How Can I Throw a Safe Holiday Party?

For many of us, festive gatherings with friends, family, and co-workers are one of the highlights of the holiday season. But any holiday party can become a disaster if the host lets guests overindulge, spread seasonal illnesses, or drink and drive. Here are some key safety tips to remember if you plan to throw a party this holiday season.

Relatives vs. Corporate Parties

Your approach to party planning should look very different if you’re planning to host your friends and family versus your employees. As a social host inviting guests into your home, you will need to consider topics such as menu options and how to make your house reasonably safe for visitors. If you’re a business owner throwing a corporate bash, you will need to think more about your liability for accidents and might even consider asking attendees to sign waivers. You will also want to check with employment laws and ensure you are not violating any harassment or wage laws.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Drunk driving auto accidents are more common during the holidays when people celebrate by drinking. One way to keep your holiday party safer is by investing in non-alcoholic drink options for guests, including mocktails and non-alcoholic beer. If boozy drinks feel like a must, try serving only beer and wine, handing out drink tickets, or cutting off the bar after one or two hours.

Rideshare Cards/Codes

If your guests will be drinking, consider providing them with rideshare cards or codes so they have a safe way to get home after the party. Popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer event transportation vouchers that are flexible and convenient. COVID-Related Hygiene

The COVID-19 pandemic might feel like a thing of the past, but new infections and fatalities are still occurring daily. Keep your partygoers safe and healthy by focusing on cleanliness, limiting party attendance, spreading out in different zones, instituting temperature screenings, and encouraging invitees to stay home if they feel unwell. Also, consider hosting several smaller departmental parties rather than one big company-wide party.

Food

Providing your guests with healthy, high-quality food will prevent drinking on empty stomachs and give everyone something non-alcoholic to focus on. Remember that salty and greasy foods make you thirsty and more likely to over-indulge, so supply a steady flow of options like lean meats, cheeses, and veggie trays with dips. Also, be sure you keep foods at the correct temperatures to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Activities

Your guests are less likely to drink excessively if they have fun and engaging activities to distract them. When you make your holiday party plans, consider the preferences of your invitees and organize functions you know they will enjoy, like games, raffle drawings, or trivia contests. Avoid activities or decorations that might encourage inappropriate behaviors, such as hanging mistletoe.

Legal Obligations as the Host

If you provide alcohol as a social host in South Carolina, you could be liable if an intoxicated guest goes on to injure someone else. Be especially careful if you are hosting minors at your holiday get-together. You will also need to check for possible hazards and correct them to avoid premises liability accidents.

If You Do Get into a Car Accident…

If you or someone you love is hurt in a car accident after a get-together this holiday season, contact the DUI accident lawyers at Stewart Law Offices. We can review your situation and explain your legal options during a free initial consultation with a South Carolina car accident lawyer.

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Accident With a Drunk Driver? Know Your Legal Options

If you were recently involved in a car accident in South Carolina caused by a drunk driver, you are probably confused about your rights and next steps.  An experienced South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer can explain your options for seeking justice when you call for a free case review. 

Types of Expenses that Need Covering

Drunk driving accidents often leave victims with severe injuries that have wide-ranging consequences. Many accident victims incur considerable expenses for the following types of medical care:

• Ambulance rides and other emergency response services
• Inpatient and outpatient visits to hospitals and urgent care clinics
• Follow-up visits with general practitioners or specialists
• Physical therapy sessions and mental health counseling
• Surgeries, diagnostic tests, and other specialized procedures
• Prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• Durable medical equipment (DME), like wheelchairs and walkers

Additionally, accident victims can pursue compensation for the cost to repair or replace their vehicle, lost wages, and their pain and suffering.

