Most Common Warehouse Work Injuries That Go Unreported in South Carolina (2025)

Warehouses play a critical role in the economy of South Carolina. These worksites, however, can also be places where horrific injuries happen due to errors or negligence. Oftentimes, a warehouse work injury can cause physical and financial devastation to victims and their families. Some workers may be apprehensive about reporting their injuries, and you may be curious about the most common warehouse work injuries that go unreported in South Carolina.

Every warehouse is different. An employee might suffer a fall on the job or become pinned by heavy machinery. Repetitive motions when lifting and stacking boxes can cause conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or bursitis. In many cases, workers have the right to report these injuries and file a claim with their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, yet many don’t for a variety of reasons.

Most Common Injuries Suffered by Warehouse Employees in South Carolina

No warehouse is immune to accidents that can cause injuries. Thankfully, most employees in South Carolina are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act and can seek financial assistance if they are injured at work. Yet, workers may still choose not to report their injury to their employers.

Some of the most common injuries suffered by warehouse employees that go unreported include the following:

Overexertion Injuries

Many individuals in warehouses must lift heavy materials or boxes, which can lead to repetitive stress or overexertion injuries, often affecting their musculoskeletal system and joints. Many workers can suffer chronic pain conditions or torn ligaments and tendons due to overexertion.

Spinal Cord Injuries

These injuries can occur when a worker sustains an impact on their neck, shoulders, or upper back from falling stock or objects. This can lead to lasting complications such as chronic pain conditions.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Workers in South Carolina warehouses can suffer injuries to their body’s soft tissues, such as whiplash. These injuries can be painful and cause serious range of motion and flexibility issues that can become difficult to treat as they develop.

Internal Injuries

Though internal injuries can be apparent right away, they can also severely harm the suffering individual. Some internal injuries can become extremely dangerous and difficult to treat if not dealt with in a swift and effective manner.

Why Warehouse Injuries Go Unreported by Workers

Employees in warehouses may be less likely to report an injury due to fear that they will receive reprisal from their employer rather than assistance. These workers may be under the assumption that being injured is just a normal part of their employment. Other times, a worker may believe that their injury is not serious and decide to keep working instead of seeking medical attention.

Both of these scenarios can cause conditions to worsen. Although it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for exercising your right to workers’ compensation, many employees are still nervous when it comes to reporting their warehouse work injuries for a variety of reasons, including:

• Fear of retaliation. One of the most common reasons many warehouse work injuries go unreported is that many employees are concerned their employer may retaliate against them for filing a workers’ comp claim. Workers are often afraid they will be demoted, punished, or even fired. Fortunately, South Carolina has regulations in place that do not allow employers to lawfully take these actions against workers.
• Fear of costs. Another reason that many warehouse injuries go unreported is that the employers themselves underreport these incidents because they do not want to increase the costs associated with workers’ compensation. They also under-report due to concerns that it can harm their chances of winning contracts.
• The injury is minor. Many workers believe that their warehouse work injury is minor and does not warrant financial assistance through workers’ comp. They might accept that the pain they are suffering from is a natural part of their job, they know of home treatments that are sufficient enough to help them find relief, or they are unsure whether the symptoms they are suffering are related to work.
• Discouraged from reporting. Some employees may forgo reporting their work injury due to safety incentive programs that reward workers for reducing the rates of workplace injuries.

FAQs

What Should I Do After a Warehouse Accident?

If you have been injured in a warehouse accident in South Carolina, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your safety and the success of your workers’ compensation claim. First, you need to report your injury to your employer. The law keeps them from retaliating against you, and they will help you file your claim. You should also seek medical attention and the assistance of a lawyer.

What Are Some Common Accidents That Take Place in a Warehouse?

There are several accidents that can occur in warehouses. Some of the most common include slip-and-fall accidents, truck accidents as semis unload or load cargo, loading dock accidents such as falling from the dock or being crushed during the loading or unloading of cargo, forklift accidents, and being caught or pinned between heavy machinery or equipment.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Warehouse Accident?

When you file for workers’ compensation following a warehouse accident, there are several forms of damages you may be able to cover depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. You may be able to recover any lost income, seek permanent or temporary disability benefits, have your related medical costs covered, and seek assistance for vocational training if you are unable to return to your position at the warehouse.

Can You File a Civil Claim for a Workplace Accident in SC?

In certain cases, you may be able to file a civil claim for damages in a workplace accident in South Carolina if you can prove that the accident and your injuries were caused intentionally or by a negligent or reckless third party. These third parties might be a truck driver who does not work for your company, the manufacturer or designer of malfunctioning or defective machinery, or a property owner.

Speak With a South Carolina Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

If you have suffered an injury at your South Carolina warehouse workplace, you deserve to seek compensation under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance without fear of retaliation. Axelrod & Associates, P.A. is here to ensure you receive the physical and financial assistance you are due. Contact our offices today to schedule an initial consultation with our team.