We know how overwhelming it can be when you’re trying to heal and figure out how to pay your bills at the same time. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we’re here to guide you through every step of your workers compensation claim, so you can focus on your recovery while we do the heavy lifting with the insurance company. Let’s break down the different workers compensation benefits you may be entitled to under South Carolina law, and how they protect you when you’re facing a work related injury.
What Workers Compensation Covers in South Carolina
If you’ve suffered a work injury, South Carolina workers compensation is designed to act as a safety net for you and your family. Most employers in South Carolina are required to carry workers compensation insurance for their full time employees, as well as many part-time workers and even agricultural workers in some cases.
Under South Carolina law, you may qualify for different types of workers comp benefits, including:
- Medical Expenses: Your medical treatment — from doctor visits, emergency care, surgeries, to physical therapy and prescriptions — should be fully covered. You also have the right to be treated by a doctor chosen by your employer’s insurance carrier.
- Lost Wages: If your work injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to temporary total disability (TTD benefits). This means you could receive two thirds of your average weekly wage while you’re unable to work.
- Permanent Partial or Total Disability: If you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) and still have a lasting impairment, you may qualify for receiving benefits like permanent partial disability or permanent disability benefits, depending on your impairment rating.
- Death Benefits: For families who have lost a loved one due to a work-related accident, workers compensation insurance provides death benefits and funeral costs. No family should face this alone.
Remember, the workers compensation system is no fault. This means you don’t have to prove your employer’s negligence — you simply have to show that your injury happened on the job.
Your Right to Medical Treatment
One of the biggest sources of stress for injured workers is figuring out how to get the medical care they need. Seek medical attention immediately after any work injury — not only for your health, but to document your claim properly. Follow your treating physician’s orders closely, attend every doctor visit, and keep copies of all medical bills and records. If your insurance carrier delays or denies your medical treatment, we’ll stand up to them and fight for your right to the care you deserve.
What Happens When You Reach Maximum Medical Improvement?
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) means your treating physician has determined you’ve healed as much as possible. This doesn’t always mean you’re back to normal — some traumatic injuries result in permanent limitations. Once you reach MMI, your doctor will assign you an impairment rating, which is critical in calculating any permanent partial disability or permanent disability benefits you may be entitled to.
How the SC Workers Compensation Claims Process Works
The South Carolina workers compensation system can feel confusing when you’re trying to heal and deal with an insurance company that may drag its feet. Here’s what you should know about the steps involved — and how Christmas Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through each one.
Report Your Injury and Seek Medical Attention
Right after your work related injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and tell your employer as soon as possible. Quick action helps protect your right to workers comp benefits and keeps the claims process moving.
The Insurance Carrier Reviews Your Claim
Your employer’s insurance carrier will investigate your workers compensation claim, reviewing medical records and your treating physician’s notes. They decide if they’ll approve benefits for your medical treatment, weekly compensation, and other costs.
Receiving Your Workers Comp Benefits
If approved, you should receive coverage for doctor visits, treatments, and lost wages through temporary total disability (TTD benefits) — typically about two thirds of your average weekly wage.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied
Sometimes the insurance company will deny part or all of your claim, or try to stop your benefits before you reach maximum medical improvement. If this happens, you have the right to a hearing with the Workers Compensation Commission.
How Christmas Injury Lawyers Helps You
We handle every detail — from gathering your medical records, dealing with the insurance company, and fighting a denied claim to making sure you’re treated fairly at every stage. We know how to level the playing field so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
Common Questions About South Carolina Workers Compensation Benefits
Full Time Employees, TTD Benefits, and No Fault: How Do They Work?
In South Carolina, full time employees are usually covered under workers compensation insurance, thanks to the no fault system. This means you don’t have to prove your employer’s negligence — if you’re hurt on the job, you may qualify for TTD benefits (temporary total disability), which pay you about two thirds of your average weekly wage while you recover. It’s designed to keep you financially stable so you can focus on healing.
What happens if my claim is denied?
A denied claim can be appealed. Having a dedicated legal team helps you gather the evidence you need — like medical records, work history, and expert opinions — to prove your claim before the Workers Compensation Commission. Having strong medical records and your impairment rating after you reach maximum medical improvement is critical for your appeal.
How much will I get for lost wages?
If your doctor says you can’t work, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD benefits), which is usually two thirds of your average weekly wage. This helps cover bills while you’re out of work.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Generally, your employer’s insurance carrier has the right to choose your treating physician. If you’re unhappy with your medical care, you may be able to request a second opinion.
When should I get legal help?
If you’re facing delays, lowball offers, or pushback from the insurance company, or you just feel overwhelmed, it’s time to call us for a free case evaluation. We can take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Get the Support You Deserve — Call Christmas Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Case Evaluation
You’ve worked hard — you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone when you’re injured. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we believe every injured worker deserves real financial support and access to quality medical care. We’ll stand up to the insurance company so you can get the workers compensation benefits you’re entitled to under South Carolina law.
If you or someone you love has suffered a work-related injury, don’t wait and wonder what you’re owed. Call Christmas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation — and let our family fight for yours while you focus on healing.