 

Short- and Long-Term Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents

The initial damage of a drunk driving accident is often due to blunt force trauma or penetrating wounds. Additionally, many victims experience intense bending, twisting, and crushing forces that can cause additional injuries. Common short- and long-term injuries from alcohol-related car accidents include:

 

• Head and neck injuries
• Facial and dental injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs), including partial or total paralysis
• Abdominal and internal injuries
• Arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
• Dislocated or broken bones
• Seatbelt and airbag injuries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Amputation 
• Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
• Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
• “Road rash” and other burn injuries
• Emotional and psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 

Legal Options Following an Accident with a Drunk Driver

As you can expect with common injuries like those listed above, the medical expenses stemming from a drunk driving accident can be significant. You may have various legal options to try to cover these expenses depending on the circumstances and the insurance coverage available. Some of your options may include the following:

• Filing a claim with your own insurer – If you have MedPay and collision insurance, you might choose to file a claim with your own insurer for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs, respectively. If the drunk driver did not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages, you could make a claim with your uninsured (UI) or underinsured (UIM) coverage.
• Filing a claim with the drunk driver’s insurer – If a drunk driver was responsible for the crash that injured you, filing a claim with their insurance provider is probably the most straightforward way of recovering compensation for the injuries you have suffered. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. 
• Filing a lawsuit against the drunk driver – If you cannot resolve your claim through an out-of-court settlement, you could file a lawsuit against the drunk driver. If your damages exceed the amount of the drunk driver’s insurance coverage, you would have to try to recover compensation directly from the impaired driver. 
• Filing a claim against a third party – There are times when a third party may be held responsible for an accident caused by a drunk driver, such as if a bar or social host served alcohol to an impaired driver or minor. 

Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine the options that are available in your case. 

 

Evidence Needed to Prove Fault

South Carolina follows a fault-based system for auto insurance, which means you have the right to file an insurance claim against the driver responsible for causing the accident, including a drunk driver that crashes into you. However, before you can collect compensation for your claim, you must prove the drunk driver was at fault for the collision by presenting evidence such as:

 

• Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Video footage of the collision from nearby security or traffic cameras
• Statements from witnesses who saw the crash
• Official accident reports prepared by the police
• Breathalyzer tests and toxicology reports
• Testimony from experts like medical professionals and crash reconstruction experts

 

Statute of Limitations

South Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. A knowledgeable South Carolina drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you avoid any issues with the statute of limitations by timely filing your claim and aggressively pursuing compensation during negotiations. 

 

Should I Contact Legal Help?

Yes. If you sustained injuries in a drunk driving accident, you should contact a South Carolina car accident lawyer for legal help as soon as possible. Much is at stake. You shouldn’t be left paying for your crash-related losses out of pocket. 

You can count on Stewart Law Offices to thoroughly investigate your claim and identify all possible sources of compensation. Contact our firm today to discuss the details of your South Carolina car accident case in a free initial consultation session with a drunk driving accident lawyer.

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Will Your Holiday Vacation/Travel Affect Your Workers’ Compensation?

If you sustained an occupational injury or illness that keeps you from working during the holidays, the resulting time off might seem like an excellent opportunity for a vacation. However, if you are currently drawing workers’ compensation benefits, consider how a vacation could affect your benefits before making any plans.

Risks of Taking Vacation While on Workers’ Compensation

Scheduling a holiday vacation while you are collecting workers’ compensation benefits in North or South Carolina could put your workers’ comp at risk because:

• The insurance company could question the severity of your injuries or insist that your ability to travel is proof you can work.
• Missing or rescheduling medical appointments related to your work injury could jeopardize your health and your workers’ comp claim.
• Maintaining medical care may be difficult while on vacation.
• Traveling long distances to go on vacation or participating in strenuous activities like hiking, swimming, or skiing might go against your doctor’s advice.
• Your insurer might send an investigator to your vacation destination to gather evidence to use against you, such as photos of you doing activities that appear too taxing for your condition.

What Not to Do During Vacation While on Workers’ Comp

Insurance companies have been known to keep a close eye on workers’ comp recipients who go on vacation because they don’t want to pay out any benefits they don’t have to. If you decide to go on vacation while drawing workers’ comp, consider these practical tips:

• Do not schedule your holiday vacation in a faraway place. The less time you spend cramped up in a car or airplane during your recovery, the better.
• Do not skip any doctor’s office visits, physical therapy sessions, or other medical appointments related to your work injury to go on vacation.
• Do not participate in any vacation activities that go against your doctor’s orders.
• Do not post vacation photos or stories on social media. The insurance company can use any information that is publicly available against you.

