Justia South Carolina Supreme Court Opinion Summaries

AnMed Health admitted liability to Respondent Elise Burke stemming from a trial held in 2005. Respondent was injured from a preoperative procedure, and the jury awarded her $250,000 in damages. AnMed appealed the verdict, arguing that the trial court made several mistakes in the proceedings, which ultimately entitled it to a new trial. Specifically, AnMed looked to the state's "thirteenth juror" doctrine which allowed a trial court to grant a new trial if it determined the jury verdict was "contrary to the fair preponderance of the evidence." The Supreme Court conceded that the thirteenth juror doctrine grants a trials court very broad discretion in determining whether a new trial is warranted, and the Court agreed that the jury verdict in this case was "generous." However, the Court found the trial judge's ruling to deny AnMed's motion for a new trial was within his discretion, and affirmed the lower court's decision.

Appellants Hanson Brick America, Inc and Zurich North America appeal the circuit court's order reversing the appellate panel of the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission's finding that Respondent Lawson's knee problems were not causally related to his back injury sustained on the job, and the awarding Respondent temporary total disability benefits. Respondent, a fork lift operator, was injured while moving a bag of motor. Diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, Respondent underwent surgery and had bones fused and screws inserted in his spine. Following surgery, Respondent still suffered from back pain; several months later, he developed pain in both knees that affected his ability to walk. Respondent filed a Form 50 with the Commission to report his injuries, and seeking temporary total disability benefits. Appellants challenged Respondent's claim. The Commission's hearing officer ruled that Respondent was entitled to receive temporary total disability benefits, but that the pains in his knees were not a compensible injury. Prior to the Commission's final order, Respondent sought to have newly discovered evidence admitted for the Commission's consideration; Appellants objected, but the commissioner determined that Respondent, in addition to benefits for his back injury, should also receive compensation for his knee pain. On review of the records, the Supreme Court reversed the circuit court's determination that Lawson was entitled to temporary total disability benefits and further evaluation of his knees, and remand the case back to the appellate panel for reconsideration of all evidence.