Proven Representation for Injured Construction Workers in Florence and Myrtle Beach
If you were hurt on a construction site in South Carolina, the attorneys at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you need. Nearly 20% of all occupational deaths in the United States are related to the construction industry. Workers throughout the Florence and Myrtle Beach areas face these risks every day. Most construction workers in South Carolina are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer a workplace injury, under a no-fault system that provides financial support regardless of who caused the accident. A separate third-party personal injury claim may also be an option. Our South Carolina construction accident attorneys can evaluate your situation and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.?
When your livelihood is at stake after a construction accident, you need a legal team with the depth of experience and resources to take on employers, contractors, and insurance companies. Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. has been serving South Carolina since 1895, and our attorneys bring a combination of courtroom skill and personalized attention to every case. Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Over 125 years of continuous practice in South Carolina
- Attorneys listed in Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation
- Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and ABOTA Diplomats on staff
- Former U.S. Attorney and former Assistant U.S. Attorney with decades of trial experience
- Experience handling multi-million-dollar construction litigation
- Two convenient office locations in Florence and Myrtle Beach to serve Eastern South Carolina
Our attorneys understand how devastating a serious construction injury can be. We work closely with each client to build a strong claim and pursue every available source of recovery.
What Are the Most Common Construction Accident Injuries in South Carolina?
Construction sites across Florence County, Horry County, and the Grand Strand area present a wide range of hazards. OSHA has identified the “Fatal Four” hazards: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocutions, which together are responsible for over 60% of construction-related deaths each year.
Common construction injuries our attorneys handle include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, and elevated platforms
- Being struck by falling objects, tools, or heavy equipment
- Electrocution from exposed wiring, overhead power lines, or faulty equipment
- Caught-in or caught-between incidents involving machinery, trenches, or collapsing structures
- Burns from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure
- Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage
- Crush injuries from heavy machinery or vehicles
In 2023, the construction industry recorded 1,075 worker fatalities , underscoring the serious dangers that construction workers face on the job. If you or a loved one has been injured at a construction site near Myrtle Beach or Florence, prompt legal action can help protect your rights.
Can You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Construction Accident?
As a general rule, businesses that regularly employ four or more employees within South Carolina are required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage, and part-time workers and family members are counted as employees. If you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation provides benefits without requiring you to prove fault. If you are entitled to temporary total compensation, you will receive 66 2/3% of your average weekly wages based on the four quarters prior to your injury.
Workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina typically cover:
- All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury
- Temporary total or partial disability benefits for lost wages
- Permanent disability benefits based on your impairment rating
- Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal accidents
The injured worker must file a claim within two years after the accident to protect his or her right to compensation.
South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Commission allows you 90 days to report a work-related injury to your employer, though reporting as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
When Can You File a Third-Party Claim for a Construction Injury?
Generally, injured workers covered by workers’ compensation cannot sue their employer for damages. However, if a third party is responsible for causing your construction accident, you might have a third-party claim against them. Third-party claims are important because workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, and it only reimburses a portion of your lost wages.
Third parties who may be liable for a construction accident include:
- Subcontractors or independent contractors whose negligence caused the accident
- Property owners who failed to address hazardous conditions
- Manufacturers of defective tools, equipment, or safety gear
- Architects or engineers whose design flaws contributed to the injury
- Drivers of vehicles who cause accidents at or near the work site
A third-party lawsuit can provide compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits, including full lost wages rather than just two-thirds of your regular income. You may also recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, punitive damages. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the injury, so it is important to take action quickly.
What Should You Do After a Construction Accident in South Carolina?
The steps you take immediately after a construction accident can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Our attorneys recommend the following:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Report the injury to your employer or supervisor immediately and request a written record
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions
- Collect names and contact information from any witnesses
- Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and expenses related to your injury
- Speak with an attorney before giving statements to insurance adjusters
Photograph your injuries throughout your recovery, and keep copies of all documents and information related to your construction accident, because you need proof of expenses to include them in a claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position whether you are pursuing workers’ compensation, a third-party claim, or both.
What to Expect When Working with Our Construction Accident Attorneys
When you contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. after a construction accident, our team will conduct a thorough review of your case during a free consultation. We will investigate the cause of the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and explain your legal options in clear terms. Our attorneys handle communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel so you can focus on your recovery.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation after an accident if you are not more than 50 percent at fault compared to the other parties involved. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize the compensation you receive.
Talk to a South Carolina Construction Accident Attorney Today
If you or a family member was injured in a construction accident in the Florence, Myrtle Beach, or Grand Strand area, do not wait to get legal help. Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. has the trial experience, legal knowledge, and dedication to fight for the compensation you need. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation.
How much does a construction accident lawyer cost in South Carolina?
Most construction accident attorneys in South Carolina, including our firm, handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. During your free initial consultation, we will explain the fee structure and answer any questions about costs.
Can you receive both workers’ compensation and a third-party settlement?
It is possible to file a third-party injury claim while also receiving workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina. However, if you receive a settlement or trial award from a third-party claim, the workers’ comp insurer could be entitled to reimbursement for the benefits it has paid you. An attorney can help you navigate both claims to maximize your total recovery.
What if you were partially at fault for the construction accident?
South Carolina’s no-fault workers’ compensation system means that even employees whose own negligence caused their injuries are eligible for benefits. For a third-party personal injury claim, South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as you are not 51% or more at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your assigned percentage of responsibility.