Check out our August newsletter!
THE ROLE OF JURORS IN A FREE SOCIETY Justice Isn’t Just for the Powerful
On Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered the historic “I Have a Dream” speech. It was a defining moment in American history, one that didn’t just call for racial justice, but for a better, freer, and more equitable society for all. That dream wasn’t confined to civil rights alone. It touched on something much broader: the universal desire to live in a society where fairness prevails, and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. More than six decades later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is still incredibly relevant today. The aspiration for a just society is still something we all share, regardless of our individual paths, careers, or backgrounds. Whether we’re talking about personal ambitions, corporate values, or the state of the nation, most of us want the same basic things: fairness, freedom, and a chance to live life on a level playing field. But how do we protect that dream in everyday life? One of the most significant pillars of our democratic society is the right to a jury trial. It’s easy to take this right for granted, but it’s one of the most critical safeguards we have against unchecked power from a corporation or even the government. The civil justice system, powered by juries made up of everyday people, ensures individuals can challenge powerful institutions and influences. The threat of a jury trial, not just the law itself,
compels insurance companies and corporations to act fairly in injury cases and beyond. If those companies knew a jury would never hold them accountable, they’d have little incentive to treat people with dignity or to prioritize safety over profits. Think about it this way: It’s not just lawyers who help people get justice; it’s jurors. When regular citizens hear the facts of a case and deliver a fair verdict, they help ensure wrongdoers are held accountable and victims get fair compensation. It’s a system designed not just for justice, but for balance so no one is above the law, no matter how big their bank account or influence. This is why the right to a jury trial is not just a procedural detail; it promotes a free society. Without it, the most vulnerable among us would have little recourse. Corporations could prioritize profit without consequence, and governments could operate without fear of being held accountable. But with it, we have a tool that reinforces fairness and protects individuals from being steamrolled by more powerful entities.
So, what’s the dream today?
The dream is to live in a society where people are treated with fairness, where your voice matters, no matter your status, where corporations don’t get to cut corners at the expense of safety, and where governments can’t ignore the rights of the people they serve. The dream is for a level playing field — a system where everyone gets their day in court and justice isn’t reserved for the few, but accessible to all. Lawyers have a role to play in that dream, certainly. But so does every juror, every citizen who believes in fairness, and every person who understands that justice must be defended, not just hoped for. That’s the kind of future worth dreaming about and working toward. Justice isn’t just a courtroom word; it’s what a free and fair society is all about. And it starts with the belief that everyone deserves the chance to be heard.
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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The Family That Sweats Together, Stays Together
Making Fitness Fun for Everyone
Ready to turn family time into flexing time? Staying active and healthy doesn’t have to mean dragging everyone to the gym for endless push-ups or eating kale every day. With a bit of imagination and a team effort, the whole family can make fitness fun and celebrate gains together. From turning laundry chores into speed-folding competitions to jamming out in the living room as a cardio workout, building healthy habits is easier when you’re with the ones you love and laughing! Mop ‘Til You Drop Chores may not be everyone’s favorite activity — that is, until you turn them into high- energy games that work up a sweat. Many household tasks have physical elements that can be a form of entertaining exercise. You could challenge your family to a sweep off, where everyone races with their broom to see who can clean the floor the fastest. Maybe you
want to do some laundry lunges while washing clothes or see who can pick up the most toys in the shortest amount of time. Not only will everyone be more motivated to get their household to-do list done, but it will also help everyone get their reps in without noticing. Fit and Fun Staying in shape will happen naturally if you carve out time for family activities that
include a little movement. Daily walks after dinner are low-impact, get everyone outside, and are an easy way to get your steps in. Instead of driving to the library or park, ride bikes to get there so everyone reaps the benefits of cycling, such as improved heart health and better balance. Your children might enjoy trying out scooters or roller skates to get around the neighborhood. Stir Up Good Habits Proper nutrition is a key ingredient in a healthy lifestyle. Commit to cooking together as a family at least once a week to get everyone excited about eating right. Have the kids help plan the entree, pick out fresh veggies at the store, measure ingredients, or set the table. Making everyone feel included in meal planning helps them take ownership of their habits and learn how to prepare well-balanced diets.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Working with Rob Usry and his team was a great experience. They took the time to answer all our questions about my husband’s worker’s comp case and did everything they could to make the process as easy for us as possible. We would highly recommend them for your legal needs.” –Tammy “Mr. Usry and his staff are wonderful to work with. I reached out for advice when a recent accident caused damage to my house and car. They answered all my questions and explained all my options. They have the knowledge and haven’t forgotten how to treat people with kindness and respect. I wholeheartedly recommend them.” –Rebecca
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From the Factory Floor to Freedom
ONE CLIENT’S STAND FOR MEDICAL INDEPENDENCE
At Holland & Usry, we live by one motto: “It’s about you.” Joe’s story is a perfect example of that principle in action. Typically, I advise clients to hold off on settling their South Carolina workers’ comp claims until they’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) and received a permanent impairment rating. That’s how you truly understand the value of your case. These settlements carry big implications, like whether you can get future medical treatment for your injury. It’s not a decision to rush.
