Worker’s Compensation

May 12, 2025

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Workplace Injuries

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

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, […]
January 9, 2025

SC Firefighters’ Guide to Occupational Disease & Workers’ Comp

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, […]
April 9, 2024

Injured at Work? — Know Your Rights and Benefits in SC

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 […]
January 26, 2021

Health effects of Occupational Exposure to Asphalt

What Construction Workers Should Know About Asphalt Exposure Over a half-million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt, a petroleum product used extensively in road paving, roofing, siding, and concrete work. Health effects from exposure to asphalt fumes include headache, skin rash, sensitization, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, cough, and skin cancer according to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. This board wants managers, safety experts, and construction site operators to take efforts to address exposure to asphalt fume exposure.
December 29, 2020

Traumatic Brain Injury: Get the Facts

While traumatic brain injuries may make the national news headlines when it involves beloved NFL players, what’s often lost in these news articles is the reality that traumatic brain injuries are shockingly common and have many different causes. These injuries can leave the injured and their loved ones wondering what they can do if they’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury in their own lives. Today, we’re going to take a few minutes to walk you through TBI, its possible effects, and steps you may be able to take to help your injured family member or loved one in their fight to protect their rights.
March 26, 2020

Can I File for Workers’ Compensation Due to Hostile Work Environment?

Workers Compensation tends to be talked about primarily in physical terms — an injury or illness, such as a broken arm or pneumonia, gathered due to workplace conditions or an on-the-job accident. There are other forms of workplace injury, however. We’ve spoken before about mental injuries, and today we’re going to take a look at an area of Workers Comp that is not often discussed… filing for Workers Compensation as a result of a hostile workplace environment.
November 12, 2019

There May Be More to Your Workers’ Compensation Case

Recently, our very own Marti Bluestein and Allison Sullivan sat down to discuss Workers’ Compensation and some of the issues clients may face. In this short clip, they discuss available resources and options for clients whose cases may be bigger than just a Workers’ Compensation claim