January 9, 2025
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
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
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 […]
November 8, 2024
Bluestein Attorneys has once again been listed in the top tier of Best Law Firms in the Columbia area – for the 15th year in a row. The firm received this recognition from Best Lawyers in America® for 2025 in three practice areas: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants A firm is not considered for this recognition unless it has at least one lawyer included in The Best Lawyers in America® in the same year. In August, four Bluestein Attorneys were honored with that distinction: Margaret Miles “Marti” Bluestein for her work in Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants; Clarke Newton for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs; John Nichols for Appellate Practice; and Allison Sullivan for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants. The Best Lawyers in America bills itself as a […]
October 9, 2024
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 […]
September 6, 2024
Not all couples get their “happily ever after”. When a couple decides to part ways, they face several paths they can take. Two of the most common choices are legal separation and divorce. While both options basically change the relationship status, they carry distinct legal implications that can significantly impact your future. Therefore, understanding the difference between separation and divorce can help couples decide which option is best for their situation. This article explores the key distinctions between the statuses separated vs. divorced, helping you make an informed decision. Let’s Start with the More Straightforward Option — Divorce In the eyes of the law, divorce is a permanent dissolution of the marriage. This process involves going to a family law court to officially and legally cut all ties between the spouses, including the division of property, resolution of financial obligations, and removal from shared insurance plans. If there are […]
August 15, 2024
Best Lawyers in America has named four Bluestein Attorneys to its 2025 Best Lawyers list for Columbia, and another to its “Ones to Watch” list. The attorneys on the Best Lawyers list, and the practice areas in which they are cited, are as follows: Margaret Miles “Marti” Bluestein: Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants Clarke Newton: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs John Nichols: Appellate Practice Allison Sullivan: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants Additionally, Timothy Mercer was again named to the Ones to Watch list, dedicated to attorneys who are in their first decade of practice. He was recognized in the area of Administrative/Regulatory Law for his work representing veterans with disability claims before the Veterans Administration. “What matters to us most is serving our clients, and earning their appreciation,” said Founding Partner Marti Bluestein. “But to be recognized this […]
August 2, 2024
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. […]
July 17, 2024
Approximately three million U.S. service members were potentially exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971. Among these three million service members, many veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have passed its effects to their families over generations. These sheer numbers the widespread impact of Agent Orange exposure on American lives, spanning both past and present generations. Recognizing the scale and severity of this issue, the PACT Act took effect in August 2022 and expanded the eligibility criteria for receiving disability benefits due to Agent Orange exposure. With that in mind, let’s explore what is the average compensation for Agent Orange to veterans as well as Agent Orange benefits for widows and other dependents. How is the Disability Compensation Amount Determined? The VA determines compensation for Agent Orange exposure based on several key factors: VA disability rating (between 1-100%) The severity of the condition Marital status […]