Accidents can happen suddenly, catching even the most prepared person off guard. One minute, you may be strolling to a restaurant after a long day at work, and the next minute, someone else's carelessness can change your life forever. Personal injury victims not only endure negligence but also experience pain and worry about their families and ability to work. Often, these victims cannot afford to focus on work and family when they're injured or even clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Bluffton, SC, to fight for their rights, these same victims provide official statements by mistake to insurance companies. They accept embarrassingly low settlement offers without realizing that they deserve much more.
If you've been hurt in an accident recently, ask yourself these questions:
With 30.21 personal injury cases for every 100,000 residents in South Carolina - 217% higher than the national average - it's not surprising that men and women like you are asking the questions above. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our hearts hurt for victims who are suffering needlessly.
Because, at the end of the day, they're not just hurting physically. They're struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of car repairs, medical bills, doctor's appointments, and loss of income. Fortunately, personal injury laws in South Carolina state that the parties found responsible for your suffering and pain must account for your expenses. With a personal injury lawyer by your side, you have a real shot at getting the compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with our Bluffton personal injury lawyer.
At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our goal is to help accident victims in South Carolina recover the maximum amount for their losses, including damages for pain and suffering. Unlike some personal injury law firms, our expert attorneys know that no two cases are ever exactly the same. That's why we take a personalized approach to each case that comes across our desk.
You can rest easy knowing that your personal injury case starts with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During this initial meeting, we'll review your accident, determine liability, and recommend the best legal course of action for you. Max Sparwasser and his team focus on a range of personal injury categories, including the following:
Injured victims choose Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC because we put our clients' needs first.
Max dedicates focused attention to your claim and is confident that once you've met and talked to him, you will feel comfortable entrusting him with your personal injury case.
Your case is going to be handled personally by Max, properly and professionally. NO FEES are collected unless you are paid benefits.
Now that you know a little bit more about our personal injury law firm and how we take care of our clients, let's take a look at two of the most common types of personal injury cases we take: Car accidents and workers' compensation.
As an experienced personal injury attorney, Max has the right training and legal tools to assist with your compensation claims and your personal injury case as a whole.
If you've ever been in a minor fender bender, you know how frustrating and scary it can be when police are called and insurance companies get involved. Dinging a car is one thing, but a full-on car wreck is a completely different story. A car accident in Bluffton can result in significant expenses such as vehicle damage and medical costs.
If a distracted driver kills your loved one, the impact on your family can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors of car accidents often experience emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these life-changing events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Bluffton, SC, can maximize your chances of winning your case.
Here's an uncomfortable truth to digest: Insurance companies often aim to pay out as little as possible. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from their tactics by getting the right legal support for your personal injury claim.
When you report a crash to an insurer, they'll assign an adjuster to your case. However, these adjusters deal with many cases and may not fully understand yours. If an insurance claims adjuster contacts you, be cautious. They aren't looking out for your best interests. It's common for adjusters to push for settlements that undervalue your claim.
Stick to the facts if you talk to an adjuster and refuse to provide a recorded statement or agree to any settlement. Instead, wait until you've consulted with a personal injury attorney. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our team of car accident lawyers will assess the true worth of your claim and protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
When you hire a personal injury attorney in Bluffton, SC, from Max Sparwasser Law Firm, you don't have to know all our state's car crash and insurance laws. We have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to handle any case related to a car accident in the Lowcountry. Our long-time car accident attorneys can handle the legal proceedings for you and provide you with peace of mind during negotiations. With that said, we understand that the more you know about South Carolina's car wreck laws, the better you can safeguard your rights after an accident.
As such, here are three car wreck laws in South Carolina you should understand:
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
Like many other states, South Carolina operates under a "fault" insurance system. This system holds the driver responsible for covering the damages of the injured party if they are at fault for the accident.
