Warehouse & Logistics Injury Lawyers — North Charleston, SC
North Charleston’s proximity to the Port of Charleston and I-26 has made it one of the Southeast’s major warehouse and distribution hubs. Distribution centers, fulfillment warehouses, cold storage facilities, and cross-dock operations employ thousands of workers in physically demanding roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks warehousing among the most dangerous industries — with injury rates nearly double the national average for all workers.
Roden Law represents North Charleston warehouse and logistics workers injured on the job. We pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and third-party personal injury claims to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Common Warehouse & Logistics Injuries
- Forklift accidents: Struck by forklifts, pinned between forklift and racking, falls from elevated platforms on forklifts, and tip-over incidents. Forklifts are involved in approximately 85 workplace fatalities annually nationwide.
- Falling merchandise: Improperly stacked pallets, overloaded racking systems, and items falling from height. A single pallet falling from upper racking can weigh 2,000+ pounds.
- Loading dock accidents: Falls from dock edges (4-5 foot drops to concrete), trailer separation incidents where the gap opens between dock and trailer, and being struck by backing trucks
- Repetitive strain: Constant lifting, bending, reaching, and scanning causes back injuries, shoulder injuries, carpal tunnel, and herniated discs over time
- Conveyor system injuries: Caught-in and caught-between incidents involving automated conveyor belts, sortation systems, and robotic picking equipment
- Slip and fall: Wet floors, spilled product, shrink wrap, and debris on warehouse floors
- Heat-related illness: Non-climate-controlled warehouses in South Carolina summers regularly exceed 100°F
Workers’ Comp + Third-Party Claims
Warehouse injuries often involve third parties who can be sued separately from your workers’ comp claim:
- Forklift manufacturers: Defective brakes, failed masts, or stability issues
- Racking system installers: Improperly installed or under-rated racking that collapses
- Staffing agencies: Temporary workers may have claims against both the staffing agency and the host warehouse
- Delivery truck drivers: Pulling away from a loading dock while workers are inside the trailer
- Property owners: Landlords responsible for building maintenance (floors, lighting, doors)
- Equipment maintenance companies: Third-party maintenance of forklifts, conveyors, and dock levelers
Major Warehouse Employers in North Charleston
North Charleston and the surrounding area host major distribution operations including:
- Port of Charleston warehousing and cross-dock facilities
- Boeing supply chain and logistics operations
- Amazon and e-commerce fulfillment centers
- Cold storage and food distribution warehouses
- Regional retail distribution centers
- Third-party logistics (3PL) providers
Temporary Worker Rights
Many warehouse workers in North Charleston are employed through staffing agencies (temporary workers). If you’re a temp worker:
- You’re entitled to workers’ comp through your staffing agency
- You may have third-party claims against the host warehouse for unsafe conditions
- The host warehouse cannot retaliate against you for filing a claim
- Both the staffing agency and host warehouse have duties to train you on specific hazards
OSHA Standards for Warehouses
OSHA enforces specific standards for warehouse operations including powered industrial truck (forklift) certification, racking load limits and inspection requirements, fall protection at loading docks, and heat illness prevention. Violations documented by OSHA or identified after your injury strengthen your claim.
Filing Deadlines
- Workers’ comp notice: 90 days from injury (S.C. Code § 42-15-20)
- Workers’ comp claim: 2 years from injury (S.C. Code § 42-15-40)
- Third-party lawsuit: 3 years from injury (S.C. Code § 15-3-530)
Contact Roden Law at (843) 612-6561 for a free evaluation of both your workers’ comp and third-party claim options.
