Lee County Work Injury Lawyer
Whether or not you can sue for a workplace injury is not always cut and dry. Let our lawyers review your recent on-the-job accident to see if you can hold someone else liable in a lawsuit, which could yield substantial compensation in South Carolina.
Lawsuits against negligent third parties are most common, though workers may sue their employers in specific situations. We can compile relevant evidence for your lawsuit, including incident reports, witness statements, medical records, and other pertinent documents. Lawsuits vary in length, and our attorneys can assess yours to estimate how long it might take to get the damages you need.
For a free and confidential case assessment from our work injury lawyers, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers now at (803) 451-4000.
When Can I Sue for a Work Injury in Lee County?
Like most states, South Carolina typically makes Workers’ Compensation the exclusive remedy for employees seeking damages due to work-related injuries. There are times when workers may file lawsuits for on-the-job accidents, and our attorneys will see if your scenario qualifies you to sue. If it does, we can also file your claim within the three-year statute of limitations for work injury lawsuits.
You may sue a third party for a work injury. This would be anyone other than your employer, such as the reckless driver who struck your roadside construction site and injured you.
Workers in many industries rely on tools and machinery to do their jobs. Defective tools make construction sites and other workplaces unsafe. If a poorly made or defective product injures you at work, the manufacturer may be liable in a lawsuit.
You generally may not sue your employer for injury. If they do not have Workers’ Compensation, you may get damages from the South Carolina Uninsured Employers Fund.
Third-party work injury lawsuits are generally more common than lawsuits against employers. They are still challenging to navigate, and victims can rely on our lawyers for the assistance they need.
What Evidence Do I Need for My Work Injury Lawsuit?
Work injury claims fail without evidence, so call us to gather it as soon as possible. We can focus on preserving evidence that is at risk of being lost or destroyed so that we may use it in your case.
Incident Reports
When workers report on-the-job accidents and injuries, employers typically make reports. We may obtain incident reports that detail the accident, including the names of those present and other relevant information.
Always report injuries to your employer, and do so as soon as possible.
Witness Statements
Workplace accidents often happen near other employees. Tell us if any peers were present when you were injured, and our work injury lawyers can schedule interviews with them. Witnesses may testify about what happened and confirm you were not negligent and did not intentionally injure yourself.
Since you are also a witness, you can testify and give evidence as well. Your testimony can review the accident’s events and illustrate your non-economic damages from the accident. Your testimony is generally the best proof of non-economic damages, so we will take time preparing you to give it.
Medical Records
Always go to the hospital or get whatever treatment is appropriate for a workplace injury. Our attorneys use medical records to prove the extent of your injuries, and it helps when initial medical records align closely with the accident’s date.
Continue visiting the doctor and undergoing the necessary procedures as you physically recover. Pausing treatment or missing appointments might jeopardize your claim, so avoid that at all costs.
Proof of Damages
Proof of damages includes medical bills, past income information, and other documentation our attorneys can organize. If you are billed for any services related to an accident or injury, such as transportation accommodations to the hospital, please provide us with copies. You can get compensation for all financial damages, and we can include all losses in our calculations.
Testimony may be the best proof of your non-economic damages. Testifying lets you express your pain and suffering and other intangible harms to the jury. Testifying is understandably intimidating to many plaintiffs, and we can make you feel confident and comfortable speaking on the stand.
Videos and Photos
Photos and videos are concrete evidence of a work-related injury. Many workplaces and sites have security cameras. Please let us know if there are cameras in the area where you were injured, and we can request that your employer preserve any footage.
If your injuries permit, take pictures. Photograph anything that seems relevant, from your injuries to debris from a construction site explosion or other accident. Send pictures to our lawyers, and we can use them to prove your case.
How Long Will My Work Injury Lawsuit Take in Lee County?
A work injury lawsuit’s length depends on many factors. While many victims prioritize fast recoveries, being patient is important. That said, we will not delay your recovery longer than necessary and will take all necessary steps to hasten it.
For example, suppose the defendant in a work injury case stalls settlement negotiations for too long. In that case, we can proceed with a trial, which might move quickly once it begins. Trials are often too risky for defendants facing compelling evidence, so this might compel a sizeable offer.
Wanting compensation fast is understandable, but accepting the first settlement is generally inadvisable. We must review the agreement to see whether it comes with all your damages, including future economic and non-economic losses.
Negotiating for a longer period is often worthwhile, allowing plaintiffs to claim the damages they need. We will keep you updated on your case’s progress along the way and help you make informed, timely decisions throughout it.
Call Us About Your Work Injury Case
For a free case review from our work injury lawyers, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.
