Employees who work in industrial settings are commonly exposed to significant hazards, including dangerous equipment, toxic chemicals, electrical wires, and more. If you are injured in the workplace or while on the clock in Florence, South Carolina, you should be entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
To file a successful workers’ compensation claim, you might need the help of an experienced attorney to help you navigate the claims process. Contact the South Carolina industrial accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm today to find out if you are entitled to benefits and get help filing your claim or appealing an initial denial. We provide a free consultation to all potential clients.
What Is an Industrial Accident?
Industrial accidents occur in factories, construction zones, and mining areas. Many industrial accidents occur due to unsafe working conditions, such as when workers use defective machinery or are not provided proper safety equipment for completing a task.
Many industrial accidents are severe and could result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Some of the most severe injuries – like paralysis and accidental loss of limbs – could permanently alter a person’s life.
Statistics About Industrial Accidents in Florence
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 15 workers died each day in a recent year, or 100 workers each week. According to OSHA data, 5,333 workers died while working that year. Roughly 20 percent of private industry worker fatalities occurred in the construction industry.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, 102 fatal work injuries in South Carolina during a single recent year. While this number was lower than the previous year, it is still much higher than in other recent years. More work-related fatalities occurred in the private construction industry than in any other sector, with 23 deaths in one recent year.
Common Causes of Industrial Accidents
Some of the most common causes of industrial accidents include:
- Lifting
- Repetitive movements
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Poor Lighting
- Hazardous materials
- Acts of workplace violence
- Trips and falls
- Stress
- Dangerous equipment
- Lack of safety equipment
- Inadequate training
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Improper handling of explosive or flammable chemicals
- Defective electrical wiring
- Sound pollution
Many factors contribute to industrial accidents, but the common denominator behind most workplace injuries is human error or negligence. For example, employers may be negligent if they fail to provide a safe working environment. Workers can also make errors if they do not have adequate experience with certain types of equipment or use their safety gear incorrectly.
Different Common Types of Industrial Accidents
The broad range of industrial accidents includes incidents such as:
- Slip and falls
- Falling objects
- Chemical burns and exposure
- Improper lifting and overexertion
- Machine-related accidents
Industrial accidents make up a significant portion of all workplace-related accidents. Many of these accidents could be avoided if safety protocols were followed correctly and workers received adequate training.
Types of Injuries Caused by Industrial Accidents
Some common injuries suffered by workers in industrial accidents include:
- Loss of the use of a limb or an amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you have suffered a workplace injury, you need to report it to your employer within 90 days if you want to seek worker’s compensation benefits. Your employer will report your workplace injury to their insurance provider. They will also be required to inform the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
How a Florence Industrial Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Florence industrial accident attorney at Jebaily Law Firm can help with your workers’ compensation case in many ways. We have the resources to develop the facts in your case, collect medical evidence, represent you at depositions and hearings, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your behalf.
If your claim was denied, you have a legal right to appeal. Our attorneys can walk you through the entire appeals process and avoid any critical errors that could endanger your claim. Our goal is to help you seek and recover the full benefits you’re entitled to.
How Much is My Industrial Injury Case Worth?
Every workers’ compensation case is unique, so it’s difficult to predict the average value of an industrial injury case. Through a workers’ compensation claim, you could recover benefits for:
- Medical expenses including hospital bills, the cost of ongoing treatment, prescription medications, and other costs associated with your recovery
- Lost income, if you are unable to work while you are recovering from your injuries
- Disability benefits if your injury becomes a disability after reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI)
If you lost a close family member in an industrial accident, you might be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits for loss of income and other costs resulting from the accident.
Even if you are technically eligible to receive workers’ compensation, that doesn’t mean the process will be easy. Unfortunately, you might have to put up a fight to get the full benefits you deserve.
Sometimes, employers will try to fight workers’ compensation claims to avoid facing increased insurance premiums. Likewise, the insurance company could deny your claim, in whole or in part, for various reasons. Insurance companies are for-profit entities, so their chief goal will be to minimize what they have to pay out.
As a result, you need the help of an experienced legal professional to seek the benefits you are entitled to.
Consult with a Florence Industrial Accident Attorney Today
Did you suffer a workplace injury in an industrial accident? Contact a Florence industrial accident lawyer at Jebaily Law Firm today.
We have the knowledge and skills to guide you through the challenging and sometimes contentious process of pursuing workers’ compensation benefits. Whether you need help filling out your forms, appealing a rejection, or gathering evidence for your claim, our legal team is committed to helping injured employees like you seek the medical care and financial benefits they need.
