May 17, 2024
When individuals reach the age of 60, especially those facing health issues or disabilities impacting their ability to work, opt for early retirement. The idea of stepping back from decades of employment, embarking on long-awaited adventures, and spending quality time with loved ones holds much more appeal than continuing in a diminished capacity at work. However, from the standpoint of benefits, opting for early retirement may not be the most advantageous approach. While the allure of early retirement is understandable, it’s advisable to be aware of the Social Security disability rules after age 60. Get the Most of Your Social Security Benefits by Staying Employed Early retirement at 62 does sound tempting. Nevertheless, avoiding early retirement is recommended to receive the highest benefit possible. Choosing this option automatically reduces the Social Security benefits you could get based on the number of months before your full retirement age. Early retirement […]
April 30, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. – 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 2024 list. They are: Marti Bluestein, who practices in the area of workers’ compensation. This is her 10th 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 four 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 […]
April 18, 2024
Allison Sullivan, a partner with Bluestein Attorneys, has been named to the 2024 South Carolina Power List for Personal Injury Attorneys, which was published in South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Feb. 21 edition. She was named to the list in 2023 as well. Power List honorees are selected by looking at a range of criteria, including whether an attorney is considered to be a subject matter authority in his or her field, well-versed in relevant case law, statutes and regulations; experienced, with a record of success in cases and/or transactions; a lawyer whom other attorneys respect and make referrals to; and a leader in the community, with a record of bar involvement and leadership. Allison fits all those criteria. Her career has been all about leveling the playing field for those who have been injured across the state of South Carolina, whether hurt at work or injured by the negligence of […]
April 9, 2024
Every year, thousands of South Carolinians face the unexpected challenge of a workplace injury. From the bustling floors of manufacturing plants to the quiet desks of office spaces, no one is immune to the risk. In 2022 alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a significant uptick in non-fatal workplace injuries, underscoring a concerning trend across all sectors. This rise in incidents highlights the critical importance of understanding your rights and the benefits available under South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act. In recognition of World Health Day and echoing this year’s theme, “My Health, My Right,” we delve into the essential knowledge every worker in SC should have if they find themselves injured at work. Whether it’s a slip on a wet floor, a strain from heavy lifting, or the psychological toll of work-related stress, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in securing your health, rights, and […]
February 22, 2024
Overall, vaccines benefit human society. They help eradicate diseases, curb the spread of infectious illnesses, and prevent death. Most vaccine administrations don’t trigger significant complications, allowing individuals and society to function smoothly. And although rare, adverse reactions do occur, sparking debates and opposition regarding vaccine safety. Those voices don’t go unheard. The government provides various platforms for the public to report post-vaccination health issues, contributing to ongoing analyses and investigations to refine vaccines. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is one such vaccine safety monitoring system. In this post, we explain what vaccine injuries and the VAERS are, and what your next steps should be.
November 28, 2023
For the 14th year in a row, Bluestein Attorneys has been listed in the top tier of Best Law Firms for the Columbia area. Here are the practice areas in which the firm is honored in the Best Lawyers in America® annual list of top firms for 2024: 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. Bluestein Attorneys easily met that standard, since in August, three firm attorneys were honored with that distinction: Margaret Miles “Marti” Bluestein for her work in the area of Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants; Clarke Newton for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs; and Allison Sullivan in the areas of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Workers’ […]
August 17, 2023
Clients have learned from experience that Bluestein Attorneys will give them the representation they need to put their lives back together. Our community knows this, too. As such, it’s particularly gratifying when a respected national publication such as Best Lawyers in America acknowledges the quality of our work. Best Lawyers in America has named three of our partners to its Best Lawyers list for Columbia, and another of us to its 2024 “Ones to Watch” list. The attorneys and their practice areas are as follows: Margaret Miles “Marti” Bluestein: Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants Clarke Newton: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs Allison Sullivan: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants All three were on the 2023 list in connection with the same practice areas. Both Marti and Allison have made the list 10 times, and Clarke has done so for […]
August 10, 2023
Attorney John S. Nichols of Bluestein Attorneys, was honored with the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) Founders Award at the organization’s annual convention on August 5, 2023. Since 1957, the SCAJ has upheld a reputation for leadership in South Carolina’s legal community. By providing continuing education, legislative monitoring and more, the Association has become an invaluable resource for its members and a well-respected professional association statewide. The Founders Award is one of the organization’s most revered recognitions. The SCAJ’s nomination committee presents attorneys for consideration who are advocates of “great skill and confidence.” Nomination criteria includes experience leading the trial bar and teaching trial advocacy, as well as having earned a reputation among peers for ethical, honest practice and character. “John is the lawyer we should all aspire to be. He is an exceptional lawyer who zealously advocates for his clients, but he has always taken time to mentor […]
August 1, 2023
COLUMBIA, S.C. – This year, Columbia Business Monthly has named five Bluestein Attorneys to its “Legal Elite of the Midlands” list. The list recognizes attorneys in the Midlands based on the views of their peers. The five recognized for 2023, along with the practice areas in which they were cited, are: John Nichols: Appellate Clarke Newton: Criminal – DUI; Personal Injury – Plaintiff; Product Liability – Plaintiff Marti Bluestein: Mediation; Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff Allison Sullivan: Worker’s Compensation – Plaintiff Stacy Thompson: Social Security Disability The magazine began publishing the Legal Elite feature in 2010. The selection process begins with nominations from more than a thousand active lawyers in the Midlands. While attorneys are allowed to nominate members of their own firm, for each in-firm nomination there must be a corresponding out-of-firm nomination. Attorneys are not allowed to vote for themselves. Attorney votes then narrow the nominees down to the […]