Workers' Compensation

You have the right to have legal representation

If you have a work related injury, you have the right to seek assistance from an attorney . Coastal Law can help ensure that you receive any benefits you are entitled to for your injury.

Coastal Law Firm advises and represents injured workers on all aspects of workers' compensation coverage and claims arising from workplace injuries.

The South Carolina Workers' Compensation Law (Section 42 of the South Carolina Code of Laws) entitles you to important benefits for disabling, job-related injuries.

The purpose of the law is "to compensate employees for the economic consequence of work-related injury, illness and disease without regard to fault," according to the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, the state agency charged with administering the law.

STATE WORKERS' COMPENSATION OFFICIALS

Average Weekly Wage for 2002

The South Carolina Employment Security Commission certified that the average weekly wage in South Carolina for the period July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2001, is $549.42.  Accordingly, for accidents that occur on or after January 1, 2002, the maximum weekly compensation rate, which according to South Carolina Ann. Section 42-9-10, is to be “no more than the average weekly wage in this State for the preceding fiscal year” shall be $549.42.This most recent increase raises the maximum weekly compensation rate by $16.65 (3.1%) over the 2001 rate of $532.77.  An individual’s compensation rate equals 66 % of an individual’s average weekly wage, not to exceed the average weekly wage in South Carolina as determined by the South Carolina Employment Security Commission.  In terms of total disability for 500 weeks, the maximum compensation award for 2002 will be $274,710. Generally, an individual must have earned $42,854.76 ($824.13 weekly) or more during the four quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which an accident occurs in order to be paid at the maximum compensation rate.