According to South Carolina state law, any business with at least four employees is legally obligated to have workers’ compensation insurance for the purpose of providing benefits to employees who have been injured on the job. However, there a few exceptions to this rule. Some industries are not required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and those that are do not have to issue payments for all occupational conditions. Read on to learn more about the exemptions to South Carolina workers’ compensation laws.
What Types of Employers Are Not Required to Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina law specifies certain industries that do not have to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, regardless of the size of the operation. Agricultural businesses, railroad and railway express companies, state and county fair associations, and some real estate agents who are paid through a commission-based structure are exempt from workers’ compensation insurance requirements. Employers in these industries are welcome to institute workers’ compensation insurance if they choose to.
What Conditions Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation, According to South Carolina State Law?
Employers are not required to cover certain conditions through a workers’ compensation plan. Not only does the state not require coverage of some ailments, but directly prohibits employers from providing workers’ compensation benefits to cover the associated expenses of some occupational injuries and diseases.
Workers’ compensation in South Carolina cannot legally cover mental conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Stress
Employers in South Carolina are also prohibited from covering the following conditions if they were not connected to another injury:
- Aneurisms
- Embolisms
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
Workers’ compensation claim denials can be challenged, and the circumstances of a case can affect the benefits an injured employee receives. To learn about the benefits you are entitled to following an on-the-job injury, contact Christian & Christian.
Call (864) 408-8883 or use our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation with our attorneys. We represent clients throughout the state of South Carolina.