Workplace Falls in Charleston: Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims After a Serious Injury

The Incident

A commercial roofer working on a renovation project near Charleston’s Upper Peninsula fell through an unguarded opening in August 2026. He fractured both ankles and injured his lower back. His employer reported the injury as a workers’ compensation matter, but the opening had been created by a separate subcontractor and the general contractor controlled site access and safety meetings. The worker’s immediate medical treatment was covered, yet no one explained whether those other companies could be legally responsible for the additional pain, lost earning capacity, and long-term disability.

What South Carolina Law Says

South Carolina workers’ compensation generally provides medical care and wage benefits for an employee injured in the course of employment, while limiting suits against the direct employer. It does not necessarily prevent a negligence or product-liability action against a responsible third party. Construction sites commonly involve owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and manufacturers whose separate conduct may create liability.

Your Rights and Options

Report the injury promptly, follow medical restrictions, and preserve photographs of the site, equipment, harnesses, and footwear. Do not give away or repair safety equipment before it is documented. Identify every company and worker present, and do not sign a release before determining whether third-party claims exist.

What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases

I map the contractual and operational control of the jobsite, inspect the physical evidence, and review safety meetings, OSHA materials, prior complaints, and incident records. The goal is to separate the workers’ compensation claim from every independent source of negligence.

How Insurance Companies Will Fight Back

Contractors often argue they did not control the injured worker or that another subcontractor created the hazard. Those positions must be compared against actual site control, safety directives, inspection duties, and the conduct of each company.

Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices

These cases combine workplace injury, workers’ compensation, premises liability, and product liability law.

My Final Thoughts

Workers’ compensation is important, but it may not fully compensate a seriously injured worker. Before accepting benefits as the end of the matter, investigate every third party connected to the jobsite.

This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on publicly available legal information and may not reflect the most current developments. For advice specific to your situation, please contact Traywick Law Offices.