South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 67 - SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION
Article 8 - SETTLEMENTS, PROCEDURES
Section 67-801 - Settlement of the Claim, General

A. After the claimant reaches maximum medical improvement the parties may agree to settle the claim by signing a Form 16 or Form 16A, Agreement for Permanent Disability/Disfigurement Compensation, or by signing an Agreement and Final Release (clincher).

B. If each party is represented by an attorney, an appearance before a Commissioner is not required for approval of a settlement unless either party requests an informal conference, or the Commissioner schedules a hearing.

C. If the claimant is not represented by an attorney, the parties must appear before the Commissioner assigned to the claim at an informal conference for approval of the settlement. At the informal conference, the Commissioner will review the proposed settlement and may approve it if the Commissioner finds the settlement fairly made and in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

D. A Form 16 or Form 16A retains the claimant's right to request a hearing according to R.67-207 for additional benefits not later than one year from the date of the last compensation payment. By signing the Form 16 or Form 16A, the employer's representative does not agree it will make any additional payments in the future unless the form specifically provides otherwise.

E. An Agreement and Final Release (clincher) relieves the employer and its representative from any further responsibility for payment of compensation or medical expenses, unless the Agreement and Final Release specifically provides otherwise. When the claimant signs the Agreement and Final Release and it is approved, the claimant does not have the right to ask for additional payments in the future even if the claimant's medical condition worsens, unless otherwise specifically provided in the document.

F. An official copy of the settlement is approved and certified by the Commission as binding.