Fields v. Owens Corning Fiberglas

Gregory, Chief Justice:

This is a worker’s compensation case. The single commissioner awarded respondent compensation for “a 10% psychological impairment to the whole man” as a scheduled loss under S.C. Code Ann. § 42-9-30(1985). The full commission and the circuit court affirmed. We reverse.

Respondent injured her back while at work. Based on the medical report of respondent’s orthopaedic surgeon, the commissioner found a permanent disability of 10% loss of use of the back and awarded her compensation under § 42-9-30. Appellants have not contested this award.

The commissioner also considered…