If you are in a car accident and it leads to a personal injury claim due to negligence, the court needs to determine that you (the plaintiff) are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you will lose your right to seek compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you will receive at least some compensation. Your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
When drivers take the wheel, they bear the responsibility of being careful and attentive to their surroundings. This means watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver chooses to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they are failing to do so and are behaving negligently.
Negligence involves acting carelessly, resulting in harm or damage. Other examples of negligence include:
If you've been in a car accident and need help understanding our local laws or the role of negligence in your case, schedule your free claim assessment with the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, today. The sooner you know your rights and file a claim, the sooner our lawyers can advocate on your behalf. Our accident lawyers will uphold your best interests despite pushback from insurance companies and the complex legal system in South Carolina.
While South Carolina's workplace incidence rate was lower than the national average in 2020, tens of thousands of workers were reportedly injured on the job. In fact, private employers in South Carolina reported 29,100 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incident rate of 2.1 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In 2021, the private sector reported 30,300 such injuries and illnesses, leading to an incidence rate of 2.2 cases per 100 workers, many of whom hired.
Public sector employers reported 8,100 injury and illness cases in 2021, with 72 percent occurring among local government workers. Occupational illness trends in South Carolina mirrored those seen nationwide. In 2020, the private sector accounted for 4,200 of the total reported cases, and 3,100 in 2021, showing a 26 percent decline.
Respiratory illnesses made up 79 percent of the total occupational illnesses reported in South Carolina in 2020. In 2021, 89.8 percent of private industry recorded incidents were injuries.
Personal injury attorneys in Bluffton, SC, fought some of the state's biggest employers in court, including brands such as:
While there is no single federal law governing workers' compensation, every state in the U.S. has its own workers' compensation system. This program provides financial benefits to employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. Typically, an injured worker can receive workers' compensation benefits without needing to prove their employer's negligence. In exchange, the employee forfeits the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer.
Under the state workers' comp system, an injured employee will be reimbursed for all necessary medical treatment following a workplace accident. If the injury or illness leads to more than seven days of missed work, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. Workers may also receive compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The maximum award for death or total disability is 500 weeks of compensation.
Lifetime benefits are available in cases of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and brain injury. It should be noted that trying to
In South Carolina, most employees are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they suffer an injury or illness while working. Employees don't need to prove fault; they just need to prove that the injury or illness happened at work or during a work-related activity. Unfortunately, there are exceptions under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, meaning some employers never qualify for workers' compensation.
Those restrictions apply to:
Employers who fall under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act must maintain the required minimum amounts of workers' comp insurance. If you're trying to pick up the pieces after being injured at work, contact the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC today. Our personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the help you need to rebuild your life.
Many injured workers assume they can save money by foregoing a personal injury attorney to oversee their workers' comp claim. In reality, many plaintiffs lose money - or don't get the proper amount they're owed - when they choose not to hire a lawyer. If you were recently injured at work and are on the fence about retaining counsel for your case, keep these facts in mind.
To safeguard your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation, injured individuals must file a workers' compensation claim. Unfortunately, many people come up with reasons why they shouldn't file a claim before determining whether their claim is valid.
Some of the most common reasons for doing so include:
You should know that making the decisions above doesn't necessarily disqualify you from making a workers' comp claim. That's why it's so important to work with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. Great workers' comp attorneys - like those at the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC - thoroughly assess your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.
Here's a safely kept secret in the insurance industry: Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk. Insurance companies hate risk because it exposes them and causes them to lose money. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer takes on risk by developing the best strategy to maximize your benefits and gathering evidence that will be admissible in a hearing.
Do you truly understand the benefits you're entitled to? Do you know what you need to prove in order to win? Do you know how to effectively present that evidence? This can be quite complex, even for attorneys, which is why an injured employee alone doesn't pose much of a threat to the insurance company. That's why professional help from a qualified attorney is essential in workers' comp cases.