How to Remain Eligible for Workers’ Comp While on Vacation

Here are some tips to keep in mind to protect your benefits while on vacation:

• Plan a vacation that’s not too far from home. Consider a holiday “staycation,” in which you engage in relaxing leisure activities close to home.
• Enjoy low-key vacation activities that don’t strain or stress your body.
• Avoid posting photos or information about your vacation online for others to see.
• Schedule your vacation so that you do not miss any medical appointments.
• Follow your doctor’s care plan even while you are away on vacation.
• Consult a knowledgeable attorney for advice before you make your plans

Contact Stewart Law Offices for Help with Your Claim

If you are considering going on vacation while you are receiving workers’ compensation, consult a knowledgeable attorney for advice. The workers’ comp lawyers at Stewart Law Offices can review your case and provide the guidance you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Stewart Law Offices Community Sponsorships for 2022

At Stewart Law Offices, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality legal representation to clients in need throughout North and South Carolina. This dedication to service does not end at the courthouse door.

Since its founding in 1995, Stewart Law Offices has supported local teachers, shelters for abused and neglected children, Special Olympics South Carolina, organizations that provide college scholarships for disadvantaged children, medical debt relief organizations, and other philanthropic efforts. These organizations have helped countless families and children in the Carolinas. We are proud to have contributed to their work in building stronger, more equitable communities. 

In 2022, we are excited to sponsor two new charitable organizations: The Care Ring of North Carolina and Baby Bundles of North Carolina. These organizations provide vital services to struggling people in our communities and deserve your support. The team at Stewart Law Offices is proud to offer them a helping hand and encourages our neighbors to join us in doing so.

What Is the Care Ring of NC?

Care Ring is a nonprofit group that provides healthcare services for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to access high-quality preventative care in North Carolina. Care Ring primarily serves the Mecklenburg County region and provides care to more than 7,600 people each year. Among the services Care Ring provides are:

• Low-Cost Primary Care – Care Ring operates a low-cost clinic at the Children and Family Services Center in Charlotte. This clinic provides in-person and virtual primary care services to those who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment. The clinic’s services include annual check-ups, low-cost lab work, school physicals, help with managing chronic conditions, well-woman care, employment exams, TB tests, health education resources, and referrals to other healthcare charities.
• Nurse-Family Partnership – Care Ring’s Nurse-Family Partnership provides pregnant women with personal nurses to support them during pregnancy and throughout their children’s early years. Providing expectant mothers with personalized care and attention throughout their pregnancies increases the chances that they will stay healthy and thrive long after their children are born. Personal nurses can continue to support families in the program by helping children prepare for school or supporting moms in meeting their goals.
• Physicians Reach Out – Many people in Mecklenburg County cannot afford the healthcare they desperately need. Through the Physicians Reach Out program, patients with few resources are given access to a local network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and laboratories. These doctors and clinics provide patients in need with everything from basic primary care and surgical procedures to cancer care and orthopedic treatments.
• Case Management – Many patients with complex or chronic medical conditions need help managing their appointments and taking care of themselves. Care Ring’s case management specialists help patients stay on top of their appointments and provide various other services, such as referrals to community resources, transportation to appointments, and mental health counseling.
• Community-Based Care – People in low-income communities often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses. In turn, these conditions exacerbate existing problems in communities and lead to worse health outcomes. Care Ring’s community advocates work with other local organizations to improve the community’s well-being and fight for systemic changes.

What Is Baby Bundles of NC?

Preparing for a new baby often means buying diapers, clothing, baby food, blankets, and more. However, many parents with few resources cannot afford these items, leading to poor health outcomes for children and families. Baby Bundles provides parents in need with a bag of necessities as they leave the hospital with their newborns. The hope is that these necessities will give new parents a strong foundation and a feeling that the community supports them. The contents of each bundle are valued at around $300 and comprise baby clothes, blankets, and other newborn essentials.

Emily Harry, Heather Leavitt, and Cat Long founded Baby Bundles after experiencing the heartache of delivering stillborn children. The three women channeled their grief into helping other mothers in need throughout North Carolina. Working with its community partners, Baby Bundles provides care packages to many families in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

How You Can Get Involved

Care Ring and Baby Bundles appreciate the support of local community members. Care Ring relies on donations to fund its programs. You can support Care Ring and Baby Bundles through financial donations to further the organizations’ missions. Care Ring also needs more doctors, nurses, and other medical providers who can donate their time to improve community members’ health. If you want to support Care Ring but do not have medical training, you can serve as a volunteer and help with administrative tasks, fundraising, community outreach, research, marketing, and patient support services.

