Kids’ Chance of South Carolina

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Stewart Law Offices understand how a workplace accident can change the lives of families forever. That’s why we’ve chosen March to highlight and share our support for Kids’ Chance of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to children of workers who were injured or killed on the job.

Stewart Law Offices Supports Changing Families Forever

Since 1992, Kids’ Chance has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships to eligible students seeking to attend college or vocational schools after graduating from high school. But the need for additional support to South Carolinians is great. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there were 32,800 workplace injuries or illnesses recorded in South Carolina in a recent year. Of that number, an astounding 57 percent of those cases were considered severe.

“When a parent is suddenly unable to work after a job accident, the stability of the entire family is put in jeopardy,” says Brent Stewart, founder of Stewart Law Offices. “Our law firm and Kids’ Chance of South Carolina share a similar mission in helping these deserving families find the financial means necessary to secure a better future.”

There are many ways to contribute to Kids’ Chance. Financial donations can be made by individuals, companies, foundations, and other organizations. Volunteers are also welcome to serve on fundraising committees or as board members.

Spreading the word about Kids’ Chance is another way to help. Many South Carolina businesses provide corporate sponsorships to community organizations. Ask your employer whether they’ll consider donating to Kids’ Chance. All contributions are tax deductible.

Do you know someone whose parent was severely injured or killed in a job accident? You probably don’t hear them complaining about how hard life can be, not just financially but also emotionally. But the challenges are there. If they are considering post-secondary education but worried about the costs, direct them to https://www.kidschancesc.org/ to learn more.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Be bound for post-secondary (after high school) education
• Have achieved a high school diploma by the first disbursement of the scholarship
• Under age 25 at the time of the full disbursement of the award
• Entering to study or already studying at an accredited two-year or four-year college or vocational school
• Have at least one parent, stepparent, or legal guardian who was seriously injured or killed in a workplace accident that was documented and deemed compensable by the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission

Applicants are eligible for four traditional years (eight traditional semesters) of the scholarship award. You can apply online. For questions or additional information, email angie@kidschancesc.org or call (846) 546-5837.

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Daylight Saving Time Increases Risk of Fatal Accidents

On March 8, South Carolinians will shift their clocks forward one hour to mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). With the transition, Americans lose one hour of sleep and are at an increased risk of being involved in deadly car accidents, according to researchers.

A new study in the journal Current Biology found that auto accident deaths rise 6 percent in the week after the spring time change, resulting in about 28 fatal crashes per year.

Scientists say that springing forward contributes to crashes by disrupting sleep patterns, putting drowsy drivers on the roads each morning while it’s still dark. Essentially, motorists are in a state of “mini-jetlag,” where their normal sleep and wake cycles are suddenly thrown off balance.

This is not the first time that researchers have linked the spring shift to Daylight Saving Time with a rise in auto accidents. Several studies have shown a significant increase in crashes, especially on the Monday following the time change. In addition, the spring switch has been attributed to a spike in the number of workplace accidents, heart attacks, strokes and even suicides.

These latest results come just after South Carolina passed a bill that would allow the Palmetto State to remain on DST if the federal government allows it, something that both Gov. Henry McMaster and the Trump Administration have said they support.

Drowsy Driving: A Serious Problem

Daylight Saving Time aside, drowsy driving is already a concern for U.S. motorists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep behind the wheel.

Closer to home, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s most current statistics show that 536 traffic collisions in a single year involved a driver who was fatigued or asleep. Of those crashes, three people died and 274 others were injured.

Sleepy drivers are dangerous drivers for several reasons:

• They are less able to pay attention to the roads.
• They have slower reflexes, causing delays in their reaction times if an emergency arises.
• They are more likely to make careless driving decisions.

Preparing Yourself To Spring Forward

Sleep experts say that there are ways to prepare yourself for the upcoming switch to DST. Tips include:

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier in the week leading up to the time change. You will need to shift your wake times as well.
• Turn the lights on as soon as you wake up. Light plays a huge role in regulating your sleep and wake cycle.
• Use blackout curtains. Make your room dark and cool to help your body get into sleep mode, even if it’s light outside.
• Don’t increase your caffeine. Many people rely on caffeine to get through the morning lull, but upping your intake to cope with Daylight Saving Time could make it more difficult to get to bed at night.
• Listen to your body. If you’re too tired to get behind the wheel, don’t drive. It’s better to call in late to work or make your kids tardy for school than risk a crash.

Skilled South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help

The personal injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices represent clients who have been injured in accidents in both Carolinas. If you were in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, contact us today for a free consultation.

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What To Do If You’re In An Uber Car Accident

Over the past several years, Uber and other rideshare services have exploded in popularity in South Carolina. While Uber is a convenient way to travel, it can be confusing to figure out what to do if your Uber driver causes an accident and you get hurt.

Like all car accidents, compensation for any injuries usually comes through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But with Uber accidents, liability issues become more complicated. Whose insurance applies — your driver’s, or Uber’s? Stewart Law Offices can answer your questions and help you pursue compensation after an Uber accident in South Carolina.

