South Carolina law forbids employers from retaliating against employees for filing workers’ compensation claims (e.g., by terminating, demoting, or reducing hours). However, employers can still fire employees for unrelated, legitimate reasons, such as layoffs, pre-existing performance issues, or policy violations. If terminated while receiving workers’ comp, timing and context are key. Termination soon after filing, lacking documented performance issues, inconsistent policy use, or employer statements linking firing to the injury suggest illegal retaliation. Workers’ compensation benefits (medical and disability payments) continue even after termination, provided the injury qualifies. Our workers’ compensation lawyers can pursue wrongful discharge claims if retaliation is evident.