Abogado de lesiones mecánicas de Carolina del Sur

Helping Injured Mechanics Obtain Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina

Working as a mechanic means you put yourself at risk every day to do your job. Workplace hazards such as toxic fumes, heavy equipment and cramped workspaces can lead to debilitating injuries. When mechanics get hurt or fall ill during their employment, they have the legal right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation provides essential financial support that covers medical expenses, lost earnings and more.

What Causes Mechanic Injuries?

There are many different types of mechanics, such as auto mechanics, small engine mechanics and those with specialized knowledge of particular vehicles or parts. Regardless of their specific job title, mechanics deal with workplace dangers daily while performing maintenance and repairs. 

The nature of a mechanic’s duties means that they are at a higher risk of getting injured or killed on the job than an average worker in a less demanding industry. A typical day may involve using power tools, handling heavy vehicle parts and working in awkward positions for hours. Without proper safety equipment, mechanics are even more likely to suffer severe injuries. Here are some common causes of mechanic related injuries in South Carolina:

• Chemical or gasoline exhaust exposure
• Electrical shocks
• Burns from hot surfaces and liquids
• Levantar objetos pesados
• Sobreesfuerzo
• Repetitive tasks
• Contact with sharp objects
• Improper training
• Slip and fall accidents
• Caught in-between accidents
• Asbestos exposure
• Lack of ventilation

Employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe workplace for all employees. Auto shops should provide workers with proper training. There should also be adequate ventilation and protective equipment such as gloves and eyewear for workers. 

Despite taking safety precautions, accidents can and do still occur. A simple error could lead to a mechanic suffering a severe, even fatal, injury.

Types of Mechanic Injuries

If you have been injured while working as a mechanic in South Carolina, you may be wondering if you qualify for workers’ compensation. There are many different types of mechanic injuries. Some wounds are short-term and do not take long to recover from, while other injuries develop over time and may cause lasting harm. For example, a worker may not become aware of joint damage resulting from a previous injury until later in life.

The work environment of mechanics can lead to the development of significant health issues. Exposure to industrial chemicals, lead, fumes, gasoline additives and other toxins can cause long-term illnesses like chronic poisoning. Some auto components like clutches and brake linings may contain asbestos, which can lead to cancer and respiratory problems over time.

The following are some injuries mechanics may suffer in auto body shops and other work areas:

• Cortes y laceraciones
• Eye damage
• Pérdida de la audición
• Hand injuries
• Joint and knee injuries
• Back pain
• Strains and sprains
• Quemaduras
• Limb or digit loss
• Fracturas

No matter the type of injury you sustained on the job, Steinberg Law Firm is here to help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to receive under South Carolina law. In rare cases, an on-the-job accident may prove fatal. When a mechanic dies from their injuries, family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Mechanics who are injured or fall ill during employment may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In South Carolina, employers are legally required to carry insurance that provides workers’ compensation benefits to part-time and full-time employees who are injured on the job.

Any compensation you receive should cover the full extent of your medical bills and other costs. Depending on how serious your injuries are, you may be away from work for weeks or even months. Suffering a permanent disability could even affect your future ability to earn a living. Under South Carolina law, injured workers may be eligible for the following benefits, among others:

• Gastos médicos
• Ganancias perdidas
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Temporary or permanent disability 

An important point to note is that your medical expenses may only be covered if you see a doctor selected by your employer unless there is an emergency. Ensure you understand your company’s workers’ compensation policies so that you do not give them a reason to deny your claim. Steinberg Law Firm’s qualified workers’ compensation attorneys can help you determine the benefits you are entitled to receive and ensure you do not make any errors that could hurt your claim.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina

If you suffer a workplace injury while working as a mechanic, you should notify your employer immediately to initiate the claims process. Get medical treatment as soon as possible, regardless of how minor your injuries appear to be. Any delay could give the insurance company an excuse to dispute the severity of your injuries or whether they actually occurred on the job. 

While you may expect the workers’ compensation claims process to be a straightforward one, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Your employer or their insurance administrator may try to deny your right to the benefits you deserve.

A Bufete de abogados Steinberg, we are experienced in handling all types of South Carolina workers’ compensation cases and know how they play out. Our skilled work injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of mechanics and are here to make sure you get the financial support you need. If your claim is contested, it may be possible to appeal the decision. We are prepared to represent you at hearings if necessary.

Third-Party Claims for Mechanic Injuries

When pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, you can get benefits regardless of who was at fault for your accident. However, there may be a third party to blame for your injuries in some mechanic injury cases, such as the manufacturer of defective equipment. Steinberg Law Firm can review your case’s details and help you determine if you have the legal option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against a third party.

Póngase en contacto con el bufete de abogados Steinberg hoy

Mechanics deal with workplace hazards regularly for their employers. They deserve to get full financial support when something goes wrong. If you are a mechanic who has suffered on-the-job injuries or an illness related to your employment, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. Talk to a knowledgeable South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer at Steinberg Law Firm to learn more. Ofrecemos consultas gratuitas.