St. Andrews is a community on the west side of Charleston, SC, sitting just off Folly Road and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, near the Lowcountry’s mix of retail corridors, medical facilities, construction zones, and service industry employers. Workers in this area face the same on-the-job risks as those across the broader Charleston region, and when a workplace injury happens, knowing your rights under South Carolina law can make a real difference. If you or a family member has been hurt at work in St. Andrews, a personal injury lawyer at Steinberg Law Firm is ready to help you pursue every benefit you are owed. Call us at 843-720-2800 for a free case review.

Table of Contents

• What South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law Covers for St. Andrews Workers
• Benefits Available to Injured Workers in St. Andrews, SC
• How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in St. Andrews
• Common Workplace Injuries Seen in the St. Andrews Area
• Why Injured Workers in St. Andrews Choose Steinberg Law Firm
• Steinberg Law Firm’s Workers’ Compensation Case Results in South Carolina
• FAQs About St. Andrews Workers’ Compensation

What South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law Covers for St. Andrews Workers

South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program. You do not have to prove that your employer did something wrong to receive benefits. If you were hurt while doing your job, you are generally entitled to file a claim.

Under SC Code § 42-1-310, every employer and employee in South Carolina is presumed to have accepted the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act. That means your employer is required to pay or cause to be paid compensation for personal injury or death arising out of and in the course of employment.

The coverage threshold is clear. Under SC Code Title 42, Chapter 1, any employer with four or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This includes full-time and part-time workers. If your employer has at least four people on payroll, you should be covered.

Workers in St. Andrews span many industries. The Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Folly Road corridors are home to grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops, healthcare clinics, and construction sites. Workers near the Citadel Mall area, along Highway 61, and closer to James Island face risks every day, from slip-and-fall injuries in busy kitchens to back injuries from lifting in warehouses. All of these workers are protected by the same South Carolina law.

One important limitation: workers’ compensation is what the law calls the “exclusive remedy.” Under SC Code § 42-1-310, you generally cannot sue your employer in a civil lawsuit for negligence once a workers’ comp claim is in play. However, if a third party, such as a negligent equipment manufacturer or a contractor on a job site, contributed to your injury, you may be able to pursue a separate claim against that party. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you identify all available options.

Benefits Available to Injured Workers in St. Andrews, SC

South Carolina workers’ compensation provides three main categories of benefits: medical care, lost wage replacement, and permanent disability compensation. There are three types of benefits available for work injuries: medical benefits, lost wages, and permanent disability. There is no recovery for pain and suffering under the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act.

Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment related to your injury. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. Under SC Code § 42-15-60, your employer or their insurance carrier selects the treating physician. You pay no co-pay for authorized treatment.

For lost wages, South Carolina law under SC Code § 42-9-10 requires your employer to pay temporary total disability (TTD) benefits equal to 66⅔ percent of your average weekly wages when you cannot work at all. For accidents occurring on or after January 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,189.94. That cap applies regardless of how high your wages were before the injury.

If your injury results in permanent damage to a specific body part, South Carolina uses a scheduled loss system under SC Code § 42-9-30. For example, the loss of an arm is compensated at 66⅔ percent of your average weekly wages for 220 weeks. Loss of a leg covers 165 weeks. Loss of a hand covers 150 weeks, a foot 125 weeks, and an eye 140 weeks.

For the most severe injuries, SC Code § 42-9-10(C) removes the standard 500-week cap entirely. Any worker determined to be totally and permanently disabled who, as a result of a compensable injury, is a paraplegic, a quadriplegic, or who has suffered physical brain damage receives benefits for life. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury near James Island or anywhere in the St. Andrews area, contact a workers’ compensation attorney at Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 right away.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in St. Andrews

The first step after a workplace injury is reporting it to your employer. South Carolina law gives you 90 days from the date of injury to report the incident. Do not wait. Delays raise questions from insurance carriers, and waiting too long can put your entire claim at risk.

After reporting, your employer should notify their insurance carrier, who then coordinates your medical care through an authorized provider. If your employer fails to report the injury, or if the claim is denied, you have the right to file directly with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).

The injured worker must also file a claim within two years after the accident or date of death to protect their right to compensation. To file a claim, an injured worker must complete a Form 50 (workplace injury claim) or a Form 52 (workplace death claim) and submit it to the Commission prior to the two-year deadline. This two-year deadline is set by SC Code § 42-15-40.

For repetitive trauma injuries, SC Code § 42-15-40 sets a different rule. The two-year period begins when you knew or should have known that your injury is compensable, but no more than seven years from the last date of injurious exposure. This matters for workers in St. Andrews who develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back problems from years of physical work.

If a dispute arises, you may complete a Form 50 (workplace injury) or a Form 52 (workplace death) request for a hearing and submit it to the Commission’s Judicial Department along with a $50.00 fee. A Commissioner will then hear testimony and decide whether benefits are owed. Having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer by your side during a hearing can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Common Workplace Injuries Seen in the St. Andrews Area

St. Andrews sits at the crossroads of several high-risk industries for workplace injuries. Construction activity along Glenn McConnell Parkway and Bees Ferry Road brings workers into contact with heavy equipment, elevated surfaces, and fall hazards daily. Service workers along Sam Rittenberg Boulevard deal with slippery floors, repetitive lifting, and equipment burns. Healthcare workers at nearby medical offices and clinics face patient-handling injuries and needlestick risks.

