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    Working in construction is demanding and often dangerous. You expect challenges, but a serious injury on the job site can be life-altering. If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident in South Carolina, you may feel overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future.

    Joye Law Firm understands the toll these accidents take on workers and their families. Our workers’ compensation construction injury lawyers in South Carolina are here to help you with the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

    Since 1968, we’ve helped injured workers rebuild their lives. Whether you need help securing workers’ compensation benefits, pursuing a third-party lawsuit, or understanding your legal rights, Joye Law Firm is ready to stand by your side.

    Construction Accident Statistics in South Carolina

    Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries nationwide, and South Carolina is no exception. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

    Falls to a lower level
    2,100 cases of injuries and illnesses were reported in South Carolina in a single year. Falls from heights are the leading cause of fatal construction accidents.
    Over 500 safety violations were issued in South Carolina workplaces in a single year.

    These numbers highlight the daily risks construction workers face and the importance of holding employers and third parties accountable.

    Common Injuries On Construction Sites

    Construction workers face some of the most hazardous conditions in any industry. When safety measures fail or are ignored, workers often pay the price with severe injuries, including:

    Head Injuries — Falls from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs frequently cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even when workers wear hard hats and helmets, the impact of a fall or being struck by a heavy object can lead to lasting brain damage.

    Crush Injuries — These injuries happen when workers are caught between heavy machinery, walls, or other large objects. Crush injuries can result in permanent disability, amputations, or even death.

    Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls, heavy lifting, and accidents involving equipment often lead to spinal damage. These injuries can cause chronic pain, paralysis, or an inability to return to work.

    Loss of Limbs — Construction site injuries involving heavy machinery, falling debris, or tools like saws can result in the loss of a limb. Amputations are life-changing, often making it impossible to continue in construction work.

    Repetitive Motion Injuries — The constant use of vibrating tools like jackhammers or repetitive tasks can cause debilitating stress injuries. Workers often suffer nerve damage or chronic pain, making everyday tasks difficult.

    Common Types of Construction Accidents in South Carolina

    Construction workers face unique hazards, but certain accidents are especially common on job sites:

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    Falls from Heights
    Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs are one of the leading causes of construction-related deaths and injuries. Proper fall protection and training can prevent these incidents, but shortcuts and negligence often lead to devastating consequences.
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    Heavy Equipment Accidents
    Cranes, forklifts, and dump trucks are essential on construction sites but pose significant risks. Workers are frequently struck, run over, or pinned by these machines, resulting in severe injuries.
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    Trench Collapses
    Trenches are essential for many construction projects but can quickly turn deadly. A poorly secured trench can collapse, trapping workers under tons of dirt and debris. To reduce these risks, federal safety standards require proper shoring and safe exit points.
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    Falling Objects
    Tools, equipment, and materials falling from above can cause serious head and neck injuries. Even with a hard hat, a worker may sustain a traumatic injury if struck by a heavy object.
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    Nail Guns and Power Tool Injuries
    Misfiring nail guns and malfunctioning tools frequently cause puncture wounds and other serious injuries. These accidents are often the result of poor maintenance or improper training.
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    Electrocution
    Contact with live wires, overhead powerlines, or buried electrical systems can lead to severe burns, falls, or death. Electrocution is one of the most common fatal construction accidents.

    Root Causes of Construction Accidents

     

    Understanding how an accident happened is critical to building a strong case. Common root causes include:

    • Unsafe Conditions: A hazard, like an unsecured trench or defective equipment, that wasn’t addressed before work began.
    • Negligence: Workers or subcontractors who fail to follow safety protocols put others at risk.
    • Inadequate Training: Employers who fail to properly train workers on equipment and safety procedures often contribute to accidents.

    Who Provides Compensation for a Construction Injury?

    Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have multiple options for pursuing compensation. These typically include workers’ compensation and, in some cases, third-party personal injury claims. Working with an attorney who understands how these systems work and interact is crucial to maximizing your recovery.

    Workers’ Compensation for Construction Injuries

    In South Carolina, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t need to prove that your employer was negligent to qualify for benefits. You’re generally entitled to compensation as long as your injury occurred while performing your job duties.

    Workers’ compensation benefits may include:

    • Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical care.
    • Wage Replacement: Partial reimbursement of wages while you recover.
    • Medical Travel Costs: Reimbursement for travel for medical treatment more than 5 miles from your home. You can receive reimbursement for the mileage you use to get to and from the facility, the cost of using public transportation, and the cost of reasonable overnight lodging and meals.
    • Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent injuries that affect your ability to work.

    While workers’ compensation provides critical financial support, it may not cover all your losses. For example, workers’ comp doesn’t account for pain and suffering or the full extent of lost future earnings.

    Additionally, disputes can arise over the cause of your injury, the benefits you’re entitled to, or even your eligibility for compensation. Having an experienced lawyer to advocate for you is essential in these cases.

    Third-Party Claims for Construction Accidents

    In some cases, your injuries may have been caused by someone other than your employer or co-workers. When this happens, you may be eligible to file a third-party claim against the at-fault party. These claims can provide compensation beyond what workers’ comp offers, including damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of future earning potential.

