What Is the Average Settlement for Workers’ Comp in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the average settlement for workers’ comp can range from a few thousand to more than $40,000. Factors like surgery, physical therapy, recovery time, and even preexisting conditions can impact the final amount.

Injured employees may be entitled to medical benefits, temporary or permanent disability payments, and lump sum settlements, depending on the severity of the condition and the body part affected. 

Please note that individual cases may vary, and consulting with an Aiken workers’ compensation lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.​

Overview of South Carolina Workers’ Comp Laws

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation laws are designed to help people who suffer a work-related injury or illness. These laws give injured workers access to medical care, weekly compensation, and other benefits without needing to prove who was at fault for the accident.

Workers’ Comp Insurance and Coverage

South Carolina requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and it covers:

• Medical expenses related to the injury, including surgery and physical therapy
• Weekly compensation payments during the period of disability
• Compensation settlements for permanent impairments
• Burial expenses in cases involving a deceased employee

Not all workers are treated the same under the law. Construction workers, assembly line workers, and city workers may have different risks and claim outcomes. Some workers may also have preexisting conditions that affect how much they can recover under the law.

Types of Disability Covered

The South Carolina workers’ comp system allows for different types of disability benefits depending on the injury:

• Temporary total disability (TTD): When a worker cannot work at all for some time
• Temporary partial disability (TPD): When a worker can return to a light-duty job but earns less than before
• Permanent partial disability (PPD): For workers with a long-term impairment to a single body part
• Permanent total disability (PTD): For workers who can no longer return to any form of work due to permanent injury

A worker’s comp lawyer can help you understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to pursue and how long it can take to get workers’ compensation benefits. The law in South Carolina is there to make sure that workers get fair treatment when they suffer an injury on the job.

Factors That Can Affect a Settlement in South Carolina

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation settlements can vary based on several important factors. Each case is different, and the final settlement amount often depends on how the injury affects the worker’s health, job, and income. Some injured employees may receive a lump sum settlement, while others might get weekly compensation payments over time.

Common Factors That Impact Settlement Value

Some of the most common factors used to calculate a workers’ comp settlement in South Carolina include:

• Weekly wage before the injury
• Disability rating or permanent impairment rating
• The need for ongoing medical care benefits
• Cost of medical bills already paid
• The injured worker’s age and overall medical condition
• Whether the injury caused temporary or permanent disability
• Type of job and future ability to work
• Evidence of a preexisting condition

It is also important to consider the worker’s job type and how the injury affects their ability to return to work. For example, an assembly line worker or construction worker with a back injury may not be able to return to the same job, which can increase the total amount of compensation payable.

Additional Factors to Consider

Other things, like how the insurance company handles the comp claim or the strength of the medical records, may also influence the settlement process. Having the right medical evidence, including proof of brain damage, loss of mobility, or loss of hearing, may help the worker get the compensation benefits they need.

These factors can affect both short-term weekly compensation rates and long-term permanent disability benefits. Understanding how they apply to your case can help you better manage your recovery and plan for your financial future.

Statute of Limitations for Claiming Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation laws include a statute of limitations that gives injured employees a set amount of time to report and file a comp claim. If the deadline is missed, the worker may lose the right to receive compensation benefits.

Missing a deadline can affect your right to collect comp benefits. These are some of the most important timeframes:

• 90 Days: Time to report a work-related injury to the employer
• 2 Years: Time to file a formal compensation claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission
• 2 Years: Time limit for a family under comp law to file after the death of an injured employee

Filing on time gives you a better chance to receive the full range of compensation coverages, including medical benefits, weekly compensation, and payments for severe injuries. If you’re unsure about how much time you have or what documents you need, it may help to learn more about the compensation claim process early. 

Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in South Carolina, the workers’ compensation system may provide support while you recover. But filing a comp claim, managing medical bills, or dealing with the insurance company can feel overwhelming—especially while healing from severe injuries or facing permanent impairments.

Whether you’re a construction worker, assembly line worker, city worker, or part of another job type, knowing how your injury is handled under South Carolina’s worker’s compensation settlements can make a difference.

An attorney from our team at John Foy & Associates may also explain your entitlement to compensation and help you avoid problems with official records or missed deadlines. Schedule a free consultation today.