Check out our April newsletter!
Waiting to Call a Lawyer Can Cost You Big Time DON’T BE A FOOL
April Fools’ Day is all fun and games — until you realize the joke’s on you because you handled your injury case alone and got shortchanged by the insurance company. When it comes down to it, insurance companies are not in the business of making sure you get the maximum payout for your injuries. Their adjusters are highly trained professionals whose job is to limit payouts. That doesn’t mean they’re evil, but their interests directly oppose yours. They do this every single day, while you hopefully don’t. Don’t wait to get legal help. One of the biggest mistakes we see is people waiting too long to call a lawyer. Often, someone comes to us after dealing with the insurance company for a year or
more, and by then, they may have already made some mistakes. Without knowing, they missed opportunities to properly establish the actual value of their claim. By the time they realize they need help, it’s often too late. While it’s never “too late” to consult an attorney, waiting too long can mean missed deadlines, signed agreements you didn’t fully understand, and a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your actual damages. Don’t fight an unfair fight. Would you go up against a professional chess player without knowing the rules? That’s essentially what happens when you handle your injury case without legal representation. Adjusters are well versed on how to minimize your claim and get you to accept less than you deserve. Many people think, “I don’t want to pay a lawyer a portion of my settlement. I can do this myself.” They don’t realize a lawyer often secures far more money than you’d get on your own, even after legal fees. If we recognize, for any reason, that you may not be better off financially by hiring a lawyer, we will tell you. Meet your deadlines. Workers’ compensation and personal injury cases have certain deadlines to bring your claims which, if missed, can permanently bar you from recovery. At Holland & Usry, we can work to present your claim in a manner that represents its true value.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. It’s not just injury cases where people make costly mistakes by delaying legal help. In family court matters, we frequently get calls from people who are already deep in litigation — sometimes just weeks before trial — and need urgent representation. Unfortunately, by that point, we often do not have enough time to prepare properly, meaning we have to turn them away. Remember, for injury cases, it costs nothing to talk to a lawyer. You don’t pay us unless we recover for you, so there’s zero risk in calling and making sure you’re protecting yourself. For family court there is a consultation fee, but we will explain that when you call to set up an appointment. So, don’t be a fool. Call us today and let’s make sure you’re on the right track. When it comes to protecting your rights, knowledge is power AND may put money in your pocket.
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
Parenting Teens
Tips for Handling Conflict With Care
Key Strategies for Conflict Resolution Engage in active listening. Sometimes, the best way to avoid or defuse conflict is just to listen. Active listening helps strengthen relationships by showing your teen you care and understand their perspective. Reflect on their feelings to show you’re paying attention (e.g., “It sounds like you’re upset because you feel misunderstood.”). This approach helps teens feel heard and makes it less likely they’ll get defensive. Collaborate on solutions. Instead of imposing rules or decisions on your teen, involve them in finding resolutions. Collaboration and negotiation show their input matters. Open discussions foster mutual respect and help build a foundation for long-term trust and understanding. When collaborating, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think would be fair?” or “How can we make this better for everyone?”
Set clear, respectful boundaries. Teens still need structure, but how you enforce boundaries matters. Respect their growing independence by explaining the reasoning behind rules and allowing room for compromise. You can also demonstrate the behavior you expect from your teen by setting and maintaining your boundaries. Modeling appropriate boundary-setting in your interactions shows them how to establish and respect limits in their relationships, which can benefit them long after they leave home. Building Stronger Bonds Through Conflict The teenage years bring rapid changes in how teens relate to their world and families. Conflict is common during this formative period, but it doesn’t have to be a battle — it can be a bridge. With patience, empathy, and the right strategies, you can foster a bond that not only survives the teen years but thrives because of them.