Our law firm provides compassionate and comprehensive legal services to accident victims in both Carolinas. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build solid claims for compensation for Uber accident victims. You won’t feel alone with Stewart Law Offices by your side.

To learn more, call or contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Uber’s Insurance Policy For Passengers

Uber requires all of its drivers to carry their own auto insurance. The company also has its own insurance policy in case an Uber driver is at fault for a crash. Determining which policy kicks in depends on the driver’s status at the time of the Uber accident.

Not logged in: If the driver is not logged into the Uber app at the time of the crash, his/her own car insurance is responsible for covering any injuries, up to the policy limits. In South Carolina, the minimum required liability coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 for all persons involved in one accident.

Logged on, waiting for fare: Uber drivers who are logged into the app and waiting for a rider can receive partial coverage from Uber’s insurance policy if a crash occurs. In these cases, Uber provides up to $50,000 for injuries, but only pays what the driver’s personal auto insurance won’t cover.

Transporting a passenger or matched with a rider: In these circumstances, Uber’s $1 million liability insurance policy pays for any injuries if the Uber driver is at fault.

Protecting Yourself After An Uber Accident

The moments after an Uber crash can be disorienting. If you’re able, there are several things you can do to protect your legal rights.

• Check for injuries: If anyone is hurt, call for emergency help right away.
• Seek medical treatment: Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Getting timely medical care will strengthen your Uber accident claim by showing that you did everything possible to minimize the severity of your injuries.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Include a screenshot of the Uber app to show the details of your ride. You should also obtain the insurance information of everyone involved, as well contact information for any witnesses.
• Report the accident to Uber: This can be done in the app or by phone.

Contact Stewart Law Offices For Help With Your Uber Accident Claim

If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, the last thing you need to worry about is haggling with insurance companies over whose coverage will pay for your injuries. That’s when the South Carolina Uber accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can help. Our experienced lawyers can handle all negotiations with the insurance company for you. That leaves you free to focus on the most important priority — getting healthy again.

Having legal representation is especially important if you’re in an Uber accident involving multiple parties, such as other cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians. In those cases, fault may need to be split among all negligent parties. That could mean fighting several different insurance companies to get full and fair compensation. Our Uber accident lawyers can help identify all liable parties and work to obtain maximum compensation from all possible sources.

Contact us today to arrange your free consultation. There’s no obligation.

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Stewart Law Offices Highlights Polar Plunge South Carolina

Stewart Law Offices is diving into a fun and vital initiative in February — Polar Plunge South Carolina, the largest overall fundraising event for the Special Olympics.

Stewart’s legal team joins other Polar Plunge participants to dip their toes, hop in the cold waters of Lake Murray, or plunge into waters at other aquatic locations around the state to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Special Olympics South Carolina provides athletic training and Olympic-style sporting activities for both adults and children with intellectual disabilities, promoting both physical fitness and fostering friendships throughout the state. More than 30,000 athletes participate in the Special Olympics in South Carolina every year.

“The Special Olympics and Stewart Law Offices share the common belief that everyone — regardless of ability, health, or location — deserves the same opportunities for inclusion in the community,” says personal injury attorney Brent Stewart, the law firm’s founder. “We’re proud to support an organization that that celebrates diversity and wellbeing for all.”

Throughout 2020, Stewart Law Offices will be supporting charitable organizations that make a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the Carolinas. Each month, the firm will highlight the groups online and urge others to donate time, money, or whatever they can to these important causes.

“There’s always an opportunity to help,” says Stewart. “Every little bit counts. When we work together, we make our communities a better place to live.”

Interested in participating in the Polar Plunge? There’s still time to do it! Here are the locations for upcoming South Carolina events:

• Feb. 29: Lake Wateree State Park, Winnsboro
• Feb. 29: Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville

You can also ask your friends, family members, and employers to participate by donating money or sponsoring the Polar Plunge.

About Stewart Law Offices

For decades, Stewart Law Offices has been providing experienced and compassionate legal services to accident victims and their families in South Carolina and North Carolina. The firm’s core practice areas include personal injury, workers’ compensation, car accidents, truck accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, dog bite and slip and fall cases.  

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Stewart Law Offices Celebrates Its 25th Year Of Business Serving The Community

Community involvement has been a tradition at Stewart Law Offices. To celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020, the law firm is dedicating each month this year to highlight different charities and organizations in the community. Their goal is to bring more awareness and inspire others to join them in supporting and building better communities across North and South Carolina.

Since being founded in 1995, Stewart Law Offices has dedicated its professional efforts towards helping injured people. But effective representation doesn’t happen without compassion and caring of those in need — and that caring extends far beyond office doors and courtrooms. It flows into the communities they serve. Supporting the community makes everyone involved stronger.

Everyone has an opportunity to be a good citizen. It can start with something as simple as picking up litter on the sidewalk or volunteering time at the local animal shelter. It all adds up.

Expressing gratitude is another way to spotlight the community’s finest. That’s what motivated Stewart Law Offices to launch its annual Teacher Appreciation Awards, which honors teachers throughout North and South Carolina for their hard work and dedication. It’s just one of the firm’s initiatives that will continue in 2020.

