Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that businesses are required to carry on their employees. If the employee is injured on the job, the insurance pays out medical benefits and other monies to the employee. In general, it is not dependent on fault, and the only criterion that needs to be met is that both the employer and the employee agree that the injury happened on the job during the performance of their work duties.
If you’ve been injured on the job, talk to a workers’ compensation attorney about your rights. It’s important to follow a specific process when filing a workers’ compensation claim, and a lawyer can help you understand how decisions like quitting your job might affect your case.
How Does Quitting My Job Affect My Workers’ Comp Case?
After your injury, you may find that your job is no longer a good fit. Maybe it’s because you’re no longer able to physically perform the job duties, or maybe it’s from the way your employer handled the workers’ compensation case. Either way, you may be relieved to find out that your job status doesn’t have any bearing on your workers’ compensation case. Quitting your job won’t impact your case or your workers’ compensation claim.
Can My Employer Fire Me for Claiming Workers’ Comp?
It is not legal for an employer to fire an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer has done this or has threatened to do this, it’s important to discuss this as soon as possible with your attorney so they can take the appropriate action. If you believe that your employer fired you in retaliation for filing workers’ comp but hid it behind another reason, your attorney can talk to you about how to go about getting more details and what your options may be.
How Do I File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
If you’ve been injured on the job, the first step should be to talk with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney after you seek medical treatment. Make sure to bring your medical records with you so that the attorney has the information they need. You will need to report your injury to your employer, who will file all appropriate paperwork with the South Carolina Workers’’ Compensation Commission. If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, there may be nothing else you need to do. If it is denied, however, you will need to talk to an attorney about scheduling a hearing to fight the decision.
Whether you’re interested in finding out more about workers’ comp or you’re already in the middle of a claim, the attorneys at our firm can help. Contact our office today by calling (803) 888-2200 to schedule a free consultation and talk more in detail about your case.