Working in retail might seem safer than jobs in construction or manufacturing, for example, but Myrtle Beach retail employees face numerous workplace hazards every day. From lifting heavy merchandise and operating equipment to dealing with wet floors and aggressive customers, retail workers encounter risks that can lead to serious workplace injuries.
When workplace accidents happen, South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system provides crucial financial protection for injured employees. But injured retail workers often need legal help to seek the maximum benefits they deserve for their injuries.
Whether you work at a big-box store, specialty shop, grocery store, outlet mall, or other retail facility along the Grand Strand, you deserve fair treatment and full benefits when workplace injuries occur. Our experienced attorneys want to help you now.
Contact Jebaily Law Firm for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek the retail workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
How Our Myrtle Beach Workers’ Comp Attorneys Can Help Injured Retail Workers
At Jebaily Law Firm, we have been fighting for the rights of injured workers since 1969. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by retail employees. With offices in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach, we bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Our commitment to client care is reflected in the positive reviews we have received from past clients. As one satisfied client, Donna Kelly, explains:
“The firm handles you with such care. They explain every detail regarding your case. The firm answers all questions. They are always available to you. They are honest and take pride in their reputation. I highly recommend.”
When you choose Jebaily Law Firm, we will handle all communications with insurance companies, organize your medical evidence, file your claim, and fight for maximum compensation at the negotiating table or during hearings. We understand that retail workers often fear employer retaliation, and we can protect you from any illegal consequences of filing a legitimate workers’ compensation claim.
What Challenges Do Retail Workers Face When Filing Workers’ Comp Claims in Myrtle Beach?
Retail workers often encounter certain obstacles when seeking workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Employer resistance – Some retail employers discourage workers from filing claims, incorrectly arguing that minor injuries do not qualify for benefits or that reporting accidents will hurt the worker’s job security.
- Part-time status confusion – Some retail workers believe they are not eligible for workers’ compensation because they work part-time or seasonal hours, but that is incorrect.
- Delayed medical treatment – Retail workers may try to “tough it out” with injuries, thinking they cannot afford time off work, which can complicate their claims later.
- Independent contractor misclassification – Some employers incorrectly classify retail workers as independent contractors to avoid providing workers’ compensation coverage. However, the law looks at the actual employment relationship, not the label.
These challenges make it essential to get help from our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, who can work to overcome these obstacles and protect your rights.
Are You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation as a Retail Worker in Myrtle Beach?
Most retail workers in South Carolina are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. State law requires employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers virtually all retail establishments in Myrtle Beach.
Eligible retail workers include:
- Department store sales associates and cashiers
- Grocery store clerks, baggers, and stockers
- Warehouse workers and inventory specialists
- Loss prevention officers and security personnel
- Customer service representatives
- Maintenance and cleaning staff
- Delivery drivers and logistics coordinators
- Pharmacy technicians and assistants
- Electronics and appliance sales representatives
- Seasonal employees at outlet malls and tourist shops
Your temporary or part-time employment status should not affect your eligibility. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal retail workers have the same rights to workers’ compensation benefits as full-time workers when injured on the job.
Common Workplace Injuries and Accidents Among Retail Employees in Myrtle Beach
Retail work involves more physical demands and hazards than many people realize. Common injuries among retail workers include:
- Lifting and overexertion injuries – Retail employees regularly lift heavy boxes, move merchandise, and stock shelves. These activities may lead to back strains, herniated discs, and muscle tears, for example.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Hazards like spilled liquids, recently mopped floors, and cluttered aisles create dangerous conditions that can result in broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage.
- Cuts and lacerations – Box cutters, broken glass, sharp merchandise edges, and other sharp objects can cause severe cuts that require stitches or surgery.
- Repetitive stress injuries – Cashiers, stockers, and other retail workers often develop carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other conditions from performing the same motions repeatedly.
- Struck-by injuries – Falling merchandise from high shelves can cause head injuries, broken bones, and other physical trauma.
- Violence from customers or co-workers – Retail workers sometimes suffer injuries from robberies, assaults, or other aggressive customer or co-worker behavior.
When Can Injured Retail Workers Pursue a Third-Party Personal Injury Claim?
While workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits for most workplace injuries, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through a third-party personal injury lawsuit in certain situations, including:
- Product liability cases – If defective equipment, such as a faulty ladder, caused the incident, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or distributor.
- Premises liability claims – If you were injured by a hazardous property condition while working at a location your employer does not own, such as during a delivery or installation, you might have a claim against the property owner.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Retail workers injured in car accidents caused by others while making deliveries or traveling between work locations may be able to sue the at-fault driver.
- Other third-party negligence – If a contractor, vendor, or customer’s negligence contributed to the incident, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Third-party claims can provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers, including full lost wages and money for pain and suffering.
What to Do If You’re Injured While Working in a Retail or Grocery Store in Myrtle Beach
Taking these steps after a workplace injury can improve your ability to receive fair compensation:
- Report the incident promptly to your supervisor. South Carolina law requires you to report workplace injuries within 90 days, but earlier reporting can strengthen your claim.
- Get immediate medical attention.
- Write down details about how and when the accident occurred.
- Attend all appointments with the doctor approved by your employer’s insurance company and follow their treatment plan thoroughly.
- Contact our attorneys before accepting settlement offers or signing documents that could limit your rights.
Injured at Work in Retail? Contact Our Myrtle Beach Legal Team Today
If you’ve been injured while working in retail in Myrtle Beach, the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm stand ready to fight with determination and passion to protect your rights and seek the maximum benefits you deserve.
We handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us any attorney fees unless we recover benefits for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