Stewart Law Offices knows that 25 years in business would not have been possible without earning the community’s trust. Paying it forward is an honor and responsibility that the entire team at Stewart Law Offices doesn’t take lightly. Stay tuned to learn more about who the firm is highlighting each month.

If you are interested in ways to help or get involved, please contact us for more details.

Check out our Community Giving Back page for more information.

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Stewart Law Firm Cancels Medical Debt in Local Counties

South Carolina Law Firm Changes Lives with Medical Debt Purchases in Local Counties

SOUTH CAROLINA — Stewart Law Offices recently donated $559,202 to alleviate the mountains of medical debt currently burdening families in several South Carolina communities.

The South Carolina personal injury law firm partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit organization that collects donations to forgive health care debt for needy people. With Stewart’s contribution, 480 families in Richland, Lexington and Lancaster counties will have a fresh financial start.

The injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices are no strangers to people in need. With five offices throughout the Carolinas, they represent numerous clients who have been injured in accidents caused by someone else’s recklessness. These accident victims are almost always struggling to afford their accident-related medical expenses, according to Brent Stewart, the firm’s founder.

“Every day, we see people who are struggling with accumulating medical debt and limited means to pay it,” he says. “We see the frustration and hopelessness they feel as they consider whether they can afford to go to the doctor for medical treatment and still put food on the table. We wanted to help.”  

Roughly 79 million Americans must choose between paying their medical bills and meeting basic human needs like obtaining food and shelter, according to RIP Medical’s website. Around 450,000 families have had medical debt forgiven thanks to charitable contributions from donors like Stewart Law Offices.

Some people who are injured in accidents have the chance to recover legal compensation that eliminates or reduces their amount of medical debt, says Stewart. But for those who become ill or suffer a medical emergency, a legal settlement or courtroom verdict to offset the cost of their medical treatment may simply not be an option.

For that reason, the personal injury lawyers sought out a new, impactful way to give back to the communities they know and love so well.

“As attorneys, we can and will always advocate aggressively for our clients,” says Stewart. “But our profession is founded on public service — and being able to provide a lifeline for non-clients who are struggling with health care debt is just as important to us. It’s a natural extension of what we do as lawyers.”

About Stewart Law Offices

For decades, Stewart Law Offices has been providing experienced and compassionate legal services to accident victims and their families in South Carolina and North Carolina. The firm’s core practice areas include personal injury, workers’ compensation, car accidents, truck accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, dog bite and slip and fall cases.  For more information about the firm, call 1-866-457-4814 or visit www.stewartlawoffices.net.

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The Top 5 Worst Workplace Injuries

Life is never the same for someone who suffers a catastrophic workplace injury. In the span of a few seconds, everything changes. Your health, your livelihood and your quality of life are in jeopardy.   

When a workplace accident happens in South Carolina, workers’ compensation laws require most employers to pay 100 percent of the injured employee’s medical expenses, no matter who is at fault. 

The workers’ compensation system also provides disability benefits and income replacement if the injury forces an employee to miss work — which is typically the case with the most severe injuries. 

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic job injury, workers’ compensation benefits can be an essential lifeline during such a difficult time. But obtaining the full and fair amount of benefits that you are entitled to can be a challenge. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can alleviate your burden by helping to prepare your claim for maximum work injury benefits.

What Is A Catastrophic Injury?

There is no legal list of catastrophic injuries. Instead, a catastrophic injury is defined by the impact that it has on a person’s life. 

Example: You fell at work and were diagnosed with a concussion, but went back to normal after a couple of days of rest. That is not a catastrophic injury. But if the fall resulted in widespread brain damage that left you unable to speak, read or walk, that counts as a catastrophic injury.   

If an on-the-job accident caused an injury that permanently prevents you from working, then you have likely suffered a catastrophic injury. 

Top 5 Worst Workers’ Compensation Injuries

Thankfully, most job injuries (while painful) do not have lifelong consequences. Some of the most devastating injuries include: 

 

• Spinal cord injury: Severe damage to the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis and other medical problems. The lifetime direct costs of caring for someone who suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 25 is between $2.1 to $5.4 million, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
  
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Employees may suffer brain injuries from falls, job-related auto accidents or being struck by an object. Estimates show that it can cost anywhere from $85,000 to $3 million in lifetime treatment costs for a person with a TBI.
  
• Loss of limb: Getting a body part caught or crushed in a piece of equipment is a frequent cause of amputation from workplace accidents. Prosthetics make it possible for amputees to accomplish many feats. But they cannot enable a person to do everything the way they could before the injury.
  
• Burns: Thermal or chemical burns caused by explosions or fires can lead to permanent disfigurement, blindness, scarring, infections, inability to regulate body temperature and the need for lifelong surgeries.
  
• Toxic exposure: Exposure to dangerous chemicals can put workers at risk of developing serious and permanent illnesses, including respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and other cancers. 

 

 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported than more than half of all South Carolina workplace accidents in a recent year were “of a more severe nature,” requiring days off work, transfers or other restrictions. 

Contact A South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured at work, the workers’ compensation attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can help. We serve clients throughout South Carolina and select areas of North Carolina. 

For a free consultation with one of our compassionate lawyers, contact us today. 

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