Worker's Compensation

You may have heard about worker's compensation in Columbia, SC, but what do you really know about it? Understanding how it works can be helpful if you are ever injured on the job and need to file a claim, or if you are an employer who needs to ensure they are legal and protected.

Although regulated by the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Regulatory Commission, private insurance companies provide coverage and distribute benefits. Most employers are required to carry this insurance in case an employee is injured at work. Possible benefits include the reimbursement of doctors and hospital fees and a portion of lost wages due to recovery.

Some employers are not required to carry worker's compensation insurance. Laws exempt those who have less than four employees. Those who are in agriculture. State laws do not regulate federal employers when it comes to worker's compensation either. If you are unsure if your employer is required to carry insurance, you may want to consult with someone who is knowledgeable in local worker's compensation laws.

Although not required for all, some employers will choose to carry this insurance anyway. This provides a safety barrier, as an injured employee may still be entitled to reimbursement for their injuries. If the employer is not able to pay for those reimbursements, their assets may become vulnerable to liens, sending the employer spiraling into financial ruin.

The premium that the insurance company charges is based on two main factors. The first factor is the estimated payroll for the term of the policy. The second factor is the classification of the business. Different businesses receive different classifications based on how hazardous the job is. For instance, you are more likely to be injured on the job if your job is in construction than if your job is in telemarketing. For employers with the same amount of payroll, hazard will determine who pays more for their premium.

The South Carolina Workers' Compensation Regulatory Commission is regularly reviewing and changing the laws that surround worker's compensation in Columbia, SC. These laws are available for research through the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission website. Understanding all that these laws entail and how they apply to someone who has been injured on the job may be difficult for the average person. Keeping up to date on the changes can also make this a rather difficult task, so if you have questions, consulting with someone familiar with these laws is advisable.

It is also important to understand that the laws regarding worker's compensation are conservative, tending to favor the employer rather than the employee. You are covered if you experience a workplace injury, even if it is your fault. These laws are designed to ensure that an employer is not taken advantage of, but this can be frustrating for an injured employee, whose ignorance of the laws may mean that they are not fully reimbursed for their injuries.

No matter if you are an employer or an employee, it is important to have a basic understanding of worker's compensation. Ignorance of the laws can result in fines for an employer, or lost compensation for an employee. Perhaps there is even more for an employee to lose, since the insurance company is well prepared and will most likely be trying to minimize or find a way to deny their claim.

If you have been injured on the job, it is recommended that you seek the help of an attorney who specializes in worker's compensation in Columbia, SC. They stay current on the laws and their many adjustments, and can help keep you from making a costly mistake that hinders you from receiving full compensation for your injuries. Being injured puts you in a vulnerable position; don't let anyone take advantage of that vulnerability.