Schiller & Hamilton - June 2019

Schiller & Hamilton - June 2019

FIGHTING BACK

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

Joel Hamilton Honors His Father

My dad sold his trucking business and retired a few years ago, but somehow, he still finds himself at work every day. Needless to say, Dad doesn’t shy away from hard work, nor does he like to be idle. This feat is amazing when you consider that more than 30 years ago, doctors didn’t think he would ever walk again, much less work past retirement. In 1987, Dad sustained a severe back injury, which left him paralyzed. After a year and a half of rehabilitation, doctors told my father that he needed to accept

clients calling during some of the worst times in their lives, and because of what my dad did every day, I have the drive to help them. I’ve experienced the pain and shock of watching a loved one recover from an injury, and I know the feeling of triumph when they claw their way back. That’s why I’m dedicated to helping you and your family. Thankfully, I found a mentor turned partner who believes in these same values. Bennett Schiller and I both believe that in order to have any degree of success in our law firm, we have to create a culture of support for our Now as a father, I’m hoping to pass this lesson onto my young daughters, who are ages 2 and 4. Right now, the biggest lessons my wife Marina and I are teaching our girls are potty training and basic daily functions, but they are certainly at a fun stage. Working long hours as an attorney and as a member of the county council, I love walking through the door every evening and being greeted by two little girls who are just over the moon to see me. Their hugs and love are always special. Seeing those two girls light up with excitement and explore the world around them is always fun, but being a dad, running a law firm, and serving the county at the same time isn’t always easy. Luckily, I was raised by a father who showed me what it truly meant to be a great dad and an even better man. –Joel Hamilton community. Like my father taught me, our reputation is built on giving back to the communities that support us.

June 2019

that he may never walk again. That wasn’t Dad’s plan, and he fought as hard as he could to make his two legs work. Today, he can’t run or walk like he used to, but he found a way to make sure he could walk again. The man just knows how to get stuff done.

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

During this time, Dad was also considering his next professional move. He had already

sold his first trucking business, and as he waited out a noncompete agreement, he recovered from the paralyzing back injury. Soon, Dad started another trucking business from scratch, and once again he built it into a company he could sell and “retire” from. Every day, my dad showed me what it meant to work hard and provide for your family. He did this just by getting out of bed and proving those who doubted him wrong. Dad taught me that building a business involves establishing a reputation and caring for your customer. As personal injury attorneys, we often have

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Let’s Hope There’s a Courtroom in the Afterlife LAWSUITS FROM BEY

We pride ourselves on being a country where everyone receives a fair trial. And while that’s not always the case, even the craziest claims still have to be heard in some capacity by a court of law. As you can imagine, this can result in plenty of spooky high jinks in the courtroom. Let’s take a look at some of the more baffling court cases in recent memory. Dead Man Talking In something straight out of a Coen brothers movie, a New York man had to sue The New York Times on three separate occasions to get them to stop reporting that he was dead. In all fairness, it seemed like an honest mistake prolonged by the ineptitude of his public counsel and a whole lot of terrible coincidences all rolled into one. Juan Antonio Arias just so happened to share

the same first and last name as one “Juan Arias” who had met his untimely demise. After it was reported in a Times article, the living Arias accidentally had his own date of birth and Social Security number added to the death certificate of his now deceased namesake in a terrible mix-up from the coroner. As a result, he sued on three occasions after his lawyer missed certain deadlines to turn in proper documents. Thankfully, the issue was resolved, but not before he had his credit cards and Medicaid revoked after appearing to be dead. Solemnly Spooked An unnamed New York resident — just what on earth is going on in New York? — claimed that the house they’d recently purchased was horribly and

