Greenville, South Carolina Work Injury Attorneys

Greenville, South Carolina, with its bustling downtown area and stunning natural attractions like Falls Park on the Reedy, is an incredible place to live and work. However, workplace injuries can happen anywhere, even in Greenville. 

As an injury victim, do you know what to do if you’re injured on the job?

You matter, and you have rights.

For over 30 years, employees throughout Greenville and the Upstate regions have placed their trust in our work accident attorneys to represent them when they’ve been injured on the job. Work injury claims can be intricate and challenging to understand. Each situation is unique, and it’s essential to have a knowledgeable work accident lawyer by your side.

Our experience, dedication and passion for helping our community members in Greenville make us the go-to choice for navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation cases.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on your feet.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can happen in any industry—from manufacturing and construction to healthcare, retail, and office environments. Some of the most common types of workplace accidents in Greenville, SC include:

• Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents: Wet floors, cluttered walkways, unsafe ladders, and uneven surfaces can lead to falls that cause serious injuries.
• Machinery & Equipment Accidents: Workers in manufacturing, warehousing, and construction face risks from heavy machinery, forklifts, power tools, and conveyor systems.
• Vehicle & Transportation Accidents
• Truck drivers, delivery workers, and employees who travel for work often suffer injuries in on-the-job vehicle crashes.
• Repetitive Motion & Overexertion Accidents
• Jobs that require constant lifting, bending, typing, or repetitive motions can lead to chronic injuries and long-term disability.
• Falling Object Accidents
• In warehouses, construction sites, and industrial settings, falling tools, materials, or equipment can cause head and back injuries.
• Workplace Violence
• Assaults by coworkers, customers, or patients can also form the basis of a workers’ comp claim.

Common Types of Work Injuries

Workplace injuries range from mild to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries we see in workers’ compensation claims include:

• Back and spinal injuries
• Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burns and electrocution injuries
• Amputations and crush injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
• Carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injuries
• Work-related illnesses, including respiratory conditions, chemical exposure injuries, and occupational diseases

Even injuries that seem minor at first can worsen over time. It’s important to report your injury immediately and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law

South Carolina requires most employers with at least four employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, the process of filing a claim and securing benefits is governed by complex state laws.

Key aspects of South Carolina workers’ compensation law include:

No-Fault System

You do not have to prove that your employer was negligent. As long as the injury occurred in the course of employment, you are generally entitled to benefits.

Deadlines for Reporting and Filing

You must report your injury to your employer within 90 days.

You generally have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Authorized Medical Providers

Employers—and their insurance carriers—often choose the doctor who treats you. Failure to follow their guidelines may jeopardize your benefits.

Disputes and Hearings

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC).

Working with an experienced Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your right to full benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Depending on your injury and circumstances, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina, including:

• Medical Benefits: Covers all reasonable and necessary medical care, including surgery, medication, physical therapy, and medical devices.
• Wage Replacement Benefits: You may receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments if you cannot work due to your injury. These benefits typically equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury causes lasting impairment, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are unable to return to your previous job, you may receive training or assistance to find new employment.
• Death Benefits: For fatal workplace accidents, surviving family members may receive financial support and coverage of funeral expenses.

What If My Workers’ Comp Benefits Were Denied?

Workers’ compensation claims are denied more often than many workers expect. If your claim was denied, don’t panic—denials can often be overturned with the help of a skilled attorney.

Common reasons for denial include:

• Allegations that the injury did not happen at work
• Disputes over whether an injury is serious enough
• Claims that you failed to report the injury on time
• Suggestions that a preexisting condition caused your symptoms
• Accusations of workplace misconduct

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we help injured workers challenge denied claims by:

• Gathering medical records and expert evaluations
• Interviewing witnesses
• Preparing evidence for a hearing
• Representing you before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission
• Negotiating with the insurance company for fair compensation

You do not have to face the workers’ compensation system alone—our team is here to fight for you.

South Carolina Workplace Injury Statistics

While specific local data is limited, we can draw insights from statewide statistics and news stories to better comprehend the impact of job-related injuries on employees in the Greenville area.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 30,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in South Carolina in 2021. This equates to a rate of 2.2 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. South Carolina was one of only 12 states that year that had an injury rate significantly less than the national rate of 2.7. 

Despite this relatively good news, there were also 107 work-related deaths in South Carolina in 2021 alone. About 46% of these deaths resulted from transportation-related accidents.

Other common causes of fatal work incidents included:

• Violence and other injuries by people or animals
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals

These injuries and deaths can occur in various industries, and employees in Greenville face similar risks while on the job.

Workers’ Comp Claim FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim?

Not always—but having a lawyer greatly increases your chances of receiving full benefits, especially if your injury is serious or your employer disputes your claim.

Can I choose my own doctor?

South Carolina law allows employers to choose the treating physician. However, you may request a second opinion.

Can I sue my employer for my injury?

Typically, workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy. However, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a third party (such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver).

What if I can’t work for a long time?

You may qualify for temporary or permanent disability benefits depending on your medical condition and ability to return to work.

Were You Injured on the Job?

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our workers’ compensation attorneys understand the emotional and financial toll that a job injury can take on you and your family. That’s why we fight relentlessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at to get started.