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Brandis Sunday

April 6, 2026
Supportive setting — veteran in conversation or contemplation, nothing clinical
April 6, 2026
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PTSD Affects More Than Your Mental Health

PTSD Affects More Than Your Mental Health. The VA Should Recognize That. PTSD is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — VA disability claims. Many veterans carry symptoms for years before connecting them to their service: difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, irritability, avoidance of certain places or situations, trouble maintaining relationships. The VA rates PTSD under Diagnostic Code 9411 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%, based on how your symptoms affect your ability to work and maintain daily life. A 70% PTSD rating, for example, currently pays over $1,700/month.  Visit the VA Calculator But here’s what many veterans don’t realize: PTSD rarely exists on its own. The chronic stress response it creates can cause or worsen physical conditions — sleep apnea, migraines, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues. Each of those can be claimed as a secondary condition with its own separate rating. That means a veteran rated at 70% […]
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April 2, 2026
Military member filling our paperwork for VA
April 2, 2026
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Filing a VA Disability Claim?

Filing a VA Disability Claim? Here’s What Actually Happens — Step by Step. Most veterans know they can file a VA disability claim. What catches people off guard is how the process works after you hit submit — and how small missteps early on can delay your benefits by months. Here’s a simplified look at what happens: 1. You file your claim. You can file online, by mail, or with help from an attorney or VSO. The claim identifies your condition and connects it to your military service. 2. The VA reviews your service and medical records. They’re looking for evidence that your condition is service connected. If the connection isn’t clear in the records, this is where claims stall. 3. You attend a C&P exam. The Compensation & Pension exam is where a VA-contracted doctor evaluates your condition. What you say — and what your medical records show — […]
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March 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
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Serving Abroad, Fighting at Home: How SCRA and USERRA Protect Your Job and Your Money

Serving Abroad, Fighting at Home: How SCRA and USERRA Protect Your Job and Your Money When you serve, the law is supposed to have your back. If a bank, landlord, employer, or lender treats your orders like an inconvenience instead of honoring your rights, statutes like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), South Carolina’s Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) can give you real leverage. Who These Laws Protect USERRA protects people who leave civilian jobs to serve in the uniformed services and then want to return to work. That covers active-duty service, Reserve duty, and many National Guard activations. The federal SCRA protects active-duty servicemembers—and in many cases, their spouses and dependents—by limiting certain civil, financial, and contractual obligations during military service. South Carolina’s version expands and supplements the federal SCRA and makes a federal SCRA violation a violation of state […]
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December 11, 2025
Steaming Pot
December 11, 2025
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Growing Concerns Over Pressure Cooker Explosions

Electric pressure cookers have become a popular kitchen staple, but recent incidents across the country show they may be far more dangerous than advertised. Over the past several months, pressure cooker explosions and recalls have surged many involving well-known brands sold in big-box stores and online marketplaces. At Bluestein Attorneys, we’re monitoring these developments closely to help protect South Carolina consumers from defective products that can cause catastrophic burn injuries. Recent Pressure Cooker Incidents and Recalls Several lawsuits filed in the last several months highlight a concerning pattern: Farberware (sold at Walmart): A Louisiana woman suffered serious burns after the lid allegedly blew off, launching hot contents outward. Sunbeam Crock-Pot: A Michigan plaintiff claims the lid opened while still under pressure, causing severe burns. Ambiano (sold at Aldi): An October recall followed reports of hot contents being forcefully ejected while the unit was still pressurized. Instant Pot (sold through Amazon): A Colorado lawsuit alleges the […]
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November 24, 2025
Family repairing vehicle
November 24, 2025
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Holiday Travel Safety Tips Every South Carolina Family Should Know

Holiday travel brings some of the busiest and most dangerous driving days of the year in South Carolina. Congested highways, distracted drivers, and unpredictable weather all contribute to a rise in car crashes and injuries. As a personal injury law firm based in Columbia, SC, Bluestein Attorneys wants to help you and your family stay safe. These practical holiday travel safety tips are designed to reduce your risk on the road and ensure you know what to do if you’re injured and need guidance from an experienced car accident attorney in South Carolina. Holiday Travel Safety Tips Every South Carolina Family Should Know The holidays bring excitement, celebration, and unfortunately some of the busiest and most dangerous travel days of the year. Whether you’re driving across the state to visit family or the country staying safe is key. At Bluestein Attorneys, we want you and your loved ones to enjoy a stress-free […]
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October 1, 2025
October 1, 2025
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Government Shutdown and Benefits: Social Security & VA Updates

