Workplace Injury Lawyers Who Can Guide You Through Your Workers’ Compensation Claim In Sioux Falls, SD

When a work injury disrupts your life, you need experienced workplace injury lawyers to navigate the workers‘ compensation system. At Christensen Law Office, PC, our attorneys, Renee H. Christensen and Michael Christensen, are dedicated to helping you recover after an on-the-job accident. We understand these complex cases and are committed to fighting for your rights.
A workplace injury can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just your health but also your financial stability and family life. Medical appointments, mounting bills and complex paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
Since 2006, our firm has assisted South Dakota residents with work injuries. Our attorneys in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, handle cases with a combination of local experience and genuine care, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve.
Eligibility Rules For Workers’ Compensation In South Dakota
Most South Dakota employees, including full-time, part-time and seasonal workers, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured or ill due to their jobs. The key factor is that the injury or illness arises from and during employment. This can include sudden accidents, repetitive stress injuries or occupational illnesses that develop over time.
However, the specific nature and timing of the condition can matter. For instance, South Dakota law requires that the employment be a “major contributing cause” of the condition. This means that work-related factors must contribute more than 50% to the cause of the injury or illness compared to all other contributing factors combined.
Some workers are typically not covered by workers‘ compensation in South Dakota:
- Farm laborers
- Domestic servants working less than 20 hours a week
- Independent contractors
- Certain corporate officers
While most work-related injuries or illnesses are eligible, an employee may be ineligible if an accident was due to intoxication, illegal drug use or willful misconduct.
Navigating these complex rules can be challenging. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or face a denied claim, our work-related injury lawyers are here to help.
Causes Of Workplace Injuries In South Dakota
Our job injury attorneys have observed the following factors contributing to on-the-job accidents and illnesses:
- Unsafe working conditions: Poorly maintained work areas, inadequate lighting or slippery surfaces
- Insufficient training: Employees not properly instructed on safety procedures or equipment use
- Faulty equipment: Malfunctioning machinery or tools that haven’t been properly maintained
- Inadequate safety protocols: Lack of proper safety gear or failure to enforce safety regulations
- Workplace stress: High-pressure environments leading to fatigue and decreased alertness
- Environmental hazards: Exposure to hazardous substances, toxic materials, extreme temperatures or excessive noise
As a South Dakota employee, the workers‘ compensation system gives you the right to various benefits, including medical coverage and compensation for permanent disabilities. These benefits support your recovery and address your ongoing needs after an on-the-job accident.
Claiming these benefits can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this process alone. Our lawyers for injuries at work understand that each case is unique. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden accident or a condition that developed over time, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Common Types Of Workplace Injury Cases
In South Dakota, workplace injuries can vary widely depending on the industry and job duties. While some occupations carry higher risks, employees across all sectors may experience work-related injuries or illnesses. Our experienced attorneys have handled a diverse range of cases, including:
- Construction site accidents: Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions or being struck by objects
- Manufacturing injuries: Machinery accidents, chemical exposures, occupational illnesses or repetitive motion injuries
- Office-related injuries: Slip and falls, ergonomic injuries or stress-related conditions
- Health care worker injuries: Needle sticks, patient handling injuries or exposure to infectious diseases
- Retail and service industry accidents: Lifting injuries, slip and falls or workplace violence
Workplace violence involves physical assaults, threats or other threatening behavior in the work environment. This can include incidents between co-workers, customers or even outsiders entering the workplace. Get a free case review by calling 605-206-5872 or completing this online form. Let’s discuss the details of your case together.
Steps To Take Immediately After A Work Accident
Workplace accidents can be disorienting and stressful. To protect your rights and strengthen your workers‘ compensation claim, follow these crucial steps:
Report the incident promptly
Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Quick reporting helps establish an official record and protects you if injuries develop later.
Seek medical care
Your health comes first. Get medical attention right away, regardless of how minor the injury may seem. Medical records serve as crucial evidence for your workers‘ compensation claim. A health care professional can properly assess your condition and provide the documentation necessary for your claim.
Keep in mind that once you’ve received initial treatment, be sure to follow all treatment plans. Attend follow-up appointments as recommended to ensure a full recovery and maintain the validity of your claim.
Document everything
Keep detailed notes about the accident, including date, time, location and circumstances, especially if it involved hazardous conditions. If possible, take photos of the scene and your injuries. This information can be invaluable for your case. Without it, you may struggle to prove the details of your accident, potentially weakening your claim.
