Opinion ID: 1257903
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Application of Ontario law

Text: Frazer argues in relation to the Ontario worker's compensation exclusivity law, that the trial court erred: (1) in refusing to apply the exclusivity law; (2) in refusing to admit evidence on the exclusivity law; (3) in refusing to charge the jury on the exclusivity law; and (4) in denying Frazer's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict based on application of the exclusivity law. Because each point hinges on the applicability of Ontario worker's compensation law and the exclusivity law, we address these points as one and affirm on the ground that Frazer failed to plead Ontario law and so, is barred under Rules 12(b) and 8(c). See Rule 12(b), SCRCP (every defense must be asserted in the responsive pleading); Rule 8(c), SCRCP (in a responsive pleading a party shall set forth affirmatively ... any other matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense.). [2] Even if Frazer's argument was preserved, we find that lex loci delicto properly governs this case. See Lister v. NationsBank of Delaware, 329 S.C. 133, 143, 494 S.E.2d 449, 454 (Ct.App.1997) (In choice of law in South Carolina, the general rule is that the substantive law governing a tort action is the law of the state where the injury occurred.); Oshiek v. Oshiek, 244 S.C. 249, 136 S.E.2d 303, 305 (1964), overruled on other grounds (In tort cases, the law of the place where the injury was occasioned or inflicted governs in respect of the right of action.).