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SMALL-TOWN SERVICE
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK July/August 2020
Attorney Derek Harper Returns to His Hometown to Serve His Community
W hen the opportunity to serve Lancaster through Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm came up My family has had roots in Lancaster, South Carolina, since 1767. I come from generations of farmers, Springs Industries employees, and small-business owners – the hardworking people who built and continue to make up more than four years ago, I knew it was where I was meant to be. Lancaster. I was a graduate of Lancaster High School, and although I left the town to complete my education at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, I always knew I would come back.
I admired the culture he and Bennett had built, and when I received the opportunity to serve my community through reopening and leading the firm’s Lancaster office in 2016, I leaped at the chance. It was the opportunity I had been looking for since I first left for college: a place that had the resources to provide a much- needed service to my home town with a friendly and personal approach. Since joining the team, I have enjoyed and fostered the culture that Bennett and Joel have created, and it has often felt like home. We treat our clients with the utmost respect and personal service as we help them navigate some of the worst experiences in their lives. We serve everyday people who need help recovering what they are owed by an insurance company, and we fight every day to help our clients get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, as well as other legal concerns “IT IS A HUGE POINT OF PRIDE TO BE ABLE TO OFFER OUR LOCAL HARDWORKING CITIZENS THE AMENITIES OF A LARGE FIRM WITH THE MENTALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OF A SMALL FIRM.”
While at Presbyterian, I studied business administration. As I
pondered a career direction, I was inspired by the motto of Presbyterian College, “ Dum Vivimus Servimus, ” which is Latin for “while we live, we serve.” I came to the realization that working in marketing or operations in a corporate office was not what I wanted to do with my life. Instead, I wanted to live by that motto and serve the public.
Soon, it became apparent that law school would better provide me the means to work with the public, and I chose to become an attorney, despite not having a strong prior interest in the field. After graduating from law school in 2010, I began my legal career with a solo practitioner in Lancaster, where I gained valuable experience in several practice areas. I eventually focused my practice primarily on family law, and over the course of nearly five years, I realized how emotionally draining it was to work in family law. Instead of continuing with family law, I wanted to transition to a more rewarding practice area while working closely with the public and helping the Lancaster community. Around this time, I became good friends with Joel Hamilton — as in the Hamilton in Schiller & Hamilton. As I learned more about the firm,
803.366.0333 197 S Herlong Avenue Rock Hill, SC 29732 843.379.5006 78 Sams Point Road Beaufort, SC 29907 803.285.2900 302 N Main St. c Lancaster, SC 29720 843.341.9418 16 William Pope Drive Suites 101 & 103 Bluffton, SC 29909
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BE YOUR BEST SELF WITH THE HELP OF OT
A lot of people struggle to keep up with a regular UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS A wellness challenge cultivates healthy competition among participants that keeps them motivated to stick with their wellness regimens. Challenges can be fully customized depending on the goals and abilities of those participating, and when the challenge is carried out virtually, participants have more freedom and flexibility in their routines without missing out on any of the social interaction that makes it fun. wellness routine because they lack accountability to hold them to it. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or healthy eating, if you go through the process alone, it’s that much harder to will yourself to see it through. But at a time when isolation is still one of the best ways to stay healthy, how can you involve others in your wellness plan? The answer is simple: Create a virtual wellness challenge!
GET STARTED Every challenge should have a quantifiable goal depending on the theme. Challenges like working out for 30 minutes a day, getting seven hours of sleep at night, eating 1 cup of leafy greens with every meal, or meditating for 15 minutes every day are all great
Entrepreneurs and small-business leaders create jobs, sustain local economies, and become destinations for many tourists. They are pivotal to our country’s success and survival.
COVID-19 precautions, like closing or limiting businesses, have caused painful repercussions for small businesses and the families that rely on them for services and income. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a weekly survey of more than 22,000 U.S. business owners in late April found that more than 31% of small-business owners expect their businesses won’t return to usual operations for six months. The federal government is offering loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to sustain businesses and their employees, but by mid-May, the same weekly survey found that more than 40% of small-business owners were still waiting on PPP funding approval. Moments like these are when businesses need business interruption insurance the most. This type of policy offers businesses a safety net from profit loss due to disaster or damage. Typically, these first-party claims are managed without legal intervention. Business owners report damage, adjusters investigate and make an estimate, and the owners receive a check. Yet many business owners are facing denials for claims of business interruption due to COVID-19. Many insurance companies are not upholding agreements and are responding with blanket denials. Adjusters and insurance companies argue that since businesses have not lost their physical space, business owners don’t quality for compensation.
