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    Mechanics inspect, maintain and repair cars and light trucks. Mechanics must follow safety precautions and wear protective equipment because they encounter many hazards in the course of performing their jobs. Mechanics are exposed to many different hazards daily, including exposure to chemicals, diesel or gasoline exhaust, electrical shock or burns, crushing injuries, and others.

    Since 1968, the attorneys at Joye Law Firm have fought for the rights of workers who have been hurt on the job. Our attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable and ready to assist you. We are committed to helping those who are hurt get the workers’ compensation benefits they need.

    If you are a mechanic or auto service technician and you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You put yourself at risk every day to do your job. If your employer or an insurance administrator is disputing your right to paid medical care and other benefits, let a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney at Joye Law Firm review your claim and explain your legal rights. We offer a free case review.

    Call us today for a free consultation at (877) 936-0707.

    Causes of Auto Mechanic Injuries

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, auto mechanics are more likely to sustain injuries or be killed on the job than the average worker. Some of the most common causes of injuries to auto mechanics include:

    • Heavy lifting
    • Overexertion
    • Repetitive tasks
    • Contact with sharp edges
    • Burns from hot surfaces and scalding liquids
    • Exposure to chemicals, solvents, and acids
    • Diesel or gasoline exhaust exposure
    • Electrical shock
    • Caught in/Caught in-between accidents
    • Slip and fall
    • Falling objects
    • Improper training
    • Asbestos exposure

    Mechanics may be exposed to airborne asbestos, which some automotive components such as brake pads, clutches and gaskets may contain. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs and respiratory problems. Asbestos-related disease typically develops 20 years to 40 years after exposure. A person who worked as a mechanic in the 1980s may have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos.

    If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to seek compensation from an asbestos manufacturer. Our attorneys can review your legal options if you or a loved one has received an asbestos cancer diagnosis.

    Common Injuries for Mechanics

    Common workplace injuries suffered by auto mechanics include:

    • Cuts and lacerations
    • Lifting injuries
    • Hand injuries
    • Repetitive motion injuries
    • Back injuries
    • Eye injuries
    • Broken or fractured bones
    • Loss of limbs
    • Hearing injuries
    • Traumatic brain injuries
    • Chemical burns
    • Internal organ injuries
    • Spinal cord injuries
    • Inhalation/Exposure injuries

    Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for all workers, which includes adequate training, safety gear, and supervision. If safety protocols are not enforced, severe or fatal injuries could occur.

    To keep employees safe, it is important to:

    • Make sure that all tools are in proper working order
    • Have safety protocols for working with or near chemicals
    • Provide proper protective equipment to all workers
    • Keep workspaces clear of clutter or debris
    • Teach all workers safe lifting techniques
    • Give frequent breaks and avoid repetitive motions

    Types of Mechanics

    The job of a mechanic has become more complex and often involves using computer technology to diagnose automotive problems. But a mechanic’s job remains physically demanding. Mechanics stand for much of the day. They work with power tools, car lifts and heavy car parts. They sometimes perform work while standing or sitting in uncomfortable positions. They come into contact with hot surfaces and moving mechanical parts.

    Mechanics work at auto dealerships, auto repair shops, service stations and at businesses that maintain commercial fleets of cars and trucks. Some mechanics develop a specialized knowledge and work on specific car parts such as transmissions or brakes. Some of the common types of mechanics include:

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    Auto Mechanic 
    An auto mechanic is responsible for performing maintenance and repairs on automobiles.
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    Diesel Mechanic
    A diesel mechanic works on diesel engines such as large commercial trucks, buses and large boats.
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    Small Engine Mechanic
    A small engine mechanic works on small engines that are typically found on jet skis, small boats, and lawnmowers.
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    Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
    A heavy vehicle mechanic performs maintenance and repairs on larger vehicles such as construction equipment, farm equipment and trains.
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    Electrical mechanic
    Electrical mechanics repair and maintain equipment in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. They work on equipment such as wiring systems, generators, and motors.

