If you were hurt at work in Florence, South Carolina, you have legal rights that protect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and medical bills. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system covers most employees across the state, and knowing how it works can make a real difference in the outcome of your claim. Steinberg Law Firm has fought for injured workers across South Carolina for decades, and our team is ready to help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us today at 843-720-2800 for a free consultation.

Table of Contents

• Why Florence Workers Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
• What South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law Covers
• The Deadline to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina
• How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina
• Common Workplace Injuries Seen in Florence, SC
• Steinberg Law Firm’s Workers’ Compensation Case Results in South Carolina
• Why Choose Steinberg Law Firm for Your Florence Workers’ Compensation Case
• FAQs About Florence Workers’ Compensation

Why Florence Workers Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Florence is a working city. The largest employment sectors in Florence, SC include Health Care and Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Educational Services, with manufacturing alone employing over 2,000 people. Transportation and material moving occupations account for 11.7 percent of Florence area employment, with above-average concentrations in many of those jobs. These are industries where workers face real physical risks every single day, from heavy machinery and warehouse operations to patient handling and driving commercial vehicles on I-95 and US-76.

When you get hurt on the job, the workers’ compensation process can feel overwhelming fast. Your employer’s insurance carrier is focused on limiting what they pay out. They have adjusters, attorneys, and resources on their side. You deserve the same. A workers’ compensation lawyer who knows South Carolina law can protect your claim from the start, help you avoid common mistakes, and fight for the full benefits the law entitles you to receive.

Many injured workers in Florence try to handle their claims alone, only to find their benefits denied, reduced, or cut off entirely. Employers and insurers sometimes dispute whether an injury happened at work, whether it’s as serious as reported, or whether the treatment requested is necessary. Having an attorney in your corner changes that dynamic. Steinberg Law Firm handles workers’ compensation claims across South Carolina, and we know how to build a strong case for Florence workers. Contact us at 843-720-2800 to talk through your situation at no cost to you.

What South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law Covers

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is governed by Title 42 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Under South Carolina Code § 42-1-130, any business with four or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance, including both full-time and part-time workers. If your employer meets that threshold and you were injured on the job, you are entitled to file a claim.

The benefits available under South Carolina workers’ compensation law cover several key areas. Medical treatment is covered from day one, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, and prescribed medications. As provided in Title 42 of the SC Code of Laws, the maximum weekly compensation rate equals 66⅔% of an individual’s average weekly wage, not to exceed the average weekly wage in the state for the preceding fiscal year as determined by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. For accidents occurring on or after January 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,189.94.

Permanent disability benefits are also available when an injury results in lasting impairment. Under § 42-9-10, certain severe injuries can qualify as total and permanent disability, and for conditions such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, or physical brain damage, the usual 500-week limit does not apply and lifetime benefits may be available. South Carolina law also provides vocational rehabilitation benefits if you cannot return to your previous job. If a workplace injury results in death, dependents may receive weekly payments and burial expenses under S.C. Code § 42-9-290. Knowing what you are entitled to is the first step. A workers’ compensation lawyer at Steinberg Law Firm can walk you through every benefit that applies to your case.

The Deadline to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina

Time limits in South Carolina workers’ compensation cases are strict, and missing them can permanently bar your right to benefits. Under SC Code § 42-15-40, the right to compensation is barred unless a claim is filed with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years after an accident. If the injury resulted in death, the two-year period runs from the date of death.

There are important rules for specific injury types. For occupational diseases, such as hearing loss from workplace noise or lung conditions from chemical exposure, the two-year clock does not start until the employee has been definitively diagnosed and notified of that diagnosis. For repetitive trauma injuries, defined under SC Code § 42-1-172 as injuries caused by repeated motion or strain over time, the deadline is two years from when the employee knew or should have known the injury was work-related, but no more than seven years from the last date of injurious exposure.

