South Carolina Lawyer Blog
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission rejected an order made by Governor Mark Sanford to begin using new uniform standards in deciding how much should be paid to injured workers with long-term disabilities.
The commission signed an order on October 25th that said that they would follow the law as written, which took into account the individual facts of each case, and not Sanford’s order to begin using uniform standards in determining the amounts awarded to the injured workers.
The commission’s order noted that lawmakers had previously rejected Sanford’s call for using the medical guidelines in workers’ compensation cases. The order, signed by all members of the commission stated that the commission “is bound by the statutory laws of South Carolina, state Constitution, Code of Judicial Conduct and commissioners’ oath of office to uphold and be faithful to these laws..
The republican governor’s executive order to force the new standards had predictably won praise from the leaders of the businesses who are responsible for paying out the monies owed to workers with long-term disabilities. With so many different variables involved in worker’s compensation cases, using a uniform standard for deciding monies owed makes little sense.
Many employees in offices, factories or other indoor workplaces find themselves with debilitating repetitive stress injuries of varying degrees. Mental health issues directly caused by work also qualify as injuries to be compensated under the law. Those who work with or around dangerous chemicals — whether they know it or not — are also at risk for diseases caused by occupational exposure to toxins. The circumstances and long-term injuries in each individual case need to be taken into account when determining potential damages.
If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, you should contact the Louthian Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. We have served injured South Carolinians since 1959, so we understand how South Carolina workers’ compensation law works and know all the tricks employers and insurers use to wiggle out of paying. We can help you collect the money you’re entitled to, so you can concentrate on getting better and going back to work. For a free consultation on your case, call us today at 1-866-410-5656.