Myrtle Beach Teacher Work Injury Lawyer

Myrtle Beach Teacher Work Injury Attorney

Most individuals may not think being a teacher is a particularly dangerous or risky profession, yet significant hazards are faced by teachers every day. From slip-and-falls in the school cafeteria to repetitive motion injuries to suffering violence at the hands of a coworker or a student, teachers can suffer injuries. It’s important to understand the teacher work comp benefits that may be available. A Myrtle Beach teacher work injury lawyer can help.

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., our team of qualified workers’ compensation lawyers has over 100 years of shared experience. We understand that there are a variety of hazards that can cause harm to teachers, and when these unfortunate events occur, you are entitled to seek benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Having a workers’ compensation attorney on your side when filing for these benefits can be crucial, and we have the necessary experience.

The Hazards of Teaching in Myrtle Beach

Teaching is an honorable profession and can come with many rewards; however, it is important to keep in mind that it also comes with many risks. While every job can be emotionally and physically taxing, educators may face a wide range of hazards while working in the classroom.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Classrooms can be wild places. Students may spill drinks, scatter toys, or cause wet and slippery floors in other ways. Because teachers are almost constantly on their feet, they can be vulnerable to suffering a slip, trip, or fall accident. These accidents may result in minor bumps and bruises but can also cause horrific injuries like broken bones and serious head trauma.

Infections

Schools are breeding grounds for germs, especially when teaching young children. Teachers are constantly exposed to infections due to students coughing, sneezing, or vomiting. These germs can increase the teacher’s risk of catching colds, the flu, Covid-19, or other contagious illnesses.

Violence in the Workplace

Though this may not be as common as catching a cold, teachers can become victims of violence by students, coworkers, parents of students, and other adults who frequent the classroom or school. This can include physical or sexual assault, emotional abuse, or being verbally threatened.

Chemical Exposure or Allergens

Certain teachers, such as shop teachers, art teachers, or science teachers, run a higher risk of being exposed to various toxins or hazardous substances such as paint, varnishes, glues, and cleaning supplies, which can lead to allergic reactions, chemical burns, and respiratory irritation.

Ergonomic Dangers

Teachers spend a lot of their time standing, sitting at their desks, lifting books or supplies, writing on boards, grading papers, and staring at screens. These actions can lead to poor posture and repetitive motions, which can cause a wide range of muscle or skeletal issues, such as:

• Carpal tunnel. Many repetitive motion tasks such as writing, typing, and paper grading can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the nerves in the wrists and can lead to numbness, chronic pain, and tingling sensations.
• Tendonitis. This injury is the inflammation of a tendon and often occurs in the shoulders, wrists, or elbows due to continuous writing or the use of a computer mouse.
• Chronic pain. One of the most common complaints among teachers is back pain. This can be due to poor posture, long hours standing on your feet, continued strain, and lifting heavy objects.

Benefits Available to Teachers After Injury

Teachers in South Carolina are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits when they suffer a work-related illness, injury, or disease. These benefits can include the following:

• Medical costs. Your workers’ compensation benefits should cover all necessary medical treatment to help you recover from your work injury or illness. This can include visits to your doctor, stays at the hospital, medications, surgeries, and any needed medical equipment.
• Wage loss. If you are unable to continue work due to your injury or illness, you may be able to receive benefits for your lost wages.
• Disability. If you suffer a severe or permanent injury or illness, you may qualify for disability benefits for a set number of weeks.
• Death benefits. When a teacher passes away due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents, such as a surviving spouse or child, can file a claim for death benefits. These often cover the lost wages of deceased individuals and the expenses of their funeral or burial.

FAQs About Myrtle Beach, SC Teacher Work Injury Laws

Do I Have to Prove Fault to Receive Workers’ Compensation for My Injury in South Carolina?

In Myrtle Beach, you do not have to prove someone was at fault for your injury to receive workers’ compensation. This is due to the fact that the workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system and provides benefits to injured individuals no matter who is at fault, as long as the injury is related to their work.

Why Should I Call a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Case?

Though it is not legally required to have an attorney for your workers’ compensation case, they can help you with your claim when you face certain circumstances, such as the insurer claiming your injury or illness is not related to work, the insurer being slow to approve the expenses for necessary treatments, or being forced to return to work too early.

What Are the Symptoms of Toxic Exposure for a Teacher?

Certain teaching positions run a higher risk of coming into contact with toxins, such as science teachers or woodshop teachers. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of toxic exposure to ensure you receive treatment as quickly as possible. Symptoms can include blurry vision, memory loss, muscle spasms, stomach cramps, nausea, skin rashes, cancers, or nosebleeds.

How Do You File a Claim for Workers’ Comp in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, if you become injured on the job, you need to follow certain procedures to receive benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. The first step you will need to take is to notify your employer of your injury in writing within 90 days. Your employer then has the right to designate a specific doctor to treat your injuries. You can file your claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Work With Axelrod & Associates, P.A.

If you have suffered an injury or illness related to your employment as a teacher in Myrtle Beach, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits. Contact the offices of Axelrod & Associates, P.A. today to learn more about how we can assist you and to schedule your initial consultation with our team.