Were you or a family member injured in a Rock Hill, SC, construction accident? You could be entitled to both workers’ compensation benefits and additional compensation. Call us today at 803-324-7574 to schedule a free consultation with our Rock Hill construction accident lawyer at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys.
For over 40 years, our team has been fighting for South Carolina accident victims. We have a track record of success and know how to get results for our clients.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Rock Hill Construction Accident
Construction work can be dangerous. Workers are regularly in dangerous environments and at risk for injuries. Because of this, South Carolina employers are required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Employees injured in construction accidents should be compensated for their injuries. However, employers and insurance companies often make it difficult for employees to get the compensation they need and deserve.
The team at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has over 150 years of combined experience. Over our firm’s more than four decades of operation, we’ve recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are experienced in workers’ compensation and construction accident cases.
Let our experienced team handle your construction accident case. We’ll ensure you get the maximum compensation possible while you focus on recovering from your injuries. When you work with our team, we’ll:
- Conduct a thorough independent investigation of your accident
- Calculate the value of your case to ensure you get the compensation you deserve
- Analyze and help you understand your rights
- Navigate the complex workers’ compensation process
- Fight for you if your workers’ compensation claim is denied or challenged
- Negotiate to get the maximum compensation possible
- If necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court
Contact our team to learn more about how Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you. We’ll start by scheduling a free consultation with a Rock Hill personal injury attorney to learn more about your accident and discuss your rights.
How Common Are Construction Accidents in South Carolina
Construction accidents are common. The Bureau of Labor reports that there are around 150,000 construction accidents every year. In South Carolina, construction is the industry with the highest fatality rate. In 2022, 24 construction workers were fatally injured in South Carolina construction accidents.
How Much Is My Rock Hill Construction Accident Case Worth?
The value of construction accident cases varies based on the facts of the accident. The amount you can recover depends in large part on:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment and care
- How long your recovery takes
- Whether or not you can work during recovery
- The long-term impacts of your injuries
- Whether or not you’ll return to the same earning capacity you had before the accident
- Who is responsible for your accident
A personal injury lawyer can evaluate all facts of your case and determine the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss the value of your case.
What Damages Are Available After a Rock Hill Construction Accident
If you’re injured in a Rock Hill construction accident, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation. South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act states that injured workers can recover benefits for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
In fatal accidents, the workers’ family members are entitled to recover death benefits.
A weekly workers’ compensation check usually covers around ⅔ of their weekly income before the accident. However, this payment is subject to a statewide cap. The statewide cap for 2024 is $1,093.67 per week.
In some cases, injured workers can also file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. These are referred to as third-party claims and can be filed against:
- Business owners
- Property owners
- Engineers
- Architects
- Contractors
- Manufacturers of defective tools or products
- The at-fault party in vehicle accidents
In third-party claims, accident victims can recover all of their losses after a construction accident. This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages. Examples of damages commonly recovered in South Carolina third-party claims are:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
For many accident victims, workers’ compensation does not cover all of their losses. When this is the case, a third-party claim is necessary to compensate victims for all of their losses.
Contact a Rock Hill workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more about the damages available after your construction accident.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. They become even more dangerous when people don’t follow safety protocols or intentionally cut corners.
While some accidents can’t be avoided, the reality is that many accidents can be prevented. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents in South Carolina are:
- Improper fall protection
- Violations of OSHA laws
- Violations of labor laws
- Inadequate safety equipment
- Communication failures
- Inadequate training
- Inadequate supervision
- Defective tools and equipment
- Improper installation of cranes or scaffolding
- Exposure to toxic substances
Our team will investigate your accident to determine all parties responsible for your injuries. Next, we’ll gather evidence to strengthen your case. We’ll file a lawsuit against the responsible parties and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in Rock Hill Construction Accidents
Unfortunately, construction is a dangerous industry, and accidents often result in serious injuries and long-term disabilities. After years of representing South Carolina accident victims, we’ve seen a lot of different injuries from accidents–ranging from minor injuries to fatal injuries. We commonly represent victims who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Lung damage
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Paralysis
We also represent family members after the loss of a loved one due to a construction accident. In these difficult cases, we bring a wrongful death case against the responsible parties and ensure that everyone at fault is held accountable.
Regardless of the type or severity of your injuries, a personal injury lawyer can help. Our team will work with you to navigate a workers’ compensation claim and discuss whether or not you should file a third-party claim against the parties responsible for your accident. Contact us today to learn more.
How Do I Successfully Bring a Third-Party Claim After a Construction Accident?
If your damages exceed the amount of your workers’ compensation benefits, you might need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. These third-party claims are brought under a legal theory of negligence.
To successfully bring a negligence claim, you must show that:
- The responsible party owed you a legal duty of care
- They breached this duty of care
- The breach was the direct and proximate cause of your accident
- You suffered injuries and damages because of the accident
Proving personal injury cases can be complicated. Plus, insurance companies and employers have teams of lawyers working to protect them from personal injury claims. To protect your rights, you need a personal injury lawyer working for you.
Can I Recover Damages if I’m Partly at Fault for My Accident
It’s common for accident victims to be blamed for construction accidents. Responsible parties frequently do this to reduce their liability and protect themselves. Workers blamed for an accident can recover full workers’ compensation benefits. They can also still file a third-party claim.
Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence laws, victims can recover damages in personal injury cases as long as they’re not 50% or more at fault for the accident. If you’re less than 50% at fault for an accident, you can recover damages, but they’ll be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
If you’re being blamed for your construction accident, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to ensure your rights are protected, and you’re fairly compensated for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to Get Compensation After a South Carolina Construction Accident
After an accident, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. You must report your injury within 90 days of your accident to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If a third party was responsible for your accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years.
Complying with applicable deadlines is vital for getting compensation. Failure to do so can result in losing your right to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can discuss the applicable deadlines in your case and ensure that you comply with them and protect your right to recovery.
Contact a Rock Hill Construction Accident Attorney
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has over 150 years of combined experience representing accident victims. Our team understands workers’ compensation claims and construction accident cases. We work closely with all clients to ensure they get the best result possible. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Rock Hill construction accident lawyer.