What CompNet Does and How to Use It in South Carolina

CompNet is South Carolina's workers' compensation insurance network

CompNet is the state-mandated system that manages workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina. It is run by the South Carolina Department of Insurance and serves as the central hub where employers purchase coverage, workers report injuries, and claims get processed. If you are an employer in South Carolina, you must obtain workers' compensation insurance through CompNet or a private carrier approved by the state.

The system exists to protect both workers and employers. When an employee is injured on the job, CompNet's network handles the claim from filing through payment of medical bills and wage replacement benefits. For employers, it provides a standardized way to meet the state's insurance requirement and reduces the risk of lawsuits from workplace injuries.

Key Takeaways

• CompNet is South Carolina's workers' compensation insurance system, managed by the Department of Insurance, and is required for most employers in the state.
• Employers can purchase coverage directly through CompNet or through private insurance carriers that are approved to operate in South Carolina.
• Injured workers report claims through their employer's insurance carrier, which then coordinates with CompNet's network for processing and payment.
• CompNet maintains a database of claims history and helps ensure that injured workers receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits according to state law.

How employers get workers' compensation coverage

Most South Carolina employers are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance. The size threshold and industry type determine whether your business must participate. Sole proprietors and partners without employees are typically exempt, but once you hire staff, coverage becomes mandatory.

You have two main routes: purchase a policy through CompNet directly, or buy from a private insurance carrier licensed to sell workers' compensation in South Carolina. Private carriers often compete on price and service, while CompNet serves as the insurer of last resort for employers who cannot obtain coverage elsewhere. Either way, your policy must meet state minimum requirements for coverage limits and benefits.

When you set up coverage, you will provide information about your business type, number of employees, and payroll. The insurance carrier uses this to calculate your premium. You can update your policy as your business changes—adding employees, changing job classifications, or adjusting payroll estimates.

What happens when a worker is injured

An injured employee should report the injury to their supervisor or employer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. The employer then files a claim with their insurance carrier. The carrier has a duty to investigate the claim and determine whether it is covered under the policy and state law.

Once approved, the claim enters the CompNet system. The injured worker receives medical treatment through an authorized provider, and the insurance carrier pays those bills directly. If the injury causes lost wages, the worker may receive wage replacement benefits—typically a percentage of their average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum.

The worker does not pay for medical care related to the injury, and they do not have to sue their employer to receive benefits. This is the trade-off: workers give up the right to sue in exchange for may provide medical coverage and wage replacement, regardless of who was at fault.

Accessing your claim information and records

Employers and injured workers can track claim status through their insurance carrier's website or by calling the carrier directly. Most carriers provide online portals where you can view claim details, medical bills paid, and benefit payments made. The South Carolina Department of Insurance also maintains records and can answer questions about how claims should be handled under state law.

If you are an injured worker and your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and argue why your injury should be covered. Many workers hire an attorney to represent them at this stage, though it is not required.

Disputes and appeals in the CompNet system

Disagreements can arise over whether an injury is work-related, the extent of disability, or the amount of benefits owed. CompNet's system includes a dispute resolution process. If you and your insurance carrier cannot agree, either party can request a hearing with the Workers' Compensation Commission.

The Commission is an independent state agency that hears cases and makes decisions about disputed claims. A hearing officer reviews medical evidence, witness testimony, and the details of how the injury occurred. The decision can be appealed further to the Commission's full board, and in some cases to state court.

This process can take months, so many disputes are settled through negotiation before a formal hearing. Your insurance carrier may offer a settlement, or you may choose to pursue the claim through the hearing process if you believe the initial decision was wrong.

Reporting requirements and compliance

Employers must report workplace injuries to their insurance carrier within a set timeframe—typically within 10 days of learning about the injury. Failure to report can result in penalties and may affect the claim's status. The employer must also keep records of all injuries and illnesses, even those that do not result in a claim.

South Carolina's Department of Insurance conducts audits of employers and carriers to ensure compliance with state law. If an employer is found to be operating without required coverage, they face fines and potential legal action. Workers injured while their employer lacked insurance may be able to recover through the state's uninsured employers' fund, though this process is separate from CompNet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use CompNet if I am an employer in South Carolina?

You must have workers' compensation insurance if you have employees, but you can purchase it from CompNet or from any private carrier licensed in South Carolina. CompNet is the option of last resort if you cannot obtain coverage from a private insurer. Check with the Department of Insurance for a list of approved carriers.

What if my employer does not have workers' compensation insurance?

Report the situation to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Injured workers whose employers lack required coverage may file a claim with the state's uninsured employers' fund, which provides benefits similar to those under a standard policy. You can also consult with an attorney about your options.

How long does it take to receive benefits after I report an injury?

Medical treatment typically begins within days of claim approval. Wage replacement benefits usually start within one to two weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly your employer reports the injury and the carrier processes the claim. Contact your carrier for a specific estimate based on your case.

Can I choose my own doctor for a work injury?

In most cases, you must see a doctor authorized by your employer's insurance carrier. However, after a certain period or under specific circumstances, you may have the right to change doctors. Ask your carrier about the rules that apply to your claim.

What if I disagree with the insurance company's decision on my claim?

You can request a hearing before the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. File your request within the timeframe specified in the denial letter. Many workers consult an attorney before pursuing a hearing, as the process involves presenting evidence and testimony to a hearing officer.