Thousands of South Carolina workers suffer injuries in workplace accidents each year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), South Carolina private employers reported 29,100 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses and 102 fatal injuries in one recent year. Some accidents are more common than others. In fact, a handful of accident types account for an outsized portion of the total number of workplace injuries.
For 50 years, Joye Law Firm has been helping South Carolina workers after accidents on the job, so we’ve seen it all. We help injured clients pursue the compensation they need and deserve to recover from car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, premises liability accidents, and defective product accidents.
While these accidents may be common, Joye Law Firm treats every client as the unique individual they are. Our results prove that our exceptional service makes a difference. Contact the workplace accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm today for a free consultation and tell us about your work-related injury.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of on-the-job injuries in South Carolina, accounting for 41 percent of all fatal workplace injuries in the state. For many workers, driving is a crucial aspect of their job. Truck drivers, delivery drivers, bus drivers, tow truck drivers, and dump truck drivers spend hours behind the wheel, putting them at risk for accidents every day they go to work. Other workers encounter motor vehicles operating on their job sites, such as cranes, tractors, dump trucks, bulldozers, excavators, mowers, and more. Even workers who do not operate these vehicles are at risk of being struck by them. Additionally, workers can get hurt when driving for work-related purposes, such as attending a training or picking up supplies.
Motor vehicle accidents can occur in the workplace for various reasons:
- Lack of training
- Lack of vehicle maintenance
- Distracted driving
- Pressure to meet unrealistic expectations
- Miscommunication
- Failure to supervise
- Vehicle malfunctions
Employers may be responsible for some motor vehicle accidents, but sometimes another driver may be at-fault for a workplace vehicle accident. If that is the case, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party through a third-party insurance claim. This claim may provide you with a broader range of compensation than workers’ compensation benefits. For example, while you cannot recover money for pain and suffering through a workers’ comp claim, you can through a third-party personal injury claim.
- Construction Accidents
According to BLS data, the construction industry had the highest number of workplace fatalities in South Carolina. Construction workers are at risk for various construction accidents, including:
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or elevated platforms
- Trench collapses
- Falling objects
- Electrocution
- Tool malfunction accidents
Many construction accidents result in severe injuries that may prevent workers from returning to the job for a very long time, if ever. Workers who suffer a permanent disability may be eligible for benefits beyond workers’ comp, but the process can be complicated. Someone other than your employer could be responsible for your workplace injuries, such as the property owner or general contractor. If you find yourself in this situation, you need an experienced workplace accident attorney to fight for your rights.
- Slips and Falls
In South Carolina, slip-and-fall accidents represent almost 15 percent of all workplace fatalities, according to BLS data. Slips and falls can happen in virtually any workplace under various circumstances. Here are some examples:
- Tripping over cords
- Slipping on a slick surface
- Falling on uneven or insecure surfaces
- Falling from a height
- Tripping, slipping, or falling in a poorly lit area
Under Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, employers must maintain safe premises for their employees. Maintaining safety means:
- Keeping surfaces clean, dry, and free from hazards
- Ensuring surfaces can support the maximum intended load
- Inspecting surfaces frequently and repairing them as needed
Many slip-and-fall accidents are preventable. Injured workers can typically file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Struck by Objects
According to BLS data, contact with objects or equipment was the second-most common cause of fatal workplace injuries in South Carolina. Falling or flying objects can inflict serious injuries, such as:
- Head injuries
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Contusions
- Eye injuries
- Internal bleeding
Employers can decrease the risk of flying or falling object accidents in the workplace by implementing basic safety protocols on job sites. For example, employers should post warning signs in areas where workers may encounter falling objects. Workers should also wear proper safety gear, such as hard hats and eye protection.
- Defective Product Accidents
Many workers utilize tools and equipment during their workday. If one of those items has a defect or malfunction, the worker can suffer a terrible injury.
Defective product accidents can be complex because it is often difficult to determine the at-fault entity. In many cases, the product manufacturer is liable if a product defect causes injury. However, other parties may also be partially responsible for such an accident.
Regardless of who was at fault, a worker injured by a defective product on a job site can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive medical and lost wage benefits. They could also seek compensation through a product liability claim against the product’s designer, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. Doing so could provide them with compensation for non-economic losses not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering.
Hurt on the Job in South Carolina? Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help You
While these are the most common workplace accidents, they are just a few of the incidents that can result in severe injuries and debilitating losses for South Carolina workers. Joye Law Firm represents workers who have suffered devastating injuries in various accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, premises liability accidents, and defective product accidents. Contact a workplace accident attorney at Joye Law Firm today for a free consultation.
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