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Last Modified on Apr 10, 2026
Workplace injuries can be life-changing, leaving a worker with significant physical pain, financial losses, and even the loss of their ability to work. Learning about the causes of workplace injuries in Sumter County, SC, can help you prevent potential workplace accidents. The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can explain your legal options if you have been injured.
Common Types of Injuries in a Work Injury Case
When filing a work injury claim, understanding the types of injuries you are suffering from is key to determining fair compensation. An injury is one of the most significant damages you can face, causing high medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. A Sumter County work injury attorney can tailor your claim to your unique accident and injuries. Common injuries in a work injury case are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs occur when the brain is damaged by being forced against the inside of the skull. Falls are the number one cause of TBIs in adults over 65, though they can also occur in transportation accidents or through being struck by a falling object.
- Back and spinal cord injuries. Back and spinal cord injuries can leave a worker with permanent pain and mobility issues. These injuries include herniated disks, spinal nerve damage, or vertebral fractures.
- Burns. Burns can cause more than just skin damage; they can also damage deeper muscle, bone, or nerves.
- Amputations. An amputation can happen after a crush injury, blast injury, or severe infection. These injuries force victims to relearn basic movements.
- Bone fractures. Bone fractures require a long recovery, often involving surgical procedures or physical therapy, keeping workers away from work longer.
- Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, and tears often result from overexertion or repetitive motions while working.
If you have been involved in an accident, receiving medical care for your injuries should be your priority. Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, on 129 N Washington St., can provide emergency care. Then, hire a work injury lawyer who can explain the work injury laws and your legal options after the injury.
Top Causes of Workplace Injuries in South Carolina
In 2024, there were 103 fatal work injuries, with many more leaving employees with lasting physical injuries. Over 2023 and 2024, the leading causes of workplace injuries included:
Contact Incidents
Contact incidents involve making contact with another person or object. They can include accidents such as colliding with another worker, being struck by a falling object, or being caught or struck by powered equipment. Often, contact accidents lead to injuries like TBIs, bone fractures, or even amputations.
Overexertion and Repetitive Motion
These accidents can happen when overusing or overexerting muscles while working. They are particularly common when movements are repeated over long periods of time, straining specific muscle groups. These injuries most commonly include soft tissue injuries, such as strains or sprains.
Trips, Slips, and Falls
Whether falling down a stairwell, tripping over equipment left in a walkway, or slipping on ice at work, falls can be deadly. Falls often lead to severe injuries, such as TBIs, back and spinal cord issues, bone fractures, and soft tissue injuries.
Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
Many jobs involve exposure to an environment or material that can cause injury or illness. Hazardous substances can include asbestos, silica dust, pesticides, strong cleaning agents, or heavy metals. A hazardous environment could involve radiation, pressure changes, extreme temperatures, or electricity. Many of these hazardous exposures can cause significant harm upon immediate contact, while others may cause injury after repeated exposure.
Transportation Accidents
Many workers can be involved in a transportation accident, whether they were hit by another driver while on a delivery, struck by a driver while on a construction site, or involved in an accident with heavy machinery. These accidents are often caused by driver errors, such as distracted driving or speeding.
FAQs About Workplace Injuries
What Is the Number One Injury in a Workplace?
The most common injuries in a workplace are soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains, and tears. These injuries make up 31% of occupational injuries. This type of injury often occurs after a muscle is overexerted or overused when doing a repetitive motion. If you have a muscle sprain, strain, or tear from work, a Sumter County work injury attorney can help you file a claim to recover your damages.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in South Carolina?
Per South Carolina’s work injury laws, workers’ compensation is a system that allows employees to recover medical bills and lost wages after suffering an injury at work. A workers’ compensation claim is a no-fault process, so you do not need to prove that your injury was caused by another person’s or your employer’s negligence. If you hire a work injury lawyer, they can guide you through the workers’ compensation process to meet all requirements and deadlines.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Work Injury Case?
The damages you can claim in a work injury case can depend on what damages you have suffered and what kind of claim you are filing. In a workers’ compensation claim, your medical bills and 66 ⅔% of your lost wages can be recovered. In a legal claim against your employer, you can recover a greater number of damages, including the full amount of lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, only certain circumstances allow you to do this.
Why Should You Hire a Work Injury Lawyer?
If you have been injured at work, a lawyer can work to recover compensation for your financial and, in certain cases, emotional losses. A lawyer can offer advice on whether a workers’ compensation claim is the right option for your work injury case. They can also represent you in negotiations with your employer or the insurance provider. A lawyer can pursue the fair compensation you deserve by calculating your losses and presenting evidence to prove your claim.
Speak With a Sumter County Work Injury Lawyer at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III
The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been providing professional and compassionate representation for injured workers in Sumter County. Contact us to learn how our knowledge of work injury laws and dedication to pursuing a full recovery can help you move forward after suffering from a workplace injury.