Some of the most common injury types seen in workers’ compensation claims in this part of Charleston include:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops on construction sites
• Back and spine injuries from lifting heavy materials or patients
• Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or vehicle crashes on work sites
• Shoulder injuries from repetitive overhead work
• Repetitive trauma conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis
• Crush injuries and lacerations from machinery and equipment
• Slip-and-fall injuries on wet or uneven surfaces

Injuries involving vehicles are also common. Workers who drive as part of their job, whether making deliveries along Folly Road or driving between job sites near Highway 17, can suffer serious injuries in work-related crashes. These cases sometimes involve both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver. Under SC Code § 42-5-50, your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier may have a lien on any third-party recovery. An workers’ compensation attorney at Steinberg Law Firm can help you understand how those claims interact so you receive the maximum recovery available to you.

Brain injury cases deserve special attention. Under SC Code § 42-9-10(C), a worker who suffers physical brain damage and is determined to be totally and permanently disabled receives lifetime benefits, with no 500-week cap. This is one of the most important provisions in South Carolina workers’ compensation law, and it applies to workers across the St. Andrews community.

Why Injured Workers in St. Andrews Choose Steinberg Law Firm

For nearly 100 years, the firm has fought for injured workers and their families across South Carolina. Steinberg Law Firm has deep roots in the Charleston area, serving clients from St. Andrews, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, and throughout the Lowcountry. Our team understands the local workforce, the employers in this area, and the insurance carriers who handle these claims.

Workers’ compensation claims are not always straightforward. Insurance carriers deny claims, dispute injury severity, and pressure workers to return to work before they are ready. When that happens, you need someone in your corner who knows how to push back. Steinberg Law Firm handles the entire process, from the initial claim through hearings before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Any fees are paid from the settlement proceeds, not out of your pocket. There is no financial risk in calling us.

Our office is accessible to workers throughout the Charleston area, including those in St. Andrews, and we have helped injured workers from communities across the Lowcountry recover the benefits they deserve. Whether your injury happened on a construction site near Glenn McConnell Parkway, at a restaurant off Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, or during a work-related drive on Highway 61, Steinberg Law Firm is ready to review your case at no cost to you. Call 843-720-2800 today or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.

Workers in other parts of the region, from Myrtle Beach to Goose Creek, trust Steinberg Law Firm with their claims. If you are in St. Andrews or the surrounding area and need a workers’ compensation lawyer who will take your case seriously, we are here for you.

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, demonstrating a long track record of results in workers’ compensation cases of all types and severity. The firm’s workers’ compensation recoveries span construction injuries, brain injuries, vehicle crashes on the job, and more, reflecting the breadth of claims handled for South Carolina workers. The following are representative workers’ compensation results obtained by Steinberg Law Firm:

• $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 your specific injuries, your wages, and the facts of your situation. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to discuss what your case may be worth.

FAQs About St. Andrews Workers’ Compensation

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina?

Under SC Code § 42-15-40, you must file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the date of your workplace accident. For occupational diseases, the two-year period begins when you receive a definitive diagnosis. For repetitive trauma injuries, the clock starts when you knew or should have known the injury was work-related, but no more than seven years from your last date of injurious exposure. Missing this deadline generally bars your right to any compensation, so contact Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 as soon as possible after your injury.

What if my employer says I am an independent contractor and not covered by workers’ compensation?

Employer misclassification is a real problem in South Carolina, especially in the construction and gig industries common in the St. Andrews area. Whether you are truly an independent contractor depends on the actual nature of your work relationship, not just what your employer calls you. South Carolina law looks at factors like who controls how and when you work, who supplies your tools, and whether you work for multiple clients. If you believe you were misclassified, do not accept a denial without speaking to an attorney. Steinberg Law Firm can review the facts of your situation and help you determine whether you have a valid claim.

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

South Carolina law gives your employer or their insurance carrier the right to select the authorized treating physician for your workers’ compensation injury. You are generally required to treat with that provider for your care to be covered. However, you have the right to request a second opinion in certain circumstances, and if your authorized doctor releases you prematurely or underestimates your injury, an attorney can help you challenge that decision. Getting the right medical documentation from the start is critical to protecting the full value of your claim.

What happens if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

A denial is not the end of your claim. If your employer’s insurance carrier denies your claim, you have the right to request a hearing before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission by filing a Form 50 along with a $50 filing fee. A Commissioner will hear testimony and review evidence from both sides before making a decision. If the Commissioner’s decision goes against you, further appeals are available through the Full Commission and the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Having an attorney represent you at each stage significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.

Does workers’ compensation cover injuries that develop over time, like back problems or carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes. South Carolina workers’ compensation covers repetitive trauma injuries, which are conditions that develop gradually from repeated physical stress on the job. SC Code § 42-1-172 defines repetitive trauma injuries as a category of compensable harm. The filing deadline for these claims runs from when you knew or should have known the condition was work-related. If you have been doing physical work in St. Andrews for years and have developed a chronic condition, do not assume it is too late to file. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 and let us review the timeline with you.

More Resources for Workers’ Compensation SC Regional Pages

• Rock Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Sumter Workers Compensation Attorney
• Greer Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
• Florence Workers Compensation Attorney
• 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
• 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