Girlfriend Does Not Qualify as Dependent Entitled to Death Benefits

The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that a worker’s on-again, off-again girlfriend did not qualify as a dependent entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after his death. Case: York v. Longlands Plantation, No. 27950, 03/04/2020, published. Facts: Timothy York worked for Longlands Plantation in Greeleyville. In August 2013, the 39-year old drowned when his boat capsized on a pond at the plantation. His mother and girlfriend both filed claims for death benefits. York had a somewhat sporadic relationship with Yvonne Burns for several years. While the couple sometimes r...