Line-of-Duty Injuries and Legal Rights in SC
Posted September 30, 2026 in Personal Injury
The recent shooting in Columbia that killed one police officer and injured another has affected the city and law enforcement agencies statewide. Beyond the grief, officers and their families often face practical questions about medical care, lost income, and what South Carolina law provides after an on-duty injury.
What Happened on Hazelwood Road
On Saturday morning, August 29, Columbia police responded to a domestic dispute call on Holstein Lane. Officers later located a man matching the suspect’s description near a park on Hazelwood Road, where shots were fired.
Officer Chris DeLong, 29, was killed. Officer David Dymock was injured and listed in stable condition, and the suspect also died, according to local news coverage. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
City police officers are generally covered by workers’ compensation. Those benefits may include:
- Medical treatment related to the injury
- A portion of lost wages during recovery
- Compensation for permanent impairment
- Death benefits and funeral expenses for surviving dependents
Workers’ compensation is usually the only remedy an injured employee has against the employer. It also has limits. It does not pay for pain and suffering, and wage benefits replace only part of a paycheck.
But South Carolina’s workers’ compensation statutes also allow an injured worker to pursue a separate claim against someone other than the employer. That third party might be the person who committed the violent act, a negligent driver, or a property owner. The workers’ compensation carrier may hold a lien on part of any third-party recovery.
South Carolina Rejected the Firefighter’s Rule
Some states bar police officers and firefighters from suing people whose negligence caused their on-the-job injuries. This doctrine is known as the firefighter’s rule.
South Carolina does not follow it. In the Supreme Court’s 2002 decision, the court held that the rule is not part of the state’s common law. Officers here keep the same right to seek damages as any other injured person.
When the Person Responsible Has Died
Surviving family members may receive death benefits through workers’ compensation. Separately, the state’s wrongful death law allows a personal representative to bring a claim when a death is caused by another person’s wrongful act.
That same statute provides that the claim survives even if the wrongdoer dies. It proceeds against his estate. Whether a recovery is realistic depends on available assets and insurance.
Getting Clear Answers After an On-Duty Injury
A Columbia personal injury lawyer can review how workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and liens interact in a specific situation.
Speaking early with a Columbia, SC personal injury lawyer also helps identify every source of coverage before deadlines pass.
Speak With Our Team
If you or a family member was hurt while serving the public, Woron and Dhillon, LLC can explain your options. Contact our office to discuss your situation with a Columbia personal injury lawyer.