South Carolina Workers’ Comp for Office Workers
Discover the common yet overlooked dangers in office environments and how impacted workers in Columbia can get the compensation they deserve
Though we often associate workplace injuries with hard hats and hazardous materials, the reality is that even seemingly harmless office environments in South Carolina can pose serious risks to workers’ health. From repetitive strain injuries caused by long hours at a computer to slips, trips, and falls on cluttered walkways, office workers are susceptible to a surprising array of injuries.
In this article, we’ll shed light on the most common office injuries plaguing South Carolina workers, explore your rights and options under the state’s workers’ compensation laws, and empower you to navigate the process of claiming the benefits you deserve.
How many office workers are injured in the U.S. annually?
Probably more than you think. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 49,770 workers in the office and administrative support sector suffered injuries at work in 2020. This included 8,230 injuries that were serious enough to require emergency room treatment.
What is the most common injury for office workers?
Perhaps the most common injury for office workers is a repetitive stress injury (RSI). RSIs, also called overexertion or repetitive motion injuries, are caused by overuse of a particular part of the body, often due to repetitive activities or poor ergonomics.
Common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, and tennis elbow.
Office workers typically develop RSIs in their hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders from continuous typing or mouse use without adequate breaks or proper desk setup. Poor posture and non-ergonomic office furniture can exacerbate these conditions, leading to pain, discomfort, and sometimes more serious musculoskeletal disorders.
Other common injuries for office workers include:
- Back and neck pain. Long hours spent at poorly set up workstations can cause chronic back and neck pain due to improper posture and inadequate ergonomic support.
- Fall-related injuries. Trips and falls are common in office environments. Often caused by loose carpeting, open drawers, or cluttered walkways, these accidents can lead to broken bones and serious head injuries.
- Eye strain. Staring at computer screens for extended periods without adequate breaks can lead to eye injuries, including strain, dryness, and irritation, known as computer vision syndrome.
- Mental stress injuries. Mental stress is also prevalent among office workers, potentially leading to psychological issues and physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension.
Addressing these risks through proper ergonomics, regular breaks, and a well-designed workspace can significantly reduce the incidence of these injuries.
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Which situation qualifies a worker for workers’ compensation coverage in SC?
In South Carolina, most employers with 4 or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. This insurance is designed as a no-fault system, meaning that employees don’t need to prove that the employer was to blame for their injuries to receive benefits.
However, the worker does need to establish that their injury is work-related to qualify for coverage.
This can pose specific challenges for office workers. Unlike more visually obvious injuries that occur in industries like construction, injuries in an office setting—such as repetitive stress injuries or chronic back pain—may not be immediately apparent and can develop over time.
Proving that these conditions are directly related to the workplace environment or specific work activities requires clear evidence. This evidence might include medical evaluations linking the condition to work activities, documentation of workplace demands, or expert testimony about workplace ergonomics.
The process can be complex, as office workers must clearly delineate the connection between their daily work tasks and their injuries, a task that is less straightforward than in cases of acute injuries occurring in more physically demanding jobs.
Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a local workers’ compensation attorney for advice before filing a claim. They can help connect you with medical experts and help you gather evidence to prove that your injury is work-related.
How much does SC workers’ compensation pay?
In South Carolina, workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Here’s an overview of the main types of benefits available:
- Medical benefits. Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical expenses related to the injury or illness. This includes hospital and medical bills, prescriptions, and necessary medical equipment. There are no deductibles or copayments, and the coverage continues as long as the treatment is deemed necessary by a doctor.
- Wage loss benefits. These benefits are intended to compensate for lost wages if an injury or illness prevents an employee from working either temporarily or permanently. Typically, they’re equivalent to two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly wage.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits are designed to help workers who cannot return to their previous jobs due to their injuries. They provide support such as retraining, skill development, and educational assistance to enable injured workers to find new employment that accommodates their physical limitations.
- Death benefits. If a work-related injury or illness results in death, the worker’s dependents may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits usually include compensation for lost income and cover funeral and burial expenses up to a certain limit.
The specific amounts and durations of these benefits can vary depending on the severity of your injury. Workers are encouraged to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney or the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to understand how these benefits apply to their specific situations.
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What steps do SC office workers need to take to file for workers’ comp?
To initiate the workers’ compensation process in South Carolina, workers should follow these steps:
- Report the injury. You should always inform your employer of an injury or illness as soon as you can. South Carolina law requires that this be done in writing within 90 days of the incident or discovery of the condition (as in the case of RSIs and other occupational diseases).
- Seek medical attention. Obtain treatment from a medical provider. If it’s an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, consult with your employer first, as they may have designated medical providers for workplace injuries.
- File a claim. Ensure your employer files a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. You can also file a claim yourself by submitting Form 50 to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, especially if you feel your employer is not taking appropriate action.
- Document your treatment. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and correspondence related to your injury. Documentation is crucial for substantiating your claim.
- Consult a lawyer. Consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney, especially if your claim is complex or if your employer disputes or denies your claim.
Please be aware that you have the right to appeal the decision if your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer denies your claim. Doing so requires you to request a hearing with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Because this process can be rather complex, it’s best to contact a workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate your appeal and increase your chance of success.
Looking for the best workers’ compensation attorney in Columbia?
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in an office or any other work environment in South Carolina, the team at Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega is here to help.
Our skilled Columbia work injury attorneys understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to making the workers’ compensation process as smooth and straightforward as possible. We’ll guide you through every step, help you understand your rights and options, and work tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in moving forward from this challenging time by scheduling a free consultation.
References
Table EH1. Number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work by selected worker and case characteristics and medical treatment facility visits, all U.S., private industry, 2020. (n.d.). www.bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/web/osh/cd_eh1.htm
