South Carolina’s construction industry continues to grow rapidly, bringing both economic opportunity and workplace hazards. Construction workers face daily risks that can lead to life-altering injuries despite safety regulations and precautions. When accidents occur, injured workers often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about their future employment. The construction industry’s dangerous nature is evident in the sobering statistic that nearly 1 in 5 of all workplace fatalities occur in the construction industry. In South Carolina, construction workers have specific legal protections when injured on the job. State law establishes a framework through workers’ compensation insurance and, in certain circumstances, additional legal remedies through third-party claims. At The Clardy Law
Firm, our team of workers’ compensation attorneys has extensive experience aiding construction workers throughout Upstate South Carolina to receive fair compensation.
Construction sites are high-risk areas and can create numerous hazard points where serious accidents can occur. Construction site accidents happen with alarming frequency despite safety regulations and protective measures. To help workers recognize potential dangers and know their compensation rights when injuries occur, it’s important to be familiar with the most prevalent accident types.
Falls from heights represent one of the most dangerous and frequent accidents on construction sites. Workers operating on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and upper building levels face significant risks when proper fall protection is absent or inadequate. Even falls from relatively modest heights can result in life-altering injuries, including the following:
- traumatic brain injuries,
- spinal cord damage,
- multiple fractures, and
- internal organ damage.
Struck-by accidents occur when workers are hit by falling objects, swinging materials, or moving equipment. These incidents are particularly devastating and represent a major concern for construction safety nationwide. In 2020, occupational struck-by incidents caused 150 deaths and 14,000 nonfatal injuries in the construction sector. This totaled $1.4 billion in workers’ compensation direct costs for non-fatal claims with more than 5 days away from work.
On busy construction sites, these accidents happen when:
- tools or materials fall from upper levels,
- heavy equipment operates without proper clearance,
- building materials shift during transport or installation, or
- debris becomes airborne during demolition work.
Electrocution incidents remain a serious threat on construction sites where workers regularly encounter unfinished electrical systems, temporary power solutions, and exposed wiring. These accidents often result from:
- contact with overhead power lines,
- damaged electrical tools or extension cords,
- improper lockout/tagout procedures, or
- wet conditions that amplify electrical dangers.
Machinery accidents involve equipment such as cranes, forklifts, excavators, and bulldozers. These powerful machines can cause catastrophic injuries when:
- operators receive inadequate training,
- equipment maintenance is neglected,
- safety mechanisms fail or are bypassed, or
- visibility is limited during operation.
These construction injury statistics show the critical need for proper safety protocols and adequate compensation systems.
The Cost of Life-Changing Injuries on Construction Sites
Construction work demands physical strength and endurance, but even the most careful workers can sustain serious injuries. The most common construction injuries range from temporarily disabling to permanently life-altering conditions. Understanding these injury types helps workers recognize when they should pursue compensation claims.
Bone fractures and orthopedic injuries frequently result from construction accidents, particularly falls and struck-by incidents. These injuries can vary dramatically in severity and recovery time, often requiring:
- surgical intervention with hardware installation,
- extended immobilization periods,
- intensive physical therapy, and
- potential permanent limitations in mobility.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) represent some of the most serious construction site injuries. These can occur from falls, being struck by objects, or equipment accidents and may cause:
- cognitive impairments affecting memory and concentration,
- personality changes and emotional regulation difficulties,
- balance and coordination problems, and
- long-term disability requiring ongoing care.
Soft tissue injuries including sprains, strains, and tears affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Construction workers frequently develop these injuries from:
- repetitive motion tasks,
- heavy lifting without proper equipment or technique,
- awkward positioning required by construction tasks, or
- sudden movements to avoid other hazards.
Burns and electrical injuries range from minor to life-threatening and can occur through:
- contact with hot surfaces or materials,
- chemical exposure during application or spills,
- arc flash events from electrical equipment, or
- direct electrical contact with power sources.
These dangers are reflected in state-specific data, showing that in 2022, construction and extraction contributed to 17% of total occupation fatalities in South Carolina. This statistic demonstrates the ongoing risks faced by construction workers throughout our state. At The Clardy Law Firm, we understand how these injuries affect not just your ability to work but your overall quality of life and family dynamics, so we work hard to secure the workers’ compensation settlement you deserve.
