Check out our November newsletter!
OUR DIFFERENCES DON’T HAVE TO BURN BRIDGES Hot Sauce and Politics
We’ve reached a sad crossroads in America: People are dying because of their political opinions. It’s a murderous coin flip that affects both sides of the aisle. The question is, how do we stop differences from dividing us?
I propose the answer is simple, but not easy. It comes from Paul, who learned from the Wisest Who Ever Lived:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Love never fails. All we know is incomplete. Three things last forever: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of all is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-13, paraphrased. Don’t worry, I’m not proposing that all we need to do is hug it out. However, I suggest we pursue love under what I feel to be its most accurate definition, by the Christian philosopher Dallas Willard: will to good. That doesn’t mean I have to agree for the sake of peace; I just use my will for the good of others.
That requires gaining perspective by looking at the big picture. People matter. I should understand and value everyone. Because political affiliations are important to some, I should respect them. But because I value the human behind them, I don’t react to a different viewpoint with condemnation. My response to a differing viewpoint, with a salute to Stephen Covey for coming up with it, is “Good! You see it differently. Tell me about that.” Then, I listen to understand instead of plotting my reply. Once I understand their view, I offer them the same opportunity to understand me, knowing this: It’s not my job to convince others to change their worldview. It is my job to be patient, kind, and not self-seeking. I look at political affiliations kinda like hot sauce. It’s just not for everybody, and somebody else’s hot sauce brand may not be for me. I’m not punching a guy in the face because he’s a Texas Pete man when I like Tabasco. Same thing with political affiliations and different viewpoints. If it ain’t your brand of hot sauce, well it ain’t your brand of hot sauce. The main thing is, we can still enjoy each other’s company, and we might just learn something.
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.
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LESS SCROLLING, MORE STROLLING
The Case for a Daily Walk
As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp. Fall and winter are nature’s underrated workout months. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next. The science of seasonal movement is real. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus
increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day. Create a cozy routine you look forward to. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. Make it social, rewarding, or both. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Can’t say enough about Mr. Usury’s thoughtfulness and attention to details during the process. He stayed in contact and kept me informed throughout. Definitely recommend if you are pursuing legal action or just need information!”
–Matthew
“Mr. Usry called me back without hardly any wait time. He gave me great advice and I would recommend him to anyone” –Lisa M.
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From Devastating Crash to $1 Million Recovery
Expert Strategy and Compassion Made the Difference
This is how my firm helped a kind couple, Richard and Marie, recover settlements from both a workers’ compensation claim and a catastrophic trucking accident. A wheel from an 18-wheeler detached, flew across I-85 near Duncan, South Carolina, and smashed into the work van Richard was driving. Another attorney, who recognized the case’s complexity, brought it to us. In 2022, Richard and a coworker were driving to Greenville when a dual wheel assembly came loose from a tractor-trailer in the opposite lane. It jumped the median and struck their windshield at high speed. The impact knocked Richard unconscious as the van accelerated. His coworker unbuckled, tried to brake, and steered into barriers before finally crashing into a ditch and a tree. Another vehicle was struck by the same wheel, severely injuring that driver, and then collided with Richard’s van seconds later. Richard sustained a traumatic brain injury, a shattered jaw requiring metal reconstruction, multiple hand fractures, lumbar spine damage, and double vision.
His medical bills exceeded $315,000, all covered by workers’ compensation.
We needed to prove negligence before seeking any settlement. I hired a mechanical engineer specializing in trucking equipment failures. After inspecting the preserved wheel assembly, he confirmed it was improperly tightened. The trucking company’s lawyers couldn’t dispute it, leading to a full-policy settlement shortly before employee depositions. Workers’ compensation initially resisted specialized brain-injury treatment since scans showed no abnormalities. I pushed for and secured referrals to a brain injury team in Charlotte, including a neurologist, psychologist, and neuropsychologist. A speech pathologist’s findings revealed the full extent of Richard’s cognitive impairment, prompting intensified therapy and steady recovery. We first settled Richard’s workers’ compensation case for $160,000, preserving lifetime medical benefits. Six months later, we mediated the trucking case and secured
a $900,000 global settlement. Though funds were limited among multiple victims, Richard selflessly agreed to share fairly. We also negotiated a substantial reduction in the workers’ compensation payback, which ensured meaningful compensation for Richard and Marie. This case reinforced the value of collaboration between lawyers, experts, doctors, and clients. Persistence, empathy, and strong relationships turned a near-impossible situation into over $1,060,000 in total recovery and lasting trust with a remarkable family.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
“Here there is no [social or cultural distinction], but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” –Colossians 3:11-15 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 Good News
APPLE-CRANBERRY SALAD
Ingredients
• 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette • 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries • 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta cheese
Directions 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
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Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
* 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. Choosing the Will to Good in a Polarized America
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2. Bundle Up and Step Out Client Testimonials
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3. $1.06 Million Recovered After Devastating Crash Apple-Cranberry Salad 4. How a Rescue Dog Is Lifting Spirits at Sea
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If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . ANCHORS AWEIGH, BELLY RUBS AHEAD MEET THE NAVY’S FIRST FULL-TIME MORALE DOG
For one special soldier, the mission is clear: Provide comfort, lift spirits, and stand by his crew, four paws at a time. Raider, a 1-year-old Lab mix from an animal rescue in San Diego, isn’t
Raider is the first canine cadet for the job. He was adopted from Labs and More Rescue and has been deep in training since April. This new furry crew member has been working hard on learning to use a “potty patch” on board and special safety gear like booties for his paws and eye protection. Along with getting his sea legs, he’s learning various commands that will help in his role, which is “designed to support the emotional wellness, morale, and mental health of sailors and Marines,” according to the nonprofit. Raider will join a team of five handlers and live full time on the USS Makin Island in his own room. Crew members will get their wish, and any time the base deploys, he’ll be along for the ride. Known for his goofy personality and affinity for belly rubs, he’s already bringing cheer to the base and inspiring others to follow in his pawprints. The nonprofit is busy training morale dogs for other ships. “Everyone is just really excited to have a furry companion to go with them when they’re underway,” Director of Operations and Training Nicky Moore said, adding, “What makes you happier than a dog?”
your typical recruit. He’s about to make waves as the first full-time morale dog on a Navy ship, and he could transform life at sea for hundreds of sailors. With a wagging tail and unwavering loyalty, this pup is ready to serve his country in the most heartwarming way. The nonprofit Shelter to Soldier has been training shelter dogs as service animals for veterans since 2012, with a mission to “save lives, two at a time.” Though the organization partners dogs with individual veterans, it began bringing therapy dogs to Navy ships for special training outings and made a discovery. Crew members felt a special connection with the pups and kept asking, “Can we take this dog on deployment with us?”
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