Losing a limb is a frightening thought. Unfortunately, it's a sad reality for many people who are involved in a workplace injury. The non-profit news source, ProPublica, investigated how much compensation people can receive throughout the United States for losing certain parts their bodies. Although each state provides different benefits for time away from work, unemployment, and other matters, their team was able to isolate the data and determine a rate per limb, using more than 600 calculations, as well as 52 different formulas. It's also worth noting that the rates listed here are not necessarily what you might receive if you're hurt on the job. According to ProPublica, a doctor usually evaluates how much function was lost, and then that percentage of the amount detailed is awarded to the individual.
You can see how South Carolina stacked up against the rest of the country on compensation for workplace injury below.
Disbursements Can Impact the Rest of Your Life. In their accompanying article, ProPublica notes that discrepancies are high, even for those with the same injury. In one situation, two men lost portions of their arm in similar work incidents. The first man received just $45,000, but the second could receive as much as $740,000 over the course of his lifetime. ProPublica is quick to point out the difference in state maximums for the loss of an arm. Although the first man lost his arm in Alabama, where the maximum is $48,840, and the second man was hurt in Georgia, where compensation can be as much as$118,125, it's clear that there's more happening here than maximum allowances. There are other sources of funds available, and even the amount received for the loss, itself, is determined by a doctor's opinion.
Sadly, the first man whose story was detailed above does not end with the loss of his arm. As a result of inadequate compensation, so far his family lost their home, andtheir vehicles, as well. The system can be incredibly difficult to navigate, and the agreements initially made will impact the rest of yours and your family's lives if you've been hurt at work. It helps to have an experienced attorney on your side who is familiar with workers' compensation, and knows where to look for additional funds, so that you receive everything you are entitled to. Please contact us online or speak with one of our attorneys now by calling 843-305-6329
Clore Law Group welcomes your questions about any issues concerning a serious personal injury, car accident, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, or business tort. If you have a viable claim, we’ll explain the legal process. Since consultations are always free, there’s no cost in learning your legal options.