What does Total Disability mean under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation law?

Unfortunately, even though the workers’ compensation system in South Carolina was initially designed to be easy to use and benefits were supposed to be easily obtained, far too many workers are unfairly denied the workers’ compensation benefits they desperately need. In these circumstances, legal action can help workers gain access to the benefits to which they are entitled. In South Carolina, two major criteria are used to determine compensation: whether your disability is temporary or permanent, and whether it is partial or total. This determination could make a big difference in what you receive.

Total Disability: If your injuries are so severe that you cannot work at all, even on a light duty basis, then you can receive total disability benefits which is two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This benefit has a maximum of up to 500 weeks (approximately 9.6 years), assuming that your total disability is permanent. There is an exception to this rule, however. If your injury has caused you to suffer from brain damage or has left you a paraplegic or quadriplegic, there is no time limit and you will receive total disability benefits for the rest of your life. You can also qualify for temporary total disability benefits if you lose certain body parts, either through amputation or loss of use:

• Losing the use of both hands
• Losing the use of both arms
• Losing the use of both shoulders
• Losing the use of both feet
• Losing the use of both legs
• Losing the use of both hips
• Losing vision in both eyes
• Losing two of any of the above (for example, use of one hand and one foot)

If you are injured at work, contact the workers’ compensation lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm. We have helped hundreds of injured workers get the benefits they deserve and helped to protect them and their families from financial ruin. There is no downside to contacting us to help you with your work injury claim. The initial consultation is free.

Other Workers’ Compensation FAQs:

• Can I be compensated for missing time from work?
• Can you be fired while on worker’s compensation in South Carolina?
• Can you sue your employer in South Carolina?
• Do I have to work if my doctor approves “light duty” work?
• How does the workers’ compensation judge calculate how much money you get?
• How does workers’ compensation work in South Carolina?
• How long does workers’ compensation last?
• How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation law firm?
• I was injured on the job. Can I file a suit against my employer?
• What are some of the most common work related injuries?
• What can disqualify me from South Carolina workers’ compensation?
• What does Partial Disability mean under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation law?
• What does Total Disability mean under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation law?
• What Happens if I’ve been hurt on the job and I’m permanently disabled?
• What happens to my job if I’ve been injured?
• What if I need to get back to work, but my doctor hasn’t approved it?
• What if I’ve seen my company doctor but want a second opinion?
• What if the employee dies due to a work injury? What kind of benefits does the family get?
• Why do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer? Shouldn’t I just contact the insurance company by myself?