South Carolina Workers’ Compensation for Forklift Accidents

Top Causes of Forklift-Related Injuries in the Workplace

Some common causes of forklift accidents include the following:

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation forFactory Workers. 

Learn what to do if you were injured while working at a factory in Columbia or another surrounding South Carolina community.

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Common Forklift Injuries

Forklift operators and nearby pedestrians can suffer catastrophic injuries from forklift accidents. The severity of common forklift-related injuries requires immediate medical care.

The most common injuries include:

• Head and spinal cord injuries. Forklifts typically raise heavy loads to great heights. If anything falls and hits a worker below, the resulting injuries can be devastating. Traumatic head injuries and spinal cord injuries are frequently suffered by the operator as well as nearby pedestrian workers.
• Chronic pain from repetitive movements. Forklift operators commonly suffer back pain, musculoskeletal injuries and repetitive strain injuries from repeated motions while operating the forklift.
• Whiplash. Speeding forklift operators can suffer whiplash when forced to stop suddenly to avoid a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.
• Bone fractures, internal organ damage and amputations. If a forklift overturns and the operator is ejected or crushed by the forklift or its load, they may experience broken bones, damage to internal organs, or loss of limbs.

What Workers’ Comp Benefits Am I Entitled to After an Injury?

South Carolina has a workers’ compensation system that compensates injured employees if they suffer a work injury or illness while performing their duties.

Most South Carolina employers with 4 or more employees are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, which provides injured workers with the following benefits after an on-the-job injury or illness:

• All necessary medical treatments and supplies, including doctor appointments, medications, surgeries, hospitalizations and rehabilitation
• Recovery of two-thirds of your lost wages while you’re disabled
• Death benefits for certain dependents

What Steps Do I Need to Take To File a Workers’ Comp Claim in South Carolina?

If you’re injured, you must comply with strict rules and procedures for claiming your benefits or your workers’ comp claim may be denied.

The required steps for filing a claim include the following:

1. Immediately seek the emergency care you need. This is an important first step because it provides documentation linking your injury to your job.
2. Report the accident to your employer. A written report is required within 90 days of your injury event. Failure to notify your employer in a timely manner could result in a denied claim.
3. Verify your employer files a claim. After your employer receives notification of your injury, they’re required to file a claim on your behalf with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. If your employer refuses to file your claim, you can file it yourself by submitting Form 50. 
4. Contact an attorney. If your employer fails to file your claim or your claim is denied, it’s highly recommended that you contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help protect your rights.

Prevention of Forklift-Related Injuries in the Workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created in 1970 to “assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.”

As part of its mission, OSHA promulgates workplace standards for various industries and worker functions, and they have issued several safety standards to be observed by employers regarding forklift use in the workplace.

The most effective way to prevent forklift-related injuries is to strictly abide by those OSHA safety regulations, which include the following:

• Make additions and modifications to the equipment only with manufacturer approval.
• Don’t operate power forklifts under conditions that include concentrations of hydrogen, ethylene oxide, and other flammable or toxic gasses.
• Ensure all operators receive the necessary training prescribed by applicable OSHA standards.
• Ensure all caution and traffic signs are prominently posted in the workplace and followed by all drivers.
• Frequently inspect forklift equipment and workplace practices related to their use.
• Provide operators with training in safety habits concerning load inspections and management.

A Guide to SC Workers’ Comp After a Warehouse Injury

Understand your right to compensation and how to file a claim after an injury in a Columbia, SC, warehouse.

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Contact a South Carolina Work Injury Attorney

Workers’ compensation laws and requirements in South Carolina are complex, and it’s often hard for an injured worker to navigate the workers’ comp process alone. Failure to follow the necessary procedures when filing your claim could result in your claim being denied or your benefits being greatly reduced. Your safest bet is always to contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney after a work accident to ensure your rights are protected. 

At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, we believe that every employee is entitled to a safe work environment. When accidents do occur, you shouldn’t have to worry about how you’re going to afford your medical care or pay your bills. That’s why our Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations to give you the help and information you need to get back on the road to recovery.