worker with cast on arm filling out a work injury form

Spartanburg Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by Sam Bass: Jan 30, 2026

Anyone who works is at risk of suffering a workplace injury. The injuries caused by workplace accidents can be devastating, often requiring costly medical care and leaving injured workers unable to earn a living. Fortunately, help is available. Working with an experienced Spartanburg workers’ compensation lawyer at Stewart Law Offices can provide the support and advocacy you need to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve for your on-the-job injury.

Sam BassOur legal team includes Sam Bass, a South Carolina Bar licensed attorney with more than 16 years of experience helping injured workers throughout Spartanburg and Greenville County. Every workers’ compensation matter is handled with close attention and genuine care, so clients feel supported like family and guided at every step of the process.

We handle all workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we successfully obtain benefits for you. You can request an initial consultation for Spartanburg workers’ compensation cases contacting us online or by calling (866) 783-9278.

How Our Spartanburg Workers’ Comp Lawyer Will Help You

One of the biggest challenges injured workers face when seeking workers’ compensation coverage or filing a third-party personal injury claim is the confusing and frustrating bureaucratic process. The claims process is even more overwhelming when you are still recovering from the pain and limitations of your workplace injury.

A seasoned attorney can work to maximize your financial compensation and minimize your stress in your personal injury or workers’ compensation case in the following ways:

  • Investigating your case to establish how the accident happened
  • Providing you with legal guidance throughout the process
  • Assembling the necessary evidence and documents to support your claim
  • Filing your application for full benefits with your employer’s insurance carrier in a timely manner
  • Handling communication with the insurance company
  • Reviewing your claim to determine all of the benefits you are entitled to
  • Negotiating for a fair settlement
  • Determining whether you might also be eligible to pursue additional compensation via a personal injury case

A Spartanburg, SC workers’ compensation attorney can also help if your initial claim is denied. They can review your application to determine what went wrong. An experienced Spartanburg workers’ compensation attorney can also prepare your case for appeal and represent you at any hearings.

How Our Lawyers Have Helped Former Clients

The knowledgeable and skilled workers’ comp lawyers at Stewart Law Offices have as much as 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured South Carolinians. With millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, our team’s results speak for themselves.* We are ready to fight for what you deserve.

Visit Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Spartanburg

How Does The Workers’ Comp Process Work in Spartanburg?

South Carolina law requires nearly all businesses with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is an employer-offered insurance program that operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident. Employees who suffer an injury during their work duties are eligible for medical, wage replacement, and certain other benefits. In exchange for these no-fault benefits, employers are protected from most negligence-based lawsuits.

Benefits for lost wages (temporary compensation) typically begin after you miss seven consecutive days of work. You are eligible to start receiving payments on the eighth day. However, if your absence extends beyond 14 days, benefits are applied retroactively from your first day out, so you receive compensation for the initial seven days as well.

What Types of Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries and occupational illnesses that occur during the course and scope of employment.

Some common examples include:

  • Traumatic injuries like broken bones, burns, and lacerations
  • Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Occupational diseases like mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
  • Hearing loss from excessive workplace noise
  • Back and neck injuries from lifting or falls
  • Injuries workers sustain in car accidents
  • Occupational respiratory illnesses like silicosis

It’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 90 days, to preserve your right to benefits. Failing to report promptly could result in forfeiture of your claim. Consult a knowledgeable Spartanburg workers’ compensation attorney to determine whether your injury qualifies for workers’ comp.

When Can a Third Party Be Sued for a Workplace Accident?

While workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, there are situations where an injured worker may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit in Spartanburg against a liable third party.

You may have grounds to pursue such a claim if:

  • The accident was caused by someone other than your employer or coworker, like a delivery driver, vendor, or property owner.
  • A defective product caused your workplace injury.
  • Your injuries were caused by toxic exposure from a third party’s negligence.

These third-party lawsuits allow injured workers to recover additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides. For example, workers’ compensation does not offer coverage for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life, but personal injury claims do.

Damages Recoverable in Workplace Accidents

The compensation available for your workplace injury will depend on whether you are filing for workers’ compensation or a third-party personal injury claim. A successful workers’ comp claim can provide you with the following benefits:

Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation insurance pays for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to treating your work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, medical devices, physical therapy, and other medical bills you incur for your treatment. You will not be responsible for any deductibles or co-pays.

Wage Replacement Benefits

If your work injury causes you to miss more than seven consecutive days on the job, you may be eligible for the following wage benefits:

  • Temporary Total Disability – If you are completely unable to work, you can receive two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, tax-free, until you can return to some form of work. These are subject to a state-mandated cap, with the maximum average weekly wage set at $1,178.30 for claims occurring on or after January 1, 2026.
  • Temporary Partial Disability – If you are able to work but earn less due to restrictions, you can receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and current weekly earnings, subject to the cap.
  • Permanent Partial Disability – For the permanent impairment or loss of use of a body part, you receive a lump sum or weekly payment based on a state-approved schedule.
  • Permanent Total Disability – If you are totally and permanently unable to work, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages for the remainder of your life, subject to the state cap.

