If you’ve been injured on the job in South Carolina, one of your biggest questions is probably: How much will my workers’ comp settlement be? That’s a fair concern – and one we hear often at Ted Law Firm. The good news? South Carolina has a structured system in place for workers’ compensation claims, which means we can give you a general idea of what to expect.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?
South Carolina workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance system that provides medical care and wage replacement to employees who get hurt or sick because of their job. It covers:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary disability payments
- Permanent disability compensation
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for surviving family members
If your employer has four or more employees, they are legally required to carry workers’ comp insurance. The system is overseen by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC), which ensures that claims are processed and benefits are fairly distributed.
How Are Workers’ Comp Settlements Calculated in South Carolina?
Workers’ comp payouts in South Carolina are based on a few core elements:
- Your average weekly wage (AWW) before the injury
- The body part injured and level of impairment
- Permanent or partial disability rating
- The number of weeks assigned to the affected body part (from the SC compensation schedule)
Let’s take an example: If you injure your hand and are left with a 50% permanent impairment, you may be eligible for 50% of the total number of weeks assigned to the hand, multiplied by 66.67% of your average weekly wage.
Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart – South Carolina
Here’s a simplified workers’ comp settlement chart for South Carolina that shows average workers’ comp settlement in SC for common injuries. Keep in mind: These are just typical estimates – your unique medical condition and wage history will impact your final amount.
| Injury Type | Weeks Assigned | Average Weekly Wage | Estimated Payout (50% Impairment) |
| Back Injury (Spine) | 300 weeks | $700 | $70,000 |
| Arm (Shoulder/Upper Limb) | 220 weeks | $650 | $47,850 |
| Hand | 185 weeks | $600 | $37,012 |
| Leg | 195 weeks | $650 | $42,187 |
| Loss of Vision (1 Eye) | 140 weeks | $600 | $28,000 |
| Amputation – Arm | 220 weeks | $700 | $51,333 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Varies (can be total) | $750 | $100,000+ (often negotiated) |
| Death | 500 weeks (to family) | $750 | $250,000+ (to dependents) |
These figures are based on the SCWCC’s scheduled benefits and typical wage assumptions. Every case is different, and a South Carolina workplace injury attorney can help evaluate your specific claim.
Lump-Sum vs. Structured Workers’ Comp Settlements
When you reach a settlement with the insurance company, you’ll usually be offered one of two options:
1. Lump-Sum Settlement
You get a one-time payment that covers all or part of your future benefits. This can be useful if:
- You want to pay off medical bills or debts
- You are planning to leave the job or relocate
- You are confident in your recovery
2. Structured Settlement
Payments are made over time – weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. These are often used when:
- The injury is permanent or long-term
- You require extended medical care
- You want stable ongoing income
Both have pros and cons. Lump sums offer flexibility but may risk running out of funds. Structured settlements offer consistency but may limit financial choices. The right option depends on your health, needs, and goals – and this is where Ted Law Firm can help guide you.
What Can Affect the Settlement Amount?
Several variables can increase or decrease your final payout. These include:
- Impairment rating assigned by your treating physician
- Disputes with the insurance company (e.g., over causation or extent of injury)
- Pre-existing conditions
- Return-to-work capacity
- Permanent vs. temporary disability classification
- Vocational limitations
- Whether you hire a lawyer or not
Having a South Carolina workplace injury attorney on your side significantly improves your chances of receiving a higher settlement and avoiding delays.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Workers’ Comp Settlement in South Carolina?
The timeline for a workers’ comp settlement varies depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Straightforward claims with clear documentation and no disputes:
3 to 6 months - Moderate complexity with negotiations over medical treatments or disability rating:
6 to 12 months - Disputed or appealed claims requiring hearings or mediation:
12+ months
What Can Speed Up or Delay the Process?
Speed it up:
- Prompt medical documentation
- Early cooperation with your employer and insurer
- Hiring a knowledgeable attorney early
Slow it down:
- Insurance company disputes
- Delayed or missing paperwork
- Need for independent medical evaluations
- Changes in your medical condition
At Ted Law Firm, we help clients gather the right evidence, handle negotiations, and push for timely resolutions – so you’re not left in limbo.
How Ted Law Firm Supports Injured Workers in South Carolina
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming. Insurance companies have their legal teams – shouldn’t you have someone looking out for you?
At Ted Law Firm, we help injured workers across South Carolina:
- Understand your rights and settlement options
- Maximize your workers’ comp benefits
- Fight back against denied or lowball claims
- Coordinate independent medical evaluations
- Navigate complex SCWCC rules and timelines
We work hard to make sure you get fair compensation – whether you’re dealing with a long-term disability, permanent injury, or returning to work after treatment.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance
- Hurt on the job in South Carolina?
- Wondering what your workers’ comp case is really worth?
- Not sure if your settlement is fair?
- Dealing with delays or insurance pushback?
- Let Ted Law Firm help you move forward with confidence.
Ted Law Firm: Committed to South Carolina’s Workers
At Ted Law Firm, we believe every injured worker deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. You shouldn’t have to fight the system alone – and with us by your side, you won’t have to.
Ted Law Firm’s award-winning workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to guide you through every step,from initial consultation to final compensation settlement. Don’t risk your comp benefits. Reach out today for a free confidential consultation and protect your right to full recovery. At Ted Law Firm, our auto vehicle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys provide strategic guidance for victims of company car accidents. We proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are in either state, we’re here to help. And remember: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.