Smith v. T.H. Snipes & Sons, Inc.

Finney, Justice:

Appellant Donna H. Smith appeals the circuit court’s findings and grant of summary judgment in favor of respondent T.H. Snipes & Sons, Inc. We affirm.

Appellant’s decedent, Thomas Wayne Smith (decedent), was a self-employed welder and sole proprietor of Independent Piping Contractors. Decedent was hired by respondent to repair a metal shearing machine used in respondent’s business operation. During the course of repairing the machine, the decedent was fatally injured.

The decedent had previously obtained workers’ compensation coverage for himself pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §…