Do I Need a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Workers’ comp laws in SC are complex, and many injured workers ask themselves if they need an attorney. If you are one of the many unfortunate employees who have gotten hurt or sick on the job, it is generally a good idea to seek out an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the maze of filing your claim and take on the insurance company on your behalf.

An experienced attorney can significantly increase your odds of receiving maximum compensation.

Before agreeing to anything, get your case evaluated for free to see what you may really be owed. Call 1-866-900-7078 today for answers and help.

The Workers’ Compensation Process in South Carolina Can Be Tricky

Filing a workers’ comp claim can be tricky if you don’t know how things are done, who to talk to, and what your rights really are. It does not help that the forms are confusing and difficult to fill out, either. On top of that, some insurance company representatives may ask you carefully worded questions during a recorded statement to force you to answer in a way that may harm your case.

You don’t have to take on the insurance company alone. Here are 9 good reasons to hire a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney:

#1 – An Attorney Ensures You Meet Strict Deadlines

In South Carolina, you must typically notify your employer of your injury in writing as soon as possible and within 90 days of your injury. This starts the workers’ compensation claims process. (Please note that notifying your employer is not the same as filing a claim.)

In South Carolina, the deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. An attorney can keep track of all the deadlines, forms, and requirements for you – and will know the correct order in which to do things.

#2 – A Workers’ Comp Attorney May Be Able to Help You Obtain Medical Care More to Your Liking

According to South Carolina workers’ compensation laws, the insurance company generally has the right to decide what medical care you receive and who provides it. And the insurer is almost certain to send you to a physician of their choosing.

However, having an attorney may give you leverage to take back some of that power if you’re not happy with the care you’re receiving. Your South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney knows how to file a request for a second opinion on your behalf.

#3 – A Workers’ Comp Attorney May Help You Get More Compensation

When there is confusion or disagreement over things like permanent disability and the cost and form of future medical needs, you may feel at a disadvantage negotiating your case with an adjuster who does this every day.

Having an attorney on your case means having someone on your side to take on the insurance company for everything you may be owed.

We’ve seen employers and insurance companies miscalculate benefits. We’ve seen benefits checks sent irregularly, perhaps to keep workers from getting on “repetitive pay.” We’ve seen it, we disagree with this tactic, and we’re happy to fight against it.

#4 – You May Have More Job Security With an Attorney in Your Corner

Having an employee on workers’ compensation costs employers money. They may want you back on the job – any job – as soon as possible to reduce their costs. This is often called “light duty.” Sometimes, it’s the wrong job for you, or it pays less than the one you had before your injury – which you may not have fully recovered from.

You may even aggravate the injury by returning to work too soon – even light duty work. And what if they simply fire you instead of paying for your care?

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney tries to ensure that you’re not:

• discriminated against
• wrongfully terminated
• coerced into returning to work too soon

#5 – A South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney Knows Your Rights

Some insurance companies or employers may try to take advantage of workers’ lack of legal knowledge. But an attorney levels the playing field for you.

#6 – Your Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Counter Insurance Tricks & Tactics

Some insurers may use questionable tactics to try to reduce how much they potentially compensate you – whether in wage replacement or in medical costs. There are some insurance companies who may use bullying, deflection, or delaying payments until injured workers simply give up and take whatever they can get.

Is the insurance adjuster trying to strong-arm you into a settlement you feel is too low? Are they not returning your calls or difficult to contact? Are they delaying payments, responses, or medical treatments?

Your attorney is your advocate and knows how to tell the insurance company you mean business. If you believe the insurance company is trying to take advantage of you, call us at 1-866-900-7078 for a free case evaluation to see what you may really be owed.

#7 – The Insurance Company Will Have Lawyers – You Should Too

Your employer’s insurance company and their adjusters handle workers’ comp cases every day. And they are protecting their own interests, not yours, even when you’re seriously injured. Hiring a lawyer of your own helps put you on an even footing. We have team members who have worked for insurance companies and defense firms and we use that inside knowledge to help counter insurers’ tactics.

#8 – An Attorney Gives You a Professional Opinion on Any Settlement Offer

If it is time to settle your case, there is a lot at stake. Potential settlements are usually the last step in the SC workers’ comp process – if you agree to one in writing, your case is generally done.

We have the experience to calculate if a settlement offer is fair, including projecting any future medical costs the insurer may have failed to consider. We’ve negotiated many workers’ compensation settlements in South Carolina, and we know how to help you, too.¹

#9 – Workers’ Comp Lawyers Help Protect Your Future

Even if you’ve returned to work from your injury, it is possible that you may need permanent, ongoing medical treatment. Ongoing payment for these treatments is not automatic, even if they’re medically recommended.

Remember, most insurers make more by paying out less.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Deprive You of Your Rights

Hasty, lowball offers. Delays in payments. Incomplete treatment. Rushing you back to work. Discrimination. Unfair settlement offers. These are just a few of the things an injured worker may be faced with from some insurance companies despite the rights workers have under South Carolina workers’ compensation law.

It is difficult to deal with injury, possible loss of income, and related family concerns all at once. An attorney can help screen you from the stress and handle the details of your case so that you can focus on your family and on getting better.

At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we are passionate about helping injured workers. We’ve helped 65,000+ people recover nearly $1.8 billion total since our firm began. And counting.¹

We have a You-First Policy, which means we prioritize your needs in every decision we make. As part of this policy, you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees to hire our firm. And if we don’t recover compensation for you, you pay no attorney’s fee at all – Guaranteed.²

We were chosen for the 2025 “Best Lawyers” ‘Best Law Firms’ list. We even received a Tier 1 ranking (the highest) for workers’ compensation law!⁴

Don’t leave your future to chance, and don’t face the insurance company alone. Contact us online or call us at 1-866-900-7078 now for answers and help with your case. Your case evaluation is free and there’s no obligation.

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