South Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.2 Work Life Expectancy is a legal guideline provided to jurors during a trial in South Carolina. This instruction aims to provide jurors with information regarding the work life expectancy of an individual involved in a personal injury case, which helps determine the damages awarded to the plaintiff. When determining the compensation to be awarded for lost wages, the concept of work life expectancy plays a crucial role. Work life expectancy refers to the projected number of years an individual would have continued working if not for the injury or incident that caused the damages. This jury instruction emphasizes that jurors should consider the following factors when calculating work life expectancy: 1. Age: The age of the injured party at the time of the incident is a significant factor in determining work life expectancy. Younger individuals generally have a longer expected work life than older individuals. 2. Occupation: The nature of the injured party's occupation is another crucial factor. Some occupations have shorter average work life expectancies due to physical demands or hazardous conditions, while others may have longer work life expectancies due to less physical strain. 3. Health: The injured party's overall health prior to the incident plays a role in work life expectancy. If the individual had pre-existing health issues that would have affected their ability to work long-term, this should be considered. 4. Evidence: Jurors should consider any medical or expert evidence presented during the trial that relates to the injured party's work life expectancy. Expert witnesses may provide insight into the projected number of years the individual could have worked. It is important to note that there may be different types or variations of South Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.2 Work Life Expectancy, including modifications for specific types of personal injury cases. For instance, there might be separate instructions for cases involving construction accidents, medical malpractice, or automobile accidents, depending on the circumstances and the available evidence. In conclusion, South Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.2 Work Life Expectancy guides jurors in determining the appropriate compensation for lost wages in a personal injury case. It instructs jurors to consider factors such as age, occupation, health, and expert testimony regarding the projected number of years the individual could have worked. By incorporating these guidelines, jurors can make informed decisions regarding work life expectancy while ensuring fair compensation for the injured party.