Celebrating 50 years of Service by the Children’s Attention Home

When it comes to abuse and neglect in South Carolina, children are one of the most vulnerable populations. Fortunately, our state is blessed with an organization that has spent the last 50 years providing loving services to children in need. This month, Stewart Law Offices honors the hard work done at Children’s Attention Home in Rock Hill.

What is Children’s Attention Home?

Since 1970, Children’s Attention Home has cared for abused and neglected children in South Carolina. It serves youth from birth to age 21 who have been placed in custody of the S.C. Department of Social Services, with most children ages 13 and older.

The care that children receive at Children’s Attention Home is comprehensive, focusing on their physical, emotional, and educational wellbeing. In addition to working with social services to make recommendations for each child’s future care and placements, the home prepares youth that are aging out of the foster care system with the necessary skills to be successful on their own.

Children’s Attention Home also expands its reach to assist teenagers outside of the child welfare system between the ages of 17 and 20 who do not have reliable shelter. Programs also help these young adults develop job skills and connect with their local communities.

Thanks to donations, Children’s Attention Home is also able to give kids opportunities to participate in activities that would otherwise be out of reach for them, such as professional sporting events, camping, museum visits, and beach trips.

Stewart Law Offices Joins Sponsors for 50th Anniversary Celebration of Children’s Attention Home

At Stewart Law Offices, our personal injury lawyers are also dedicated to helping South Carolinians in need. Recognizing our similar goals, our law firm is a contributing sponsor of Children’s Attention Home’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Our greatest hope is that our contributions can continue to make a difference in the lives of South Carolina children and families.

How to Get Involved

You can support Children’s Attention Home through volunteering, donations, and/or sponsorship opportunities. For additional questions, contact Katy Motsinger at kmotsinger@attentionhome.org or call (803) 372-6841.

Stewart Law Offices: Getting You the Compensation You Deserve While Serving Our Community

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in South Carolina, a personal injury attorney at Stewart Law Offices can help. We’ve been faithfully serving injured people throughout the Carolinas for three decades.

Our law firm was founded on the principle of treating clients like family. You are not just an anonymous face to us. We are committed to getting to know you as individuals so that we can represent you effectively and work to achieve your goals for maximum compensation.

With four offices in South Carolina, our injury attorneys are committed to serving communities throughout the state. Schedule a free consultation in one of our Rock Hill, Columbia, Spartanburg, or Beaufort* locations today.

Brent Stewart, Founding Attorney
Principal Office: 1242 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732

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2021 “BEST LAWYERS: Ones to Watch”

Stewart Law Offices is pleased to announce that three attorneys from our NC and SC offices were included in the inaugural edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

• Sam Bass was recognized for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants and Personal Injury Litigation – Plantiffs in South Carolina.
• Stephen Vicari was recognized for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants and Insurance Law in South Carolina.
• Christian Gerencir was recognized for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants in North Carolina.

Recognition by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch is based entirely on peer review and employs the same methodology as Best Lawyers®. Ones to Watch is awarded to attorneys earlier on in their legal career. The lists are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional work.

Stewart Law Offices has been representing injury victims throughout the Carolinas for over 25 years. Our experienced trial lawyers help accident victims in NC & SC demand maximum compensation for their injuries. For more information about “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” and their criteria for selection, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/

Learn More

Sam Bass

Principal Office: 409 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302
864-583-2223

Stephen Vicari

Principal Office: 10 Calendar Court, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29206
803-743-4200

Christian Gerencir

Principal Office: 5555 77 Center Drive, Suite 240, Charlotte, NC 28217
704-521-5000

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Whose Side Is the Workers’ Comp Doctor?

If you are injured on the job in the Carolinas, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and disability benefits. Although the workers’ compensation laws in South Carolina and North Carolina are different, they do share one thing in common — injured workers must see a doctor before any claim can be approved.

The doctor’s opinion carries a lot of weight as the insurance company considers whether to approve your workers’ compensation claim. This can create an understandable worry among employees about whether the physician is working in their best interests. Here’s what you need to know.

Whose Side is the Workers’ Comp Doctor On?

The workers’ compensation doctor is working for the insurance company, not for you. But doctors, even those who work for insurance companies, are sworn to practice medicine with integrity, compassion, and concern for the health of their patients. The assumption is that these providers will put your wellbeing over any profits they make from the insurer.

However, it often happens that injured workers do not agree with the workers’ compensation doctor’s findings. You have limited options if you’re unhappy with an opinion, so it’s advisable to speak with an attorney before taking steps on your own.