    Pursuing Full Compensation

    In the state of South Carolina, most employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance to provide paid medical care and other benefits to employees who sustain injuries on the job. It covers both full- and part-time employees.

    If you’re hurt or if you’ve become ill while performing work as a car mechanic, be sure to report your injuries or illness to your employer immediately to initiate the claims process. It is important that you seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Insurance companies will look for a reason to deny your claim. If you do not go see a doctor promptly, an insurance company may question the seriousness of your injury or whether it was work-related.

    While your claim is being investigated, you should follow your physician’s orders and seek treatment from any specialist the doctor recommends. It’s important to note that your employer has the right to select a doctor who treats you unless it was an emergency situation. If you see a doctor of your own choosing, your employer may not have to compensate you for your medical expenses.

    If your claim is contested or is ultimately denied, you can file a Form 50 with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. This form will have:

    • The date of the accident or when you discovered your illness
    • Who the accident was reported to
    • The injuries you suffered
    • Whether medical treatment is necessary
    • Disfigurement (if applicable)
    • Other relief requested

    In most cases (unless your employer is self-insured), the workers’ compensation insurance carrier will file a Form 51 either admitting or denying your claim.

    A hearing may be held before a commissioner from the Workers’ Compensation Commission to decide your claim.

    If you or the insurer disagrees with the decision, the ruling can be appealed to the full Commission. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can represent you at the hearing and handle any appeals.

    How a Lawyer Can Help

    The workers’ compensation claim process can be confusing to anyone who has never sought workers’ compensation benefits. With an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer from Joye Law Firm representing you, you can be confident that every effort is being made to help you seek full benefits to recover from your injuries, pay your bills, and move on with your life.

    South Carolina law states the types of benefits you may be eligible for if you’re injured at work. These benefits include:

    • Medical expenses – This includes hospital stays, physical therapy and any other medically necessary treatment related to your injury.
    • Mileage reimbursement – Reimbursement for the cost of driving to and from doctors’ appointments.
    • Vocational rehabilitation – If you’re unable to return to your job because of your injuries, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation through the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
    • Temporary disability – As an injured worker, you may be eligible for this benefit if you have to miss more than seven days of work due to your injury or illness.
    • Permanent disability – If your doctor determines that you are left with a permanent disability that affects your ability to work, you can receive weekly payments at the same rate as your temporary disability benefits.
    • Death benefits – If a workers’ injuries are fatal, the immediate family members may collect this benefit.
    • Funeral expenses – Your family member also may receive up to $12,000 for funeral expenses.

    Our attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you determine what benefits you are entitled to claim. We will make sure that the claims application is filled out completely and all supporting evidence is provided. If we believe that you may improve your chances of receiving benefits by having a second medical opinion, we can help you get it.

    If your claim is denied, your lawyer will help you navigate the appeals process.

    Call Joye Law Firm for Your Free Consultation

    As an auto mechanic, you work hard for your paycheck. While you’re likely aware of the hazards that come with your job, you also trust that your employer will provide the full workers’ compensation benefits if you are hurt on the job.

    If you are having a dispute about your workers’ compensation claim or you’ve been denied benefits, call Joye Law Firm today. Our South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers can help you file for benefits, appeal a denied claim, or even seek compensation through a third-party injury lawsuit if appropriate. We’ll do everything possible to help you receive the compensation needed to move forward with your life.

    You can speak with a knowledgeable member of our team whenever it is most convenient for you. We also work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you get paid.

    Our firm was founded more than 50 years ago. Since then, we have helped many injured workers successfully appeal denied claims and receive worker’s compensation benefits. Let us review your situation and discuss how we may help you. We provide a courtesy consultation.

    The Joye Law Firm has four office locations in South Carolina, so you won’t have to travel far to see us. Call us right now at (877) 936-0707 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation.

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