What Happens If You Have a Construction Accident in South Carolina?

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Despite stringent safety measures in construction sites, accidents are a common occurrence. Workers fall from scaffolds, become buried in trenches, and suffer devastating injuries due to malfunctioning equipment.

What happens if you have a construction accident in South Carolina? Below, learn how to seek compensation for construction site injuries with the help of Bringardner Injury Law Firm.

What To Do When You Have a Construction Accident in South Carolina

Those who have suffered an injury at a construction site often wonder what to do next. Should you see a doctor? Can you bring a claim against your employer? How do you cope with the loss of your paycheck while recovering?

If you’re feeling lost, here’s what to do after a construction accident in South Carolina.

See a Doctor

See a doctor as soon as possible after the construction accident, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. That small bump to the head might be a serious concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Seeing a doctor is also important if you plan to file a worker’s compensation claim. Workers’ compensation needs to know the extent and severity of your injuries to determine how long your benefits will last.

Understand Employer Responsibility After Construction Accidents

In South Carolina, you have 90 days from the date of the construction accident to report the incident to your employer. If you fail to do this, you’ll lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

Once you’ve reported the accident, your employer is obligated to file a report with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. 

What happens if you have a construction accident and your employer won’t report it? If they refuse to report and make it difficult for you to claim benefits, contact a construction accident attorney for guidance.

Collect Evidence

Although workers’ compensation is no-fault, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to gather evidence. Workers’ comp may need this evidence to approve your claim. You’ll also need evidence if you plan to sue a third party.

Good evidence to collect includes pictures of the accident scene and photos of your injuries. If your accident was due to faulty equipment, take detailed photos of the equipment and any damage. You should also collect statements from witnesses, such as coworkers and supervisors, who saw the accident happen.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim or Third-Party Claim

In South Carolina, it’s your employer’s responsibility to file for workers’ compensation benefits on your behalf. If your employer fails to do so, you can file your own claim. You must complete Form 50, Employee’s Notice of Claim, and submit it to the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

You may wonder whether it’s possible to sue your employer for a construction accident. Unfortunately not, but you can sue a third party that caused or contributed to the accident. 

For example, suppose a negligent contractor made a trench without proper safety supports, and the trench collapsed with you in it. You could make a claim against the contractor in this case. Other parties you can sue may include property owners, architects, engineers, and equipment manufacturers.

Learn More About the Legal Implications of Construction Accidents

Still wondering what happens if you have a construction accident in South Carolina? Reach out to Bringardner Injury Law Firm. Our attorneys can explain the consequences of construction accidents. We can also determine whether it’s possible to sue a third party for your accident. A skilled attorney can help identify all responsible parties and pursue additional claims to maximize your compensation.

Why Choose Bringardner Injury Law Firm?

Mark Bringarnder of Bringardner Injury Law Firm, is experienced in construction accident cases and has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for our clients. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us online now or call (843) 380-5299 to answer any further questions about your rights and schedule a consultation.

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