Reviewed By: Personal Injury Team Last Updated: July 30, 2026
From a slippery floor in a warehouse to an improperly positioned desk, any workspace can be risky. In fact, an employee is injured on the job every seven seconds, according to the National Safety Council. Workplace injuries can have a wide-ranging effect, not only harming an employee physically but impacting their financial future.
So what happens when there was no sign to warn employees of a freshly mopped floor? Or when wrist pain from long hours of computer use develops into something more serious?
Recovering damages from a workplace injury can be difficult, but our Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm can help!
Follow along as we detail some of the most common workplace injuries, then share how our team can help recover the damages you deserve.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is insurance coverage paid for by employers that provides cash benefits and/or medical care to employees who sustain an injury or illness as a direct result of their work.
Unlike a car accident claim, a Workers’ Compensation case is not based on fault – so injured employees are still eligible for benefits even if they are responsible for causing the accident.
The amount received by the employee, or claimant, is not limited to their level of carelessness when the injury occurred, nor is it increased by an employer’s fault. A claim is processed and paid as long as the insurer agrees that the injury or illness was related to the person’s employment.
However, there is always the chance that an employer, or their Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier, can dispute the claim.
If this is the case, no cash benefits are paid out until a Workers’ Compensation law judge determines eligibility. Instead of risking a disputed claim – and the stress associated with it – we strongly recommend contacting an experienced Worker’s Compensation lawyer near you in Charleston, SC.
The Most Common Work-Related Injuries
Work injuries may impact an employee, their colleagues, and their employer – in just an instant. While some injuries are obviously work related, others may not be so easy to classify. The following are some of the most common workplace injuries, from the obvious to the subtle.
Slips and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most prevalent causes of injury in the workplace, accounting for one-third of all personal injuries. An employee can easily hit their head, injure their wrists or back, or fracture a bone as the result of a fall.
According to the CDC, the most common causes of in-office falls include:
- Tripping over a desk or file drawer, electrical wires, loose carpeting, or objects in hallways
- Bending or reaching for something while seated in an unstable chair
- Using a chair in place of a ladder
- Slipping on wet floors
Overexertion and Strains
Overexertion is another one of the most common – and costly – work-related injuries. Overexertion, also known as non-impact injuries, is a result of excessive physical effort when completing a task.
Common examples include strained or pulled muscles, joint complications, or chronic pain.
These types of injuries occur more frequently among those who work in a field where lifting objects is required. Overexertion may even occur if you lift small loads regularly, such as a stack of papers, using an improper technique.
Other common activities that can lead to overexertion include pushing, turning, holding, carrying, or throwing.
Repetitive Stress
Repetitive stress injuries are the fastest-growing category of workplace injuries.
They are brought about by administrative, manufacturing, and processing tasks. However, injuries can occur whenever the same movement is done all day for multiple days a week without a break.
Comprising more than 100 different types of job-related injuries, repetitive stress can cause crippling pain when completing even the simplest everyday tasks. While not always immediately noticeable, they can cause permanent damage or impairment over time.
One of the most common examples of a repetitive stress injury is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness when gripping objects.
Vehicle Collisions and Crashes
Driving small machinery or vehicles is not uncommon for many workers. Depending on the job description, employees may be required to operate forklifts or visit clients in a company-owned car.
Collisions or crashes that occur while on the clock are not covered by auto insurance, but Workers’ Compensation instead.
Contact your Workers’ Comp lawyer in Charleston for more information on maximizing your claim after an on-the-job vehicular accident.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in South Carolina
When an accident occurs on the job, it is important to address the incident immediately, informing the right people at the right time. The first step toward compensation is reporting all injuries to your employer.
In South Carolina, you have 90 days from the date of the accident to report the injury to your employer or you risk losing your Workers’ Compensation benefits.
After the injury is reported, you have two years to file a Workers’ Comp claim in South Carolina. In the event that the employee dies as a result of work-related injuries, the employee’s family or dependents can file the claim within two years of the death.
Workers’ Compensation claims can be difficult to navigate without the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer in SC.
Whether you need assistance navigating the claim process or want to ensure you are receiving the full benefits you may be entitled to, it’s a good idea to speak with a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation lawyer.
Have You Suffered a Workplace Injury? Contact Hoffman Law Firm Today
Whether you suffered a slip-and-fall at work or are experiencing long-term effects of repetitive strain, don’t suffer in silence!
The Hoffman Law Firm team is here to help bear the burden – and advocate for you each step of the way.
Contact us directly to discuss your legal options. $0 Upfront Attorney’s Fee. Free consultation.
CASES WE HANDLE
- Wrongful Death
- Catastrophic Injury
- Workers’ Comp
- Longshoreman Injury
- Healthcare Worker Injury
- Electrician Injury
- Roofer Injury
- Logger Injury
- Freight Handler Injury
- Heavy Machine Injury
- Industrial Worker Injury
- View All Cases We Handle
SOURCES & REFERENCES
- National Safety Council (NSC): Work Injury Statistics & Workplace Safety Trends
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC / NIOSH): Occupational Safety and Prevention Guidelines
- South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC): Claims Filing & Injury Notice Requirements
- South Carolina Code of Laws: Title 42 – Workers’ Compensation (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-15-20 Notice of Injury & § 42-15-40 Statute of Limitations)
LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Want to make sure your Workers’ Compensation claim is fully protected? Explore these related guides from Hoffman Law Firm:
- The Serious Impact of Non-Impact Workplace Injuries: A detailed guide on overexertion, repetitive strain, and non-traumatic workplace injury claims.
- South Carolina Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What you need to know about proving repetitive trauma and cumulative stress injuries under SC law.
- 6 Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your SC Workers’ Comp Claim: Essential steps to take—and errors to avoid—to protect your medical care and financial recovery. (https://www.hoffmanlawfirm.com/blog/6-common-mistakes-in-a-workers-compensation-claim)
- What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied: Key steps to take if the insurance company disputes your injury or refuses to cover medical treatment.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every workers’ compensation claim is unique, and the information provided may not apply to your specific situation. If you have questions about your rights after a workplace injury, consult a qualified South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney.
