Hutson v. South Carolina State Ports Authority

In this workers’ compensation appeal, we must determine whether speculative testimony by the claimant concerning his possible future work as a restaurateur qualifies as substantial evidence to establish he did not sustain a wage loss pursuant to Section 42-9-20 of the South Carolina Code (1976). We hold it does not and therefore reverse and remand.

FACTS/PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Frank Hutson was working as a crane operator for the State Ports Authority when he suffered an injury to his lower *384back and legs while attempting to remove a container from a ship. Although he initially thought he had just…