Injured While Working at a School? Know Your Workers’ Comp Rights in the Carolinas
Aug 13 2025 16:00
Working in a school environment can be one of the most rewarding professions. Whether you're a teacher, administrative staff member, or school support personnel, your day is spent helping students grow, learn, and succeed. But what happens when the job leads to an unexpected injury?
From lifting heavy supplies to slipping in a hallway or getting hurt while assisting a student, accidents in schools are more common than many realize. If you're a school employee in South Carolina or North Carolina who’s been injured on the job, understanding your workers' compensation rights is essential.
At Eller & Frye, our experienced Greenville SC workers’ comp attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
Step 1: Report the Injury Immediately
The most important action after an injury is to notify your supervisor or school administration right away. Whether the injury seems minor or severe, reporting it ensures the incident is documented and sets the foundation for any workers' compensation claim in South Carolina or North Carolina.
Delaying this step could risk your eligibility for benefits.
Step 2: Get Prompt Medical Attention
Seeking medical care immediately isn’t just good for your health—it also ensures your injury is professionally assessed and documented. In most cases, your employer’s workers' compensation insurance will cover all related medical expenses.
This is especially important for educators or staff who are injured while:
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Moving desks or equipment
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Breaking up student altercations
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Assisting a student with mobility
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Slipping on wet or uneven floors
Our school employee workers’ comp attorneys in South Carolina can help ensure your medical rights are protected.
Step 3: Know Your Rights to Lost Wage Compensation
If your injury prevents you from working—whether for days, weeks, or months—you may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. Workers’ comp isn’t just about paying medical bills; it’s also there to help you recover financially while you heal.
An experienced injured teacher workers' compensation lawyer in North Carolina or South Carolina can explain what types of wage benefits may apply to your case.
Step 4: Keep Detailed Documentation
After an on-the-job injury, it’s essential to:
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Write down what happened, including the date, time, and location
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Note any witnesses or coworkers who saw the incident
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Save all medical records, emails, and incident reports
This documentation can be critical if your claim is delayed, disputed, or denied.
Common School Injuries That May Be Covered by Workers' Comp
If you're employed by a school and suffered one of the following injuries, you're likely eligible for workers' compensation benefits:
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Sprains or strains from lifting or assisting students
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Slips and falls on school grounds
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Back or shoulder injuries from moving classroom furniture
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Injuries sustained while supervising field trips or sports
No matter how the injury happened, if it occurred in the course of your job, you deserve support. A Greenville SC workers' compensation attorney can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Eller & Frye Law Firm Supports Educators and School Workers
If you've been injured at a school in South Carolina or North Carolina, don’t go it alone. The workers' comp process can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you're unsure what steps to take.
📞 Schedule a consultation with the experienced attorneys at Eller & Frye. We'll help protect your rights and make sure you receive the benefits you deserve to recover and return to work with confidence.
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