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Last Modified on Feb 04, 2026
Knowing how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Columbia, SC, can be critical after a work-related injury. The workers’ compensation system in South Carolina has precise requirements regarding the reporting of injuries, medical treatment, and filing deadlines. Each step must be taken within a certain timeframe.
Failure to do so can result in delayed or denied benefits. This can be even more complicated for workers in Columbia if the injury was suffered at a large employer with multiple insurance carriers or a dispute arises over medical care. Understanding the basic process of filing a claim is the first step in protecting the rights of an injured employee with the help of Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is a workers’ compensation law firm that advocates for injured workers in Columbia and across South Carolina. Charles T. Brooks III handles all types of claims for workplace injuries, occupational conditions, and disputes with employers over benefits, medical treatment, or eligibility.
Our firm is experienced in South Carolina workers’ compensation procedures and administrative filings. We can assist workers at any stage of the claims process, including disputed claims before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Step One: Report the Injury to Your Employer
Your workers’ compensation claim starts when you notify your employer of your injury, which you should do as soon as possible. South Carolina law generally requires giving notice to the employer within 90 days of the accident. Delays can lead to disputes over whether the injury is work-related. Be specific about the date, time, and circumstances of the injury when reporting it. If you initially downplay symptoms due to the injury’s minor nature, report it early to create a record that may be relevant later.
Columbia employers often have formal procedures for reporting workplace accidents, such as written incident reports or HR notifications. Adhering to your employer’s internal process does not substitute for legal deadlines, but it can strengthen your claim.
Step Two: Obtain Authorized Medical Treatment
Medical care following a workplace injury is typically required to be received from a healthcare provider authorized by the employer or its insurance carrier. Employers generally have the right to control who the treating physician is, and treatment received from an unauthorized provider may not be covered unless an exception, like an emergency, is met.
Medical records created during treatment will become an important part of the workers’ compensation claim. They can affect work restrictions, disability status, and benefit eligibility.
In Colombia, there are sometimes issues when workers disagree with diagnoses, treatment, or return-to-work recommendations. Attendance at appointments and following through with medical advice is often necessary to avoid any interruption of benefits.
Step Three: File a Claim With the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission
When benefits are delayed, denied, or disputed, it may be necessary to file a formal claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. To preserve your rights, you must generally file a claim with the Commission within two years from the date of the accident.
The filing of a claim formally puts the issue into the administrative process and initiates a review by the Commission. A successful claim requires providing the necessary forms and information within the established timeframe.
Claims received from workers in Columbia may be related to large employers, third-party administrators, or multiple insurance carriers. Mistakes or missing information at this stage of the process may cause significant delays, so it is especially important that accuracy and attention to the various filing requirements are considered when first initiating a claim.
Step Four: Resolve Disputes Through Mediation or a Hearing
Not all workers’ compensation claims are resolved amicably. Employers or insurers may dispute whether:
- An injury is work-related.
- The injury was reported in a timely manner.
- Medical treatment is required.
In those cases, the Commission may order mediation or a hearing before a commissioner.
Evidence, such as medical records, employment records, and testimony, may be presented. Hearings are subject to procedural rules, including time limits and rules of evidence. It can be important to know how disputes are resolved in the workers’ compensation system, especially in cases where benefits have been terminated or are being challenged.
FAQs About How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Columbia, SC
How Often Are Workers in South Carolina Injured on the Job?
Workplace injuries happen frequently in South Carolina and across the country. In South Carolina, private employers reported 30,100 nonfatal work injuries and illnesses in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with many workers needing time away from work or modified duties as a result.
Of course, not every injury results in a workers’ compensation dispute. Statistical evidence establishes that employees from multiple industrial sectors endure job-related injuries each year.
What Does South Carolina Law Require for an Injury to Be Compensable?
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-160 states that the injury must arise out of and in the course of employment. This legal requirement connects the employment and the injury. Many controversies revolve around issues of whether the work caused or aggravated the injury or whether it was suffered during the time of employment.
Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Often Involve Serious Accidents?
Workers’ compensation claims usually stem from nonfatal injuries. In some instances, however, the consequences can be more severe. In 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 112 fatalities as a result of occupational injuries in South Carolina.
The fatal injuries were reported across several industries, including transportation, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. These figures are a reminder of the dangers workers can face on the job, and these hazards are the reason behind workers’ compensation protections.
Can Filing Mistakes Affect a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Yes, mistakes like missed deadlines, incomplete forms, or inconsistent injury descriptions can cause delays or disputes. Workers’ compensation claims are administrative processes that require careful adherence to procedures and timely filings. Even if the injury is legitimate, administrative errors may cause complications or require additional steps to address issues through the process.
Contact a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workers’ compensation claims in Columbia, SC, may have deadlines, medical requirements, and technical procedural rules that can be difficult to handle on your own. Injured workers need to know the process and understand how to properly pursue a claim in the event of a dispute.
The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III provides workers with representation for these types of cases. Contact us today to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer and understand your legal options.
