Orangeburg, SC Workplace Injury Lawyer

Suffering from workplace injuries can be a traumatic experience, causing not only physical harm but also severe financial strain. When the unthinkable happens, it is crucial to understand your rights and options to make the right decision for you and your family.

Recovering compensation for workplace injuries can be complex, making it essential to have our experienced firm by your side. We can help you understand the legal process, determine your eligibility for claims, and represent you in court if necessary. With our help, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities.

For a free case evaluation with our workplace injury attorneys, contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000 today.

Types of Dangerous Workplaces Where Injuries are Common in Orangeburg, SC

Orangeburg, located between Columbia and Charleston, is home to a diversified economy with hundreds of industrial companies. As such, its major industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education. However, the nature of these industries and their working conditions can often lead to workplace injuries. Fortunately, our workplace injury attorneys can put our extensive experience to use in your case to recover the compensation you are entitled to. The following are the most dangerous industries found in Orangeburg:

Construction

The construction industry is known to be high-risk, posing potential dangers and hazards to workers. These include, but are not limited to, falls from heights, accidents involving heavy machinery, and exposure to hazardous materials. Such hazards can result in various types of injuries, including fractures, burns, and cuts. Additionally, long-term exposure to construction materials can cause respiratory diseases that can develop over time.

Among these risks, falls from scaffolding or ladders are among the most common causes of injuries. These falls can result in debilitating injuries such as fractures, head traumas, and even spinal cord injuries that can lead to permanent disability or death.

Sometimes, workers might also suffer from crush injuries because of collapsing structures or malfunctioning equipment, which can cause severe damage to their bodies, including broken bones, internal injuries, and organ damage. Employers need to follow proper safety protocols and guidelines to ensure that workers are protected from these types of accidents and that they are provided with the necessary training and equipment to perform their jobs safely.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is a physically demanding industry where workers are often required to perform repetitive motions and handle heavy equipment. Unfortunately, these tasks can lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries.

These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and reduced mobility, which can gradually worsen over time. If left untreated, they can severely impact a worker’s ability to perform their job and require extensive medical treatment.

Additionally, the development of these disorders can lead to long-term disabilities and significant reductions in quality of life. Therefore, it is essential for employers in the manufacturing industry to prioritize worker safety and take measures to prevent these injuries from occurring.

Health Care

Healthcare workers are constantly exposed to various occupational hazards that can impact their physical and mental well-being. One of the most common risks they face is needlestick injuries, which can transmit infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In addition, they are also susceptible to exposure to other infectious diseases like tuberculosis, flu, and COVID-19. Furthermore, healthcare workers are frequently required to lift heavy objects or patients, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries.

Apart from physical injuries, healthcare workers often experience high levels of stress because of their demanding job nature, long working hours, and dealing with critical situations. This can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These injuries and illnesses can profoundly impact healthcare workers’ lives, affecting their ability to work and carry out daily activities.

Transportation

Transportation workers play a crucial role in the economy, but their work comes with significant risks. For instance, truck drivers are at high risk of accidents, which can result in minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma. Additionally, transportation workers who engage in loading and unloading activities are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries.

Furthermore, sedentary work can lead to long-term health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These risks can negatively affect transportation workers’ physical and mental health, as well as their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Recovering Benefits for a Workplace Injury from Workers’ Compensation in Orangeburg, SC

In Orangeburg and the rest of South Carolina, employers are mandated by law to have Workers’ Compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who suffer workplace injuries. These benefits cover the expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits if the injury leads to permanent impairment.

Employees must report the injury to their employer within 90 days of the incident to claim these benefits. The employer has ten days to report the injury to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. If the employer disputes the claim or fails to provide benefits, the employee can file a claim directly with the Commission.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Workplace Injury in Orangeburg, SC

Workers’ Compensation is typically the primary source of recovery in the event of a workplace injury. However, this might not fully compensate for all losses, especially in cases of severe injuries. In such instances, it might be worth exploring other legal options that might be available to you.

For instance, if the injury was caused by a third party that is not your employer or a co-worker, you might be able to file a lawsuit against that party. This could be the case if, for example, you were involved in a car accident while on the job and another driver was at fault. In such a scenario, you might be able to pursue a claim against the driver who caused the accident.

Another option could be a product liability lawsuit if a defective product caused the injury. This could be applicable if, for instance, you were injured by a poorly designed or manufactured machine. In such a case, you might be able to pursue a product liability claim against the machine manufacturer.

Keep in mind that pursuing these types of claims requires proving negligence or fault, which is not necessary for a Workers’ Compensation claim. However, they offer the potential for greater compensation than Workers’ Compensation. Thus, you should consider all legal options available to you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our Orangeburg, SC Workplace Injury Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Rights

Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review with our workplace injury lawyers.

$6 Million

The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.

$4.1 Million

The Plaintiff was insured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.

$2 Million

The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.

$1.8 Million

The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.

$1.5 Million

The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.

$1.3 Million

The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.

$1.5 Million

The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.

$1.1 Million

The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.