Am I required to provide workers’ compensation insurance?

Essentially, yes. The rule of thumb is that any employer who regularly employs four or more workers full-time or part-time is required to have workers’ compensation insurance. There are some exceptions, including agricultural employees, railroads, and railway express companies and their employees, and employers who had a total annual payroll during the previous year of less than $3,000, regardless of the number of workers employed during that period. Also exempt are Textile Hall Corporation and certain commission paid real estate agents.

What is an employer required to do when an accident occurs on the job?

The employer’s first obligation is to make sure the employee receives medical attention. The employer is also required to report the injury to the insurance carrier, which reports it to the Commission. Minor injuries, as defined by the Commission, do not have to be reported.

Can an employer require employees to pay for workers’ compensation insurance or some of their medical costs?

No. It is illegal to require employees to pay any portion of the premium for workers’ compensation insurance or to pay for any medical treatment resulting from a job-related injury.

Can an employer self-insure for workers’ compensation?

Yes. Hundreds of employers in South Carolina are self-insured. In order to self-insure, an employer must apply, meet certain financial and other requirements, and be approved by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. An employer may self-insure as an individual organization, or as part of a group self-insurance pool or fund.

Our South Carolina workers compensation law firm will protect you and ensure that you do not unknowingly waive any important rights. Do not tolerate employer retaliation. Contact one of the work injury lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your workers comp retaliation claim. 866-490-2847.