred at work and that it caused your injury.

This is often easier said than done, especially if your employer denies your personal injury claim. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Georgetown Workers’ Comp attorney on your side.

Hoffman Law Firm can review your workers’ compensation claim and help you understand the next steps available under South Carolina law.

Yes. As long as your accident occurred at work, you are eligible for benefits – regardless of fault.

Exceptions include irresponsible or reckless behavior such as drug or alcohol use, horseplay, etc.

In South Carolina, the employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier generally has the right to select the authorized medical provider for your treatment.

Seeking treatment from another doctor without authorization may affect whether those medical expenses are covered. Depending on the circumstances, disputes over medical care may be addressed through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

If you are concerned about your medical treatment, Hoffman Law Firm can review your situation and help you understand your options.

South Carolina law generally prohibits an employer from firing or retaliating against an employee solely for filing a good-faith workers’ compensation claim.

However, employment and workers’ compensation issues can involve additional facts, including medical restrictions and an employee’s ability to perform essential job duties.

If you believe your employer retaliated against you after a Georgetown County workplace injury, Hoffman Law Firm can review the circumstances and discuss your potential legal options.

In general, South Carolina workers’ compensation benefits may equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to applicable state maximums.

The amount you receive and how long benefits continue can depend on your injury, work restrictions, and other factors.

Hoffman Law Firm can review your wages and work restrictions to help you understand what lost-income benefits may apply to your claim.

South Carolina workers’ compensation claims involve important deadlines. In general:

• Report your injury: You should notify your employer as soon as possible. South Carolina law generally provides up to 90 days to give notice.
• File your claim: In many cases, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Deadlines and exceptions can vary based on the circumstances.

Hoffman Law Firm can review your situation and help you understand the deadlines that may apply to your Georgetown County workers’ compensation claim.

In cases of severe injury, you may be eligible for partial or total disability. Please read the descriptions below to learn more about each.

Temporary partial disability: In this case, you are able to work but will earn less due to your injury. Benefits include 2/3 of the difference between your wages before and after the injury and are paid for a maximum of 340 weeks.

Permanent partial disability: Compensation is typically based on the injury’s severity and its effect on your job performance. Each body part has a “max value,” and benefits will be paid up to 340 weeks.

Temporary total disability: Benefits in this case are 2/3 of your average weekly wage, capped at a certain maximum value. Benefits are paid until you reach max medical improvement or until you are able to do your job normally.

Permanent total disability: This is the result of a very serious injury, such as the loss of both legs. In most cases, benefits are paid for up to 500 weeks, based on your average weekly wage. But there are exceptions for accident victims who sustain brain damage or are left as paraplegics or quadriplegics. In these instances, benefits last for life.

While you can file a legal claim yourself, it is not advised.

Even seemingly straightforward cases can quickly become complicated, and if you don’t have a thorough understanding of the Workers’ Comp laws in question, your benefits and your family’s future are at risk.

If you’ve been hurt at work, it’s best to contact Hoffman Law Firm immediately.

Our team has extensive experience handling cases like yours, and getting injured workers the benefits they deserve.

You may be able to collect unemployment after a Workers’ Comp settlement, depending on the circumstances surrounding your on-the-job injury.

In many cases, injured workers sign a resignation letter as part of their settlement deal. If you do this, you may not be able to collect unemployment.

Keep in mind that if you are collecting unemployment benefits during the settlement process, the value of your Workers’ Compensation case will decrease to reflect this.

Consult your Workers’ Comp attorney for details about your specific case.

Your employer’s insurance carrier is responsible for payment if your workplace injury keeps you out of work for more than seven days.

All employers with four or more employees are required by law to carry Workers’ Comp insurance.

Yes, Workers’ Compensation benefits include medical travel expenses if the round-trip distance is more than ten miles from your home.

As of August 2004, the Workers’ Comp Commission approved reimbursement for travel to the pharmacy as well – as long as the round-trip distance exceeds ten miles.

You will receive reimbursement for mileage at the rate allowed by state employees.

If light work is ordered, you must accept it.

Refusal to return to light work may result in the discontinuation of all compensation.

You do, however, have the right to a hearing if you believe that you are not capable of safely completing the work your employer has assigned.

If you return to light work before your doctor fully discharges you at a lower wage than you earned before your injury, you are still entitled to Workers’ Comp benefits.

You will receive weekly compensation at a rate of ⅔ the difference between your average weekly wage and your new wage.

If you have been hurt at work, you are entitled to compensation at a rate of 2⁄3 of your average weekly wage – based on the four quarters prior to your workplace injury.

This amount cannot exceed the maximum average weekly wage determined annually by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

Note: if you have two or more jobs when your accident takes place, these wages may be included in the average weekly wage calculation. It is best to have an experienced Workers’ Comp attorney on your side to ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

If you are out of work for more than seven days, you are entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. The payments will come directly to you from your employer’s insurance carrier after the seven day waiting period. If you are out of work for more than 14 days, you will receive compensation for the first seven days. Payments will continue until your doctor authorizes your return to work.

After your doctor releases you to return to work (with or without physical restrictions), you should receive two copies of Form 15 within 150 days.

Section II will be completed, confirming that compensation has stopped – and including the reasons why.

If you disagree with the reasons listed, complete Section III of the form and send it to the Commission’s Judicial Department.

This is your request for a hearing to be held in 60 days.

If your doctor authorizes your return to work after the 150-day notification period has ended, your employer or their insurance representation will request that you sign Form 17.

This form serves as a receipt of compensation and should be completed after you have been back on the job for 15 days.

No. To receive unemployment, you must be able and available to work.

Workers’ Compensation, on the other hand, is for people who cannot work due to illness or injury. Both criteria cannot be satisfied at the same time, meaning that you cannot be eligible for both at the same time.

Trying to cheat the system and collect both benefits is considered fraud – and may result in criminal and/or civil charges.

In many situations, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer for a workplace injury.

However, a third party may be responsible in certain accidents.

For example, you may have a separate claim if your injury was caused by:

• A negligent driver
• A defective product or machine
• Another company or individual not protected by workers’ compensation immunity

Hoffman Law Firm can investigate your work accident to determine whether a workers’ compensation claim, third-party injury claim, or both may be available.

No, all Workers’ Comp benefits are tax exempt.

You do not have to pay state or federal income taxes on your Workers’ Comp benefits.

If you report your workplace accident right away and your employer accepts your legal claim, you should begin receiving benefits almost immediately.

Remember that you must report your injury to your employer within 90 days of the accident.

Our clients’ reviews reflect the care, experience, and determination we bring to workplace accident, workers’ compensation, and catastrophic injury cases.

We understand that a serious workplace injury can impact your health, finances, and future, which is why we focus on providing trusted guidance and strong legal representation from start to finish.

Clients often recognize us for our personal attention, timely communication, and commitment to protecting injured workers’ rights.

Our reputation is supported by decades of legal experience and recognition from respected organizations, including:

• 4.9-Star Google Reviews from past clients
• 55+ Combined Years of Injury Law and Litigation Knowledge
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum recognition for achieving million-dollar results
• Super Lawyers (2024) and Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2012)

• Lawyers of Distinction Member · 5-Star Rated

While every workplace injury claim is unique and no attorney can guarantee a specific result, our experience handling complex injury cases allows us to build strong claims focused on protecting our clients’ rights.

Whether you were hurt on the job, facing a denied workers’ compensation claim, or suffered a life-changing catastrophic injury, we are prepared to investigate the facts, challenge insurance companies when necessary, and pursue the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to under South Carolina law.