Workers' Compensation

Spartanburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Legal Guidance for Injured Workers in Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee, Union, & the Surrounding Counties

Workers’ compensation laws are in place specifically to protect workers who have been injured on the job. South Carolina has laws designed to provide injured workers with medical benefits and funds while healing from their injuries or illness. In most instances, as an injured worker, you are also entitled to a final money award and often to ongoing medical benefits in the future.

However, it’s not always easy to get these benefits. In many cases, you may need an attorney who focuses on workers’ compensation claims and appeals to secure the benefits you need and deserve. At KD Trial Lawyers, our Spartanburg workers' compensation attorneys seek to provide you with personal and effective advice and counsel. We also want to make things as easy as possible for you so that you can focus on healing. 

We handle all workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay us no attorneys’ fees unless we succeed in obtaining benefits. Attorney Jeremy Dantin leads the worker’s compensation team at KD Trial Lawyers. 


You can request an initial consultation with a Spartanburg workers’ compensation attorney by contacting us online or at (864) 660-0465.


What Makes Workers’ Compensation Unique in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system has several features that set it apart from personal injury cases or other civil cases.  For example, limitations exist on what can be recovered depending on what, or how many, body parts are injured.  Also, unlike in a personal injury case, workers’ compensation pays 100% of all related medical bills upfront, so you have no cost as the claimant for your medical needs, both now and in the future.  Many other unique features distinguish workers’ compensation in South Carolina, which can make navigating through the system even more challenging.

What Types of Injuries Does South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Cover?

You can receive workers' compensation benefits to cover the damages related to various types of injuries, including those listed below.

Single-event accidents/injuries:

Repetitive motion injuries, sustained through assembly line work, repetitive lifting and twisting, typing, and more:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Epicondylitis
  • Degeneration of joints and discs
  • Stress fractures
  • Hip, knee, ankle, foot, spine, and shoulder problems

Occupational exposure:

  • Toxic/chemical exposure
  • Heat or cold exposure
  • Biological hazard exposure
  • Lung injuries
  • Heart attack
  • Vision and hearing damage
  • Stroke
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Disease 
  • Skin problems

Mental injuries

  • Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)
  • Depression and/or anxiety
  • Adjustment disorder

Other injuries or conditions may be covered under workers’ compensation as well. At KD Trial Lawyers, we are prepared to walk you through this process to determine what your best course of action should be on a case-by-case basis.

The Main Types of Monetary Recovery Available in South Carolina Workers’ Compensation

While medical benefits are always available to an injured worker so long as an authorized treating doctor states it is necessary and related, four primary types of monetary recovery are available in South Carolina:

  1. Permanent partial disability (PPD): This type of recovery is available when only one body part has been injured, when the back is the one injured body part but it does not produce greater than 50% disability, or when the injury does not involve paraplegia/quadriplegia or physical brain injury (for which lifetime benefits apply). These injuries are limited based on the values outlined in Sec. 42-9-30 and R. 67-1101.
  2. Wage loss: When you have two or more body parts injured and those injuries preclude you from continuing to work your job permanently, you may be eligible for a wage loss recovery. This is calculated by a formula that pays a percentage of the difference between what you made in your old job versus what you are predicted to make in the future (usually by a vocational expert) over a given period. 
  3. Permanent and total disability (P&T): This type of recovery is generally the largest available under workers’ compensation (not including paraplegia/quadriplegia or physical brain injuries). To be considered for a P&T recovery, you must be unable to perform any job within the readily available job market because of two or more injured body parts, or when your back is greater than 50% disabled (a rebuttable presumption may occur in this instance). This recovery has a maximum of 500 weeks of benefits, minus any weeks which may have been paid out by the week since the accident. 
  4. Lifetime benefits: This type of recovery is reserved for people whose work accident results in paraplegia/quadriplegia or physical brain injury. In these cases, weekly benefits are available for life. These claims are often complicated — whether these injuries qualify for lifetime benefits is frequently the subject of legal/medical debate.

Values are additionally dependent on a claimant’s individual compensation rate, which is generally two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage (note — the average weekly wage can be calculated in different ways). This is subject to a maximum compensation rate year by year, according to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. 

SC Workers’ Compensation Commission

In South Carolina, the Workers’ Compensation Commission is the administrative branch that handles and adjudicates all workers’ compensation claims. Seven commissioners preside over claims in hearings; commissioners are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate for a six-year term.

The commissioners also form Appellate Panels (composed of three of the Commissioners) to hear appeals from workers’ compensation hearings. If a party then wants to appeal the decision of an Appellate Panel, they may appeal to the Court of Appeals and then to the Supreme Court. 

SC Workers’ Compensation Act

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws are all governed by statute, specifically the South Carolina Workers Compensation Act (“the Act”), which is contained in Section 42 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, and by regulations (“the Regulations”) set forth by the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission (specifically Chapter 67 – South Carolina Code of Regulations). 