Florence workers in manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation are particularly at risk for repetitive trauma injuries. Lifting patients, operating machinery, or driving long routes on US-52 day after day can cause conditions that develop slowly over months or years. Many workers don’t realize these injuries are compensable until significant damage has already been done. Do not wait to find out if your deadline has passed. Contact Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 right away. Our team can review your situation and make sure your claim is filed on time.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina starts with reporting your injury to your employer. You should do this as soon as possible after the injury occurs. South Carolina law requires that you notify your employer, and delays in reporting can create problems with your claim. Your employer is then required to file a First Report of Injury using Form 12A with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

If your employer fails to act, or if your claim is disputed, you can file directly with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission using Form 50, the Employee’s Notice of Claim. This form can be filed with or without a hearing request. If you request a hearing, there is a $50 filing fee. If no hearing is requested, there is no fee. Forms can be filed electronically through the Commission’s online portal.

Once your claim is filed, the Commission assigns a case number and the process begins. Your employer’s insurance carrier will investigate the claim, and a decision will be made on whether to accept or deny it. If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before a Single Commissioner. From there, decisions can be appealed to the Full Appellate Panel, and ultimately to the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Each step has its own deadlines and procedural rules. Working with a workers’ compensation attorney from the beginning puts you in the strongest position at every stage. Steinberg Law Firm handles all of this for our clients, so you can focus on getting better.

Common Workplace Injuries Seen in Florence, SC

Florence workers face a wide range of on-the-job hazards. Industrial truck and tractor operators are employed at 1.64 times the national rate in Florence, reflecting the city’s heavy reliance on transportation and material moving jobs. Workers in those roles face risks including forklift accidents, loading dock falls, and vehicle collisions. The McLeod Regional Medical Center area and surrounding healthcare campuses employ thousands of workers who face patient-handling injuries, needlestick incidents, and slip and fall hazards.

Manufacturing workers at Florence’s industrial facilities face machinery-related injuries, crushing incidents, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Construction workers building along the US-76 corridor or near the Florence Center face fall risks, struck-by injuries, and electrical hazards. Truck drivers operating out of the I-95 interchange face rear-end crashes and cargo-loading injuries. Any of these can result in serious harm, including broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.

Repetitive trauma injuries are also common in Florence’s workforce. Warehouse workers who sort and move packages at distribution facilities near the I-20 interchange develop back injuries, shoulder tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome over time. Healthcare workers who lift and reposition patients regularly develop the same types of conditions. South Carolina law covers these injuries just as it covers sudden accidents, but the claims process is often more complex. Steinberg Law Firm has handled all of these injury types, and our workers’ compensation lawyers know how to document and present these claims effectively. If you were hurt at work in Florence, call us at 843-720-2800.

Steinberg Law Firm’s Workers’ Compensation Case Results in South Carolina

Steinberg Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured workers across South Carolina, fighting for fair compensation in workers’ compensation cases involving serious injuries, permanent disabilities, and wrongful deaths. Our track record in South Carolina workers’ compensation cases reflects our commitment to getting results that truly make a difference for our clients and their families. The following are representative workers’ compensation results from our case history:

• $3,200,000 in a workers’ compensation case involving a lifting scale
• $3,000,000 workers’ comp settlement for a client who fell off a 3-story roof
• $1,680,000 in a workers’ compensation case involving a brain injury
• $1,200,000 in a sales rep slip and fall brain injury
• $1,000,000 in a claim for overtime and unpaid wages
• $835,000 settlement for a rear-end car accident during work
• $600,000 settlement for construction worker brain injury
• $600,000 settlement for construction worker slip & fall injury
• $600,000 settlement for construction worker fall from a ladder resulting in incomplete paraplegia
• $550,000 settlement on a workers’ compensation brain injury case
• $515,213 in a workers’ compensation case involving a head injury
• $515,000 in a slip and fall due to a workplace air conditioner leaking
• $375,000 settlement for a longshore and harbor worker who suffered a permanent shoulder injury requiring two surgeries
• $355,000 settlement for a work-related vehicle collision case
• $325,000 for a Charleston port truck driver who suffered a traumatic brain injury

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Every workers’ compensation claim is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts of your injury, your employer’s insurance coverage, and many other factors. What we can promise is that Steinberg Law Firm will fight hard for you. Call us today at 843-720-2800 to discuss your case for free. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to help.

