Workers’ Comp Eligibility South Carolina
If you’ve been hurt at work in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, or anywhere in South Carolina, you’re probably wondering if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. The good news is that South Carolina’s workers’ comp system covers most employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. At Jung Disability and Injury Advocates, we break down eligibility requirements, explain gray areas, and help you understand where you stand—before you make any big decisions.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in SC?
Most employees in South Carolina are covered, including:
- Full-time and part-time workers
- Temporary and seasonal employees
- Most private-sector jobs, from construction to healthcare to office work
South Carolina law requires businesses with four or more employees (including part-timers) to carry workers’ comp insurance. There are a few exceptions—certain agricultural, railroad, and casual/short-term jobs may not be covered. If you’re unsure, we can check your employer’s status for you.
What Injuries or Illnesses Are Covered?
Even if you made a mistake at work or the accident was partly your fault, you can still qualify—workers’ comp is generally a “no-fault” system.
Workers’ comp covers injuries and illnesses that arise out of and in the course of your work, including:
Sudden accidents (slips, falls, equipment injuries)
Repetitive stress or gradual-onset injuries (like carpal tunnel, back strain)
Aggravation of pre-existing conditions (if work makes an old injury worse)
Occupational diseases from job-related exposures
Independent Contractors and Other Gray Areas
Independent contractors and gig workers are usually not covered, but there are exceptions. Sometimes employers misclassify workers as contractors to avoid paying benefits. If you think you’ve been misclassified, or aren’t sure about your status, ask us for a review—worker classification is often misunderstood and may not be as clear as your job title suggests.
Common Eligibility Questions
Am I eligible for workers’ comp if I was at fault for my injury?
Usually, yes—as long as the injury happened at work and wasn’t due to intoxication, horseplay, or intentional acts.
What if my job made a pre-existing injury worse?
If work contributed to the aggravation, you may be covered. Medical documentation is key.
Do all workplaces in Mount Pleasant and Charleston have to carry coverage?
Most do—if you have questions about your employer, we can check for you.
Workers’ Comp Eligibility Checklist
- Were you working for a covered employer at the time of the injury?
- Did your injury or illness happen while performing job duties?
- Do you have medical records connecting the injury to your work?
- Are you an employee, not an independent contractor or exempt worker?
- Was your injury
not caused by intoxication, horseplay, or an off-duty incident?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you likely qualify—but every case is unique.