Workers’ Compensation

Injured on the Job? Seeking Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina

You didn’t expect to get hurt at work; now, everything feels uncertain. Medical bills are piling up, and you’re unsure when (or if) you can return to work. 

South Carolina workers' compensation provides financial support to help with medical care and lost income, but filing a claim isn’t always straightforward. Injured workers often face denials, delayed payments, or pressure to return to work too soon.

At Berly Rouse, we help injured workers across Charleston understand their rights, get the benefits they deserve, and challenge insurance companies that try to delay or deny payment. 

Our workers’ comp attorneys know how these claims work and will fight to ensure that your coverage reflects what you need to recover.

What Qualifies as a Work-Related Injury in SC?

Under workers’ compensation laws in South Carolina, most injuries or illnesses resulting from your job duties may qualify. Common incidents include:

 

  • Sudden injuries from accidents, such as slips, trips, or falling objects
  • Repetitive stress injuries, such as tendonitis or hearing loss
  • Illnesses caused by exposure to chemicals or toxins
  • Mental health conditions linked to traumatic work events

     

You don’t need to prove your employer did something wrong to file a claimworkers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault system. As long as you were performing work duties when you got hurt, the law likely protects you.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If workers’ compensation covers your injury, you may receive several benefits. These can help pay for: 

 

  • Medical expenses. Workers’ compensation covers treatment, prescriptions, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

  • Wage replacement. Temporary or permanent disability benefits to cover part (66%) of your lost wages.

  • Job retraining. Sometimes, education or vocational training is required if you can’t return to your previous job.

  • Compensation for permanent injury. Ongoing payments if your injury causes long-term impairment, such as dismemberment or paralysis.

 

But getting these benefits isn’t always easy. Missed deadlines, paperwork issues, or employer pushback can cause setbacks with your case. 

 

If you experience complications with your claim, a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer in Charleston, SC, can protect your interests.

What To Do if You’re Injured at Work in Charleston

Taking fast action after a work-related injury helps protect your health and legal rights. If you’ve been hurt on the job, follow these steps:

Report the injury

Notify your employer as soon as possible—ideally right away, but no later than 90 days. Waiting too long can disqualify your claim.

Follow up if needed

Your employer should report the injury to their insurance carrier and the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If they don’t, you can file the Form Employee’s Notice of Claim and/or Request for Hearing yourself.

Get medical treatment

Start care immediately and attend all scheduled appointments. South Carolina law requires you to see a doctor that your employer or insurer has approved.

Document everything

Keep track of symptoms, work restrictions, lost income, and medical appointments. These records help support your claim if it’s delayed or denied.

Talk to an attorney

A Charleston workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file your claim correctly, handle appeals, and respond effectively to employer or insurer delays.

At Berly Rouse, we help clients file fast, accurate claims, gather necessary records, and handle communication with insurance companies to protect your rights.

Common Problems in Workers’ Compensation Cases

Even when your claim seems straightforward, you might face challenges such as:

 

  • Denied benefits due to claims that the injury didn’t happen on the job
  • Pressure to return to work before you’re healed
  • Being offered less than you need to cover medical expenses or lost wages
  • Disqualification because of a false assumption about a pre-existing condition

     

You don’t have to accept these decisions without question. Our qualified workers’ comp lawyers in Charleston understand how to challenge bad-faith tactics. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, we’re prepared to represent you before the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission.

How Berly Rouse Helps Injured Workers

Our Charleston-based law firm represents workers across industries—from manufacturing and healthcare to education and hospitality. When you choose Berly Rouse, you get:

 

  • Skilled legal guidance. You’ll understand every step of the process, from your initial claim to potential hearings.

 

  • Aggressive representation. Our attorneys push back when employers or insurance companies delay, deny, or underpay.

 

  • Accurate benefit calculations. Your claim reflects the full scope of your medical needs, time off work, and long-term impact.

 

  • Ongoing support. From your first call to case resolution, our team stays responsive and focused on your recovery.

 

If your case involves third-party liability—for example, an outside contractor or equipment manufacturer—you may also be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim for additional compensation. 

 

Our injury lawyer team can discuss your options and help you seek a fair settlement.

Speak With a Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

Managing your workers’ comp claim can feel overwhelming if you've been injured at work. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you avoid mistakes, appeal unfair decisions, and recover the full benefits allowed under South Carolina law.

At Berly Rouse, we know how a work injury can affect your health, income, and peace of mind. Our team has helped countless Charleston workers get the support they need to heal and move forward.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Whether you’re filing for the first time or appealing a denied claim, let us help you win the support you need while you focus on recovery.