Workers Compensation in South Carolina
State-specific overview · Employment Law
South Carolina requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured.
How South Carolina treats Workers Compensation
South Carolina's workers' compensation system is administered by the South Carolina Department of Insurance and allows employers to insure through private carriers or self-insure if they meet financial standards. Coverage is mandatory for employers with four or more employees, though employers with fewer employees may voluntarily participate. Benefits include medical expenses, temporary disability payments at two-thirds of wages, permanent partial disability awards based on body part injury schedules, and vocational rehabilitation. Claims are handled through the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.