Secure Full Compensation for Your Workplace Injuries With Our South Carolina Construction Accident Lawyer
The rhythmic pounding of hammers and the roar of loud machinery suddenly give way to an eerie silence. In an instant, your world shifts as pain radiates through your body. You begin to panic. The familiar construction site where you’ve worked for hours now feels threatening and insecure. As you struggle to grasp what just happened, you come to realize that your life has been forever changed by a workplace accident.
Whether you’re working on a high-rise in Charleston or a residential development in Anderson, construction sites are inherently hazardous. When worksite accidents and injuries occur, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can feel overwhelming. Our South Carolina work injury lawyers are experienced allies in your fight for fair compensation. Understanding your rights and potential avenues for recovery after a construction site accident is crucial.
Workers' Compensation Claims for Construction Site Injuries
In South Carolina, most construction workers are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they suffer a workplace injury. This no-fault system provides financial support regardless of who caused the accident.
Workers’ compensation benefits typically include:
- Medical coverage. All reasonable and necessary medical treatments related to your work injury are covered, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. These benefits must continue as long as they “lessen the period of disability.”
- Lost wages. You may receive weekly payments equal to two-thirds of your average pre-tax earnings, subject to state-mandated maximums. The minimum payment is $75 per week as long as it does not exceed your average weekly salary. These benefits continue until you attain maximum medical improvement (MMI) or can return to work.
- Disability benefits. If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may be eligible for additional compensation based on the severity and body part affected.
- Vocational rehabilitation. If you're unable to return to your construction job, workers' comp may cover job retraining or placement services to help you find suitable employment. You may be offered assistive technology and counseling on disability benefits.
Third-Party Lawsuits in Construction Accidents
While workers' compensation provides essential benefits, it also limits your ability to sue your employer. If a third party contributed to your accident, however, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Potential third-party defendants include:
- Equipment manufacturers. If faulty machinery or tools caused your injury, the manufacturer may be held liable for producing a defective product.
- Subcontractors. Other companies working on the site may be responsible if their negligence contributed to your accident.
- Property owners. In some cases, the construction site owner may be held accountable for unsafe working conditions.
- Architects or engineers. If design flaws contributed to your injury, these professionals may bear responsibility.
Possible Recoverable Damages
A third-party lawsuit can provide compensation beyond the benefits you may receive from a workers' compensation injury claim.
A successful case may allow you to recover:
- Full lost wages. Rather than just two-thirds of your regular income, a lawsuit may recover up to 100 percent of your lost income, including future earnings.
- Pain and suffering. Receive noneconomic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience.
- Loss of enjoyment. Get compensated for a diminished quality of life due to your injuries.
- Punitive damages. In cases of extreme negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Alternative Sources of Compensation After a Construction Site Accident
While workers' compensation and third-party lawsuits are the most common routes to recovery, other options may be available. Whether you may pursue financial relief through any of these depends on the individual circumstances surrounding your case.
Other possible sources of compensation may include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance. If your injury results in long-term disability, you may qualify for SSDI benefits from Social Security.
- Personal Injury Protection. If your accident involved a vehicle, your auto insurance policy's PIP coverage may provide additional benefits.
- Occupational disease claims. Some construction-related illnesses, like asbestosis or silicosis, may be eligible for specialized compensation programs.
- Uninsured employer fund. If your employer fails to carry required workers' compensation insurance, this state fund may provide benefits to injured workers.
The Critical Role of a South Carolina Construction Accident Lawyer
After a construction site accident, the path to recovery can seem daunting and fraught with confusing obstacles. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a quick settlement, and employers may downplay your injuries. You need an ally by your side.
With intimate knowledge of state and federal labor laws and experience handling workers’ compensation claims, our South Carolina personal injury lawyers will advocate for your legal rights and guide you through the entire process.
As part of the legal services we provide to you, we will:
- Thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding your injury
- Identify all potential sources of compensation
- Collect crucial documentation, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate with workers' comp insurers and other parties to ensure you receive fair payment
- Determine if you have grounds for a third-party lawsuit beyond workers' compensation
- Pursue all available avenues of compensation to maximize the amount you receive
- Ensure you meet all filing deadlines and comply with legal requirements throughout the claims process
- Represent your best interests in court if the case goes to trial
Take the First Step Toward Recovery With Pracht Injury Lawyers
At Pracht Injury Lawyers, our experienced South Carolina construction site accident lawyers are ready to defend your rights. We have a proven track record of success for clients, securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in workers’ compensation cases. This is not a fight you should take on alone.
“Christopher and Heather always answered my questions promptly. They were both excellent to work with,” writes a satisfied client. “I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs a worker’s comp attorney.” With compassion and experience, Christopher Pracht and the rest of your legal team will guide you toward the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life.