Workplace fatalities in South Carolina were up in 2021, totaling 107 deaths, according to the latest data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The majority of workplace deaths in South Carolina are transportation incidents, followed by violence and other injuries by persons or animals and falls, slips, and trips.
What are Workplace Fatalities?
A workplace fatality is when someone dies due to an accident or incident that happens at their job. These could be because of falls, machine accidents, or even things like fires.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a safety net for people who get injured at work. If someone gets hurt or sick because of their job, this system helps them get medical care and a portion of their wages while they recover.
Workers’ Compensation Survivor Benefits
When a worker in South Carolina dies because of a work-related incident, their family or dependents may be entitled to certain benefits: survivor benefits. It’s a way to help families who’ve lost a loved one.
These benefits can include:
- Payment for Burial Costs: This helps cover the expenses of funerals and burials.
- Compensation for Dependents: If the person who passed away was providing for their family, this benefit ensures that the family gets some financial support.
- Medical Expenses: If the worker had any medical bills before they passed away, workers’ comp might help cover those costs.
How Do Families Apply?
If someone’s family member dies due to a workplace incident in South Carolina, they should reach out to a lawyer or the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. They’ll help guide the family through the process of applying for these benefits.
Staying Safe at Work
It’s essential to always be aware and stay safe. In South Carolina, many of these workplace injuries occur with construction and extraction workers and tractor-trailer drivers. These workers are exposed to high-risk work environments. Remember:
- Always follow safety guidelines.
- If something feels dangerous, speak up!
- Learn about your rights as a worker.
Workplace fatalities are tragic events, and it’s essential for families to know about the support they can receive if the worst happens. Remember to prioritize safety and know your rights.
Let’s hope for a future where workplace accidents become rarer, and everyone can go to their jobs without fear. Stay informed, stay safe, and always look out for one another!
The Law Offices of David L. Hood – Representing Injured Workers in South Carolina
Navigating your way through all these areas and the details involved in filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a difficult process. If you’re injured, in pain, and facing financial problems you might naturally miss some important details in your case.
Working with an experienced attorney should make the process much easier for you. Your lawyer should be able to keep up with the insurance company and your employer, and keep your case on track. This will give you time to focus on your recovery instead of stressing out about handling the claim alone.
The Law Offices of David L. Hood has been fighting for the rights of injured workers in North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Georgetown, Charleston, and all across South Carolina for over 30 years. We have a dedicated team that will strive to take care of your claim professionally and treat you with respect. Over the years we and our co-counsel have represented hundreds of injured workers and their families, working hard to get them the medical treatment and compensation they deserve.
To learn more about what we can do for you, contact our offices to set up a free initial consultation. If you choose to work with us, we will handle your case on a contingent fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we make a recovery for you. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation, initial consult! Call our offices at (843) 491-6025, or chat, text, or email us here. We’re available 24/7 to serve you!
