South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026

Report the injury promptly—do not wait 90 days

South Carolina generally requires notice to the employer within 90 days after an accident. Repetitive-trauma notice runs from when the worker discovered, or reasonably could have discovered, that the condition was compensable. Statutory exceptions can depend on reasonable excuse and employer prejudice, so prompt written notice is safer than relying on the outer limit.

Identify when, where, and how the injury occurred; list every affected body part; request authorized care; and preserve a copy of the notice. Save witness details, photographs, work restrictions, wage records, medical referrals, mileage, bills, and every form received.

File Form 50 to protect the Commission claim

An employer or carrier may report the accident, but the Commission warns that the injured worker must also protect the claim. Form 50 is used for a workplace injury; Form 52 is used for a death claim. The general filing deadline is two years after the accident or death, with distinct rules for occupational disease and repetitive trauma.

Filing Form 50 without requesting a hearing carries no fee. A hearing request generally carries the published filing fee, and the Commission also lists a waiver form. Do not assume medical treatment or voluntary payments replace the employee’s filing.

The employer generally chooses the treating doctor

South Carolina’s Commission states that the employer has the right to select the authorized treating provider. Ask the employer or carrier where to go. Emergency care should not be delayed, but an emergency-room referral does not automatically mean later treatment is authorized.

Tell the authorized doctor about every work-related symptom and obtain written restrictions. Treatment obtained independently may be disputed or unpaid unless the Act or a Commission decision supports it. Keep appointment, prescription, mileage, and work-status records.

Main benefit categories

Review the South Carolina Benefits Chart for annual maximums, waiting days, schedules, and filing rules.

A denial or benefit stop can be challenged

Form 50 can include a request for hearing when the claim or a benefit issue is disputed. Temporary payments begun during the initial 150-day period can be suspended in circumstances listed by § 42-9-260, including return to work, an unrestricted release with comparable work, suitable limited duty, a good-faith denial, or refusal of treatment or examination. A worker may request a hearing to seek reinstatement.

After the initial period, suspension generally requires the Commission procedure and, absent specified circumstances or written waiver, prior approval. Track payment notices and act promptly; hearing and appellate deadlines are separate from the two-year claim-filing period.

Practical next steps

1. Report the accident now.Give written details and keep proof.
2. Request authorized medical care.Follow the employer’s provider direction unless emergency or legal circumstances require otherwise.
3. File Form 50.Do not rely only on the employer’s report.
4. Track restrictions and payments.Compare every check with the accepted AWW and accident-year maximum.