Check out our June newsletter!
A Tool for Connection and a Potential Legal Landmine SOCIAL MEDIA —
Post it, tweet it, like it. Today, social media is everywhere. In fact, it sometimes rules our lives. It shapes our interactions, opinions, and even the legal world. On June 30, we celebrate Social Media Day and recognize its impact (both good and bad) on our daily lives. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) keep us connected to friends and family across the globe, they also present multiple challenges, especially concerning the personal injury cases we see in our line of work (as well as other cases). While social media is highly beneficial for businesses and individuals to connect and build a brand, it also has the potential to spread misinformation.
The ease with which social media users can share content means inaccurate or misleading information can circulate widely and quickly. In situations where the stakes are high, such as during elections, public health crises, or a personal injury law case, it can present some problems. SOCIAL MEDIA AND PERSONAL INJURY CASES Social media can be a minefield for clients involved in personal injury cases. We often advise our clients to minimize or avoid social media usage to prevent their posts from being used against them. For example, take a client involved in an injury case who posted a photo of herself attending a college football game on one of the social platforms. The opposing counsel used this image against her to suggest her injuries did not impact her life to the extent claimed. Defense attorneys can argue such activities contradict claims of disability or impairment, not taking into account the unseen pain or consequences that may follow. The reality is that this client went to a football game with her family. What the picture didn’t show is that the injured client could not sit for more than a certain period, often standing to relieve pain and that the next day, she was in so much pain she had difficulty getting out of bed. Activities that seem simple to one person may lead to significant pain or setbacks for someone with a chronic
condition. Social media posts often lack context; without the whole story, they can be interpreted in misleading ways that are outright harmful in a legal case. Like they say — you can’t judge a book by its cover. BEST PRACTICES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USE DURING PERSONAL INJURY CASES Think Before You Post: Always consider how someone outside of your personal network could perceive a post. The best advice is simply not to post. Avoid Discussing Your Case: Never share details about your legal proceedings online, as these posts can be easily taken out of context. Keep in mind that social media is a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can support your personal and professional growth. However, especially regarding your personal injury case and online safety, careful discretion is required to ensure your personal information remains secure and private Protect yourself!
Do a good deed! Be part of a solution! We’re here for you and your family and friends to answer questions about these cases:
• Wrongful death • Serious accident injuries • Work injuries
• Family law —
consultation fee required, we’ll explain when you call.
Give the gift of peace of mind, and make sure callers tell us you sent them so we can thank you! Call 864.898.6458.
864.582.0416
MOONLIT MOVIE MAGIC Hosting the Ultimate Outdoor Movie Night
Whether it’s blocking pucks during a street hockey game or checkmating chess hustlers at the park, traditionally indoor activities take on an entirely new feel and flavor when taken outside. While a rare sight these days, movie-goers worldwide used to enjoy cinema from the comfort of their cars at drive-in theaters. These made a brief resurgence during the pandemic, but now that movies are rolling in theaters again, the fad has begun to die off.
your phone or tablet. Now, I think we can all agree that watching a movie outside on your phone does not make for a great cinematic experience. Debtrette, a TikTok influencer and mom, has a suggestion. She put a spin on an old classic — family movie night — by holding it in her backyard with all the conveniences you would expect at a movie theater — like an air mattress, pillows, and blankets! If you are looking for a fun way to spruce up a traditional movie night, what better way than to bring it outside under the stars? Here are some necessities to make your moonlight movie night truly magical:
These days, if you want to watch a movie, it seems like you are limited to three options: Watching it at the theater, on your TV, or on
• A portable projector screen, like a sheet on a clothesline • Portable movie projector • Candy, popcorn, and beverages • Some outdoor seating and cushions
• Lamps, lanterns, or candles • Warm blankets • The perfect movie to bring it all together
You can find screens and projectors to fit any budget, and your movie selection will depend on the crowd. Just make it fun: Lie back on the grass and watch “Antz” or lounge in the pool while watching “Jaws”! The key is to make the experience unforgettable, and all who share in it will be thankful for your effort to make it all possible.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS “Rob is not only courteous and professional, he has a real charisma that immediately puts you at ease. My consternation about my case vanished 10 minutes into my first meeting with him. Above all, the service that he provides is peace of mind. When I engaged his services, I did so confident that this man would do his best for me, and he did not let me down. His confidence is infectious. You will feel better about your case the more he speaks, proving himself an experienced veteran in the court system, while retaining an assuring sense of real humanity. He’s a guy you can get along with.Overall I am totally happy with my experience engaging Rob Usry to represent me. I recommend you do the same.” -JML Khan “Our experience with Rob and others in the office was nothing short of fantastic! Our 16 year old daughter was hit by a drunk driver. In our first meeting with Rob, he was very thorough and very concerned for our daughter. Rob’s guidance through the entire process was simple. I wholeheartedly recommend Rob Usry for any of your legal issues.” -William
www.bhollandlawfirm.com
FROM SELF-REPRESENTATION TO LEGAL SUCCESS — Jane’s Journey to a Fair Settlement
We helped our client, Jane, achieve a significant settlement on behalf of her mother, who suffered severe injuries in a crash involving a rented box truck. This case presented unique challenges: Her mother’s dementia, her subsequent death before the case concluded, and Jane’s initial solo battle against the truck’s insurance company. For over a year, Jane represented herself against the insurance company’s lawyer. She almost settled for $60,000, but she had doubts about the fairness of this offer and sought our legal expertise. The accident occurred on April 19, 2021, when Jane’s sister and mother collided with a Penske box truck that had ignored a stop sign on Hwy 101 near Spartanburg. The crash was severe enough to require hospitalization for Jane’s mother, who suffered multiple rib fractures and other serious injuries that required ICU treatment. Our firm recognized that the initial settlement offer significantly undervalued the physical and emotional toll on Jane’s mother and decided to take the case. After a detailed case evaluation, we renegotiated, focusing on the comprehensive impact of the injuries sustained. We were able to increase the settlement by 50% to $90,000! This case wasn’t easy — it required careful navigation of complex issues, including the representation of a client who could not communicate due to dementia and ensuring her daughters’
observations and experiences were adequately conveyed. The settlement also required court approval due to the mother’s incapacitation and subsequent death. We tailored our approach to ensure Jane’s mother’s interests were fully represented, reflecting the true extent of her suffering and the ongoing impact on her family. This case is just one example of the importance of professional legal guidance, particularly when navigating the intricate dynamics of personal injury law and family trauma.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
Good News
BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) “I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” –Proverbs 3:3-6 (NIV)
These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nutrients!
Ingredients
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
864.582.0416
* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306
INSIDE this issue
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Minimizing Social Media Risks During Personal Injury Cases
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2.
Host a Movie Night Under the Stars
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2.
Client Testimonials
3.
How We Secured a $90,000 Settlement for a Family Facing Tragedy
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3.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
4.
How a Pet Husky Prevented Disaster
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . Hero Husky Saves the Neighborhood
On Dec. 15, 2023, pet owner Chanell Bell of Philadelphia was taken aback when she noticed that Kobe, her 4-year-old miniature Alaskan husky, had dug a hole in her home’s front yard. This was a stark departure from Kobe’s usual behavior, which Bell initially dismissed as boredom and promptly refilled the hole. However, when Kobe began to dig again in the same spot, Chanell realized something was amiss. “We’ve been here at our home for a while now, and he never digs holes,” Bell told USA Today. “So, I knew something was up.” She investigated further, reviewing footage from the family home’s security camera overlooking Kobe’s newfound digspot. Then, she witnessed Kobe sniff the air around the area before digging the hole in the same spot again.
Thinking something Kobe smelled must have alarmed him, Bell phoned Philadelphia Gas Works, which sent a crew out to investigate. The engineers discovered that the gas lines beneath the Bell household were old, dilapidated, and beginning to leak. After fixing the issue, the company told Bell that if Kobe had not discovered the leak, the line would have posed significant health and safety concerns for the whole neighborhood. “They told me something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion,” Bell told USA Today. After Bell shared Kobe’s story on social media, it caught the attention of PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who awarded the young husky the Heroic Dog Award. Inspired by Kobe’s efforts, Bell wrote a children’s book dedicated to him called “The Dog That Saved the Block Before Christmas.”
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