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
Whether you have been injured in a car accident, hurt at work, or are struggling with another type of personal injury situation, know that our team is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys in Bluffton, SC are insurance claims experts and know how to negotiation and achieve maximum financial compensation. The best part? We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win. That's the Max Sparwasser Law Firm difference. Contact our office today to learn more about personal injury cases in South Carolina and whether or not you have a valid claim.
BLUFFTON, SC (WTOC) - Some people in the Lowcountry have been facing a dilemma at the DMV in Bluffton.One man says the issue involves the office’s vision testing machines producing inaccurate results for DMV customers.Germain Tate thought DMVs where he used to live in California were the worst. That was until his most recent experience at the Bluffton South Carolina DMV.Tate took off work to get his license renewed and had to take a vision test to determines if he has 20/40 vision or better.If a person fails...
BLUFFTON, SC (WTOC) - Some people in the Lowcountry have been facing a dilemma at the DMV in Bluffton.
One man says the issue involves the office’s vision testing machines producing inaccurate results for DMV customers.
Germain Tate thought DMVs where he used to live in California were the worst. That was until his most recent experience at the Bluffton South Carolina DMV.
Tate took off work to get his license renewed and had to take a vision test to determines if he has 20/40 vision or better.
If a person fails the South Carolina DMV vision test, they must have their eyes examined by a doctor.
Tate failed the test more than four times, but when he went to the Vision Clinic at a nearby Walmart, doctors found nothing wrong with his eyesight.
After taking another day off from work, he went back to the DMV to finally renew his license.
“This is an issue because I passed with a 98%. Now if I would’ve passed with a 70%, well I’d say, you know. But I know my vision is good, and the doctor says it’s good. Now I’m out three days of work almost and $100,” said Tate.
Tate’s wife, Silva, shared her husband’s story on Facebook to see if other people have had similar experiences at the Bluffton office.
The original post, which was created in a Bluffton community group chat, has over 100 comments sharing similar stories.
One comment includes: “This happened to my son also. We had to go to the eye Dr and get a copy of his recent eye exam and bring it back. The eye dr said it happens all the time.”
Another comment on the post reads, “same here went to eye doctor passed with flying colors.”
“I’m not happy that they’re going through it, but I’m happy that they also realize that it’s a problem. And it’s a big problem. And I think the DMV, there’s got to be some kind of reform. some kind of change,” said Tate.
Tate says the vision testing machines are the main problem and that they need to be calibrated or replaced.
WTOC reached out to the South Carolina DMV to see if any issues have been reported on the vision testing machines at their Bluffton branch.
They sent back the following statement: “The SCDMV has no evidence of any broad issue with vision tests at its Bluffton office. The office in Bluffton has a vision test pass/fail rate that matches those in our other 65 offices.”
Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.
It's that time of year again: It's time to get excited about entering the 2025 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway.This year's home is ...
It's that time of year again: It's time to get excited about entering the 2025 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway.
This year's home is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It's the fourth time the state has been chosen as the location for an HGTV Dream Home. The last time was in 2020, when the Dream Home was built on Hilton Head Island, which is a short distance away from this year's location.
HGTV described the home as "a harmonious blend of classic Southern luxury and modern sophistication."
Bluffton is about 160 miles north of the 2024 Dream Home in St. Anastasia, Florida.
Here are the details about this year's home, the prize package and how to enter.
The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is an annual sweepstakes from the Home and Garden Television channel, which has been going since 1997.
The HGTV Dream Home 2025 is in Bluffton, South Carolina. The newly built, fully furnished home was described as "an enchanting Lowcountry retreat."
“This year's HGTV Dream Home highlights the charm of Bluffton, South Carolina — a picturesque town that offers the perfect escape," said Betsy Ayala, interim head of content, HGTV. "We’re thrilled to invite viewers to explore this stunning home and enter for a chance to make it their own."
Bluffton is located less than 10 miles west of Hilton Head Island, about 60 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina or about 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia.
Bluffton is a golfer’s paradise, boasting world-class courses that attract enthusiasts year-round, HGTV said.
"Enjoy the area’s laid-back lifestyle, local festivals, and access to outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing.
