Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Columbia, South Carolina

Getting hurt at work can throw everything off. You’re in pain, you’re missing work, and now you’ve got paperwork and deadlines to deal with. It’s frustrating—and it’s not fair to be left guessing about the benefits you’re supposed to get.

Workers’ compensation exists to help you through this. If your injury or illness is job-related, the law in South Carolina says you’re entitled to certain benefits. But just because you’re supposed to get them doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

At Lee Injury Law, we focus on cases like yours—serious work injuries that deserve serious attention. This page breaks down the benefits available, how they’re calculated, and what to do if your claim is delayed, denied, or suddenly cut off.

The Basics of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Under SC Law

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is designed to cover employees who are hurt or become ill on the job. It’s a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong. If you were injured while working, you’re most likely covered.

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) (established in S.C. Code § 42‑3‑10) oversees all claims and disputes. While the system provides important legal protections, complications sometimes arise particularly when benefits are delayed, denied, or cut off too soon. Having a law firm that handles work‑injury cases every day can be a critical advantage.

When Do Workers’ Comp Benefits Begin?

• You must report your injury within 90 days to protect your right to benefits.
• Once your claim is accepted, medical treatment should begin right away.
• Wage replacement benefits start if you’re out of work for more than 7 days. If you miss more than 14 days, you’ll also get paid for that first week.
• Payments are generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum.

How Long Do Benefits Last?

That depends on the nature and extent of your injury.

• If your doctor finds you have a permanent disability, you may qualify for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD).
• Temporary benefits (TTD or TPD) last until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
• In the most serious cases, benefits can last a lifetime.

Columbia Workers’ Compensation Coverage: What’s Included

Workers’ comp provides three main types of protection:

1. Medical care – Doctor visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions, and even travel costs to appointments.
2. Wage replacement – About two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to the legal cap).
3. Disability benefits – Depending on your situation:
   • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): when you can’t work at all.
   • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): when you can work with restrictions or reduced hours.
   • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): when you lose some function in a body part.
   • Permanent Total Disability (PTD): when you can’t return to any type of work.

Not sure which category applies to you? That’s exactly what we help clients figure out every day.

What’s Not Covered

Workers’ comp is a safety net, but it doesn’t cover everything. You may not qualify for:

• 100% of your lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Injuries sustained outside of work
• Injuries due to misconduct or while intoxicated

In most cases, you can’t sue your employer. However, if someone else caused your injury (like a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer), you may have a separate personal injury action. The good news is we handle those cases too.

How Are Workers Comp Benefits Calculated in Columbia, SC?

If you’ve been hurt at work in South Carolina, your benefits are based on what’s called your average weekly wage (AWW) which should equal about what you normally earned each week over the past year before your injury. This number helps decide how much you’ll receive while you’re out of work and recovering.

South Carolina also has what’s known as a “schedule of injuries.” It’s a chart in state law that assigns specific benefit amounts for the loss or loss of use of certain body parts. For example, if you lost a thumb on the job, you could receive 66 ⅔% of your average weekly wage for 65 weeks.

If your injury is so serious that it keeps you from ever returning to work, you may be entitled to lifetime benefits to help replace your lost income.

These rules come from South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-1-40 and 42-9-10 through 42-9-30), which are designed to make sure injured workers receive fair financial support while they heal.

What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Denied

Unfortunately, denials are common. Employers and insurance companies may argue:

• Your injury wasn’t work-related
• You didn’t report it on time
• Treatment isn’t “medically necessary”
• You had a pre-existing condition
• Misconduct caused your injury

If this happens, you have the right to a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Commission. At Lee Injury Law, we know what evidence the Commission looks for, and we fight to make sure your story is heard.

Need Help With a Workers’ Comp Claim in Columbia, SC?

At Lee Injury Law, we’ve spent years standing up for South Carolina’s injured workers. If your benefits were denied, delayed, or underpaid, we’re here to help.

Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and get to work protecting your rights.

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