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June 16, 2025

SC Veterans with Mesothelioma: Complete Benefits Guide

Even 35 years in the U.S. Military, serving in Vietnam and during the Cuban Missile Crisis, weren’t as hard as fighting mesothelioma. Just ask veteran John Conway, who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma decades after his first asbestos exposure. Veterans like John aren’t alone; 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients are former service members. But navigating the VA system, understanding your rights, and securing the benefits you deserve can be overwhelming on top of everything else.  At Bluestein Attorneys, we guide veterans through the VA claims process with clarity and dedication. In this article, we break down the benefits and resources available to veterans and their families after a mesothelioma diagnosis.   You Are Not Alone!  1 in 3 Mesothelioma Patients Are Veterans Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with fewer than 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Yet, veterans make up a staggering 33% of all diagnoses, largely […]
May 12, 2025

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Workplace Injuries

Injured at work? Wondering what to do next?  Two common avenues exist for obtaining compensation after a workplace injury.  One option — and the most commonly used —  is filing for workers’ compensation, which covers medical bills and lost wages. But there may be more to your workers’ compensation case than you realize, and that’s where the second avenue comes in. The second option, which may be available under certain circumstances, is to pursue a third-party lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding both options could significantly impact your recovery — both physically and financially.   What Is a Third-Party Liability Lawsuit? Third-party liability lawsuits are legal claims related to workplace injuries but separate from workers’ compensation, which only involves an employer. As the name suggests, these lawsuits are filed against a third party (an individual or entity) other than the worker’s employer, who bears at least some […]
April 16, 2025

What To Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident in South Carolina

Tractor-trailer accidents are increasingly common across South Carolina, often making headlines for causing major road closures or resulting in serious injuries. Since the beginning of 2025, South Carolina has already seen several serious tractor-trailer accidents, some “only” resulting in road closures, others tragically ending in the loss of life for drivers and passengers. Tractor-trailer collisions can happen for many reasons, such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or poor road conditions, which helps explain why these serious accidents are on the rise. If you’ve been a victim of a tractor-trailer wreck, this guide is for you.   Why a Tractor Trailer Accident Isn’t Like Other Wrecks? You may feel well-prepared for what to do after a typical car crash, but wrecks involving tractor-trailers are different from large truck collisions. Due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers — even compared to large trucks — the damage they cause is often […]
February 17, 2025

A Brief Overview of the Premises Liability Law in SC

If you were injured in a car accident, would you think twice before filing a claim? For most people, the answer is no, as seeking compensation for injuries in such cases feels straightforward. However, the same can’t always be said regarding premises liability claims. In premises liability cases, people typically fall into two categories. The first group includes those injured in a “commercial setting,” such as sustaining injuries from a fall at a medical facility, experiencing food poisoning at a restaurant, or encountering hazardous conditions at a hotel. These individuals are often more inclined to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim. The second group includes individuals who get hurt on the property of someone they know (a friend, relative, or neighbor). These cases are often more sensitive, as victims may feel conflicted or guilty about pursuing legal action against someone they trust. In this article, we will clarify premises […]
January 9, 2025

SC Firefighters’ Guide to Occupational Disease & Workers’ Comp

South Carolina firefighters are constantly busy, responding to fire emergencies, medical assistance, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations. But along with their sense of duty comes the risk of firefighter injuries, occupational illnesses, and even death. Hurricane Helene, the most recent example, claimed the lives of two firefighters, and in 2023, an estimated 63,175 firefighters were injured at work. Whether injured during an emergency call, training, or maintaining equipment, firefighters may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding these benefits for firefighters is vital to safeguarding their well-being and ensuring they receive the protection they deserve. This comprehensive guide explores the workers’ compensation benefits available to South Carolina firefighters.    Firefighter Injuries and Occupational Diseases: Medical Conditions Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Firefighters put their lives on the line daily, facing numerous health risks and potential injuries. To start, firefighters are regularly exposed to harmful substances, including toxic gases and chemicals, […]
December 27, 2024

Injured by a Dog in SC? Here’s Your Dog Bite Lawsuit Guide

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but for those who have experienced a dog bite or attack, this sentiment might feel far from the truth. According to 2020 data, nearly 1,000 people are treated in emergency rooms daily for nonfatal dog bite-related injuries, with South Carolina ranking 7th nationwide for pit bull attacks. The numbers are even more staggering when considering the financial impact. Between 2014 and 2023, the average cost per dog bite claim nationally increased by 82.5%, reflecting rising medical costs and substantial legal settlements. So, what should you do after a dog bite? If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Here’s what you need to know before filing a dog bite lawsuit.   South Carolina Dog Laws Generally Favor the Victim South Carolina’s dog bite laws are outlined in the South […]
November 26, 2024

Can You Sue for Food Poisoning? The Rules & Rights in SC

Our client Jane (name changed for privacy) went out to dinner with her husband at a popular barbecue restaurant. What should have been a pleasant evening quickly turned into a nightmare when Jane found herself in the emergency room hours after eating a specific dish. Jane’s case is far from unique. Recent months have exposed a disturbing trend of foodborne illness outbreaks across the U.S., with national headlines reporting incidents like the recent McDonald’s E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 73 people across 15 states and tragically claimed one life. For those impacted, understanding their legal rights is the first step toward securing compensation and preventing similar incidents from occurring.   Understanding Food Poisoning from Medical and Legal Perspectives Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, occurs when someone consumes food or beverages contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Common contaminants include E. coli, salmonella, norovirus, and listeria, each […]
October 9, 2024

Hit by A Carolina Squat Truck? The New Law is Now in Effect

South Carolina’s roads can be quite deadly. According to USA Today, South Carolina was ranked the state with the second-highest rate of fatal car accidents in 2022, with 24 deadly crashes per 100,000 vehicles. In response to these alarming statistics, the government has stepped up efforts to improve road safety. One significant measure is the legislation of the South Carolina Squat Ban. Although the law was officially passed in November 2023, authorities provided a 180-day “grace period” for owners to bring their squat trucks into compliance. Now, as this period has ended, driving a Carolina Squat truck is officially illegal, and doing so will bear consequences.    The Background to the South Carolina Squat Ban The legislative push for the Carolina Squat law gained urgency following a tragic incident in 2021, where a “squatted” pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Myrtle Beach. Indeed, the dangers of these vehicles […]
August 2, 2024

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record? — 7 DUI FAQs

Navigating the complex landscape of DUI laws in South Carolina can be overwhelming, especially when facing charges. As a driver, understanding your rights and the nuances of these laws is crucial for protecting your future. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time offense or a more complex situation, knowing the legal limits, potential consequences, and your options for defense can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.  This comprehensive guide aims to clarify key aspects of South Carolina’s DUI laws, from BAC limits to license reinstatement processes.  What Alcohol Level is Considered Illegal? In South Carolina, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits are: 0.08% for drivers 21 and older 0.02% for drivers under 21 0.04% for commercial drivers It’s important to keep in mind that these are “per se” limits, meaning a driver can still be charged with DUI even if their BAC is below these limits. […]