Why Choose Steinberg Law Firm for Your Florence Workers’ Compensation Case

For nearly 100 years, Steinberg Law Firm has served injured workers and their families across South Carolina. Our firm has deep roots in the Lowcountry, with offices in Charleston, and we serve clients throughout the state, including Florence and the Pee Dee region. We understand the local industries, the pressures Florence workers face, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny valid claims.

We handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hourly fees. Our attorneys review your case for free, explain your rights under South Carolina law, and tell you honestly what to expect. We handle all communication with the insurance company, gather medical evidence, work with treating physicians, and represent you at every hearing if your claim is disputed.

Steinberg Law Firm has earned over 1,000 Google reviews from clients across South Carolina who trusted us with their most difficult moments. Florence workers dealing with denied claims, low settlement offers, or disputes over medical treatment deserve a firm that takes their case seriously. Whether your injury happened at a healthcare facility near Palmetto Health Park, a warehouse off US-52, or a construction site near the Florence County Courthouse, we are here to help. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 today. You do not have to face this alone.

FAQs About Florence Workers’ Compensation

Do I have to prove my employer was at fault to get workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system. You do not need to prove that your employer did anything wrong. You only need to show that your injury happened at work, or arose out of and in the course of your employment. This is one of the key advantages of workers’ compensation over a traditional personal injury lawsuit.

What should I do immediately after a workplace injury in Florence?

Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, even if you think it is minor. Seek medical treatment through the provider your employer or their insurance carrier directs you to. Keep records of everything, including incident reports, medical notes, and any communications with your employer or their insurer. Do not give recorded statements to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 before making any decisions that could affect your claim.

Can I choose my own doctor for a workers’ compensation injury in South Carolina?

In most cases, your employer or their insurance carrier has the right to select your treating physician under South Carolina law. However, if you are not satisfied with the care you are receiving, you may have options. You can request a change of physician through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, or your attorney can help you challenge inadequate treatment. An attorney can also help ensure the authorized physician fully documents your injuries and restrictions.

What happens if my workers’ compensation claim is denied in South Carolina?

A denial is not the end of your case. You have the right to request a hearing before a Single Commissioner at the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission by filing Form 50. If the Commissioner rules against you, you can appeal to the Full Appellate Panel, and then to the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Each level of appeal has its own deadlines and procedural requirements, so acting quickly and working with an attorney gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

How long do workers’ compensation benefits last in South Carolina?

The length of your benefits depends on the nature and severity of your injury. Temporary total disability benefits continue while you are unable to work and recovering. Permanent partial disability benefits are based on a schedule tied to specific body parts under S.C. Code § 42-9-30, with time periods set by law for each. For catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, or physical brain damage, benefits under § 42-9-10 may extend beyond the standard 500-week limit and could potentially last a lifetime. An attorney can help you understand which category applies to your injury.

More Resources for Workers’ Compensation SC Regional Pages

• Rock Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Sumter Workers Compensation Attorney
• Greer Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Spartanburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Bluffton Workers Compensation Attorney
• Aiken Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Fort Mill Workers Compensation Attorney
• Anderson Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Conway Workers Compensation Attorney
• Mauldin Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Simpsonville Workers Compensation Attorney
• Lexington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Socastee Workers Compensation Attorney
• Greenwood Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• St. Andrews Workers Compensation Attorney
• Five Forks Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Clemson Workers Compensation Attorney
• Ladson Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Port Royal Workers Compensation Attorney
• Cayce Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Orangeburg Workers Compensation Attorney
• Boiling Springs Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Gaffney Workers Compensation Attorney
• Irmo Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Little River Workers Compensation Attorney
• Garden City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Hardeeville Workers Compensation Attorney
• Murrells Inlet Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Georgetown Workers Compensation Attorney
• Travelers Rest Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Camden Workers Compensation Attorney
• Darlington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Walterboro Workers Compensation Attorney
• Barnwell Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Edgefield Workers Compensation Attorney
• Ridgeland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Kingstree Workers Compensation Attorney
• Bamberg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Allendale Workers Compensation Attorney
• Hampton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Elgin CDP Workers Compensation Attorney
• Kiawah Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Elgin town Workers Compensation Attorney
• Awendaw Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Ridgeville Workers Compensation Attorney
• Folly Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• McClellanville Workers Compensation Attorney
• Pawleys Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer