Opinion ID: 2505482
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Requests for Continuance & to Leave Record Open

Text: On appeal, Trotter contends the Court of Appeals erred in finding the denial of Trane's requests for a continuance or to leave the record open to depose Pat Charleston and Dr. James constituted an abuse of discretion. A commissioner has the authority to postpone a scheduled hearing in a workers' compensation matter for good cause, which includes such reasons as illness and the need for additional discovery. S.C.Code Ann. Regs. 67-613(B) (Supp. 2010); see also id. 67-215(A)(5) (motions). The granting or refusal of a request for a continuance rests in the sound discretion of the hearing commissioner, whose ruling will not be disturbed unless a clear abuse of discretion is shown. Gurley v. Mills Mill, 225 S.C. 46, 80 S.E.2d 745 (1954); see also Williams v. Bordon's, Inc., 274 S.C. 275, 279, 262 S.E.2d 881, 883 (1980) (It has long been the rule in this State that motions for a continuance are addressed to the sound discretion of the trial judge, and his ruling will not be upset unless it clearly appears that there was an abuse of discretion to the prejudice of appellant.). For appellate purposes, an abuse of discretion occurs where the ruling is based on an error of law or, where the ruling is grounded upon factual findings, is without evidentiary support. Sundown Operating Co. v. Intedge Indus., Inc., 383 S.C. 601, 681 S.E.2d 885 (2009); Clark v. Cantrell, 339 S.C. 369, 529 S.E.2d 528 (2000); Bartlett v. Rachels, 375 S.C. 348, 652 S.E.2d 432 (Ct.App.2007); Burroughs v. Worsham, 352 S.C. 382, 574 S.E.2d 215 (Ct.App.2002). Of necessity it must be left to the commission to determine whether or not a case shall proceed to trial or be continued. Gurley, 225 S.C. at 51-52, 80 S.E.2d at 747. Where a party is not prejudiced by the denial of a motion for a continuance, reversal is not required. Wright v. Hiester Constr. Co., 389 S.C. 504, 698 S.E.2d 822 (Ct.App.2010).