On December 11, a call out to a fire in a grain bin became more than three firefighters had bargained for, because that was not an ordinary blaze. Rainwater from a heavy storm made its way into the bin and reacted with weevil insecticide that had been disposed of there and the interaction released a toxic gas called phosphine into the air. Though the wind kept it from encroaching upon nearby residences, the first responders did not know what they were facing.

By the time they had resolved it shortly after midnight, the gas had stricken the firefighters with the symptoms of exposure, which included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They had to be treated at The Regional Medical Center, and one was still subject to the symptoms the next day.

The men avoided phosphine’s true potential killer, pulmonary edema, but they were lucky. Like many, they were exposed to a toxic substance on the job, and although they were fortunate that the recovery was full and quick, others do not have quite the same blessing.

The Charleston workers’ compensation attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm can answer any questions you may have about toxic exposure on the job.

When Jose Montalvo went to work on a project seeking to build a second bridge to Oak Island in Brunswick County, North Carolina, he did so to provide for his family back home in Sumter, South Carolina. Montalvo spent each week on the job and traveled home on the weekends to see his family.

He was tragically killed when a girder on the bridge collapsed, despite being harnessed to another beam. The beam to which he was strapped was struck by another beam, and the accident led to his demise, his body being situated such that it was not immediately retrievable for his family.

Montalvo was an employee of Lee Construction, which has been in business for over 70 years and in its recent history has a fairly good safety record, but that will be of little consolation to those who have been left behind by the latest accident. Time will tell whether they receive any form of compensation to help with the costs of necessary arrangements and lost income, but nothing can replace a loved one who is lost in a construction accident.

The Charleston workers’ compensation attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm cannot imagine the pain that you feel as a consequence of your traumatic loss. But we can offer sympathetic legal representation as you pursue the benefits and compensation you are due. Contact the Steinberg Law Firm if you are facing this remarkably difficult situation, so that will not be alone in your plight.

Despite recent American concerns about the decline of U.S. dominance in the global steel market, there has been of late a rise in demand for steel that has left manufacturers pressed for time and workers stretching the boundaries of reasonable expectation. The resulting conditions have led to a disturbing increase in the number of fatal work accidents in U.S. steel mills.

ArcelorMittal, which operates a steel mill in Georgetown, South Carolina, less than an hour from Charleston, had already experienced four fatalities in 2008 as of July. This is of significance because ArcelorMittal is the world’s largest steel maker, and these fatal accidents represent more than one-fourth of the fifteen steel mill deaths in the first half of the year.

This is a number that is of great concern because the highest rate in recent years had been fourteen fatalities through all of 2006. South Carolina workers should be mindful of the presence of unsafe work conditions and exercise all appropriate and practical precautions in the execution of their duties. Even the best of efforts can go astray, however, and when laborers are hurt on the job they need to be informed of the legal benefits and protections they are due.

The Charleston workers’ compensation attorneys of The Steinberg Law Firm can bring their years of experience and commitment to workers’ dignity to your workers’ compensation claim.

If you have been severely injured in a workplace accident, contact the compassionate Charleston workers’ compensation attorneys of The Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800.

Like every other state in the Union, South Carolina is strapped for cash. The Governor, Mark Sanford, is still debating whether or not to apply to the Federal government for a loan to help the state unemployment fund. This delay is worrying South Carolinian law makers because there is only two week of unemployment money left in the state fund.

With the nations rising unemployment rate the number of people who rely on unemployment benefits is also rising. Many South Carolinians need this money to pay their rent, medical bills, and even food. People are starting to get angry with the Governor for keeping the money held up, for no apparent reason.

For the unemployed and those who receive money for workers’ compensation, this is a dark time. If the loan does not pass with the governor’s signature, the State will be defaulting on its obligation to its citizens.

If you have been denied the workers’ comp that you need and deserve to recover from an injury, contact the Charleston workers’ compensation attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm today by calling 843-720-2800.

The National Council on Compensation Insurance announced at the end of November that there could be a 0.3 percent decrease in an important element of settings rates. This could result in a notable decrease on businesses' workers comp rates in the coming year.  A representative from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) said that this decrease reflects an overall decrease in the number of people who are injured at work. The last reduction by the NCCI took place in 2001 and was a 10.4 percent decrease.  Last year the NCCI pushed for a 24 percent increase, but an increase of just under 10 percent was put into effect in July. If you have been denied the workers' comp that you need and deserve to recover from an injury, contact the Charleston workers' compensation attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm today by calling 843-720-2800.

In a workers’ compensation case that started in early October, the man who failed to pay up is now up for probation, the South Carolina state Insurance Commissioner, Jane Cline, reported.

The man in question, Reginald R. Neary, pleaded guilty in the case last October. Neary was the owner of the Marco Construction Company and was found responsible, up to $10,000 for injuries to his workers over the last few years. He failed to file the paper work or pay his workers their workers compensation.

The judge in the case, Duke Bloom and Jane Cline both hope that other employers will look at this case as a warning. Companies are required by law to have workers compensation insurance to cover any injuries that may occur under their watch. Those companies who choose not to follow the law, place a heavier burden on the state and other companies who do follow the rules, as they must pay the damages.

Contact a Charleston Worker’s Compensation Attorney

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an employer failing to pay your workers compensation insurance fees, we can help you receive the benefits you deserve. To speak with an experienced Charleston worker’s compensation attorney, contact the Steinberg Law Office at 843-720-2800.