Gather witness information
If anyone saw the accident, collect their names and contact details. Witness accounts can corroborate your version of events. The third-party testimony you gather can strengthen your claim and help your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Preserve evidence
Keep any physical evidence related to your accident, such as damaged equipment, torn clothing, or safety gear that failed to protect you. These items may help demonstrate how the injury occurred, potentially revealing negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Contact our work injury lawyers
We can guide you through the complex legal process, protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Consult with our on-the-job injury lawyers before proceeding with a workers‘ compensation claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation
If you have legal concerns after a workplace accident leaves you injured and unable to work, you have come to the right firm. Our job-related injury lawyers have over 25 years of experience with Sioux Falls workers’ compensation claims.
We want to alleviate your concerns with information. Answering some of the most common questions provides a solid starting point for your workers’ compensation journey.
What benefits are available to work accident and occupational injury victims?
South Dakota workers‘ compensation can offer:
- Medical care: All necessary treatment for your work injury should be covered, including care for injuries resulting from exposure to harmful substances.
- Financial support: If you’re off work or working less due to injury, you can receive wage replacement (typically 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum).
- Permanent disability benefits: For lasting injuries, you may receive additional compensation.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you can’t return to your old job, you might get help learning new skills.
- Travel costs: Reimbursement for driving to doctor appointments (as of 2024, $0.66 per mile).
This list is not exhaustive, and other benefits may be available depending on your specific situation. But our job injury lawyers will fight to maximize the compensation and benefits you can receive under South Dakota law.
How long do I have to file my workers’ comp claim in South Dakota?
You should notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible, but no later than three business days after the occurrence. You have one year from the date of injury to file your workers’ compensation claim.
If you’ve followed all proper procedures and still face a denial, you can file a petition for a hearing with the Department of Labor and Regulation within two years from the date the insurer denied your claim.
Does my preexisting injury or condition bar my right to file a workers’ compensation claim?
No, a prior health issue doesn’t automatically disqualify you. If a workplace accident aggravates or worsens your existing medical condition, you may still be entitled to benefits. This is particularly true if the work incident leaves you unable to perform your job duties or requires additional medical treatment. However, these cases can be complex, and insurance companies often dispute such claims.
Legal representation is crucial in these situations, especially if your claim faces challenges based on your medical history. Contact our firm if you’re encountering difficulties related to a pre-existing condition in your workers’ compensation case.
What questions should I ask at my first legal consultation?
When meeting with lawyers for work injuries, it’s ok to ask lots of questions. Here are some good ones to start with:
- How long have you been helping people with work injuries in South Dakota?
- Have you won cases like mine before?
- How will you keep me updated about my case?
- What might make my case tricky?
- How long do you think this will take?
- How do you charge for your help?
- Will you be the one working on my case?
- What can I do to make my case stronger?
Our injury at work lawyers are here to answer all your questions and concerns. We want you to feel comfortable and confident as we work together to get the help you need.
Remember, when it comes to work injuries, the lawyers for work injury at Christensen Law Office, PC, have the skills and dedication to help you through this tough time. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to fight for your legal rights.
How Our Work Injury Attorneys Can Help Support Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our workplace injury lawyers are committed to supporting your workers‘ compensation claim. With us, you’ll receive high-quality service in the following:
- Case preparation and management: Our team carefully reviews your medical records and can construct a strong case for you. We work diligently to avoid critical errors and streamline the process of securing your compensation, whether as a lump sum or regular payments. Even if an insurance company denies your claim due to a preexisting condition, we’re prepared to guide you through the appeals process.
- Immediate action and ongoing assistance: We understand you might feel overwhelmed during this difficult time, but our experienced lawyers stand ready to support you. A successful claim often depends on taking proper steps from the beginning. That’s why preserving evidence and following the procedures immediately after an injury occurs is crucial. Call our work injuries lawyers for assistance with your case.
- Third-party liability claim knowledge: Our team, experienced in both work-related incidents and as personal injury lawyers, handles all types of claims, including third-party liability lawsuits. We thoroughly investigate your case with the goal of securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Whether you need our services for a work injury claim or other types of personal injury cases, we’re here to provide the support you need throughout the process. Our commitment is to stand by you from start to finish, maximizing your chances of receiving benefits.
Get The Help You Need In Reclaiming Your Life Today
A workplace injury can upend your world. It can bring physical pain, financial concerns and uncertainty about the future. On top of that, a workers‘ comp claim or third-party liability claim can be a lengthy and challenging process. In times like these, experienced legal support can make all the difference.
Whether your case involves a standard workers‘ compensation claim or potential lawsuits against third parties, our experienced workplace injury lawyers at Christensen Law Office, PC, are here to guide you through the process. Let us be your dedicated advocates in pursuing fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.
Don’t face your workplace injury alone. Contact us today at 605-206-5872 or email us for a free consultation. Let our family help you reclaim your life.