Although wage replacement benefits can last up to 500 weeks in many cases, they will generally be discontinued once you return to work, reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or meet other statutory criteria. An employee has reached MMI when their condition will not improve significantly with additional treatment, as determined by their treating physician.

Disability Lump Sum Settlement

Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (the point at which your condition will not meaningfully improve with additional treatment), you can negotiate a lump-sum settlement.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you cannot return to your previous job, workers’ compensation benefits may cover retraining for a new suitable occupation.

Death Benefits

If the workplace accident results in death, compensation is provided to the worker’s dependents, including two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wages for up to 500 weeks and up to $12,000 in burial expenses. Our Spartanburg wrongful death lawyers will guide you compassionately through the process.

Personal Injury Damages

An injured employee may recover additional economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future lost earnings, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Our workplace injury lawyers can seek compensation for all of your accident-related damages.

Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Dealing with a workers’ compensation claim can present several obstacles for injured workers:

Claim Denials

Your employer or their insurance company may deny your claim for various reasons, such as disputing that the injury occurred at work, questioning the severity of your injury, or claiming you failed to report the injury within the required timeframe. If your claim has been denied, don’t give up—an experienced attorney can help you file an appeal and gather the evidence needed to overturn the denial.

Employer Retaliation

Legally, most employees in South Carolina are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and employers are not allowed to fire or retaliate against an employee for filing a claim. If your employer threatens to terminate you, reduces your hours, or creates a hostile work environment after you assert a work injury, this may constitute illegal retaliation. Our attorneys can help protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.

Inadequate Benefits

Sometimes, the benefits offered don’t fully cover your medical needs or lost wages. If you believe your injury was classified improperly or that you require more extensive treatment than what’s been authorized, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. We can advocate for you through a workers’ compensation hearing to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under the law.

Pressure to Return to Work Prematurely

Employers or insurance companies may pressure you to return to work before you’ve fully recovered. If the appointed doctor clears you to return to work but you’re still experiencing pain or limitations, you have the right to challenge this decision. Our lawyers can help you obtain a second medical opinion and fight for continued benefits until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.

Disputes Over Medical Treatment

In some cases, the insurance company may refuse to authorize certain medical treatments, specialists, or procedures that your doctor recommends. You have the right to receive all reasonable and necessary medical care for your work-related injury. Our team can challenge these denials and ensure you get the treatment you need to recover fully.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation System

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation System is governed by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, codified in Title 42 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This foundational law, along with regulations issued by the Commission, defines which injuries are covered, determines benefit eligibility, and establishes maximum compensation values for specific body parts (e.g., the schedule in § 42-9-30).

The system is administered by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, a state agency. The Commission consists of seven commissioners appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commissioners serve six-year terms, and the Governor designates one to serve as chairman for a two-year term. The commissioners preside over hearings, review evidence, and resolve claims.

The Commission’s regulations provide practical procedural details for the entire process, including evidence handling, steps for hearings and appeals, and the mandatory requirement for mediation in certain disputes (per Regulations 67-1801 through 67-1809, applicable to claims like permanent and total disability, occupational diseases, and third-party actions). This ensures statewide consistency in all claims.

If a single commissioner’s decision is appealed, it is first reviewed by an Appellate Panel (typically a panel of three commissioners). Further appeals from an Appellate Panel or Full Commission decision proceed to the South Carolina Court of Appeals (for injuries after July 1, 2007) within 30 days, and in rare circumstances, to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Why Choose Stewart Law Offices?

When facing the challenges of a workers’ compensation claim, you need a law firm that combines experience, dedication, and a proven track record of results. Here’s what sets Stewart Law Offices apart:

Extensive Experience

Our attorneys have up to 30 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases in South Carolina. We understand the intricacies of state law and know how to navigate the complex claims process effectively.

Personalized Attention

We treat every client like family. When you work with Stewart Law Offices, you’ll have direct access to your attorney and receive prompt responses to your questions and concerns. We keep you informed at every stage of your case.

Proven Results

We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to securing maximum compensation for injured workers.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. This allows you to access quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs during an already financially stressful time.

Comprehensive Approach

We don’t just file paperwork—we thoroughly investigate your case, gather compelling evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong claim on your behalf. If your case goes to a hearing, we’ll represent you aggressively to protect your rights.

Contact Our Spartanburg Worker’s Comp Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Suffering a workplace injury in Spartanburg, SC can be a life-altering event. While recovering compensation can feel like an uphill battle, a Spartanburg workplace accident attorney can compassionately guide you through the legal process. Contact Stewart Law Firm today for a free consultation with a Spartanburg workers’ compensation lawyer, and let’s start fighting for the benefits you deserve.