Check out our June newsletter!
Here’s Why You Should Stay off Social Media IN A LEGAL CASE?
Beware of posts that may backfire. It’s not just photos. Here are four examples of social media missteps that can derail a case: Injury claims: A video of you lifting groceries, dancing, or even walking normally can contradict your claim, even if it was a rare “good day.” Criminal cases : Posts that include threats, admissions, or questionable photos (even if meant as a joke) can become evidence. Family court: Trash-talking your ex, posting about partying while you’re supposed to have your child, or sharing content that shows poor judgment — all of it can be used against you. General reputation: Employers, educators, opposing attorneys — everyone looks at social media now. What you post can follow you for years. Our advice? Just don’t post. We tell every client not to use social media during a case. We advise them not even to post something positive. Every post opens a door. And once the other side walks through that door, they will look for anything they can use, whether it has merit or not. Even if you’re a responsible person with nothing to hide, it’s just not worth the risk. Why give the other side more ammo? It’s digital evidence — forever. Remember, what you post online doesn’t go away. Even if you delete it, screenshots exist. Platforms archive it. And eventually, your kids, employer, or a future court may see it. We’ve had cases where social media posts turned a strong defense into an uphill battle because someone posted something they thought was harmless or funny in the moment. We’ve seen it with teenagers, young adults, even seasoned professionals. It happens more than you’d think. Protect yourself. Keep things offline. And if you ever have questions about what’s okay to post or not, ask your attorney. We’re here to help you put your best case forward, without giving the other side a shortcut.
Let’s face it — social media is everywhere. We use it to connect with friends, post updates, share photos, and document our lives. But if you’re in the middle of a personal injury case, or any legal case for that matter, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to log out and stay off. We know it’s hard. With things like National Selfie Day and World Social Media Day popping up this month and summer in full swing, the temptation to post or scroll is strong. But when it comes to protecting your legal case, social media is more harmful than helpful. It’s not about the truth — it’s about the perception. Here’s the thing: Even an innocent post can be twisted. Say you’re legitimately injured, in pain, and recovering. But someone snaps a photo of you smiling at your kid’s football game. You post it because you’re proud or want to be supportive. That photo, however, does not show that you were uncomfortable the entire time. You pushed through to be there. You went home, took pain meds, and couldn’t get out of bed the next morning. A defense attorney or insurance adjuster may use that image to argue that you’re clearly fine. Because if you’re well enough to smile and attend an event, how hurt could you really be? That’s the danger. Social media only shows a snapshot. It doesn’t capture the full context of your reality, which can cost you in a legal setting.
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
Smart Scheduling for Better Health FAMILY FLEXIBILITY
Fulfilling life’s many demands should never come at the expense of your family’s health. If your household’s daily grind consists of juggling multiple schedules and commitments with little room for relaxation, you’re not alone. Here are two ideas to help your family slow things down and better ensure everyone’s physical and mental well- being stays positive as the hours fly by. A Schedule Overhaul When work commitments, paying bills, coordinating transportation for your children’s extracurricular activities, and other daily obligations lead to hurried and scattered interactions among family members, the American Heart Association recommends creating a new way forward. First, look closely at everyone’s daily schedules over a week to see where gaps may exist and which activities could be scaled back to allow for more time spent together. You can start by
choosing two 30-minute slots during the week and two hour-long slots on weekends to get everyone in one place. The goal is to have distraction-free time with your loved ones, so put away your computers and cell phones during these special moments. Stress-Smart Strategies Naturally, hectic schedules often lead to stress — not just for adults. In addition to providing children with all-important personal time with their parents and siblings, regular family activities can help parents better determine whether their kids feel undue pressure in any area of their lives. Although positive stress can help a young person rise to challenges — for example, studying for a big test or meeting the deadline for an important assignment — too much stress can hinder a child’s coping skills and lead to anxiety and depression or physical symptoms such as headaches
and stomach pains. Setting consistent daily routines — the same bedtime each night, for example, or regularly scheduling family time everyone looks forward to — will go a long way in helping them feel more in control of their days and encourage better communication with other family members. Life is more than checking off items on our schedules. Any family can create a system that helps everyone feel happier and healthier in even the busiest times with only minor adjustments.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“I had a great experience. The staff really goes the extra mile to serve you and your needs. Whenever I need the help of a trusted law firm I will always turn to them.” -Jason Wines “Seeking help from an attorney was not on my radar when I was injured at work. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation became a barrier between me and the treatment I needed. After months battling workers’ compensation, being questioned relentlessly and then rejected, I contacted Holland & Usry, P.A. “Mr. Usry and his team went to bat for me, and I received the necessary treatment I needed, in addition to medical bills being paid. Workers’ compensation is a bear to deal with. If not for Mr. Usry and Rose, I would still be in a needless and stressful battle with them — I’m sure of it! “I am extremely grateful for the honesty, integrity, and compassion given me from this group! My journey is still in motion, and Mr. Usry and Rose are taking care of business!” -Wendie Lawson
