A Sioux Falls Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Serving Workers Throughout South Dakota

Last updated on May 21, 2026

Workers’ compensation is an insurance benefit available to nearly all employees who suffer an injury in the course of their employment. Laws are designed to ensure that employees injured on the job receive fixed monetary awards, making workers’ comp an important safety net for many people.

Alvine Law Firm, LLP, has extensive experience with workers’ compensation (work comp) claims and is standing by with a powerful and aggressive legal team to help you get everything you’re entitled to receive. If you or your family’s injury is classified as permanent, results in disability or results in death, additional benefits may be available to you and your family.

Understanding Career-Ending Injuries And Permanent Total Disability

Many South Dakotans earn their living through the physically demanding work required in construction, manufacturing and meatpacking. These jobs require physical strength, stamina and precision. Unfortunately, when a catastrophic accident occurs on the job, it can lead to permanent total disability (PTD). This means you can no longer perform the work you were trained to do.

We focus our efforts on these life-altering situations because the families involved have the most to lose. These injuries often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that prevent cognitive function or cause regular seizures.
• Spinal cord damage resulting in partial or full paralysis.
• Loss of limbs or amputations caused by heavy industrial machinery.
• Severe burns covering large portions of the body requiring multiple skin grafts.
• Multiple complex fractures that never heal enough to allow for manual labor.
• Loss of vision or hearing due to workplace explosions or chemical exposure.

These conditions are not minor setbacks that heal with a few weeks of rest. They are permanent conditions that impact your ability to provide for your family. If your injury has ended your career, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Fighting Insurance Denials In South Dakota

Insurance adjusters are not your friends. They are professionals trained to save their company money. In South Dakota, we frequently see adjusters use delay tactics to wear you down. They might withhold your weekly wage benefits or refuse to authorize an expensive surgery your doctor says you need.

This is more than a simple disagreement. It is often a calculated move to force you into a low settlement because they know you are desperate.

We do not tolerate these games. Our workers’ compensation attorneys treat every denial as a call to action. We have a history of securing multimillion-dollar wins, including results of $1.75 million and $2 million.

We are willing to take the fight as far as it needs to go. Whether we are negotiating in a quiet office or fighting in a courtroom, we remain unyielding. We have spent decades learning the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying for career-ending injuries. We will use that knowledge to protect you.

Sustained A Serious Injury At Work? Call Alvine Law Firm, LLP, Today

At Alvine Law Firm, LLP, we have successfully collected millions of dollars in all types of injury accidents, including electrocutions, permanent and disabling back injuries, and anything in between. Do not simply take the insurance company’s word for what you are entitled to.

If you’re injured as a result of your job, we’re here to help you understand your rights and help with the workers’ compensation benefits claim process. Please do not wait until it is too late. Call us today at 605-275-0808 or complete this form to set up a free initial appointment.

Questions Clients Are Asking About Workers’ Compensation In Sioux Falls

When you face a career-ending injury, your mind is naturally filled with worry. We hear the same concerns from workers in Sioux Falls every day, including:

What should I do immediately after suffering a work injury in South Dakota?

Once you are injured at the workplace in South Dakota, seek medical attention immediately and notify your employer. Even injuries that seem minor can become serious, so inform the doctor so it is properly documented.

South Dakota law requires you to notify your employer in writing within three business days of the injury. Missing the deadline can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.

How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim in South Dakota?

Under South Dakota law, you have two years to formally file your workers’ compensation claim. However, waiting too long can weaken your case because evidence may disappear.

What benefits am I entitled to receive under workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation is designed to cover a wide range of benefits, including medical and temporary total disability benefits.

• Medical benefits: All reasonable and necessary treatment related to your injury
• Temporary total disability (TTD): You receive weekly payments of about 66 2/3% of your average wage.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD): When you return to work but earn less than before, you receive partial wage replacement.
• Permanent disability benefits: If your injury leads to lasting impairment
• Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous job, you may qualify for retraining or job placement assistance.
• Death benefits: Surviving family members may receive financial support and funeral expense coverage.

We can help fight to secure long-term benefits to ensure you move forward with life.

Can I choose my own doctor for my workplace injury?

Yes, but you need to first notify your employer. Under South Dakota’s workers’ compensation system, your employer or their insurance carrier chooses the doctor to treat you. However, in an emergency, you can go to any hospital or physician. But if you have to choose your doctor for ongoing treatment, confirm that they are authorized to avoid weakening your claim.

Do I really need a workers’ compensation lawyer to handle my claim?

Yes, especially if you have sustained severe injuries or the case is complicated. For instance, when the insurer blames a preexisting condition, having an attorney is essential in protecting your rights.

Even though workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, you should not let insurers take advantage of you. Our lawyer can ensure you get full benefits.

Will South Dakota workers’ comp cover my lost wages if I can never return to my job?

If your injury prevents you from ever working again, you may qualify for PTD benefits. This program provides weekly payments to replace a portion of your lost income for the rest of your life or until you reach retirement age.

What can I do if the workers’ comp insurance company denies my expensive surgery?

You should never let an insurance adjuster overrule your doctor’s medical advice. If an insurer denies a necessary surgery, you can file a formal appeal with the South Dakota Department of Labor. With the right evidence, you could overturn the decision so the insurance company pays for the care you need to recover.

Why do I need a Sioux Falls workers’ comp lawyer for a severe work injury?

Insurance companies treat catastrophic claims as threats to their bottom line. They will use every tactic available to minimize your payout. A lawyer understands the specific laws in South Dakota and knows how to counter the aggressive strategies adjusters use to delay your benefits.

With the right legal support, you can stay focused on your recovery. We are ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve after sustaining a career-ending injury at work.