Smith v. Barnwell County

This case presents the question whether an inmate injured while serving time on weekends may include his full time employment wages in addition to prison pay in determining his average weekly wage, for purposes of workers’ compensation. Because we find that the legislature intended to deny inmates the right to combine wages, we find that Respondent may not do so. We therefore reverse the circuit court’s decision to the contrary.

FACTS

After a conviction for driving under the influence, Appellant James A. Smith served time on weekends at the Barnwell County Detention Center, where he was…