"Unlock the charm of Lowcountry living with this timeless custom-built home, embodying coastal elegance and thoughtful design," HGTV, a member of the Warner Bros. Discovery family of brands, announced in a news release.
The three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom home is more than 3,000 square feet, and "is a harmonious blend of classic Southern luxury and modern sophistication.
"Immerse yourself in the seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor living, where earthy tones and costal textures create a serene environment." The rooms include:
The home was built by Shoreline Construction and was designed by Court Atkins Group. The home's interior design is by Brian Patrick Flynn, the same person who designed the 2024 Dream Home in St. Anastasia in Florida.
The winner of the sweepstakes, valued at more than $2.2 million, will receive:
The official entry period of the HGTV Dream Home 2025 runs from 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, through 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Eligible fans can enter daily at HGTV.com and FoodNetwork.com.
Sign up to receive daily reminders to enter the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2025, which begins Dec. 17, 2024, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
See a one-hour special on the HGTV Dream Home 2025 on Monday, Jan. 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV, HGTV GO and Hogar de HGTV. It will also air on Max and Discovery+ the same day.
The 2024 HGTV Dream Home was located on St. Anastasia in Northeast Florida, east of St. Augustine, south of Jacksonville.
It was designed by architect Michael Stauffer and built by local builder Glenn Layton Homes. The home's interior design was by Brian Patrick Flynn.
The three-bedroom, four-bathroom home was about 3,300 square feet with views of the Matanzas River and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Value of the total Anastasia Island HGTV Dream Home package was estimated at just over $2.2 million.
Value of the total 2024 Anastasia Island HGTV Dream Home package was estimated at just over $2.2 million. In total, the winner of the sweepstakes received:
Marie Fratta, a school teacher from Hawthorne, New York, won the St. Anastasia home in Florida, HGTV announced on May 22, 2024.
Two months later, the house was listed for sale. Property records show the HGTV Dream Home sold Sept. 4, 2024, for $2 million.
There were 130 million entries for the 2024 HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes.
There have been five HGTV Dream Homes in Florida. Besides the 2024 home in St. Anastasia, there were:
2016, Merritt Island: For the home and garden network's 20th anniversary, HGTV chose a waterfront home off Tropical Trail on Merritt Island to be the 2016 HGTV Dream Home. The home was sold not long after David Rennie of Connecticut was selected as the sweepstakes winner.
2008, Islamorada: HGTV Dream Home is 2008 was described as a "three-story oasis with its bright blue and yellow exterior blends seamlessly with its surroundings and boasts breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters, white sand and blue skies with expertly placed patios and windows." Video tour of the home.
2003, Mexico Beach: The 2,800 square foot home was on a 10,000 acre preserve of coastal forest situated on the East Bay of the Florida Gulf of Mexico. "The sprawling compound displays imaginative architecture that provides a relaxed, comfortable camp feel with contemporary qualities." Video tour of the home.
1999, Rosemary Beach: Architect Richard Gibbs said of the home, "The architecture here in Rosemary Beach is patterned after the time-tested traditions of St. Augustine, New Orleans and the Dutch and French Caribbean. Video tour of the home.
This story was updated to add new information.
BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV) – An empty plot of land filled with trees could soon become a state-of-the-art hospital. Novant Health is working on bringing a brand-new medical facility to Bluffton, aiming to serve the area’s growing population.“We’re really excited about the chance to invest in our community in different ways,” said Ryan Lee, president of Novant Health Coastal Carolina Hospital.Their investment started almost a year ago when Novant Health first moved into South Carolina’s Lowcountry ...
BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV) – An empty plot of land filled with trees could soon become a state-of-the-art hospital. Novant Health is working on bringing a brand-new medical facility to Bluffton, aiming to serve the area’s growing population.
“We’re really excited about the chance to invest in our community in different ways,” said Ryan Lee, president of Novant Health Coastal Carolina Hospital.
