Workers’ Comp Benefits South Carolina
After a workplace injury, understanding your workers’ compensation benefits can make a huge difference in your financial stability and peace of mind. South Carolina’s workers’ comp system provides several categories of benefits, each designed to cover specific needs—from paying your medical bills to replacing lost income if you can’t work. At Jung Disability and Injury Advocates, we help clients in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and throughout South Carolina make sense of their rights, file claims correctly, and resolve benefit disputes as they arise.
What Benefits Does Workers’ Comp Pay in South Carolina?
When you’re approved for workers’ comp, the most important benefits include medical coverage for injury-related treatment, wage replacement if you’re unable to work, and compensation for any permanent disability.
Medical benefits mean the insurance company pays for all authorized treatment linked to your work injury, including hospital visits, doctor appointments, surgery, therapy, medication, and necessary travel for care. You do not owe deductibles or copays for these authorized services—but it’s critical to see the providers chosen or approved by your employer or the insurer.
Wage replacement is available if your injury keeps you out of work. You receive a portion of your average weekly wage—typically two-thirds—capped at a state maximum. There are rules for how long you must be out before payments begin (usually after seven days), and for how long benefits continue. If your injury causes permanent disability or impacts your long-term earning capacity, you may qualify for additional benefits based on a doctor’s rating and a state schedule of compensation.
Glossary of Key Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Paid when you can’t work at all due to your injury.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Paid if you can return to work part-time or on light duty, but earn less.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Compensation for permanent loss of function to a body part—after maximum medical improvement.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
For catastrophic injuries (such as total loss of use of hands or eyes), you may receive long-term wage benefits.
Medical Mileage
Reimbursement for travel to and from authorized appointments.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In some cases, retraining may be covered if you can’t return to your prior job.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Delays in reporting your injury, gaps in medical treatment, or missing paperwork can reduce or halt your benefits. Only accept treatment from approved providers, and keep records of every visit, prescription, and instruction. If the insurer disputes your benefits, requests an independent medical exam, or pushes for a return to work before you’re ready, call us. These are the moments when experienced legal help can prevent benefit interruptions and protect your rights.
What If My Benefits Are Stopped or Reduced?
If your checks stop suddenly, the insurance company disputes your injury, or your permanent impairment rating seems wrong, don’t wait to get help. We help clients appeal benefit denials, request hearings before the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission, and make sure your evidence is strong.
How Are Benefits Calculated?
Benefit amounts are based on your average weekly wage in the year before your injury. Proper documentation of your earnings is essential—mistakes or missing pay records can result in lower payments. The state sets a cap each year for the maximum weekly benefit. Our firm reviews your calculations and ensures all relevant wages are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does workers’ comp cover all medical treatment?
All necessary and authorized treatment for your work injury is covered, but you must use approved providers. Out-of-network or unauthorized care may not be paid.
How do wage benefits work if I’m out of work?
You receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum, as long as a doctor confirms you cannot work.
What happens if I can return to work part-time?
You may receive partial wage replacement if you earn less than before.