Michael E. Chase
ShareholderMike Chase, a shareholder with over 34 years of experience, leads Turner Padget’s Workers’ Compensation Defense Practice. He and his team provide practical counsel to both national and SC based clients, defending workers’ compensation claims and advising employers, carriers, and self-insured clients.
Mike’s expertise extends to representing a diverse array of industries, including healthcare systems, airlines, package delivery companies, restaurant chains, national retailers, transportation companies, manufacturers, construction firms, and food producers. Approved as panel counsel for most workers’ compensation carriers and third-party administrators in South Carolina, Mike handles complex claims for large accounts while maintaining a robust caseload for carriers and self-insured employers.
A Certified Civil Court Mediator, Mike specializes in resolving disputes efficiently, helping other attorneys avoid the time, cost, and frustration of litigation. He works collaboratively with employers and adjusters, tailoring strategies to align with their risk management goals. His proactive approach includes assisting clients in developing and refining workers’ compensation claims procedures to ensure effective management from the outset.
Mike is Legal Advisor to the Board of the South Carolina Employers’ Advocacy Association, which operates as “the voice” of South Carolina Employers for WC issues. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Workers’ Compensation (2008–Present) and holds a Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating™.
Through his leadership, advocacy, and mediation skills, Mike ensures his clients receive effective and innovative solutions tailored to their needs, with an eye towards quick resolution of claims.
- Obtained favorable ruling (denial on basis of internal breakdown) for manufacturer where employee claimed that rising from a stooped position while working on a saw blade resulting in a compensable and disabling knee injury under South Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.
- Successfully represented a hospital (Commissioner denied compensability) where employee claimed she was totally disabled as result of being exposed to perfumes and fragrances as result of having to work at a reception desk requiring her to be exposed to patient visitors throughout the day, thus aggravating a severe pre-existing allergy/pulmonary condition.
- Resolved high value claim at mediation on compromised basis where claimant who was just starting out in nursing career was run over by a hit and run driver while on a smoke break, claimed physical brain damage, and had lifetime medical and home health needs for multiple injuries which prevented her from returning to work.
- Reached favorable settlement at mediation for HVAC contractor where 48-year old employee suffered back injury with poor outcome, had spinal cord stimulator placed with little effective relief, and claimed no viable transferable skills and total disability.
- Obtained mediated settlement terms well below exposure estimate in case where claimant contended fall from ladder while working for telecommunications company rendered him totally disabled. We worked closely with employer, private investigator, and vocational expert to develop evidence which countered the purported total disability.
- University of South Carolina, J.D., 1990
- University of South Carolina, B.A., 1987
- South Carolina Bar, 1990
Professional or Industry Involvement
- South Carolina Employers' Advocacy Association, formerly South Carolina Self Insurers Association (Legal Advisor to the Board, 2018-Present)
- South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Educational Association (2018 Educational Conference Planning Committee)
- South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association
- American Bar Association
Community or Pro Bono Involvement
- First Baptist Church, Columbia, SC (Former chairman of Deacons and current Personnel Committee Chair)
- Best Lawyers in America, Workers’ Compensation, 2008-2024
- Columbia Metropolitan Best Attorneys in the Midlands, 2013
- Supreme Court of South Carolina, Certified Civil Court Mediator
- Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™-AV Preeminent®
Presentations & Speaking Engagements
- South Carolina Occupational Health/Workers Compensation Seminar, moderator for “Ask the expert: A Panel Discussion” (2017)
- South Carolina Employers’ Advocacy Association, Moderator for Case Law Update Panel Discussion (2017)
News
- 29 Turner Padget Attorneys Honored Among Top in the Nation by Best Lawyers
- 30 Turner Padget Attorneys Named Among Best Lawyers In America
- 33 Turner Padget Attorneys Named Among Best Lawyers In America
- 24 Turner Padget Lawyers Named Among Best Lawyers in America
- 26 Turner Padget Lawyers Named Among Best Lawyers in America
- 20 Turner Padget Lawyers Named Among Best Lawyers in America
- "Law360 Names Attorneys Who Moved Up the Firm Ranks in Q1," Law360
- "Lawyers on the Move," South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
- "Turner Padget Appoints Office Managing Shareholders and Practice Group Leaders Across the Firm"
- 20 Turner Padget Lawyers Named Among Best Lawyers in America
- Mike Chase Provides Case Study for South Carolina Self-Insurers Association
- Mike Chase Publishes Article in Risk Management Magazine
- Chase Publishes Article in Workforce Magazine