Baby Bundles is always looking for volunteers to package bundles and assist with other tasks. Community members are also welcome to make a “No-Sew Blanket” to be included in a bundle. Baby Bundles also accepts monetary and clothing donations and has a wish list of needed items on Amazon. Finally, Baby Bundles hosts fundraising events throughout the year and always needs more volunteers to help these events run smoothly. Furthermore, there are individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities available at these events.

Stewart Law Offices’ Involvement

At Stewart Law Offices, we firmly believe in the missions of Baby Bundles, Care Ring, and the dozens of other local groups that we support. We are proud to donate our time and financial resources to further the goals of these critical organizations.

We believe everyone plays a part in ensuring that those in our community can live happy, healthy, and productive lives. If you share our commitment to the greater good, we encourage you to get involved in an organization near you. Even small gestures can make a significant impact on someone’s life. For more information on Stewart Law Offices’ charitable programs or legal services or to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Rock Hill about your case, call us today or visit our contact page.

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7 Strategies for Returning to a Normal Routine After an Accident

Have you been injured in an accident? If so, you may not know where to start to return to normal life after an accident. Here are seven strategies to follow to help you resume normal life after suffering life-altering injuries.

Give Yourself Time to Heal

First, you should take it easy as you recover from your injuries. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself to return to work or resume activities while you are still healing. If you try to resume a normal routine before you’ve recovered, you might delay your recovery or even aggravate your injuries.

Stay Active

While you should always stay within your physical limitations as you heal, keeping active during your recovery can improve the process. Physical activity can provide you with many benefits, including:

• Promoting healing
• Reducing stress
• Improving your mood

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about activities or exercises you can participate in.

Eat Healthily and Drink Plenty of Water

Maintaining a good diet can also impact your physical and emotional well-being. Healthy eating will provide the nutrients your body needs to heal. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, or processed foods. Staying hydrated during the healing process can also help flush out dead cells and toxins as your body repairs injuries.

Make Time for Relaxation

Stress and anxiety can slow down the healing process, so set aside time to relax, unwind, and center your mind. Make time each day for an activity or hobby you enjoy. When you don’t feel anxious or stressed, you will feel better prepared to deal with the obstacles you may face in your recovery.

Get Enough Sleep

Adequate sleep will also help promote your healing. Most adults need seven or eight hours of restful sleep per night. Tips for getting good sleep include:

• Avoid caffeine in the evenings.
• Put computers or cell phones away before bed.
• Adopt a relaxing routine before bedtime.
• Follow a regular sleep schedule.

Talk About Your Feelings

You may feel anger, anxiety, or depression over the physical limitations that your injuries impose. Part of the recovery process includes dealing with these feelings. You may find it beneficial to talk to a therapist or others who have gone through the same experience you did. Do not hesitate to ask family and friends for help if you need it. Talking about your feelings and difficulties can help you avoid feeling alone or overwhelmed.

Seek Legal Advice

Finally, you should seek legal counsel from a South Carolina car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights after being injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. An attorney can investigate and pursue your legal claims for financial recovery while you focus on treating and rehabilitating your injuries so that you can resume your routine.

Contact Our Firm for Legal Support as You Recover from Injuries Suffered in an Accident

Reach out to Stewart Law Offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney from our firm. Let us help you learn more about your options for pursuing financial compensation and justice from those responsible for the harm you have suffered.

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Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thousands of accidents occur yearly on Turkey Day, but luckily, most are entirely preventable. Here, the legal team at Stewart Law Offices offers tips to keep yourself and your family safe this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season.

Kitchen Safety

On Thanksgiving Day, the kitchen is where all the action happens. While many people enjoy the hustle and bustle of Turkey Day cooking, it can lead to more accidents in the kitchen. Here are some tips for decreasing the risk of injury in and around the kitchen:

• Keep surfaces clean and keep the floor clear of obstacles.
• Do not leave food unattended in the oven or on the stovetop. Do not leave the house while the range or other kitchen appliances are on. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and fire deaths.
• Keep young children out of the kitchen while cooking or preparing food.
• Wash your hands before and after handling food, especially raw meat.
• Sanitize all surfaces that come in contact with raw meat.
• Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Stick a thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and the thickest portion of the breast to confirm.
• Do not leave food out for longer than two hours.

