COLUMBIA, SC (WIS/AP) - South Carolina's high court says an exotic dancer who was shot at a Columbia nightclub is entitled to workers' compensation benefits for her injury. The Supreme Court made that ruling Wednesday in the case of LeAndra Lewis.
The court said Lewis was an employee of the Boom Boom Room Studio 54, not an independent contractor. That distinction makes her eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits.
The justices did not set an amount Lewis should be paid for injuries from the June, 2008 shooting, sending that question back to the Court of Appeals.
Court records show a stray bullet struck Lewis in the abdomen after a fight broke out at the club.
She suffered serious injuries to her intestines, liver, pancreas, kidney, and uterus. Surgeons removed one kidney, and doctors informed her she may never be able to have children due to the injuries to her uterus.
She said extensive scarring from the gunshot wound left her unemployable as an exotic dancer.
Lewis, who frequently danced at clubs in North and South Carolina, filed a claim for benefits with the workers' compensation commission. Because the club had no insurance.
During 2012 testimony, Lewis said she typically made $250-$350 per night and she danced 5-6 nights a week. A court filing estimated her total yearly income to be approximately $82,500.
The high court has remanded the issue back to the court of appeals to address Lewis' compensation rate.
Note: this club has been closed for several years. If she was an employee making $82,500/yr, I wonder if she paid income taxes on it?
Good point on the taxes. Check with IRS first.
Still sad story getting shot.