Their investment started almost a year ago when Novant Health first moved into South Carolina’s Lowcountry by acquiring Hilton Head Medical Center and Coastal Carolina Hospital. Now, they’re setting their sights on Bluffton with plans for a $320 million, full-service community hospital.
Joel Taylor, market president of Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center said, “It’s really planning for the future and also understanding the dynamics in the environment of where patients, our patients moving to… And so, we’ve looked at it. Novant Health, in particular with their data and analytics has looked at it, and said, Bluffton is the place to start.”
With Bluffton’s population growing, the need for health care services is clear, and Novant Health is stepping in to help meet that demand.
The new hospital will be a 194,000-square-foot facility, spread out over four floors, located near Buckwalter Parkway and Lake Point Drive. It will start with 50 beds but has plenty of space to expand as the community grows.
“We’re going to build it to rapidly expand as the community does. We know that this is a growing community, and we want to continue to meet that need,” said Lee.
Bluffton residents will get quicker access to health care, and it doesn’t end there.
“We’re talking about a thousand new jobs that Novant Health, with its investment, will create over the span of five plus years,” said Taylor. These jobs will benefit not just southern Beaufort County but the entire region, helping the local economy grow.
Novant Health also has plans for outpatient clinics, specialists, a freestanding Emergency Department, surgery centers, urgent care, primary care and imaging services, all to accommodate that major growth.
“The initial focus will be on a freestanding emergency department that we’ve announced. Adjacent to that freestanding emergency department will be a medical office building of 40,000 square feet to bring in new providers to the area,” said Taylor. “We’re focused on building that great space, and that should open probably Q2 of 2026.”
If you want to learn more about the new hospital, the South Carolina Department of Public Health is hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Bluffton Public Library. It starts at 10 a.m.
Christmas is right around the corner.If you still haven’t figured out dinner plans, here are some locations throughout Beaufort County to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Community Christmas Day Dinner at Panini’s and Hemingway’s:Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro is hosting their annual Orphans & Strays Christmas Dinner all afternoon on Christ...
Christmas is right around the corner.
If you still haven’t figured out dinner plans, here are some locations throughout Beaufort County to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Community Christmas Day Dinner at Panini’s and Hemingway’s:
Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro is hosting their annual Orphans & Strays Christmas Dinner all afternoon on Christmas Day. The Community Christmas Dinner is available to everyone starting at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day and the full bar will be available until 1:30 a.m.
The annual Orphans & Strays free Christmas Dinner is a potluck where Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro donate their time and money to prepare main courses and sides, including ham, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, salads and veggies. These dishes are added to the food that guests bring to share at the event. Hemingway’s Bistro is located at 920 Bay Street and Panini’s is located at 926 Bay Street, just next door.
For more information, visit their website.
Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge - 26 Discovery Drive, Bluffton
You can also place an order to pick up Christmas entrees at Frankie Bones Bluffton locations. These meals include your choice of turkey, prime rib or ham and include sides like potatoes, green beans, asparagus, cornbread and cranberry sauce. These meals also come with a soup or salad option and dessert. Orders must be placed by December 20 and picked up on December 24 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information, visit their holiday dining page.
Crazy Crab Harbour Town - 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island
Fishcamp on Broad Creek - 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island
The Old Oyster Factory - 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island
Poseidon - 38 Shelter Cove Lane Suite 121, Hilton Head Island
Skull Creek Dockside - 2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island
WiseGuys - 1513 Main Street, Hilton Head Island
Nick’s Steak & Seafood - 9 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island
Nectar - 207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton
Road House Ribs - 7 Topper Lane, Port Royal
The Hilton Head Diner - 6 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head Island
OKKO Hilton Head - 95 Matthews Drive, Hilton Head Island
Sea Pines Resort Christmas Prix Fixe Dinner at Links - 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island
Beach House Hilton Head Island - 1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island
Chin Dynasty - 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - 30 Plantation Business Park Suite 208, Bluffton
Waffle House - various locations