Can I Hire My Own Doctor for My Workers’ Comp Injury?

In North Carolina, you can only hire your own doctor in rare circumstances. The law is complicated. In general, you will need to pick your doctor from your employer’s list of approved providers. However, you are allowed to seek a second opinion and ask to change doctors. But unless permission is received in writing from your employer, their insurance carrier’s representative, or the N.C. Industrial Commission, payment for your treatment is not guaranteed. Permission will depend on showing “by a preponderance of the evidence” why a change is warranted. An experienced N.C. workers’ comp attorney can step in to help you collect this evidence.

In South Carolina, you can’t choose your doctor after a workplace accident and get medical coverage. In other words, going outside of your employer’s approved network of providers will mean that you will have to pay for the costs out of pocket. These situations can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’re contending with other health problems like pre-existing conditions. Consulting with a S.C. workers’ compensation lawyer can be helpful to figure out your next steps.

What Stewart Law Offices Can Do for Me

If you’re unhappy with the doctor’s decision about your work injury, you need the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer immediately. Get in touch with the South Carolina and North Carolina attorneys at Stewart Law Offices right away.

Our law firm understands that the stakes are high if an injury or illness puts you out of work. We will represent you aggressively in talks with the insurance company and develop a compelling argument for why you deserve full workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys are also accomplished trial lawyers and can represent you in appeals before the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission and the N.C. Industrial Commission if necessary.

You can count on Stewart Law Offices to use all of our resources to fight for your rights. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

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2021 Best Lawyers® – Stephen Suggs

Stewart Law Offices is pleased to announce that attorney Stephen Suggs was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants. Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America© list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise. Stewart Law Offices has been representing injury victims throughout the Carolinas for over 25 years. Our experienced trial lawyers help accident victims in NC & SC demand maximum compensation for their injuries. For more information about Best Lawyers® https://www.bestlawyers.com/

Learn More

Stephen Suggs – SC Attorney
Principal Office:
10 Calendar Court, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29206
803-743-4200

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Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your legal rights. But if you’re like many people, you don’t know exactly what that means. Even the smallest mistake could jeopardize your ability to collect compensation.

At Stewart Law Offices, we don’t want you to lose out on the money you deserve. Our experienced car accident lawyers have put together a list of the top five mistakes to avoid after being involved in a crash.

Mistake No. 1: Not Contacting Law Enforcement

You should always call the police after a crash, even if no one appears hurt. A police report officially documents that the accident happened. This can be of critical importance if you start showing signs of an injury later. The police report can help establish a timeline that links the accident to any injuries that have a delayed onset, such as whiplash or a concussion.

Mistake No. 2: Not Getting Medical Treatment Right Away

It’s critical to see a doctor even if you feel fine after an auto accident. Injuries that do not manifest symptoms right away can quickly turn deadly, such as internal bleeding. What looks like a simple bruise could indicate damage to vital organs that needs to be stopped surgically. Seeing a doctor immediately ensures that your injuries are detected and do not worsen, but it also generates medical records that will be essential evidence if you need to file a legal claim in the future.

Mistake No. 3: Talking to an Insurance Adjuster Before Consulting an Attorney

No matter how sympathetic they sound, representatives from the insurance company are not on your side. Their job is to save money by making settlement offers that are far lower than what accident victims deserve. It’s OK not to talk to the insurer until you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney. Check your insurance policy so that you don’t miss the deadline to report the wreck. Then call a trusted car accident lawyer to review your case for you.

Mistake No. 4: Talking About the Crash with Others

Ideally, the only people who should know the details of the accident are you, your lawyer, your doctor. Usually clients have a trusted family member or friend who is also in the loop. However, you should never discuss the accident on social media, with co-workers, or with friends in general. The insurance company will fish for evidence that you are not as injured as you seem. If you claim you suffered from whiplash and someone posts a picture of you dancing on Facebook during your recovery period, that can be used against you.

Mistake No. 5: Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Don’t be shocked if an insurance adjuster offers you a settlement within hours of the crash, perhaps even while you’re still in the hospital. It’s an attempt to get you to accept money before you can possibly understand the impact of your injuries. Remember, you can only settle once. You can’t go back for more compensation once a claim is resolved.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in North & South Carolina Today

For 30 years, Stewart Law Offices has been successfully representing injured people throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. If you were hurt in a wreck, get experience and compassion on your side. Call Stewart Law Offices now.

Originally published January, 2017. Refreshed September, 2020.

More Traffic Collision FAQs

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