If you’ve been injured on the job in Greenville, South Carolina, and you’re unable to work, one of your first questions might be: “Will my employer keep paying me while I’m on workers’ compensation?” The short answer is no, but understanding how South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system works can help protect your income and recovery.
At Ted Law Firm, we help injured workers throughout the Greenville area get the benefits they deserve after a work-related injury or a workplace injury through a compensation claim. In this blog, we’ll explain how wage replacement works, what benefits you may qualify for, compensation law and what to do if your employer or their insurer is making the process more difficult than it should be.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Greenville, SC
Workers’ compensation and comp claim is a type of insurance that most employers in South Carolina are required to carry. It is designed to cover employees who are injured while performing job-related duties. The benefits include medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and compensation for permanent disabilities or long-term limitations.
Importantly, South Carolina workers’ compensation is a no-fault system you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent to qualify. If you’re an injured employee or your injury happened while performing work-related tasks, you’re likely eligible for a comp claim , and medical benefits and well as medical care with medical providers.
Visit our Workers’ Compensation page for more detailed information about how the system works in South Carolina.
Does Your Employer Pay Your Wages During Workers’ Comp?
No, your employer does not continue paying your regular wages while you are on workers’ compensation this is not part of your employee benefits. Instead, your lost wages are covered by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, which is administered through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If you are unable to work for more than seven days due to your injury, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits typically equal two-thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum weekly amount set by the state each year.
If your disability lasts more than 14 days, you can also receive payment for the initial seven-day waiting period.
What If You’re Offered Light-Duty Work?
In some cases, your doctor may approve you for “light-duty” work while you recover. If your employer offers a job that pays less than your usual wage, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits. This provides compensation to cover a portion of the wage difference between your old and new role.
For example, if you previously earned $1,200 per week and your light-duty job pays $800 per week, workers’ comp may provide benefits for a percentage of the $400 difference.
Some cases may be extended to disability benefits until a period of time and may become permanent disability benefits. Business owners are accountable for job-related injury and employee safety while working. A compensation attorney may help you with any comp claims process and seeking help with comp payment, comp policies, and any compensation topics.
Can You Use Paid Time Off While Waiting for Benefits?
Yes, some Greenville workers use their accrued sick leave or vacation time during the initial seven-day waiting period before benefits kick in. However, once you are eligible for workers’ compensation, the insurance carrier not your employer covers your wage replacement.
Your employer is not required to allow you to use PTO while on workers’ comp, but some companies may offer that option. Ask your HR department how they handle PTO for workers with active injury claims.
What About Health Insurance During Workers’ Comp?
In South Carolina, employers are not legally required to continue paying your health insurance premiums while you’re receiving workers’ comp benefits unless your employment contract or workplace policy says otherwise.
Some Greenville employers do voluntarily maintain health coverage for a period of time. If your employer stops covering your premiums, you may need to enroll in COBRA or explore health plan alternatives during your recovery.
What Happens When You’re Ready to Return to Work?
If you fully recover, you can return to your original job and your workers’ compensation benefits will end. If your injury results in a long-term impairment or loss of earning ability, you may be eligible for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) — for lasting damage that affects specific body parts
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) — for injuries that prevent you from returning to work altogether
In cases involving a fatal workplace accident, surviving family members may qualify for Wrongful Death benefits under the workers’ compensation system.
When Your Employer Doesn’t Cooperate
Sadly, not all employers in Greenville support injured workers through the process. If your employer fails to report your injury, disputes that it happened at work, or pressures you to return before you’re ready, you need a comp attorney by your side.
At Ted Law Firm, we’ve helped workers throughout Greenville stand up to uncooperative employers and difficult insurance companies and through difficult workers comp cases. Whether you need help filing a claim, appealing a denial, or calculating your benefits, we’re here for you.
Why Work With a Greenville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Navigating workers comp in South Carolina can be confusing. Our experienced attorneys at Ted Law can:
- Ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time
- Fight benefit denials or underpayments
- Protect you from employer retaliation
- Represent you in hearings or mediation
- Help you understand your long-term disability rights
We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win benefits for you.
Injured on the Job in Greenville? Get Legal Help Today.
If you’ve been hurt at work and need answers about cost of treatment, health care provider, annual income, wage replacement, medical coverage, any legal action or action plan on how to handle your employer, don’t wait. Contact Ted Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with a Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight for your recovery and financial security.
Schedule your free consultation or call us today to get started. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Get legal help today with our accident lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our conveniently located South Carolina offices in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Aiken, or Mrtyle Beach so we can discuss your case face-to-face. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case, so there is no harm in scheduling a free consultation. You’re in good hands with Ted Law Firm.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
