People are the most important part of any business. They’re the reason we do what we do. If a member of your team is hurt on the job, or develops a sickness or injury, then worker’s compensation insurance is there for them.

We will work with you to provide the best protection for both your team and your business.

Do I Need Worker’s Compensation Insurance?

According to South Carolina law, a business must have worker’s compensation coverage—also called ‘worker’s comp’—for its employees if it has four or more employees. This requirement applies to both for profit businesses and non-profit organizations, and applies to both full and part-time employees.

Even if you have less than four employees though, having worker’s compensation is a good idea, as it provides important protection to both your employees and your business as a whole.

What does Worker’s Compensation Cover?

Worker’s compensation insurance is designed to pay employees who suffer an injury or a disease as a result of their work. This is meant to pay them for pain and suffering, medical costs from their injury, and lost wages if they are unable to work due to this injury.

While some types of injuries might seem obvious, worker’s compensation can cover a wide range of claims. An employee may be entitled to compensation after an common injury on the job, like a back injury when loading heavy cargo onto a truck, or falling from a ladder. Repetitive stress injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a covered injury, if it was caused because of the employee’s work.

Worker’s compensation can also pay for a percentage of an employee’s lost wages if they are unable to work because of an on-the-job injury.

What is not covered by Worker’s Comp?

If an employee gets hurt on the job, but was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the claim will likely be denied. The same goes for injuries caused intentionally. If an employee is injured at home, (i.e. not on the job) or while commuting to work, they will also not be covered. Acting outside of proper protocol can also be a reason for a claim to be denied.

How Does Worker’s Compensation Insurance protect my business?

Hopefully, none of your team ever gets injured on the job, but if they are, and they decide you or your business is to blame, it could end up in a law suit. Having sufficient levels of worker’s compensation insurance protects your business from a devastating liability claim by providing funds to pay your injured employee, either before they decide to file suit, or even if they do.

How much will Worker’s Comp cost?

Your rates will be based on several factors, including what state you’re in, and the amount of payroll your business has. The type of work that your employees do is also an extremely important factor, since electricians on ladders are at significantly greater risk than someone sitting at a desk. Past claims history will also be a contributing factor to your rate.

We work with our clients closely to find the right combination of coverage and price in a worker’s compensation policy, as well as look to make sure the details of your business are accurately represented by your policy. If you have some staff that sit in an air-conditioned office while most of your team is on jobsites, yet all of your employees are classified the same way on your policy, you are probably paying too much.

By working with an independent agent, you get the expertise to look for these kinds of savings, as well as access to coverage from a wide selection of the best companies in the business.