Pursuing a permanent disability workers’ compensation claim in Spartanburg or another nearby city is a critical step toward securing your financial stability and well-being. At KD Trial Lawyers, we understand the immense challenges you are facing.
Our dedicated team of workers’ comp attorneys could provide the experienced guidance you need to confidently manage this process. We could handle the legal burdens, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
Understanding Your Eligibility for Permanent Disability Benefits
For workers’ compensation cases in Spartanburg or the surrounding areas, permanent disability benefits fall into either partial or total categories based on the extent of your impairment. You receive permanent total disability benefits when your injury prevents you from returning to any form of gainful employment. This often involves catastrophic injuries to the spine or brain or the loss of multiple limbs.
Conversely, permanent partial disability benefits apply when you can still work in some capacity but have a permanent impairment to a specific body part, such as a hand, arm, or leg.
An impairment rating evaluation, which a physician performs, is central to your claim. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys could help you understand your impairment rating and ensure the doctor fairly assessed it. We could also calculate the full compensation you are entitled to under the law, which may include lifetime medical care for your injury.
The Process of Filing Your Permanent Disability Claim
In Spartanburg and other local areas, the process of filing for permanent disability benefits under workers’ compensation involves strict deadlines and procedural requirements. You must report your injury to your employer immediately, and in no case more than 90 days after the incident. From there, you have a short time from the date of your injury to file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, making it essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Gathering sufficient evidence about your injury and its impact on your ability to work is key. This includes all medical records, physician reports, diagnostic test results, and witness statements that document the severity of your injury.
You will likely need an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor chosen by your employer’s insurance carrier. The IME’s purpose is to give the insurer a third-party medical opinion on your condition, and the findings from it can significantly affect your claim. We could help you prepare for this examination and meticulously review the report afterward to ensure it accurately reflects your condition and limitations.
How Permanent Disability Benefits Are Calculated and Paid
Your benefit is based on your average weekly wage and disability type. Permanent total disability may provide benefits up to 500 weeks, with lifetime exceptions for catastrophic injuries. Partial disability is measured using a schedule of weeks and an impairment rating. Payments can be weekly or a lump-sum clincher settlement, which can include lifetime medical care and mileage.
If there is a dispute over your permanent disability impairment rating or workers’ compensation settlement amount, our Spartanburg attorneys could challenge low ratings, secure second medical opinions, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. We could navigate the appeals or hearing process, working to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve
How Do We Fight Common Disputes?
Insurers often deny claims by alleging pre-existing conditions or missed deadlines. They may also use surveillance and conflicting IME reports against you. We fight back by demanding second opinions, obtaining functional capacity evaluations, and using vocational expert testimony. Whether through mediation or a formal hearing, we are prepared to secure the benefits you deserve.
When your case goes to mediation or a workers’ compensation hearing, our experienced Spartanburg team presents clear, compelling evidence of your permanent disability and advocates tirelessly on your behalf.
Contact Our Spartanburg Team for Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Permanent Disability Claim
Let us help you achieve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your case is in capable hands. If you are struggling with a Greenville or permanent disability workers’ compensation claims in Spartanburg, Greenville, and nearby cities, we are here to provide the clarity and advocacy you deserve. Contact KD Trial Lawyers today or complete our online form to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we could assist you.