Cothran v. Brown

Justice BURNETT:

We granted a writ of certiorari to review the Court of Appeals’ opinion in Cothran v. Brown, 350 S.C. 352, 566 S.E.2d 548 (2002). We reverse.

Petitioner, Alvin Brown (Brown), pled guilty to reckless homicide, pursuant to S.C.Code Ann. § 56-5-2910 (1976), in connection with the death of Douglas J. McFaddin (McFad- din). Respondent, Ferrell Cothran, as personal representative of McFaddin’s estate, filed a civil action asserting wrongful death and survival claims against Brown. The trial court granted partial summary judgment for McFaddin’s estate on the issue of liability,…