Who is responsible for paying workers' compensation?

The responsibility for paying workers' compensation falls primarily on the employer. This is because workers' compensation insurance is designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, and it is the employer's obligation to secure this insurance coverage. Employers pay premiums to an insurance provider, which then pays out benefits to affected employees.

The system is set up to protect both employees and employers. Employees receive timely medical care and compensation for lost wages, while employers benefit from immunity from lawsuits related to workplace injuries, as long as they comply with the workers' compensation laws.

In most jurisdictions, including South Carolina, employers are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance, ensuring that employees are covered in case of an accident. This legal requirement underscores the employer's role in facilitating workers’ compensation, making them ultimately responsible for its associated costs.