Government Shutdown and Your Benefits: What South Carolina Veterans and Social Security Recipients Need to Know When news of a federal government shutdown makes headlines, one of the first questions many people ask is, “What happens to my benefits?” For South Carolina residents who depend on Social Security or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, that concern is very real. At Bluestein Attorneys, we believe you deserve clear information about how a shutdown impacts your financial security and access to care. Social Security Benefits Will Continue The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its contingency plan for the shutdown. The good news: Benefits will continue retirement, disability (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are not expected to stop. Claims processing and customer service remain active. Many SSA employees are considered “essential” and will stay on the job to make sure benefits are delivered on time. In other words, if you are receiving Social Security benefits, you […]
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August 6, 2025
August 6, 2025
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Tesla “Full Self-Driving” Crashes: What South Carolina Drivers Should Know

At Bluestein Attorneys, we’re committed to protecting South Carolina drivers, especially as vehicle technology continues to change. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is one of the most talked-about advances in modern driving, but it’s also raising serious safety concerns. A recent investigation by The Dawn Project revealed that Tesla vehicles failed key safety tests. During controlled demonstrations, cars in FSD mode didn’t stop for child sized mannequins or school buses using flashing red lights. These findings highlight the gap between what technology promises and how it performs in real-world conditions. Despite the name, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving is not fully autonomous. Drivers must remain alert and ready to take over at all times. Unfortunately, many people assume the car can drive itself and that can lead to devastating consequences. Legal Reality: Who’s Liable After an FSD Crash? In South Carolina, the driver is still responsible for the vehicle’s operation, even when […]
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June 9, 2025
Men driving golf cart on trail.
June 9, 2025
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Navigating South Carolina’s Golf Cart Laws: What You Need to Know This Summer

Golf carts have become a staple of summer fun in South Carolina. While they offer a convenient way to get around, it’s crucial for every operator to understand the state’s specific laws to ensure safety and avoid legal trouble. At Bluestein Attorneys, your trusted legal advocates in South Carolina, we want to help you stay informed. Knowing what’s legal and what’s illegal when operating a golf cart on public roads is key to a safe and enjoyable experience as recently reported by WIS 10. What’s Legal for Golf Carts in South Carolina? To operate a golf cart legally on public roads in South Carolina, you must adhere to several important regulations: Driver Requirements: The operator must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. It’s illegal for unlicensed minors to drive a golf cart on public roads, even with an adult present. Permit and Registration: Your golf cart must […]
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May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
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Need a Golf Cart Wreck Lawyer in South Carolina?

As the South Carolina summer unfolds, golf carts are increasingly popular for transportation in South Carolina, and surrounding areas. Once confined to golf courses, these vehicles are now common sights in residential communities and vacation spots. However, this surge in golf cart use correlates with a significant rise in golf cart accidents and subsequent injuries, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and those without proper training. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that over 55% of golf cart injuries happen during the summer months (May to September), with weekends and holidays posing the highest risk. Many incidents occur on private land or low-speed roads, potentially leading to a dangerous underestimation of the risks involved. Tragically, in some cases, these accidents can even be fatal, as was recently highlighted by the tragic passing of Jeff Sperbeck, bringing golf cart safety in the spotlight after tragic incident. Understanding the primary causes of golf cart accidents is vital for prevention: Speeding and Sharp Turns: Operating golf […]
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May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
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As Worker Safety Agency Faces Cuts, the Need for Workers’ Compensation Advocacy Grows

Recent reports from CBS News reveal that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has laid off the majority of its remaining staff. This development is raising serious concerns among worker safety advocates. NIOSH, long regarded as a cornerstone in workplace health research and safety standards, plays a vital role in protecting workers from job-related injuries and illnesses. As federal support for workplace safety infrastructure dwindles, the risk to American workers increases—especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Without proactive oversight and up-to-date safety research, workers may face heightened exposure to preventable hazards. This underscores the critical importance of a robust workers’ compensation system. At Bluestein Attorneys, we believe every injured worker deserves access to proper medical care, income protection, and legal advocacy. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to support individuals hurt on the job, but navigating claims can be complex. Insurance companies may delay or deny benefits, […]
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May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
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Traffic Pattern Changes Announced for Blythewood Area Construction Project

Source: WLTX TV The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has announced important traffic pattern changes in the Blythewood area of Richland County to support ongoing road construction. These changes, beginning Wednesday, May 7, are expected to affect both daily commuters and commercial trucking routes. Key Traffic Changes: Blythewood Road (Eastbound): Beginning May 7 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., eastbound lanes will be shifted to a combination of new and existing lanes to keep two lanes open toward I-77. This new pattern is expected to last approximately six months while crews work on the opposite side of the road. Community Road Closure: Starting Monday, May 5, Community Road (a connector to Blythewood Road) will close as part of the I-77 Exit 26 Interchange Project. The closure will last until April 2026. SCDOT will install digital signage and detour routes to help redirect traffic, including commercial trucks and 18-wheelers, around the construction zone. SCDOT advises all drivers, especially those operating large […]
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