He spent two days in the hospital. Though his brain injury didn’t meet the most severe legal definition, it was still life-changing. He suffered constant headaches, memory issues, and poor sleep. Pain management helped somewhat, especially targeted neck injections, but he still wasn’t the same. Eventually, he resigned. Joe didn’t give up. He pivoted careers and became a licensed home inspector, passed a state exam, and built a new future on his terms. Still sharp and capable, Joe knew what he wanted: to control his own care without asking permission from workers’ comp. I explained what rights he’d be giving up by settling. He understood, so I sent a demand letter detailing his injury, treatment, and goals. The insurer met our number: $75,000. Joe gave up future medical coverage but gained his freedom. I might have chosen a different path, but it wasn’t about me. It was about Joe. And he made the choice that fit his life best. I’m just glad I could help him get there.
But Joe had other plans.
He was tired of the insurance company calling the shots and dictating when and how he could see a doctor. He wanted his independence back, and if the insurance company could meet our terms, he was ready to settle. And that’s what we did. Joe had worked at a custom door manufacturer for three decades. At the time of his injury, he was a production manager overseeing schedules and employees. His accident was brutal: While working in an attic, he fell down stairs and slammed his head on a steel railing. He was knocked unconscious, then tumbled down the stairs, hitting his neck and shoulder. A coworker found him disoriented, with dilated pupils and no memory of the event. EMTs initially thought he’d had a stroke.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
Good News
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Ingredients
• 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream
• 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package freeze-dried strawberries
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6–7 “When I thought, “My foot slips,” Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” –Psalm 94:18–19
Directions 1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3- cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
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Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.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 Dream Today: Fairness in the Courtroom, Freedom in Society 2. Healthy Habits for the Whole Crew Client Testimonials
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3. When Recovery Means More Than Just Healing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
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4. Against All Odds, a Ranch Dog Brings a Lost Toddler Home
A tiny desert town along Route 66 in Arizona is home to a new hero — a big, shaggy ranch dog who rescued a toddler lost in the desert this past April. Two-year-old Boden Allen was missing from his Seligman, Arizona, home for 16 hours when a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford appeared in his master’s driveway with the child at his side — 7 miles from Boden’s home. Buford’s owner, Scotty Dunton, had heard about the child’s disappearance. “I noticed my dog was sitting by the entrance (to his ranch),” he said, “and the little kid’s standing there with my dog!” If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . DESERT HERO Rancher’s Dog Rescues Toddler Lost in the Desert
does,” Dunton said of Buford. “He loves kids. I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him when he found him.” Dunton’s discovery of the little boy ended an anxious 16-hour search by more than 40 search-and-rescue volunteers, sheriff’s deputies, and state public-safety officers. Wearing only a tank top and pajama pants, Boden had wandered away at about 5 p.m. into rugged desert terrain, where two mountain lions were spotted later that night. Boden’s frantic parents had reported his absence to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Dunton says he wasn’t surprised by Buford’s protective behavior. “He is a guardian dog. He patrols all night and keeps coyotes away,” he says. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a crossbreed, a combination of a Great Pyrenees and an Anatolian shepherd, known for its intelligence, gentleness, and protective nature. In appreciation for their neighborhood hero, Buford’s admirers piled chew toys, bones, and other gifts on Dunton’s doorstep for days after the rescue.
He calmed the child, who was unharmed except for a few scrapes and nicks, and gave him water and food while calling authorities. Dunton was overjoyed. “I was ecstatic that he was okay and that my dog found him,” he said. Dunton asked Boden if he had been walking all night, and the child told him no, he had been lying under a tree. “Did my dog find you?” Dunton asked Boden. He wasn’t surprised when the child said yes. Dunton traced the little boy’s tracks more than a mile from his ranch, with Buford’s paw prints beside them. “That’s what he
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