Injured on the Job in Goose Creek? Understanding Your Workers Compensation Rights

Goose Creek is home to thousands of hardworking South Carolinians employed in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, and industrial trades. The area surrounding the former Naval Weapons Station, the growing industrial corridor along Highway 176, and the construction boom across Berkeley County all put workers at risk for serious on-the-job injuries every day. If you’ve been hurt at work in Goose Creek, workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your medical bills and lost wages, but getting the full benefits you deserve isn’t always straightforward.

Industries with the Highest Injury Rates in Goose Creek

Goose Creek’s economy relies heavily on industries where workplace injuries are common. Construction sites across the rapidly developing area expose workers to falls from heights, heavy equipment accidents, electrocution, and being struck by falling objects. Manufacturing and warehouse facilities along the Highway 176 corridor see repetitive motion injuries, machinery accidents, and chemical exposure.

The automotive and industrial sectors employ large numbers of Goose Creek residents who face daily risks from heavy lifting, exposure to hazardous materials, and equipment malfunctions. Even retail and service workers at businesses along St. James Avenue and Red Bank Road suffer injuries from slip and falls, overexertion, and workplace violence.

Common Workplace Injuries in the Goose Creek Area

• Back and spinal injuries — Heavy lifting, repetitive bending, and falls cause herniated discs, compression fractures, and chronic back pain that can end a career
• Traumatic brain injuries — Construction falls, being struck by objects, and industrial accidents cause concussions and more severe brain injuries
• Broken bones and crush injuries — Heavy equipment, forklifts, and machinery cause fractures and crush injuries that require surgery and extended recovery
• Repetitive stress injuries — Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and rotator cuff tears develop over time from repetitive work motions
• Burns and chemical exposure — Industrial workers face risks from hot surfaces, electrical burns, and toxic chemical exposure
• Hearing loss — Prolonged exposure to loud machinery and equipment in manufacturing and construction causes permanent hearing damage

How Workers’ Compensation Works in South Carolina

South Carolina law requires most employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You don’t need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.

Workers’ compensation in South Carolina covers several categories of benefits. Medical benefits pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical devices. Your employer’s insurance company chooses your treating physician, but you can request a change if you’re not receiving adequate care.

Temporary total disability benefits replace a portion of your lost wages while you’re unable to work. These benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum set by the state. Temporary partial disability benefits apply if you can work but at reduced capacity or lower pay.

If your injury results in permanent limitations, you may receive permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits. The amount depends on the body part affected and the degree of impairment as rated by your treating physician.

Why Workers’ Comp Claims Get Denied in Goose Creek

Insurance companies deny workers’ compensation claims more often than most people realize. Common reasons include claims that the injury wasn’t work-related, that you didn’t report the injury in time, that you had a pre-existing condition, or that your injury doesn’t require the treatment your doctor recommends.

Employers sometimes pressure injured workers not to file claims, suggest they use their personal health insurance instead, or minimize the severity of injuries in incident reports. These tactics are designed to keep workers’ compensation costs down, but they violate your rights under South Carolina law.

The most damaging mistake injured workers make is failing to report the injury promptly. South Carolina law requires you to notify your employer within 90 days of the accident, but reporting immediately is critical. Delays give insurance companies ammunition to argue the injury happened elsewhere.

When You Can Sue Beyond Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation is typically your exclusive remedy against your employer, but there are important exceptions. If a third party caused your injury, such as a negligent driver, a defective product manufacturer, or a subcontractor, you may have a separate personal injury claim that allows you to recover full damages including pain and suffering, which workers’ comp doesn’t cover.

Construction workers in Goose Creek are particularly likely to have third-party claims. When multiple contractors work on the same site, the negligence of one company’s employees can injure another company’s workers. Equipment manufacturers can also be liable when defective machinery causes injuries.

How Crantford Meehan Helps Injured Goose Creek Workers

Crantford Meehan has helped injured workers throughout the Lowcountry since 1995. Our Summerville office is just minutes from Goose Creek, and our attorneys understand the unique workplace hazards that Goose Creek workers face. We handle workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury cases, ensuring you explore every avenue for full compensation.

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you. Contact us today or call (843) 376-4030 for a free consultation about your workplace injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina?

South Carolina law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file workers’ compensation claims. If you’re fired or disciplined for filing a claim, you may have a separate retaliation lawsuit against your employer.

What if my employer says I’m an independent contractor?

Employers sometimes misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid providing workers’ compensation coverage. South Carolina looks at the actual working relationship, not just what the employer calls you. If your employer controls when, where, and how you work, you’re likely an employee entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?

You must notify your employer within 90 days of the injury and file a formal claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years. Report your injury immediately to protect your rights.