August 12, 2025
Columbia Business Monthly has named three Bluestein Attorneys to its “Legal Elite of the Midlands” list for 2025. The list, based on a vote of active attorneys in the area, honors Midlands lawyers whom peers consider outstanding in their practice areas. The attorneys, with the practice areas in which they are cited for this year, are: Clarke Newton, Criminal – General and Personal Injury – Plaintiff Marti Bluestein, Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff Allison Sullivan, Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff All three are partners with Bluestein Attorneys. Clarke Newton and Allison Sullivan have been recognized on the Legal Elite list in the past. The 2025 “Legal Elite” will be published in the August editions of Columbia Business Monthly, Greenville Business Magazine, Charleston Business Magazine, B2B: The Grand Strand, and B2B: Pee Dee Business. “We know how hard we work to help our clients, and our clients know it, too,” said Marti Bluestein, […]
August 6, 2025
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 […]
June 16, 2025
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 […]
June 9, 2025
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 […]
May 27, 2025
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 […]
May 12, 2025
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 […]
May 5, 2025
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, […]
May 2, 2025
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 […]
April 29, 2025
A tradition of excellence was again recognized this year by South Carolina Super Lawyers®, as three partners at Bluestein Attorneys made the rating service’s 2025 list: Marti Bluestein, who practices in the area of workers’ compensation. This is her 11th year on the list. Clarke Newton, whose practice is focused on representing plaintiffs who sustained personal injury, made the list for the second time. Previously, he had been recognized for five straight years on the service’s Rising Stars list. Allison Sullivan was recognized for her work representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2013. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Its selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. The goal of the service is “to create […]