What do You Have to Prove to Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation benefits may be the only real protection you have after you get hurt at work. The coverage provided by your employer will pay for your medical treatment and help you cover your bills with disability benefits until you return to work.

Many employees don’t know what to expect during a workers’ compensation claim, but they know that the process can be stressful and complicated. Some workers may think that their situation doesn’t meet the necessary standard to get benefits. They may assume that they won’t be able to prove that they qualify for benefits if they apply.

What does an injured worker need to prove to qualify for workers’ compensation coverage in South Carolina?

That their condition relates to their job

The most important factor when determining whether workers’ compensation will cover someone’s medical costs and lost wages is whether or not they can directly connect their injury to their work.

If you got hurt when a shelving unit collapsed, there is likely already a report affirming that the incident occurred. If your doctor diagnoses you with a back injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, you may need a little help connecting your symptoms or diagnosis to the job that you perform.

As long as there is a clear correlation and your job is the cause of your medical condition, then workers’ compensation coverage should apply.

Proving faults or lack thereof is not necessary

In some kinds of personal injury claims, an individual has to first show that they suffered a loss and then prove that the other party was negligent or broke the law to get compensation. Thankfully, that is not the case when it comes to workers’ compensation benefits.

This important no-fault form of protection does not require that you are blameless or that your employer did something wrong. Fault only matters if someone intentionally hurts themselves or if an employer can prove that they violated company policy or got hurt because they showed up to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Understanding who may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits and what claims typically require can help those coping with a medical issue related to their work.