Honestly, you should not need an attorney for your SC workers’ compensation claim. In South Carolina, the Workers’ Compensation system is set up to provide coverage for injured employees in an efficient manner. It is no fault system, meaning even if your accident happened partially or totally because of your own negligence, it is usually still compensable. It is administrative and benefits can be applied for using Forms. Hearings should be set within months before appointed Commissioners who know the applicable law. Home | Workers’ Compensation Commission
The unfortunate reality is the workers’ compensation system does not work as it was intended for many claimants. I know because I worked for 17 years as a defense attorney representing carriers. https://www.kphippslaw.com/team/katie-phipps/ During those years, I worked on hundreds of claims where adjusters were unresponsive, and they were my clients. This unresponsiveness happens for many reasons but often it is simply because of the number of claims they are handling at any given time. They may be juggling 200 or even 300 files, all needing medical appointments set and TTD payments made. Ultimately, you could go weeks without the medical or indemnity benefits you deserve. Therefore, in many instances, injured workers will need an advocate who knows how to get the carrier’s attention. Remember, the WC system was created for you-The injured worker. It should work for you!
In addition, especially when it comes to ultimate value of your claim, the law is complex. Remember, even if you are talking to the adjuster or defense attorney about resolving your claim, they work for the carrier. They do NOT represent you and ultimately it is their job to limit the defendant’s monetary exposure. Having an advocate working for you increases you chances of getting what you deserve. Thus in many claims claimant’s will need an attorney for their SC workers’ compensation claim.
