Most Dangerous Jobs in America: South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Rights Every High-Risk Employee Should Know

Do you have one of the most dangerous jobs in America? If so, know that you have workers’ compensation rights. From our experienced Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer at Bobby Jones Law, here’s what every high-risk employee should know.

What Makes a Job Legally “Dangerous” Under South Carolina Law?

South Carolina law requires employers to furnish a safe workplace, free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. When an employer doesn’t address safety issues, a job may be legally considered dangerous.

While any job can result in injury, some jobs are considered among the most dangerous jobs in America.

The Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America by Fatality Rates, 2024 – Chart

These figures do not include government workers.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Number and rate of fatal work injuries, civilian workers.

Which High-Risk Industries Have the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims in SC?

South Carolina employers reported 28,000 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024. Of these reports, 17,500 cases resulted in work disruption, including lost work days, transfer, or restrictions.

In South Carolina, these industries have the highest rates of nonfatal on-the-job injuries:

South Carolina Workplace Injuries by Industry – Chart

These figures do not include government workers. State and local government workers in South Carolina have high injury rates – 3.7 reported injuries per 100 workers during the reporting period.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are High-Risk Employees Entitled to in South Carolina?

Here are some workers’ compensation benefits that high-risk employees are entitled to in South Carolina:

1. Emergency care: You may seek care from any healthcare provider in an emergency.
2. Medical care: Care may include diagnostic testing, evaluation, and treatment.
3. Supplies: Medical supplies and prescriptions.
4. Physical therapy: If it will cure, lessen the period of disability, or provide relief.
5. Procedures: Including surgery, if medically appropriate.
6. Replacement income: If you can’t work because of injuries.
7. Vocational rehabilitation: To minimize income loss.
8. Disability: When injuries result in permanent impairment.

Benefits are determined individually, based on medical needs, income loss, and permanent impairment.

Does Workers’ Comp Cover All Injuries in Dangerous Jobs?

Yes, but there are certain exceptions and points to consider

In South Carolina, all employers with at least four employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. This includes part-time and seasonal employees. To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must be an employee, rather than an independent contractor. But your employer can’t avoid paying by calling you a contractor if you function as an employee.

For your dangerous job injury to be covered by workers’ compensation, you must not be disqualified because of intoxication or willful harm.

What Happens When Workers’ Comp Isn’t Enough After a Dangerous Job Injury?

If workers’ comp isn’t enough following a serious injury, you may qualify for a third-party claim. If someone other than the employer is negligent and causes injury, you may have a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation. Examples are a car accident where someone else is at fault and malfunctioning equipment.

Ask an attorney if you may qualify for a third-party liability claim. There are things to know and consider when you evaluate what claims to pursue.

In addition, you may qualify for SSDI benefits if a long-term disability prevents you from working.

Can You Sue Your Employer for a Dangerous Job Injury in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you can sue an employer if they intentionally expose you to a dangerous work environment. Additionally, if the employer lacks the necessary workers’ compensation insurance, they could be held directly liable.

The standard is high. Most workplace injuries don’t result in direct employer liability.

In addition, employers may be cited and fined for violating occupational safety and health standards.

What To Do Immediately After an Injury in a High-Risk Job in South Carolina

When an injury occurs in a high-risk job in South Carolina, protect immediate safety. Do what you can to prevent additional accidents and incidents.

Seek the appropriate level of medical care. For emergencies, follow emergency response directives until help arrives. Follow any training that you have for injury response and fire response, as appropriate.

For emergencies, you can go to the nearest, appropriate healthcare provider, including an emergency room or ambulance transfer.

Tell your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Submit the report in writing (email is acceptable). Don’t assume the employer knows unless they complete a written report and give you a copy.

Continue to follow medical care instructions. You may involve an attorney at any point in the process. Because the most dangerous jobs in America often result in serious injury, it is usually wise to involve an attorney early.

Why High-Risk Workers in Greenville Need an Experienced Greenville Workers’ Comp Attorney

Even though you do a dangerous job for your employer, employers still fight good workers’ compensation claims. While you’re recovering, you’re learning about the workers’ compensation system, but your employer has teams of lawyers ready to fight claims.

An attorney can help you get the benefits you deserve and work to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Bobby Jones Law knows that high-risk workers need an experienced Greenville workers’ compensation attorney to fight for them. We take care of everything, including preserving your rights, evaluating your benefits, and fighting for the compensation that you deserve.

To talk to an attorney and get legal help, call or message us now.