When you’re injured at work, it can feel like time is flying by. You need help recovering from your injuries, but your deadlines can feel tight. Unfortunately, that makes it a little more difficult to focus on getting your workers comp benefits.
When you’re seeking workman’s comp benefits, you’ll need help focusing on your deadlines and acting on time. You’ll need help recovering compensation for your work accident, so reach out for the help you need before you file your claim.
Reporting Your On-the-Job Injury
First, keep in mind that you’ll need to report your accident as soon as possible. Generally, it’s best to notify your employer immediately after the accident. That way, there is less suspicion that you weren’t injured in the work accident.
However, if that’s not an option, you’ll still have ninety days following your injury to file a claim in South Carolina. If you don’t act within those ninety days, however, your work comp claim may be denied, leaving you without benefits unless you choose to appeal.
Fortunately, once you file, you won’t have to worry for some time about deadlines. You can focus on your recovery rather than on legal timelines. Your employer will need to file within a short time as well, and after that, their insurer should investigate your claim and send you an approval or denial.
Work Injuries Can Happen Over Time
Not every work accident or work illness starts after a single event. Some conditions can develop over time, leaving you injured or suffering through an illness that may be chronic. When this happens, it may technically be more than ninety days since your injury began.
In some cases, your statute of limitations might be longer. For example, if you suffered a repetitive motion injury, your injury likely worsened over time, eventually leaving you unable to work. In these cases, your deadline may be extended to two years. That means you’ll need to act within two years of the discovery date or of when you should have reasonably discovered it.
For example, you might have suffered symptoms for months, but you didn’t file a claim. Your deadline may be two years from the point that you first discovered your injury, not from when you chose to act.
Act Fast with a Lawyer’s Help
Unfortunately, workers comp claims can be confusing and complex with strict deadlines. This means that many people have gone without their benefits because of these deadlines. If you don’t pay attention to these time limits, you could be barred from recovery, too.
Luckily, you don’t have to fight back alone. Your South Carolina workers compensation lawyer is on your side. If you’re struggling to get your claim filed on time, reach out for a free consultation. At HawkLaw, PA, we’ll make sure you know we’re right for you before you begin.
Ready to get started on your South Carolina workers comp claim? Simply reach out by calling 1-888-HAWK-LAW (429-5529) or by visiting us online for more information.