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When a Family Needed Help After a Devastating Loss, We Stepped In
After losing her husband in a tragic motorcycle accident, Jackie Dickert found herself facing a future filled with uncertainty and grief. George, her husband of nearly 25 years and a devoted father to their two children, left their beach vacation early to return to work. On his ride home along North Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville, a van driver attempted a dangerous left turn across several lanes of traffic and hit George’s motorcycle. Though George wore a helmet, the collision caused critical head injuries that led to his passing days later, shortly after their son arrived from military deployment to say goodbye. Jackie’s world was turned upside down. On top of the emotional devastation, she feared financial collapse from mounting medical bills and the loss of her husband’s income. She turned to a local attorney, who then called us in to take over the complex wrongful death claim.
Our first step was uncovering all available insurance coverage. The at-fault driver was operating someone else’s van, which only carried the South Carolina minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage. The driver was uninsured and had a suspended license. Thankfully, Jackie and George had wisely purchased underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) on their vehicles. Through a detailed review of their auto policies, we discovered three UIM policies that could be legally “stacked” under South Carolina law, providing an additional $125,000 in coverage. We worked to recover the full amount from all policies involved. Using medical records and the story of George’s life and loss, we persuaded each insurer to settle without litigation. Medical bills, especially those tied to life- saving efforts like surgeries and ICU care, often pose the biggest threat to a family’s
recovery. We helped Jackie file everything through her health insurance and negotiated a large reduction in the amount owed back to keep most of the settlement in the family’s hands. Lastly, we set up a structured settlement plan for their daughter to make sure her financial security was protected and properly managed as she entered adulthood. Jackie didn’t have to walk this road alone. We’re proud to have guided her through every step, honoring George’s memory by securing the support his family deserved.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
Good News
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Ingredients
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” –Psalms 46:1
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through
864.582.0416
Inspired by AllRecipes.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
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1. Social Media Can Wreck Your Legal Case (Even if It Is Innocent and Truthful) 2. A Streamlined Focus on Family Flow Client Testimonials 3. Helping a Widow Navigate the Legal Aftermath of a Tragic Loss Teriyaki Beef Skewers
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4. Hero Hound Saves Owner
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com .
The bonds we develop with our pets are unlike any other we experience. They depend on us for their every want and need, and we often give them whatever they ask for! We know they would do the same for us if the roles were reversed. As the years pass, that bond deepens, making us inseparable from our furry friends. Many of us have felt despair when we imagine life without our trusty dog, cat, or other pet. It turns out that some animals feel the same and will do everything in their power to protect their owner if tragedy occurs. An 84-year-old man in Washington state woke up one morning to the sound of his glucose machine telling him his blood sugar was too low. As he headed toward the fridge, he noticed his 13-year-old dog, Gita, wanted to go outside. Shortly after being let out, Gita took off toward the woods, and her owner followed in pursuit. After traveling 20–30 feet, the man turned around to head back home when dizziness overcame him. He fell to the ground, broke his hip, and immediately started shouting for help. Loyalty Runs Deep GITA’S HEROIC DASH TO SAVE HER OWNER
Gita remained by her owner’s side for some time before realizing nobody would hear him in the secluded woods. She jumped into action, heading toward a well-traveled street, where she encountered a sheriff’s deputy. The deputy tried to get the dog in his vehicle to no avail, so he surveyed the surrounding area to find Gita’s owner. The deputy could not locate the owner but still felt something was wrong, so he turned his attention back to Gita. The two locked eyes before Gita stood up and ran toward an unmarked side street. Gita led the deputy directly to her owner before any more harm could come to him. After the event, the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office posted “Hero Dog Saves Owner” and their account of the story on Facebook. Gita certainly proved her loyalty and bravery that day!
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