Workers Compensation in South Carolina: Know Your Rights

When you're on the job, anything can happen. That's why it's important to understand what you should do if the unexpected occurs. Knowing your rights related to workers' compensation laws in your state are extremely important. Laws vary from state to state and they can change frequently.

What can happen?

Falls are one of the most common types of workplace injuries. Falls from ladders, on greasy floors, from unstable equipment, on uneven surfaces and slick pavement can all result in injury to workers. Falls are also a leading cause of work-related death. In addition to falls, approximately one-third of all workplace injuries are the result of improper lifting. Back injuries and other muscle, nerve, and joint problems are common, and typically result in much longer work absences than other injuries sustained while on the job. Truck drivers, delivery personnel, and salespeople are at risk for automobile-related accidents, and heavy equipment operators are at risk of injury from improperly-used or poorly-maintained machinery.

Workers Compensation in South Carolina: Know Your Rights

What is workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation pays for surgery, hospitalization, medical supplies, and prescriptions that are required following injuries you sustain while on the job, provided you use the doctor designated by your employer (or its insurance company). Workers' compensation also entitles you to compensation at the rate of 66.6% of your average weekly wage based on the four quarters of wages earned prior to your injury.