Many people believe the insurance company will compensate them after an accident, but unfortunately, adjusters are deployed for ulterior motives. An adjuster’s job isn’t to decide how much compensation the company should pay; it’s their job to find out why the company shouldn’t pay anything at all. This is why it is vital that you do not communicate with an insurance adjuster after an accident without legal representation. Far too often at Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm, clients tell us their adjuster was nice and working hard to solve the problem quickly. But until they meet with us, clients don’t realize the adjuster was trained to pick up on subtle language and cues the insurance company can twist into reasons for not paying compensation. There are two big pieces of advice we always stand by when it comes to working with the insurance company. First , seek legal counsel early. If we get involved before you engage in conversations with the insurance company, we can save you the time and energy you need to heal. The added stress of working with the insurance company can stall your healing process during a time when your well-being is more important. Meanwhile, our expertise in fighting against insurance companies gives us an edge in helping you get the compensation you deserve. Second , avoid rushing to reach a settlement. Always consult with an attorney when the insurance company suggests a scheduled release. These deals often include the company offering to pay a sum upfront to cover a certain amount for medical bills. But a scheduled release is the insurance company placing a bet, knowing full well that months down the road, your medical bills will likely be higher than what they are offering to pay. Don’t underestimate the cost of the surgeries and medical treatments you may need following your accident, and don’t agree to a scheduled release. These same rules apply when you are working with the insurance company in almost every instance, including property damage cases. If an attorney does not get involved early, the damages the insurance company is willing to pay can dwindle while your bills climb.

Mum’s the Word Why You Shouldn’t Talk to the Insurance Company Without Your Lawyer

Don’t fight the insurance company alone. A t Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm, we’ve got your back! Learn more by calling 1.803.408.7722 or visit SchillerHamilton.com.

CALL US TODAY.

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The season of relaxation and fun in the sun is here! But before you load up the station wagon Clark Griswold- style, follow these tips for a safe and fun family vacation!

On the Road Again

There are few things more American than a classic family road trip, but with more vehicles on the road this summer, your chance of injury or an accident increases. Be wary of driving next to large campers, RVs, and vehicles with cargo strapped on top. In addition, be on the lookout for erratic or careless drivers, especially as more tourists fill our South Carolina roadways. Back in your own vehicle, remain defensive, stay alert, strap down all cargo, and know your limits when it comes to alcohol. Furthermore, make stops as you feel tired. Studies have shown that driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. So, don’t put your family at risk, and keep your eyes on the open road. Researching before your trip can be valuable for plenty of reasons, but the best reason is for your safety. Check online reviews, gauge your family’s limits, and dig into local attractions to discover fun adventures. For example, if you’re a young family or have kids with asthma, scuba diving may not be the best activity, but the aquarium could be a great compromise for your marine-savvy kids. When you’re prepared for excursions, you can anticipate possible mishaps without putting your family in unsuspecting danger. Despite your best intentions, accidents happen, and when the unexpected occurs, you need a plan to overcome it. If you get into an accident or are injured on vacation, seek immediate medical attention. Once you secure your own well-being, gather information from the other parties involved in the accident, and consult with a legal professional. Seeking help from an attorney after an accident can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you find yourself injured or in an accident this vacation season, the experts at Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm can help. Call 1.803.408.7722 or visit SchillerHamilton.com to learn more. We’ve got your back. Dig a Little Bit We Need a Plan

cripplingly haunted by unseen forces. The poltergeist was said to disrupt their daily activity, and the plaintiff was suing on the

grounds that the home was notorious in the area for being haunted and had a reputation as such, therefore it should have been disclosed to the buyer before closing. They won. That’s right; the court ruled that the seller misled the plaintiff and should have disclosed the nature of this potentially harmful house. Shockingly enough, this type of thing is required to be disclosed when selling a house in New York. Well, at least a buyer will have peace of mind knowing that they got a sweet new pad and a ghoul for pennies on the dollar.

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BEACH HOT PLAY TAN

BREAK JUNE SUMMER TRAVEL

FUN OUTSIDE SUN VACATION

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.

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Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!

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Joel Hamilton Shares His Father’s Lessons

Crazy Lawsuits Surrounding the Dearly Departed

Don’t Talk to Your Insurance Company!

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Avoiding Accidents on Vacation

Amusement Park Trip Tips

Prepare for Family Fun at an Amusement Park This Summer HOLD ON TIGHT!

On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house them have changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains. Celebrate the nation’s love of heart-stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip. I’M LOST! Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun — it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members. PACK THE ESSENTIALS Find an over-the- shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to

carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and aching heels. You’ll have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything. WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!? Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring. Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.

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