However, there are court precedents that can help us fight this claim. Courts have sided with some plaintiffs undergoing unique circumstances — which a pandemic would qualify as — saying they are grounds
for claim approval. The ambiguity of insurance contracts can also work in a plaintiff’s favor. Insurers often leave these contracts vague to protect themselves, but this also leaves the contracts open for judicial review. The bottom line is simple: You have a right to compensation if you have lost business as a result of COVID-19, regardless of what the insurance companies
say. We can help you fight for it. Give Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm a call today. You support our country, so we’ve got your back!
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examples. Whatever it is, the target should be clear and reasonable in order to encourage maximum participation and low burnout. STAY ACCOUNTABLE Treat the challenge like you would a weekly book club. Set a time every week to meet via a video call to share wins and setbacks, discuss necessary changes to the challenge, plan for the next week’s challenge, and offer encouragement. If you really want to up the inspiration, determine a prize to be awarded to the person who actively participates the most. Just be sure you have a tangible way to record and share those results, like video evidence of the activity. A wellness challenge shared among friends and family is a great way to work on your physical or mental well-being and stay connected with loved ones when you aren’t able to visit them in person. That kind of consistent personal connection can be wellness in and of itself. How to Implement a Virtual Wellness Challenge THERS
Road trips are a quintessential part of American summers, and while the COVID-19 pandemic may change how we travel this season, there are still plenty of fun destinations you can travel to safely. Before you cruise to your next great adventure, consider these safety tips.
GET A CAR TUNEUP
You want to put your best wheels forward when you hit the road. Check your vehicle’s tire health and pressure, look for leaks or damage to the undercarriage of your vehicle, and ensure all safety equipment — such as seat belts and airbags — are in top condition. Consulting with a mechanic beforehand can alert you to possible red flags to monitor while you drive. In addition, pack a vehicle emergency kit including water, road flares, tire-changing tools, jumper cables, blankets, chargers, and a first-aid kit.
MONITOR COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
While many states reopened on a limited basis this spring, there are still health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As you plan your road trip, monitor these precautions as part of your preparation. Do not travel if you are sick. Minimize contact with people outside of your household. Unless necessary, do not travel out of your home state. Look for destinations that are rural or will allow you to have limited contact with others. As always, wash your hands, avoid large crowds, and wear a mask when appropriate. Learn more about traveling during COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov.
that come up. I want to not only advise and fight for our clients, but to also forge relationships with them so they know that if anything ever happens again, they will have someone in their corner.
I have a big appreciation for Lancaster and all that it has given my family and me. The memories and relationships that I have forged here will last a lifetime. In addition to working in the area, I still enjoy the outdoors of the area as an avid hunter and fisherman, and I also serve as the area chairman for our local Ducks Unlimited chapter, which raises money to protect North America’s wetlands and ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoors and our hunting heritage. Although Lancaster has had to overcome some recent tough obstacles, the strength of this community and the people in this area has shown through. That sense of community is what makes Lancaster great,
TAKE CARE OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEALTH
Ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers by adhering to a few key rules. Stop every few hours to stretch your legs to limit blood clot occurrences and to rest your body and eyes. Always wear sunscreen while in the car or outside, and before hopping in, use your elbow to test the heat of the seats. Always let your car cool down before getting in it or driving off, and never drive when you’re tired. Studies have shown that sleepy driving can be just as deadly as drunk driving! Regardless of how well you prepare for your road trip, an accident may happen. Call our team today if you experience an accident while on vacation. We’ve got your back!
and I am proud to be a part of it and to serve the needs of the people of that community. Without Lancaster, I wouldn’t be where I am today — literally — and for that, I will continue to serve it as best as I can. As always, Lancaster, Schiller & Hamilton will have your back.
–Derek L. Harper
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.
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803.366.0333 197 S Herlong Avenue Rock Hill, SC 29732
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Learn More About Attorney Derek Harper and His Commitment to Lancaster
Stay Accountable With a Virtual Wellness Challenge
How Schiller & Hamilton Is Supporting Small Businesses
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Road Trip Safety Tips in the Era of COVID-19
Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times
THE BEST WAYS TO HELP LOCAL
O ver the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now. DONATE While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most. VOLUNTEER In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities. ADVOCATE Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
NONPROFITS IN CHALLENGING TIMES
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