South Carolina Workers’ Compensation: What Injured Workers Should Know in 2025
Workplace injuries happen every day across South Carolina — from construction sites in Charleston to offices in Columbia. If you’ve been hurt on the job, understanding your rights under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is crucial. This guide explains what workers need to know in 2025 to protect their health, their income, and their future.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides medical treatment and wage benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In South Carolina, almost all employers with four or more employees are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
You do not need to prove your employer was negligent. If the injury happened during the course of your employment, you’re generally covered.
Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits in South Carolina?
To qualify for benefits in South Carolina, you must meet three key criteria:
• You must be classified as an employee (not an independent contractor)
• Your injury must be work-related
• You must report the injury to your employer within 90 days
Common qualifying injuries include back injuries, repetitive strain injuries, falls, burns, chemical exposure, and occupational illnesses. Mental health claims are also possible if they result from a physical injury or specific trauma on the job.
What Benefits Can Injured Workers Receive?
Under South Carolina workers’ compensation law, injured workers may receive:
• Medical care for injury-related treatment
• Weekly wage replacement (Temporary Total Disability or Temporary Partial Disability)
• Permanent disability benefits if the injury results in long-term impairment
• Compensation for disfigurement or scarring
• Death benefits to surviving family members in fatal cases
Benefit amounts depend on your average weekly wage and the severity of the injury.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina
If you’ve been injured at work, follow these steps:
1. Report the injury to your supervisor or employer immediately (must be within 90 days)
2. Seek medical treatment from an employer-authorized provider
3. File a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission using Form 50
4. Consult with a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney if your claim is denied or delayed
Your employer or their insurance carrier may also file the claim on your behalf, but it’s important to follow up and make sure it’s done correctly.
What If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
Claim denials are common, but they can be challenged. Reasons for denial might include:
• Missed deadlines
• Disputes over whether the injury is work-related
• Lack of medical evidence
• Employer disputes the severity of the injury
You have the right to request a hearing with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Legal representation is highly recommended at this stage.
Can You Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
South Carolina law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file a claim. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated or demoted after reporting a workplace injury, contact an employment or workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in South Carolina?
While it’s possible to navigate minor claims on your own, working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference — especially if:
• Your injuries are serious or permanent
• You’re not receiving your weekly checks
• The insurance company is pressuring you to settle
• You’ve been denied benefits
• Your employer is disputing your claim
A lawyer can help you build a stronger case, gather the necessary documentation, and represent you at hearings or appeals.
How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years from the date of the injury. This means you must either reach a settlement or request a hearing within that time frame.
However, you only have 90 days to report the injury to your employer — and missing that deadline could result in your claim being denied altogether.
Injured on the Job in South Carolina? Contact Mulet Law Today
If you’ve been hurt at work in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, or anywhere in South Carolina, don’t wait to get legal help. At Mulet Law, we help injured workers get the compensation they deserve. We understand the stress that comes with lost wages, medical bills, and insurance delays — and we’re here to make sure you’re protected.
Schedule a free consultation with our South Carolina workers’ compensation team today. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Schedule your free consultation today — and let us fight for you.
👉 Schedule a consultation with Mulet Law today and get the experienced, local representation you deserve. Don’t wait—your timeline to respond is already counting down.
📞 Call us at (305) 204-7372