As kids grow into teens and young adults, family dynamics often change. Gaining more independence naturally becomes their priority, which can lead to more conflicts at home. Whether disagreeing over curfews, arguing about responsibilities, or struggling with differing communication styles, these challenges can feel new to many parents. Conflicts don’t have to create division, though. They can even strengthen your relationship if you handle them with care.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Everyone on Rob’s team was amazing! I was bitten by my neighbor’s dog which resulted in losing the first joint of my finger. In the beginning I tried to work with the insurance company directly, but soon realized they only had their interest at heart. I contacted Rob for assistance, and that was the best move I could have possibly made! Rob immediately took over communications with the insurance, removing this stress from my life. Rob worked diligently to ensure all medical expenses were covered and I was adequately compensated for my injury. I would highly recommend Rob and will definitely contact him if future needs arise.” —Kim Williams “I spoke with Rob about a car accident case to determine if I needed a lawyer. Based on the specifics of my situation, he advised that I didn’t need one and provided helpful guidance on how to handle it on my own. Rob is incredibly down-to-earth, and I felt very comfortable speaking with him. He’s a genuine and trustworthy lawyer, and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to friends and family in need of legal assistance.” —Mango Runner
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SO, HOW DID SHE WIN A $125,000 CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT? She Wasn’t in a Car
I had the privilege of helping a tough, independent 80-year-old woman (who still mows her own lawn!) secure a car accident settlement despite the fact she wasn’t in a car when it happened. On June 21, 2019, my client was enjoying lunch at a restaurant on Highway 9 in Spartanburg County when the unthinkable happened. A driver lost control and crashed into the building — right where she was sitting. The impact shattered brick, mortar, and glass, and the force of the crash broke her chair, throwing her violently onto her right side. She suffered a broken hip, requiring surgery and a painful summer of recovery, hospital stays, and physical therapy. The Insurance Challenge (and Big Break) Like any car accident case, insurance coverage was key. The at-fault driver had only $25,000 in liability coverage — not nearly enough to cover my client’s medical
expenses, pain, and suffering. But here’s where my client’s foresight made all the difference. Long before the accident, she had wisely purchased Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage on her auto policy. Many people don’t realize this, but UIM coverage protects you even if you’re not in your car or any car at all. Since a vehicle injured her, her UIM coverage applied, adding $100,000 to her settlement. After presenting a strong demand letter and settlement package, both insurance companies agreed to pay their full limits, totaling $125,000. I then successfully negotiated a reduction in Medicare’s reimbursement claim, leaving my client with more settlement money than she ever expected. Why Hiring an Attorney Matters If my client hadn’t reached out to me, she wouldn’t have known she had access to
extra insurance coverage that changed everything. Like many people, she was hesitant to get a lawyer — she’s never been the type to sue. But handling her injuries, dealing with the insurance company, and negotiating a fair settlement on her own would have been overwhelming. In the end, she was grateful she called. Not just for the outcome but for the care and guidance we provided every step of the way. If you’ve been injured, don’t leave money on the table — get the legal help you deserve.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33 “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 Good News
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 1/2 tsp celery seed • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided • 2 tbsp chopped chives • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 16 oz fresh gnocchi • 1/2 cup half-and-half
Directions 1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery seed and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes, then stir in half-and-half and 1/2 of the bacon. 3. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup cheese, then rest until thickened, about 5 minutes. 4. Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon as desired.
righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
864.582.0416
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
* 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 1. The Costly Mistake of Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Help 2. Tips for Handling Conflict With Care Client Testimonials 3. Why Your Car Insurance Might Protect You … Even if You’re Not in a Car Hearty Gnocchi Soup 4. Heroic Goldendoodle Saves Baby Deer in Heartwarming Rescue
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If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . RESCUE, COMFORT, AND REUNION HOW HARLEY BECAME A REAL-LIFE HERO
Everyone likes to believe their canine companions would jump into action if they noticed someone or something in danger. However, most dogs will never be in a position to save a life or avert a catastrophe. That’s probably a good thing, as watching one of your best friends risk their life for others would be incredibly stressful. In 2021, a Virginia family experienced precisely that as they witnessed their goldendoodle attempt a heroic rescue with a heartwarming aftermath. During an early summer evening, Ralph Dorn’s dog, Harley, was gone. He started surveying the lake behind his Culpepper, Virginia, home when he spotted the goldendoodle about 200 feet from shore. At first, he wondered what his dog was doing
in the water, but he soon realized his trusty pup was not alone. Harley was swimming alongside a tiny baby deer. “Not sure how the fawn got out there, but Harley obviously didn’t ask why. He just jumped into action,” Dorn, 62, wrote in a Facebook post. Harley helped the fawn to shore, where Dorn greeted the animals and helped them climb back onto dry land. Once the deer was out of the water, Harley immediately started licking the fawn to comfort and calm it down. Harley didn’t want to leave the fawn, but after spotting the deer’s mother, Dorn escorted his heroic canine indoors. The fawn and mother walked away, seemingly never to be seen again. That was, until the next morning.
Harley appeared restless that morning, running from window to window. Dorn opened the front door to see what was happening when he heard the fawn bleating. The deer had returned, eager to thank its rescuer! The two ran toward each other, touching noses and sniffing one another before Harley returned indoors. The brief reunion was enough to calm the fawn and Harley down, and Dorn has not seen either deer since that day.
But that’s not Harley’s only heroic feat. The proud pup has also spent time as a
certified therapy dog, providing comfort and companionship to seniors in care facilities and children reading at the local library. We can all hope our dogs would take the same actions as Harley if presented with a similar opportunity!
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