Were you working your shift in South Dakota when you suffered a serious back injury? Have you been on the job for years and constantly exposed to fumes and chemicals that led to the diagnosis of an occupational disease? If so, you might be able to recover workers' compensation benefits. While laws vary from one state to another, most employers must maintain the coverage for their workers. Workers' compensation includes medical benefits and covers a portion of lost wages while the worker is unable to work and is recovering. How Many Workers' Compensation Attorneys Are In South Dakota? You want to get a lawyer from the state where the incident took place so they are properly licensed to represent you in court. Local lawyers are also familiar with the state laws. According to Avvo, as of February 2018 South Dakota had nine workers' compensation attorneys, but that number was probably not all-inclusive. These are lawyers who understand occupational illnesses and workplace accident injuries. They are familiar with the entire claims process as well. What Can A South Dakota Workers' Compensation Attorney Do For Me? You should be well aware that not all workers' compensation claims are agreeable. You should talk with an attorney even before your claim is filed. There are times when claims are denied because workers' compensation insurers might believe that the injury or illness was not work-related and was pre-existing. An example scenario might involve an employee in a retail establishment who was hit by merchandise when the shelving fell. The employer argues that the worker didn't suffer an injured arm in the fall and the injury was pre-existing from a car accident a few years ago. To appeal the claims denial, you will need a workers' compensation attorney. Where Are Courthouses in South Dakota? There are several different courts and where your claim is filed depends on where you live, where your employer is located, and where the injury took place. Here are some South Dakota courthouses: Minnehaha County Courts 425 N Dakota Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Marshall County Courthouse 911 Vander Horck Street Britton, SD 57430 Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tripp County Courthouse 200 E 3rd Street Winner, SD 57580 Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Your attorney will ensure your case is filed in the right court so time and resources aren't wasted. Speak With An Attorney Today! If you have suffered injuries or illness because of your job, speak with a workers' compensation attorney right away. In South Dakota, workers' compensation claims must be filed within a year of the accident, but the deadline might be extended in events where the employer has provided medical care for the injury or if you are able to continue working. If you wait too long, you cannot get benefits. Complete the form on this page to get your details shared with a local workers' compensation lawyer. The attorney will then provide you with a free case evaluation. Act today before time runs out! Additional Resources Filing for Workers' Comp in South Dakota Denied Workers' Comp in South Dakota
