Columbia, SC personal injury attorney Mark D. Chappell talks about what happens if you get injured in the workplace. He points out that workplace injuries fall under workers’ compensation cases, which are governed by South Carolina statutes and regulations. Benefits in these cases are limited. An injured worker is generally entitled to two-thirds of their average weekly wage while unable to work, along with medical care. However, he emphasizes that medical treatment is often directed by the employer or the insurance carrier, meaning the worker does not always have the right to choose their own physician.

He notes a common misconception: workers’ compensation does not provide any recovery for pain and suffering. The system is designed to cover medical care and wage replacement but excludes compensation for the emotional and physical distress caused by the injury.

He advises that the most important step after an on-the-job accident is to report it immediately to a supervisor, regardless of how minor it may seem at the time. Early reporting protects the worker’s rights should the injury later prove to be serious. After reporting, the next step is to seek medical care. If the injury prevents the employee from working for a period of time, they may be entitled to temporary total disability benefits to cover lost wages while they recover.