What to Do After a Workplace Injury in South Carolina

If you’ve been hurt on the job in South Carolina, you’re not alone—workplace injuries happen every day in every type of industry.

What matters most is knowing what to do next so you can protect your health, your job, and your rights under South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act.

Below is a practical, easy-to-follow guide that walks you through each step.

Step-By-Step Guide for Workplace Injuries

Step 1 – Report Your Workplace Injury Right Away

Under South Carolina law, you are required to report a work injury to your employer as soon as possible, and generally within 90 days (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-15-20). Don’t wait—delays can complicate your workers’ compensation claim.

How to report the injury:

• Tell your supervisor or manager immediately. Be sure to identify EVERY part of the body that has been injured.
• If possible, make the report in writing.
• Keep a copy or email record of your report.

This is also a good time to note any witnesses, take pictures of what caused your injury, and save any relevant documents.

Learn more on reporting injuries and filing workers’ compensation claims in South Carolina.

Step 2 – Get Medical Treatment from the Authorized Provider

Unlike many other states, South Carolina employers (or their insurance carriers) have the right to choose the treating doctor for a workers’ compensation claim. This means you must treat with the authorized medical provider to ensure your medical care is covered.

If it’s an emergency, get immediate care at the ER—emergency care is always allowed. After that, follow the employer’s instructions for authorized treatment.

Why this matters:

• Medical records form the backbone of your workers’ compensation claim. Hence, failure to mention every body part injured in the accident could result in a denial of treatment.
• Attending all appointments shows you’re cooperating with treatment.
• You want to avoid the insurer claiming you “refused care.”

Step 3 – Follow the Doctor’s Orders and Keep Everything

The insurance company and the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC) place a lot of weight on your medical treatment.

Keep copies of:

• Doctor’s notes
• Work restrictions
• Diagnostic tests
• Medication lists
• Physical therapy records

Your treating physician may assign work limitations or pull you out of work entirely. These restrictions can impact whether you receive temporary disability benefits under S.C. Code Ann. § 42-9-260. Request a copy of all prescriptions for medical treatment, test and work restrictions.

Step 4 – Understand What Workers’ Compensation Covers

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system generally provides:

Medical Care

All authorized treatment related to the injury. However, authorized care will only be given to injuries claimed from the time of notice.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If your doctor says you can’t work (or gives restrictions your employer can’t accommodate), you may receive weekly wage benefits equal to 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-9-20).

Permanent Disability Benefits

If you suffer a lasting impairment, the Commission may award compensation based on disability ratings and statutory schedules (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-9-30).

Mileage Reimbursement

You may be reimbursed for travel related to your authorized medical care.

Learn more about these benefits here.

Step 5 – Know When to File a Claim with the SCWCC

Even if you report your injury to your employer, that does not automatically mean a claim has been filed with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. If the insurance company denies your claim or delays treatment, you may need to file a Form 50 to pursue your rights (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-15-40).

You typically have two years from the date of injury to file a formal claim.

Step 6 – Watch for Warning Signs of a Claim Problem

Insurance companies may:

• Deny your injury happened at work
• Refuse treatment because of a lack of notice or due to pre-existing problems
• Dispute your work restrictions
• Send you to “independent” medical evaluations
• Offer a settlement before you understand your rights

South Carolina courts have reinforced an employee’s right to fair treatment in the workers’ compensation process. For example, Anderson v. Baptist Medical Center, 343 S.C. 487 (2001), shows how disputes over medical treatment can require Commission intervention.

If anything feels off, it’s worth speaking with a South Carolina work injury attorney for guidance. You can read about how this firm approaches workers’ compensation cases here.

Step 7 – Consider Speaking with a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The workers’ comp system can be confusing—and dealing with insurance companies after a workplace injury in South Carolina is rarely simple. A lawyer can help with things like:

• Filing claims and handling deadlines
• Communicating with the insurance company
• Ensuring your medical care stays authorized
• Preparing for hearings before the SCWCC
• Reviewing your disability ratings and any settlement offers

This firm has a long history of helping injured workers navigate these issues with personalized representation.

South Carolina Workplace Injuries FAQ

How long do I have to report a workplace injury in SC?

You must report it within 90 days, though sooner is better.

Can I choose my own doctor after a work injury?

Usually no—the employer or insurance company chooses the authorized doctor.

What if my claim is denied?

You may file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission and request a hearing.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

South Carolina law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing claims.

How long do I have to file a formal workers’ comp claim?

Generally two years from the date of injury.

Need help with your workplace injury in South Carolina?

Suffering a workplace injury can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can make a huge difference in your workers’ compensation claim.

Reporting the injury promptly, getting authorized medical care, and keeping good records are essential.

If you’d like help understanding your options, this firm is here to guide you through the workers’ compensation process with clear communication and personalized attention.

Call 803-369-3968 today or click here.