A workplace injury can impact a person’s future career opportunities and quality of daily life. Fortunately, the workers’ compensation system in Charleston may afford workers the opportunity to recover compensation in the form of regular payments while they recover from an injury. However, while there is a system to ensure injured workers recover compensation, many injured workers run into a common problem: transportation.
To meet the requirements of a workers’ compensation claim, a worker may have to go to several different doctors and healthcare providers. This is because a person must generally go to their employer’s preferred doctor to qualify for workers’ compensation. However, the employer’s doctor may be in another part of the city, so workers can ask if they are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses.
If you suffered a workplace injury and have questions about reimbursement for transportation in a Charleston workers’ compensation case, contact a dedicated attorney today. A lawyer in Charleston could help you secure the benefits you need following a workplace accident and clarify the complex workers’ compensation process.
Types of Travel Expenses That Can Be Reimbursed
Under South Carolina’s Code of Regulations § 67-1601(A)(1), a worker can be reimbursed for their travel expenses provided the mileage to and from the doctor’s office is more than five miles from their home. For more information about transportation in a Charleston workers’ compensation case, consult with a knowledgeable lawyer.
Public Transportation
One of the many benefits of living and working in the Charleston region is that workers have access to public transportation that may not be available in other parts of the state. Workers who choose to utilize public transportation such as a taxi, bus, or train, can have their actual expenses reimbursed under South Carolina’s Code of Regulations § 67-1601(A)(2).
Hotels
Some workers may face the challenge of being far from their doctor, causing them to need overnight hotel stays. Fortunately, S.C. Code § 67-1601(A)(3) may allow a worker to recover compensation for reasonable overnight lodging.
Rate and Payment Process for Transportation Costs
S.C. Code § 67-1601(A)(1) establishes the rate for travel expenses by mileage, and states that workers should receive compensation for travel, “in accordance with the amount allowed state employees for mileage.” As of January 1, 2018, the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission lists the current rate at 54.5 cents per mile.
When a worker travels to and from their doctor, they should record their mileage and be prepared to submit evidence that they traveled that amount of distance by car or public transportation.
There is no specific form for transportation costs. However, it is important to present evidence that a doctor’s office is more than a five-mile round trip from a workers’ home to recover reimbursement for transportation.
Discuss Transportation Costs with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have questions about transportation in a Charleston workers’ compensation case and need help filing, contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer today. A workers’ compensation attorney could help you secure compensation and benefits to allow you and your family a peace of mind during your recovery. Powerful legal representatives could make sure you receive your due benefits as soon as possible.