    Examples of third-party liability in construction accidents include:

    • Negligent Contractors: A subcontractor failed to secure a worksite, leading to hazardous conditions like a fatal fall or serious injury.
    • Defective Products: A manufacturer provided faulty equipment, such as a malfunctioning machine or defective safety harness, that caused your injury.
    • Vehicle Accidents: A driver employed by another company caused an on-site accident, such as backing into you with a work truck.

    Third-party claims can also play a significant role in fatal construction accidents. When a worker dies in a construction-related incident, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. Compensation in these cases often includes funeral expenses, lost income, and damages for loss of companionship and support.

    How Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims Work Together

    Workers’ compensation and third-party claims are not mutually exclusive. They can work together to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries if you qualify for both. For instance:

    • Workers’ compensation can cover your immediate medical bills and give you a partial wage replacement, being 2/3 of your weekly wages.
    • A third-party claim can address non-economic damages like pain and suffering and the remaining financial losses that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover.

    An experienced lawyer will help you file a workers’ compensation claim, identify potential third-party defendants, and coordinate the two claims to maximize your recovery.

    What to Do if Your Claim Was Denied?

    Having your workers’ compensation claim denied can be an extraordinarily frustrating and stressful experience. The good news is that you are not out of options. You can appeal the denial.

    In South Carolina, workers’ comp disputes can be appealed to an independent commissioner. Our attorneys can represent you during an informal conference with a representative from your employer and the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission. If an agreement isn’t reached at the informal conference, a formal hearing can be held before a workers’ comp commissioner.

    Construction Accident Fatalities

    Tragically, some construction accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and searching for answers. Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is an unimaginable loss. At Joye Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it is to face this kind of tragedy while handling a legal claim.

    When a worker sustains fatal injuries on the job, the deceased worker’s spouse, children, and other dependents can be eligible to recover death benefits or dependency benefits. Death benefits are two-thirds of a deceased worker’s average weekly wage, and they may be paid for up to 500 weeks. Workers’ comp in South Carolina can also pay up to $12,000 for funeral and burial benefits.

    Why Choose Joye Law Firm for a Construction Accident Injury Claim?

    At Joye Law Firm, we know how life-changing a construction accident can be. Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the permanent effects of a serious injury, you deserve legal representation that fights for your best interests every step of the way. Here’s why Joye Law Firm is the right choice to handle your construction accident claim:

    Decades of Experience Fighting for Injured Workers

    Since 1968, our team of trial lawyers has represented countless injured workers throughout South Carolina. We know the challenges construction accident victims face and have the knowledge to tackle complex cases involving workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and catastrophic injuries.

    Proven Record of Success

    We’re proud of our history of securing life-changing results for our clients. From multi-million-dollar settlements to record-breaking verdicts, our attorneys are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for injured workers and their families.

    Some notable outcomes include: Joye Law Firm attorneys Matt Jackson and Milt Stratos win over $1 million from workers’ comp and third-party lawsuit in construction site accident.

    Respected in the Field

    Our attorneys are respected by their peers on both sides of the aisle. Several have served in executive leadership roles in state and national workers’ compensation legal organizations, including Injured Workers Advocates and SC Workers Compensation Education Association. Managing Partner Ken Harrell has been honored in Best Lawyers in America and was selected as a Charleston “Workers Compensation Attorney of the Year.”

    Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

    We understand that every case is personal. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and tailor our approach to meet your unique needs. At Joye Law Firm, you’re not just another case number; you’re a valued member of our team. Your input is essential, and we work closely with you to build the strongest possible case.

    Comprehensive Team Approach

    Construction accident claims can be complicated, often involving multiple parties, extensive documentation, and disputes over liability. At Joye Law Firm, we take a team approach, reviewing every case in detail to ensure we pursue the maximum compensation available. Our collaborative process allows us to anticipate challenges and build the strongest case possible.

    Identifying All Potential Sources of Compensation

    Construction accidents often involve unique challenges. A lawyer can help navigate the ins and outs of a workers’ comp claim. They can help identify if there are possible third-party liability claims against equipment manufacturers or other negligent parties. An experienced construction injury lawyer can investigate all potential sources of compensation and pursue claims against those responsible for your injury.

    Scenes from Joye Law Firm's Columbia office in May of 2024.

    No Fees Unless We Secure Compensation

    We know the financial strain construction accidents can place on injured workers and their families. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. We call it our “No Fee Guarantee.”

    Accessible and Local to South Carolina

    With offices in Charleston, North Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Summerville, and Clinton, we proudly serve clients across South Carolina. Our local presence allows us to understand the unique challenges faced by workers in our state. We’re always just a call and can come to you if you can’t come to us.

    Providing Peace of Mind

    Dealing with a construction injury is stressful enough without worrying about handling the legal side of things. Joye Law Firm can take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Knowing you have a dedicated team working to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve can bring peace of mind during a difficult time.

    Contact Joye Law Firm Today. We Can Help.

    A construction injury doesn’t just affect you; it impacts your family, your finances, and your future. Workers’ compensation claims can be complex. That’s why having experienced legal representation on your side is essential.

    Joye Law Firm has offices throughout South Carolina to represent injured construction workers. Let us help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free case review. Call Joye Law Firm at 888-324-3100 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

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