How does Workers’ Comp Work in South Carolina?

Workers’ compensation death benefits vary widely from state to state. In South Carolina, they look like this:

• Burial expenses up to $2,500
• Up to 2/3rds of the employee’s average weekly income paid out for up to 500 weeks from the date of the injury
• Support for surviving spouses and qualifying dependents
• Coverage of some funeral expenses

Yes, South Carolina allows employees to settle their claims. For this to occur, the employee, employer, and insurance company must agree on the settlement amount. 

However, there are two types of settlement in the state. One is the agreement and final release in which the employee receives a lump sum settlement but releases the employer and insurance company from further claims regarding the injury. 

The other is a Form 16A settlement, which is designed specifically for employees who’ve been permanently disabled. In this situation, the employee can request additional compensation within one year of the final payment if their condition deteriorates, and continuing medical expenses are also covered.

Workers have two years to file a claim with the state’s workers’ compensation commission. However, employees must notify an employer within 90 days of the injury. Failure to do so forfeits the right to file a claim.

The workers’ comp claims process for South Carolina is pretty similar to most other states. The employee must report their injury to the employer. They can choose to pursue a workers’ comp claim then, or they can choose to wait up to two years. 

Once filed, the workers’ compensation insurance policy pays for emergency medical care, lost wages, temporary and permanent disability, medical travel, physical and occupational therapy, and more.