What is workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In South Carolina, the system is administered by the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.

Does my employer have to carry workers' comp insurance?

South Carolina requires coverage for 4 or more employees [§ 42-1-360]. Employers cannot opt out of coverage requirements.

How much will I receive in benefits?

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are 66.67% of average weekly wage [§ 42-9-10]. Benefits continue 500 weeks [§ 42-9-10].

What is the exclusive remedy rule?

The [def:exclusive remedy] doctrine means workers' compensation is generally your only remedy against your employer for workplace injuries [§ 42-1-540]. You typically cannot sue your employer separately for the same injury.

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

South Carolina Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights

Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in South Carolina.

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Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in South Carolina — Steps & Deadlines Workers' Comp Benefits — TTD, PPD & Medical Coverage Denied Workers' Comp Claims in South Carolina — Your Options Workers' Comp Retaliation — Know Your Rights Independent Medical Exams (IME) in South Carolina Workers' Comp Workers' Comp Settlements & Hearings — What to Expect

How Workers' Comp Claims Work

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.

⚠️

Injury Occurs

workplace accident

📄

Report to Employer

notify promptly

📋

File Claim

submit to insurer

🏥

Medical Treatment

authorized providers

✅

Benefits Paid

wage & medical

If Claim Is Disputed

❌

Claim Denied

insurer rejects claim

🏛️

Appeal / Hearing

before workers' comp board

💰

Settlement

lump sum or structured

High-level illustration only. Timelines, procedures, and benefits vary by state and employer.

Who Is Covered?

South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance for 4 or more employees §42-1-360. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §42-1-540.

Key Deadlines

Report the injury to your employer within Immediately or as soon as practicable; no later than 90 days after the accident or death (for repetitive trauma, 90 days after the employee discovered or reasonably could have discovered the condition is compensable), unless the Commission accepts a reasonable excuse and finds no prejudice to the employer §42-15-20

File a formal claim within 2 years from date of accident §42-15-40

Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans

Cooperate with any independent medical examination requests

⚠Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits entirely. Report your injury as soon as possible.

Benefit Overview

Workers' compensation in South Carolina provides several categories of benefits:

	Description
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)	66.67% of average weekly wage; 500 weeks §42-9-10
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)	Yes, scheduled and unscheduled benefits available §42-9-30
Death Benefits	66.67% of average weekly wage to dependents for 500 weeks; burial expenses up to $12,000 §42-9-290
Medical Treatment	All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury

Medical Treatment

Employer selects the treating physician; employee may request a change through the Commission §42-15-60. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.

✓Keep detailed records of every medical visit, prescription, and work restriction related to your injury. This documentation is critical if your claim is disputed.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.

If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.

Legal authoritiesStatutes referenced on this page

S.C. Code § 42-1-360

Employer Coverage Requirements

Defines which employers must carry workers' compensation insurance: 4 or more employees.

4 or more employees

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

S.C. Code § 42-1-540

Exclusive Remedy Doctrine

Workers' compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries, barring most tort claims against the employer.

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

S.C. Code § 42-9-10

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

TTD benefits paid at 66.67% of average weekly wage.

66.67% of average weekly wage
500 weeks

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

S.C. Code § 42-15-20

Employer Notice Deadline

Employee must report injury within Immediately or as soon as practicable; no later than 90 days after the accident or death (for repetitive trauma, 90 days after the employee discovered or reasonably could have discovered the condition is compensable), unless the Commission accepts a reasonable excuse and finds no prejudice to the employer.

Immediately or as soon as practicable; no later than 90 days after the accident or death (for repetitive trauma, 90 days after the employee discovered or reasonably could have discovered the condition is compensable), unless the Commission accepts a reasonable excuse and finds no prejudice to the employer

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Verified 2026-09-28 · quarterly review

S.C. Code § 42-15-40

Claim Filing Deadline

Statute of limitations: 2 years from date of accident.

2 years from date of accident

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

S.C. Code § 42-15-60

Medical Treatment / Physician Selection

Employer selects the treating physician; employee may request a change through the Commission.

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

Citations link to official or authoritative sources. Laws change — verify current text before relying on any statute. How we verify citations →