Warehouse work is a physically demanding job that carries an increased risk of injuries. Warehouse employees in Myrtle Beach may operate heavy equipment, lift large boxes, work around conveyor belts and other machinery, and perform other tasks that put strain on the body. Accidents involving forklifts are another common type of warehouse accident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to follow specific safety rules for warehouse workers to protect them from preventable work-related injuries. South Carolina workers’ compensation law provides benefits to warehouse workers injured on the job, including medical treatment and partial wage replacement.
The attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm are well-versed in warehouse workers’ compensation claims, and we are ready to help every step of the way. We have been serving the Myrtle Beach community for over 50 years. We prioritize individual attention and clear communication with our clients to make the workers’ compensation claim process as smooth as possible.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your potential workers’ compensation claim.
Are Warehouse Workers Covered Under South Carolina Workers’ Compensation?
Most businesses with four or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance under South Carolina law. That means most Myrtle Beach warehouse workers are covered by workers’ compensation, provided they are employees and were injured on the job.
Independent contractors typically are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, some workers are actually considered employees for workers’ compensation purposes, despite employers labeling them as independent contractors. It is important to consult with our attorneys if you are unsure about your eligibility for benefits.
How Long Warehouse Workers Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Myrtle Beach
To protect your right to benefits, South Carolina law generally requires injured employees to promptly notify their employer of the injury, typically within 90 days. The law also states that you have two years from the date of the injury to submit a claim to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
In the case of a repetitive trauma injury, the deadlines are based on the date the employee discovered or reasonably should have discovered that their condition was compensable.
Types of Benefits Available for Injured Warehouse Employees in Myrtle Beach, SC
The specific benefits available through workers’ compensation are unique to each situation. Generally speaking, medical expenses typically covered by workers’ compensation include:
- Emergency medical services
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Surgeries
- Follow-up care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
In addition to medical benefits, if you miss more than seven days of work due to a workplace injury, workers’ comp entitles you to compensation for a portion of your lost wages. Lost-wage benefits could include temporary partial disability (TPD) or temporary total disability (TTD) payments. In the case of permanent impairment that prohibits you from working in the same position and hours as before the injury, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD).
Lost-wage benefits can pay up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a capped limit set by the state.
Calculating your benefit eligibility can be complicated, and valid claims are sometimes delayed or denied. Our attorneys, who are familiar with workers’ compensation claims for transportation and warehouse workers, can help you file the claim correctly from the start, avoiding mistakes that could delay your case or reduce your compensation.
Warehouse Repetitive Stress and Overexertion Injuries: Causes and Symptoms for Workers
Many warehouse workers perform the same tasks day after day, such as pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy items, frequent bending or reaching, or other repetitive movements.
Over time, such repetitive tasks can cause overuse injuries such as back pain, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other muscle and joint issues. Unfavorable working conditions, such as poorly designed workstations or inadequate training, can further increase the risk of injury. Many employees feel pressure to reach quotas or work extra hours due to understaffing, which can further increase the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Some workers initially ignore an overexertion injury since it may not seem serious at first, but the injury can worsen over time.
Some potential symptoms of an overexertion injury include:
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- Pain that does not improve with rest
- Swelling or inflammation
- Stiffness that does not improve with rest
- Pain that gradually worsens over days or weeks
Common Mistakes Workers Make After a Warehouse Injury
To avoid problems with your claim, try to avoid these common mistakes:
- Waiting too long to report an injury to your employer
- Waiting to seek medical treatment
- Continuing to work through the pain, which may worsen the injury
- Not following the prescribed medical treatment plans
- Seeing a doctor outside of the authorized network
- Missing claim filing deadlines
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate paperwork
- Returning to work too soon
Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney from the Jebaily Law Firm is the best way to avoid mistakes that could affect your benefits.
Light-Duty and Return-to-Work Issues for Injured Warehouse Workers
At some point, an injured employee may be allowed to return to work, but only with reduced hours or modified job duties, commonly known as light-duty work. Some employees feel pressure from employers and their insurance companies to return to work before they are physically ready. In other situations, an employer might promise light duty, but it is still too rigorous for the injured employee to safely perform.
Our lawyers can help you appeal decisions about returning to work or taking on light-duty tasks.
Returning to work does not automatically end workers’ compensation benefits. If the employee earns less in their light-duty position than they did before the injury, they may still be able to make up some of the difference in pay through temporary partial disability benefits.
Contact a Myrtle Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Warehouse Injury Claims Today
Warehouse injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, yet they can have a lasting impact. Dealing with a complicated workers’ compensation claim process can feel overwhelming, and you deserve the time and space to focus on your own health. Having an attorney who cares about you on your side can make the whole experience significantly more manageable.
The SC workers’ compensation lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience helping injured people in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas of South Carolina. We apply our core values of hard work, determination, and results every day, taking the time to understand your situation and help you know your rights under South Carolina law.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced workplace injury lawyers.