South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation System
South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system provides crucial protections for injured construction workers. This no-fault insurance program serves as the primary compensation method for workplace injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. Understanding this system is essential for securing the benefits you deserve after sustaining one of the most common construction injuries.
South Carolina Code § 42-1-150 requires all employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system is designed to provide:
- coverage for necessary medical treatment,
- replacement of a portion of lost wages,
- compensation for permanent impairments, and
- vocational rehabilitation services when needed.
The workers’ compensation claim process begins with prompt injury reporting. Workers must notify their employer of injuries within 90 days, though immediate reporting is strongly recommended to avoid complications. After reporting:
- your employer must file a First Report of Injury with their insurance carrier;
- you will be directed to authorized medical providers for treatment; and
- the insurance company will investigate your claim and determine whether to allow or deny your claim for benefits.
While the workers’ compensation system seems straightforward, complications frequently arise. Insurance companies may:
- question whether your injury is work-related,
- dispute the severity of your condition,
- pressure you to return to work prematurely, or
- challenge necessary medical treatments or other benefits.
We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to help construction workers understand their workers’ compensation rights. Our local team
of dedicated attorneys works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Securing Full Compensation for Your Recovery
South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system offers several distinct benefit categories to address different injury scenarios. The specific workers’ compensation benefits available depend on the nature and severity of your construction site accident and resulting injuries. Medical benefits form the foundation of workers’ compensation coverage. These benefits ensure injured workers receive proper treatment without financial burden, including:
- hospital and emergency room care,
- surgical procedures and follow-up care,
- prescription medications,
- physical and occupational therapy,
- necessary medical equipment, and
- reimbursement for travel to medical appointments.
Wage replacement benefits help sustain workers financially during recovery periods. South Carolina offers several workers’ compensation benefits categories:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) provides income when you cannot work at all during recovery, paying 66.67% of your average weekly wage.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) applies when you can work limited hours or duties, covering 66.67% of the difference between your pre-injury and current wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) compensates for permanent impairments to specific body parts based on a schedule of injuries.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) provides long-term benefits for workers with injuries so severe they cannot return to any gainful employment.
Additional benefits may include:
- vocational rehabilitation services to help you transition to new employment if you cannot return to construction work,
- death benefits for dependents of workers who suffer fatal construction injuries, and
- compensation for disfigurement visible in normal clothing or affecting earning capacity.
Our attorneys help injured construction workers apply these benefits to their specific situation and seek full compensation for their injuries.
Pursuing Third-Party Claims for Construction Injuries
While workers’ compensation provides essential benefits, it doesn’t cover all losses associated with construction injuries. In many cases, parties other than your employer can contribute to construction site accidents. Third-party claims become viable when entities outside your employment relationship share responsibility for your injury. Unlike workers’ compensation, these claims require proving negligence but offer expanded compensation options.
Construction sites typically involve multiple companies working simultaneously, creating potential third-party liability through:
- equipment manufacturers who design or sell defective products,
- subcontractors whose negligence creates hazardous conditions,
- property owners who fail to address known safety issues,
- general contractors who neglect site-wide safety protocols, or
- vendors delivering materials in an unsafe manner.
The compensation available through third-party claims goes beyond workers’ compensation limits and may include:
- recovery of past and future medical expenses,
- compensation for lost earning capacity,
- pain and suffering damages,
- emotional distress,
- loss of enjoyment of life, and
- loss of consortium for impacts on marital relationships.
Identifying liable third parties and proving negligence makes legal representation particularly valuable in these cases. These claims involve thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and expert testimony to establish liability and damages.
Take Action After a Construction Injury
Construction work builds our communities but comes with significant risks. Construction injury statistics consistently rank the industry among the most dangerous, with thousands of workers suffering serious injuries annually. The Clardy Law Firm is proud to serve construction workers throughout Upstate South Carolina. We offer accessible legal support through multiple communication channels, comprehensive case evaluation, and a contingency fee structure that eliminates financial barriers to quality representation.
If you’ve suffered a construction injury, remember that prompt action preserves your rights. Report your injury immediately, seek authorized medical care, document your accident and recovery, and consider professional legal guidance. With the proper support, you can focus on recovery while ensuring your legal and financial interests remain protected. Contact us at 864-233-8888 today for a free case evaluation.
