We know the uncertainty keeps you up at night. You deserve to know how long your benefits will last — and we’ll work hard to maximize what you receive, every step of the way. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we fight back when the insurance company tries to downplay your injury, delay your payments, or deny you care. If you’re navigating a workplace injury in South Carolina, we’re here to guide you through every step — and make sure you’re treated like family, not a case file.
When you're hurt on the job, one of the biggest worries is, how long do workers compensation benefits last? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always clear, and the workers compensation insurance company isn’t in a hurry to help you figure it out.
Let’s take a look at how benefit duration is determined, what can make your benefits change or end, and how you can protect your right to the full workers compensation coverage you're owed.
How Long Does Workers Comp Coverage Last in South Carolina?
If you've been injured at work and filed a workers compensation claim, South Carolina law allows you to receive different types of workers comp benefits depending on the injury or illness you've experienced and how it affects your ability to work.
The length of your compensation benefits depends on three main factors:
- Severity of your injury
- Your disability rating
- Whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)
Each type of benefit has its own rules — and the insurance company is quick to shift you from one to the next to limit what they pay.
Types of Workers Compensation Benefits and Their Timelines
Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
When your treating physician says you can't work at all for a while, you're entitled to temporary disability benefits. These weekly temporary disability payments typically equal two thirds of your average weekly wage, capped under South Carolina law.
How long does workers comp last in this case? These weekly benefits continue until you reach maximum medical improvement — or until the doctor says you can return to work.
- Example: You suffered a back injury and cannot work per your doctor’s treatment plan. You’re eligible for TTD while you receive medical treatment and recover.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you return to work at reduced hours or light duty, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits. These help cover lost wages when your temporary position pays less than your regular job.
Duration: Paid until you're medically cleared or return to full earning capacity.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
If your work injury leads to a permanent but partial loss of function (like losing motion in a shoulder), you may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits.
This is based on:
- Your disability rating or impairment rating evaluation
- The affected body part
- Your future earning capacity
PPD duration varies based on a set schedule. For example:
- Arm: Up to 220 weeks
- Leg: Up to 195 weeks
- Thumb: Up to 65 weeks
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
If you’re permanently disabled and unable to return to work at all, you may receive permanent benefits — up to 500 weeks, or more in catastrophic cases like a traumatic brain injury or paralysis.
PTD cases often face pushback from the workers compensation insurer, who may try to downgrade your rating.
Medical Benefits
One of the most vital parts of your case is access to proper medical care.
The workers compensation insurance company must cover all medical bills related to your job injury, including:
- Emergency care
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Surgery
- Rehab
- Prescriptions
- Mileage to appointments
These medical benefits continue as long as your healthcare provider deems care necessary. However, insurers often try to cut off treatment early.
We work hard to make sure your necessary medical treatment is approved and paid for — not cut short by an adjuster who’s never seen your x-rays.
Lump Sum Settlements
Some injured workers accept a lump sum to close their claim. While this may seem attractive, it often means giving up future medical care and weekly wage checks. It’s critical to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Don’t sign a lump sum payment agreement until you talk to a workers compensation lawyer.
Burial Expenses and Death Benefits
In tragic cases, when a work related injury results in death, the worker’s family may be entitled to burial expenses and survivor benefits. These are part of the basic benefits protected under South Carolina workers compensation law.
When Will My Workers Comp Benefits Stop?
Your compensation benefits may end or change based on these events:
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Once your doctor says you've reached MMI, your temporary benefits end. You may then be evaluated for permanent disability benefits.
Returning to Work
If you're cleared to work — even at partial capacity — your temporary total disability payments may stop. If your employer offers light duty, refusal could impact your benefits.
Disputes by the Insurance Company
The insurance company may argue that your illness happened outside of work, or that your disability rating is too high. They may even question the findings of your medical professional to cut you off early.
We see this tactic all the time. That's why having Christmas Injury Lawyers on your side matters.
What Claim Forms Do We File on Your Behalf?
At Christmas Injury Lawyers, one of the first things we do for you is handle all the paperwork to officially start your workers compensation claim — so you don’t have to stress over deadlines, legal language, or what form goes where.
Here’s what that looks like:
We file your Written Notice to Your Employer
South Carolina law says you must report your workplace injury or illness to your employer in writing within 90 days. Even if your boss already knows what happened, the law still requires formal written notice. When you’re our client, we take care of that step for you — and we make sure it’s done in a way that protects your right to benefits.
We file your official Workers Compensation Claim Form.
To legally pursue workers compensation benefits, we submit the correct claim form to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission — usually Form 50 (for an injury) or Form 52 (for a death claim, in the case of a loved one’s fatal accident).
This form does more than just start the process. It’s what allows you to receive:
- Medical care and treatment
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury doesn’t fully heal
- Coverage for medical expenses and lost wages
- And if needed, burial expenses and survivor benefits for your family
Missing this form — or filling it out incorrectly — can give the insurance company an excuse to deny your claim altogether. That’s why we handle it for you, right from the start.
From the moment you call us, our team moves quickly to protect your rights and take the paperwork off your plate. You focus on getting better. We’ll focus on holding the workers compensation insurer accountable.
What If I Can’t Return to Work Ever Again?
If you’re permanently unable to return to any job, you may qualify for permanent total disability and even supplemental job displacement benefits, which help you train for a new career.
This is especially important for workers with:
- Severe spinal injuries
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Other permanent injuries
FAQs
Can I choose my own doctor for medical care?
Under South Carolina law, the workers compensation insurer typically picks your treating physician. However, you may be able to request a change or second opinion if you're unhappy with the doctor's treatment plan.
How long does workers comp pay for lost wages?
If you qualify, you’ll receive two thirds of your average weekly wage. These disability benefits are paid weekly and can continue for up to 500 weeks, depending on your situation.
What if I’ve already settled but need more care?
If your settlement includes future medical benefits, you may still be covered. But if you accepted a lump sum, you may have waived those rights. We can review your case to help.
Can I receive benefits if I’m working a light-duty job?
Yes — if your light-duty job pays less than before, you may be entitled to partial disability or temporary partial disability payments to cover the wage difference.
How do I know my disability rating is correct?
You have the right to challenge your disability rating. We work with medical experts to ensure your permanent disability rating reflects the real impact of your injury.
Can I Receive Permanent Benefits If I Have a 0% Permanent Disability Rating?
Yes — but it’s complicated. A 0% permanent disability rating means the doctor believes your injury doesn’t cause any measurable long-term impairment. However, that doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving permanent benefits. If your injury still impacts your ability to work, or if your condition worsens, we may be able to challenge the rating or seek additional medical evaluations.
You Deserve Every Benefit — And We’ll Help You Get It
You’re not just facing an injury — you’re facing the weight of uncertainty, medical bills, and a confusing legal system that often favors the insurance company. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we bring nearly 30 years of experience helping injured workers get every dollar and day of support they deserve under workers compensation law. We’ll handle the paperwork, push back against delays, and walk with you until your case is closed — and your life is moving forward again.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, call us today at (843) 380-4112 or click on “Contact Us” on this page. Let’s make sure you’re treated like family — with dignity, support, and fierce legal care from start to finish.
