Workers’ Compensation for Disabilities

Severe workplace injuries are alarmingly common across the United States. Every day over 11,000 workers are injured on the job, and over half of them require lighter duties, job transfers, or time off work as a result. The good news is that workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages related to disabling injuries or illnesses. The bad news is that these laws are complicated and can be difficult for injured workers to navigate.

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system recognizes three basic kinds of disability: temporary total, permanent total, and permanent partial. There are also certain benefits for scars that are considered disfiguring. Each kind of disability is compensated in different ways, so it is very important that your condition is correctly diagnosed. A Charleston workers’ comp attorney can help you research and protect your rights.

Disabilities and Compensation

Workers’ disability compensation depends on the extent of your injuries and how they affect you. The types of disability recognized by workers’ compensation insurers include:

• Permanent partial disability: You may fall into this category if your injuries are long-lasting and prevent you from returning to your current job. The term “partial disability” refers to the fact that you can still work, but not in your previous capacity. Compensation will cover 2/3 of your previous wages and may last for up to 340 weeks.
• Temporary total disability: This means that you are unable to work at all for a limited period of time. You can receive 2/3 of your usual income during the time you are off work, up to a certain legal maximum. These payments can last for up to 500 weeks. After your recovery is complete, you should be able to return to your job at your previous capacity.
• Permanent total disability: This includes the loss of both eyes, arms, legs, or a combination of any two such losses. Other disabilities, including scars that can be seen from eight feet away, are usually considered on a case by case basis. Compensation for loss of wages can last up to 500 weeks.

Contact a Charleston Disability Attorney

Adjusting to a new disability is difficult for the injured worker and his or her loved ones. To make sure you are receiving fair compensation during this difficult time, contact a Charleston workers’ compensation disability lawyer from the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800.