North Charleston Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Injured Warehouse Workers

South Carolina On-the-Job Injury Lawyers

The US is home to over one million warehouse workers. As online shopping continues to grow, the need for warehouse workers also expands. 

For those who work in warehouses, however, the job can be dangerous. Injuries from accidents or from repeated physical labor are common. In some cases, an accident causes catastrophic or fatal injuries. 

An injury can cause permanent, long-lasting damage to a warehouse employee’s body. It can also prevent them from earning the money they and their family need. Debts can pile up, and families may struggle to pay their bills. 

If you or someone you love was hurt or killed while working in a North Charleston warehouse, call the Steinberg Law Firm. Our experienced warehouse workers’ compensation attorneys can help you secure the benefits you and your family need. 

Warehouse Work and Injury Statistics

South Carolina is home to one of the U.S.’s fastest-growing container ports. Statewide investment in transportation, distribution, and logistics – including warehousing – grew by $2.1 billion from 2017 to 2023. 

South Carolina relies on its warehouse workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that in May 2025, 451,100 South Carolina workers worked in “trade, transportation, and utilities” work, a field that includes warehouse work. This number has increased steadily over time. 

Work-related injuries and illnesses are common in warehousing. In 2023, 51 percent of all occupational injuries occurred in trade, transportation, utilities, and manufacturing jobs, even though only 37 percent of South Carolina workers work in this sector. Warehouse workers face injury risks at a higher rate than many other South Carolina workers. 

Common Causes of Work-Related Injury in Warehouses

Warehouse workers face several injury risks on the job. Common causes of warehouse injuries include:

• Forklifts and other equipment. Forklifts, scaffolding, pallet jacks, box cutters, and other equipment are essential for warehouse work, but they can also be dangerous. Serious injuries can result from contact with this equipment. Hidden defects in equipment can cause harm before workers realize anything is wrong.
• Falling pallets and boxes. Pallets, boxes, and other items falling from scaffolding, forklifts, scissor lifts, or piles can strike or crush workers below.
• Inattentive or fatigued workers. Warehouse work often involves a fast pace and long hours. Workers focused on their work may not pay attention to their surroundings, causing injuries to themselves or another worker.
• Slips, trips, and falls. Spills, debris, or tools on the floor can cause a slip or trip. Falling from a height, such as off scaffolding or a ladder, is linked to a higher risk of severe injury and death.

Not all warehouse injuries result from a single accident. Workers must lift and lower heavy items, bend, reach overhead, push and pull heavy loads, or must bend or twist to reach items. Over time, these actions can cause repetitive stress injuries on the body. Workers’ compensation can also cover treatment for these injuries.

Common Types of Work-Related Warehouse Injuries

Warehouse workers face several injury risks on the job. The most common types of warehouse injuries include hearing injuries, damage to the hands, back injuries, and dislocated shoulders.

• Hearing injuries are caused by regular exposure to loud noises, which can occur in the warehouse industry. About 40 percent of all US warehouse workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels, according to the CDC, resulting in hearing problems for up to 20 percent of workers.
• Hand injuries occur when using equipment or performing repetitive motions, such as opening or moving packages. Warehouse work is one of the top five industries for hand-related injuries.
• Back injuries, such as strains and sprains, can easily result from overexertion, repetitive motion, and awkward postures – all of which are common in warehouse work. Back strain from repeatedly bending over or lifting heavy objects is the most commonly reported back injury in warehousing.
• Dislocated shoulders are another common warehouse work injury. These injuries can result from the same motions as back injuries. They can also occur in a fall or when being hit by a box or a forklift.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Basics

Workers’ compensation insurance covers certain costs if an employee is injured on the job. Your employer purchases workers’ comp insurance (or self-insures) to cover medical bills, some lost wages, and certain permanent disability costs if an employee has work-related injuries. 

If you’re injured at work, tell your employer as soon as possible. You can report your injury to anyone in a position of responsibility at your workplace, like a supervisor or manager. Ask for a list of approved doctors and see one as soon as you can.

If you need help getting benefits, talk to one of our experienced warehouse injury lawyers. 

Do I Need an Attorney for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

South Carolina will allow you to fight for workers’ compensation without a lawyer. Doing this when you’re already dealing with a serious injury can be challenging.. 

Your attorney increases your chances of winning full, fair compensation. Your lawyer will:

• Investigate your claim,
• File paperwork and meet deadlines,
• Negotiate with insurance companies,
• Protect your legal rights, and
• Determine if you have other ways to get more compensation, such as an additional personal injury case against a third-party company whose defective equipment caused harm. 

If you’ve lost a loved one to a workplace accident, your attorney will fight for your right to recover benefits, so you can take the time you need to grieve and care for your family.

Speak to Our North Charleston Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Warehouse work is an essential part of South Carolina’s economy and a source of pride and income for many workers. However, serious injuries happen frequently in warehouse environments.. 

If you’ve been injured while working in a warehouse, talk to the team at the Steinberg Law Firm today. Our lawyers have experience helping warehouse workers get the compensation they need, and you won’t pay a fee unless we win your case. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight for you.