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 […]
April 16, 2025
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
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
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 […]