The Act defines not only what is covered under workers’ compensation, but also who is covered. Chapter 9 of the Act and Article 11 of the Regulations identify maximum values for numerous body parts, which are used to compute the values of injuries to those body parts.

Additionally, the Regulations provide guidance as to how evidence may be obtained, shared, and used in workers’ compensation hearings; governs how hearings and appeals are handled; and dictates which types of claims must be mediated (mediation is a formalized proceeding where the parties come together with a mediator who helps them attempt to settle the case) in South Carolina.

How Our Spartanburg Workers' Compensation Attorneys Can Help

Hiring a Spartanburg workers' compensation attorney can prove instrumental in securing your rights and ensuring fair treatment in cases of work-related injuries or illnesses. Here are key benefits of seeking legal representation in Spartanburg, South Carolina:

  • Understanding of Workers' Compensation Laws: Our workers' compensation lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the intricate laws and regulations governing workers' compensation in South Carolina. We can interpret these laws to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
  • Assistance with Paperwork and Documentation: Navigating the paperwork involved in a workers' compensation claim can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys can help complete the necessary forms accurately and in a timely manner, reducing the risk of delays or denials.
  • Protection of Rights and Interests: Our lawyers will advocate for your rights and best interests throughout the claims process. We will ensure you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or your employer, safeguarding your entitlement to compensation.
  • Negotiation Skills for Better Settlements: Our workers' compensation attorneys are skilled negotiators. We can negotiate effectively with insurance companies or employers to secure a fair settlement that adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and more.
  • Appeals and Dispute Resolution: If your claim is denied or disputed, we can guide you through the appeals process, representing you and presenting a strong case to the Workers' Compensation Commission.
  • Faster Resolution of Claims: With an experienced Spartanburg workers' compensation lawyer handling your case, you can expedite the claims process. Our knowledge and experience allow for a more efficient handling of your claim, reducing delays and ensuring you receive benefits promptly.
  • Peace of Mind and Support: Having a knowledgable lawyer provides peace of mind during a stressful time. We offer you guidance, support, and reassurance, making the process less burdensome and allowing you to focus on recovery.

Hiring a Spartanburg workers' compensation attorney offers legal expertise and support to navigate the complexities of workers' compensation claims, maximizing your chances of obtaining the benefits you deserve.

Contact KD Trial Lawyers Today

Sometimes, an employer and the insurance carrier fight an employee’s claim. For example, the employer may claim that your injury did not happen on the job, that it resulted from a pre-existing condition, or that your failure to immediately report your injury to your employer means that you are not entitled to coverage. Employers and insurance companies also may value a given case very differently than you do. 

Our workers’ compensation team can help you understand which type of recovery applies to your situation and create supporting evidence to maximize your recovery.  We have the experience and knowledge to present your case in a way that increases the chance of achieving desired results in a settlement or at a hearing.


If you need help filing for or appealing a workers’ compensation claim, contact us at (864) 660-0465 to speak with our experienced Spartanburg workers' compensation attorneys.


 

Meet Our Workers' Compensation Attorney

Jeremy Dantin leads the workers compensation team at KD Trial Lawyers, and he has been named to the SuperLawyers list for workers compensation in South Carolina.

Client Testimonials

Hear From Those We've Helped Over The Years
    "Luckily a friend recommended Tom Killoren and he was amazing."

    My uncle is special needs and was severely injures in two car accidents one resulting in severe damage to his body almost resulting in death. Luckily a friend recommended Tom Killoren and he was amazing.

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    I cannot begin to share in words what the KD law firm has done for me, after spending most of my life protecting others, I ...

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    In 2019, a friend recommended Wes Kissinger as an Attorney to represent me after I had been attacked by 5 dogs. Once I met with them, they immediately began working on my case.
    I feel so blessed to have been represented by Attorney Kissinger.

    - Barbara L.
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    I wouldn’t go to any other attorney in the Upstate. Allison is exceptionally responsive, and I appreciate that she always answers questions personally and thoroughly.

    - Derek L.
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    Steve Denton is wonderful! He is very honest and efficient! Very easy to get an appointment with and a call back from! He doesn’t sugarcoat reality and I truly feel he cares about your situation.

    - Lexa M.
    "He didn’t make it feel like business – he made it feel like family."

    Throughout the process, he didn’t make it feel like business – he made it feel like family. Jeremy is professional and personable, and he made me feel comfortable.

    - James B.
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    We respect Ryan McCarty for his courtesy and knowledge; he is easy to talk to yet still very professional. I would recommend him without any misgivings.

    - Sue M.
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    They truly treat you like family. He was able to get me more money than I thought I would get in my settlement.

    - Matthew M.
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