Fire Prevention

According to the NFPA, more house fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day. To prevent fires in the kitchen and elsewhere, take the following precautions:

• Check your smoke detectors to ensure they work before Thanksgiving Day.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Do not leave food unattended while cooking. 
• Set a timer to alert you when to check on food.
• Keep flammable objects away from the stove, such as oven mitts, food packaging, and towels.
• If a fire occurs in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Never use a turkey fryer indoors.

Holiday Traveling Tips

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), hundreds of traffic fatalities occur annually on Thanksgiving Day. Furthermore, the NSC estimates that at least 50,000 travelers are injured in Thanksgiving Day traffic accidents yearly. Keep your family safe on the road this holiday season by following these tips:

• Make sure your car is in good working order before holiday travel. Check the oil, tire pressure, and windshield wiper fluid.
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle has their seatbelts fastened at all times.
• Plan your route ahead of time and try to avoid rush hours.
• Check the weather forecast and avoid driving in inclement conditions if possible.
• Keep extra snacks, water, and a first aid kit in the car.
• Never text and drive.
• Do not drive while intoxicated.

For All Personal Injury Cases, Call Stewart Law Offices Today

Taking every precaution will not eliminate all risks. You may still encounter drunk drivers, careless cooks, and unprepared hosts this Thanksgiving holiday. If you are injured in Rock Hill, contact Stewart Law Offices for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

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How To Safely Trick-Or-Treat This Halloween

Boo! As the spookiest time of the year approaches, you may be preparing to watch a few scary movies, carve an epic jack-o’-lantern, and hit up the neighborhood for a pillowcase full of sweet Halloween candy. While you don’t actually need to worry about razor blades, drugs, or poison in your sweets, there’s still plenty to watch out for as you and the kiddos set out trick-or-treating this October. Please read on for some devilishly simple Halloween safety tips from your neighbors at Stewart Law Offices.

Trick-Or-Treating Walking Safety

Make sure everyone in your family understands the following rules for walking safely while trick-or-treating this Halloween:

• Always cross the street at corners, using signals and crosswalks when possible
• Always look left, right, and then left again when you cross the street
• Put your phone and other electronic devices away and stay alert as you cross
• Make eye contact with drivers and other road users when you cross in front of them
• Walk on sidewalks where available
• Walk on the far left side of the road, facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk
• Keep an eye out for cars that are turning, backing up, or moving unpredictably
• Never dart out into the street or from in between parked cars
• For older kids, stick to familiar, well-lit areas when trick-or-treating solo

Halloween Costume Safety

Locating family members, friends, or familiar faces can be difficult in the sea of masks and costumes on Halloween night. Drivers may also have trouble navigating through large crowds of candy-seekers. You can make your trick-or-treating costumes easier to spot from a distance by:

• Decorating costumes and candy bags with reflective tape or stickers
• Choosing lighter-colored fabrics for costumes, masks, bags, and shoes
• Using face paint or makeup rather than covering faces up with masks
• Handing out glow sticks or flashlights to help kids see and stay visible
• Checking for fit ahead of time to avoid trips and falls over trailing hems

Driving Safety Tips for Halloween

If you plan on driving to a costume party or another spooky event this Halloween, you can keep yourself and others safe by:

• Never driving if you have been drinking or using drugs
• Putting away your phone and other distractions while behind the wheel
• Slowing down and staying extra cautious in residential areas
• Avoiding the roads during the prime trick-or-treating hours (5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
• Taking special care around intersections, medians, and curbs
• Entering and backing out of driveways and side streets carefully
• Turning headlights on earlier, ideally as soon as it is dusk outside

For All Personal Injury Cases, Call Stewart Law Offices Today

If you or someone close to you gets hurt in a car accident or another incident in Rock Hill this Halloween, reach out to Stewart Law Offices for help. We handle cases across South Carolina and portions of North Carolina, too. Contact our office today to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Rock Hill who can answer your questions and review your case during a free, confidential consultation.

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