When you are in a work-related accident, breaking your spine or injuring your spinal cord can be a life-changing event. Filing a fault-free claim through South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system may be in your best interest; however, taking on this responsibility on your own may be a tall order if you also have to undergo surgery, physical therapy, and bed rest while you heal.
Handing over the legal matters to a capable spinal cord injury attorney can give you space to focus on your recovery and the confidence in knowing a trained professional is taking care of things for you.
Since 1945, the tireless advocates at West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers have been going to bat for injured workers in the Lowcountry. We understand how important it is for you to get swift and competent legal advice early on in the claims process. After all, you may be depending on the settlement to help you access necessary medical care.
Types of Work-Related Spinal Cord Injuries
When someone hurts their spinal cord, doctors classify the wound in a couple of different ways.
Complete spinal cord damage means the cut completely blocks sensory input from below the site. In contrast, an incomplete injury doesn’t entirely block signals from at or below the injury.
Instead, the person may retain some level of function or feeling in those areas.
As the Mayo Clinic discusses, symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include:
- The inability to control one’s bowels or bladder
- Changes in someone’s sexual function
- Breathing problems
- Exaggerated or dulled reflexes
The casualty may experience varying levels of paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the nerve damage. For example, someone who breaks their neck may lose all feeling and control over the body parts below their neck. In contrast, someone who shatters their lumbar spine may have paraplegia and be unable to move their legs.
Common Causes of Workplace Spinal Cord Injuries
People can injure their spine while at work in a number of situations. For example, a warehouse worker may slip and fall onto heavy machinery. Or a rogue forklift may crush someone in a factory. Other causes of spinal cord damage in the workplace include:
- Trip and falls
- Being struck by objects
- Being crushed or caught in between objects or structures
- A fall from tall heights
- Motor vehicle crashes
Whatever the cause, if you suffer a spinal cord injury at work, you may qualify to receive benefits. The workers’ compensation system allows you to request benefits without having to prove that you or your employer is at fault. If someone else’s, also known as a third party’s, actions harmed you, you might also be able to take legal action against them in a personal injury lawsuit.
Immediate Steps To Take After a Spinal Injury at Work
Getting into an accident at work can be a scary and unsettling experience. To protect your health and your claim, consider taking some of these steps. If you need help understanding what to do after getting injured in a workplace incident, reach out to a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer in South Carolina.
West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers has nearly 80 years of experience advocating for injured teachers, factory workers, delivery drivers, and others. We understand what you might be going through and have the tools to help you.
Go to the doctor
The first step after a workplace incident is to see a healthcare provider. Since your spine is involved, having someone else call 911 and have you transported in an ambulance may be the best option. When you see the doctor, make sure to tell them when and where you got hurt so they can make a note in your file about your injury being work-related.
Tell your employer about the incident
The next step is to notify your employer about what happened. South Carolina law asks you to send in this notice as soon as possible afterward. You have up to 90 days to tell your employer about what occurred.
File a workers’ comp claim
Sending in the notice to your employer kicks off the workers’ comp process; however, you also have to file a form with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. The overall deadline to take this step is about two years. That said, a different deadline may apply to your situation because of an exception to this general rule.
Talk to an attorney
When you are seriously hurt in a job-related accident, talking to a spinal cord injury lawyer early on may be in your best interest. They can talk to you about your situation, investigate the cause, and determine the proper course of action going forward. They can speak to your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company and commission on your behalf.
Types of Workers’ Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
South Carolina law allows people to receive several types of compensation if they get hurt at their place of employment. For example, someone who loses all function because of their condition may receive lifetime wage replacement benefits. Additionally, their employer may cover the cost of their injury-related medical expenses.
Potential Challenges in Obtaining Compensation
As you embark on the process of requesting benefits, you may run into many different challenges along the way. For example, you may have difficulty proving that you’ve done everything your providers told you to do during your recovery. Or your doctor may take a long time when sending your medical records, delaying when you have what you need to move forward with the claim. Additionally, a clerical error on the paperwork may result in an improper denial.
A trained spine injury lawyer can help you anticipate, prepare for, and address the potential issues you may encounter during your workers’ compensation case. They can talk to your employer and the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney can also help you get ready for the hearing and file an appeal if necessary.
What a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Does
A spine injury attorney is an invaluable asset to those who are hurt while at work. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing honest and effective representation to those who need it most. We can appreciate the struggles of those who are unable to walk, talk, or breathe on their own because of a work-related accident.
With over 80 years of service to the Lowcountry region, we have a longstanding legacy of legal knowledge and experience at our disposal. Our team is ready to put in the heavy lifting required to investigate and defend your claim for benefits.
Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries at Work
Employers can help prevent spinal cord injuries by giving their team members functional and appropriate safety gear. For example, if someone is going to be scaling a house, their boss should give them ladders, helmets, and harnesses they might need to keep them safe.
Likewise, employers can make sure employees have regular safety training and know who to talk to discuss their concerns.
Get in Touch With a Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys at West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Today
When you cannot walk, move your arms, breathe, or control your body because of a spine injury from work, you may be entitled to compensation. Instead of trying to tackle the workers’ comp process on your own, consider partnering with a knowledgeable spinal cord injury attorney in South Carolina.
For decades, West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers has been a beacon of hope for hurt workers throughout the Lowcountry. During our time in service to this fine community, we’ve fought for folks from all walks of life, helping to connect them with the financial relief they need to rebuild. Contact our compassionate team today by calling 843-483-8630 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.