Askeroth Law Group - October 2020

Askeroth Law Group - October 2020

725-867-8495 WWW.ASKEROTHLAW.COM OCTOBER 2020 SPORTS VIEWING IS STILL A NICE WAYTO UNWIND

Even With Fake Fans in the Audience

One of my favorite things to do to relax and unwind right now is to watch professional sports on television. I am especially excited about our own Vegas Golden Knights and their Stanley Cup playoff run. (Hopefully by the time you read this they are still in the playoffs.) As I write this article, the Las Vegas Raiders start their season this Monday. Being able to watch sports on television is a small piece of normalcy that I find especially comforting right now.

you’ve watched baseball on television recently, you may have noticed something peculiar: fake sports fans. More specifically, cardboard cutouts of sports fans placed in the stadium to soften the appearance of empty stadiums. Who is paying to have a cutout likeness of themselves placed at these games? And how much does it cost? I was curious, so I did a little internet sleuthing and found out some strange details about these fake fans. Apparently, a huge chunk of the professional sports leagues’ revenues come from ticket sales. Without ticket sales, these leagues are looking to replace some of their lost revenue. It can cost anywhere from $20-$300 to have your likeness printed and placed at your favorite team’s stadium. (The Dodgers seem to be the most expensive.) These fake fans have been a source of comedy for some astute viewers at home. Someone recently spotted a “Weekend at Bernie’s” cutout in the front row of a Royals Game. In another recent game, a cardboard likeness of a 1-year-old pup belonging to Mets player Jeff McNeil was drilled by a home run ball. One diehard White Sox fan bought 100 cardboard cutouts of himself (all for charity). Charlie-O the mule, the Oakland A’s live animal mascot from 1965– 1976, also made an appearance as a cardboard fan. Although the cardboard cutouts seem odd, sports fans are having some fun with the odd experience.

Tom and Jade Askeroth getting in on the cardboard fan action

Obviously, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, professional games are being played mostly without live audiences. But watching the games without a live audience is an odd experience. I watched a soccer game recently, without crowd noise, and it was so awkward that I had to turn the game off. The viewing experience, without the accompanying roar of the crowd and the chanting and singing that usually accompanies professional soccer matches, made it seem like I was watching a high school match.

I even recently saw a short clip of a virtual audience. I think I prefer the cardboard fans, personally.

Whether with cardboard fans, no fans, or virtual fans, I will be watching this fall. Let’s go Raiders!

Professional sports teams are doing all they can to normalize the sports viewing experience. For example, if 1 725-867-8495 | WWW.ASKEROTHLAW.COM | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY –TomAskeroth

EXPLORING LAS VEGAS Hiking to the Peak of Mount Charleston

My heel blisters are finally starting to heal. Despite the poor condition of my feet, the hike to the Charleston Peak was well worth it.

are incredible. Some say you can see 300 miles from the peak. The hike features beautiful mountain meadows, burned bristlecone pine forest, and a mountain peak above the tree line. If you decide to hike the peak, take the South Loop to the top. Most of the elevation gain on the South Loop trail occurs at the lower elevations, which makes it a little easier than the North Loop trail. You can hike the peak as a loop — I suggest you ascend the South Loop trail and descend the North Loop trail. I hiked up the South Loop trail and back down the same side. Whatever you decide, bring lots of water.

The last time I hiked the peak was in 1996. I was 16 and I did it with a 30-pound pack. Lots of things have changed since then, including my fitness level. I’m not sure what spurred my desire to hike the peak this time — maybe a misguided attempt to escape the heat or one last ascent before I turn 40?

I sit, or sometimes stand, at a desk all day, so I chalk it up as a victory that I was able to make it up (and back down) in one piece.

The trail climbs 4,278 vertical feet in 8.5 miles, and you gain most of that elevation in the first 4 miles of the hike.

I highly recommend the hike. It is STRENUOUS, but the views

Hike with a buddy, take proper safety precautions, and enjoy!

FALL AND WINTER SPORTS ARE ON THE HORIZON Tips for Buying New Outdoor Gear! When was the last time you bought new ski pants or hiking boots? Now that you’re thinking about it, you might be realizing it’s been many years since you updated your most used athletic gear, which might explain why you’ve been colder than usual on the ski hill or why your feet ache after a short hike. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider investing in new gear. It can be very expensive, but you’re in luck — the holidays are just around the corner, which means so are the sales! Before you drop cash on new gear, sort through your current inventory and decide what to keep, sell, and toss. This might be hard and you may be tempted to skip it, but making these decisions can help you save money. If you have equipment or athletic wear that’s still in good condition but you no longer need, find a consignment shop where you can sell or trade it. After all, your gear might be perfect for someone else and still give you some money to get a great upgrade for yourself.

they work and inspect gear that’s been stored and forgotten, like backpacks and tents, that you might not notice the wear and tear on while out in the wild. You don’t want any equipment to malfunction when you’re in the middle of an excursion.

Now that you know what gear you want to replace, it is time for the fun part.

Decide what outdoor activities you want to do in the upcoming months and in the next year. Adjust your inventory to your new needs and research which brands have the best ratings and reviews. Then, find which retailers tend to have the best prices. Shopping smart takes a little bit of preparation, but it can save you hundreds of dollars and lots of stress during those busy holiday weeks. So, dig through your closet or garage, take note of your current gear, and prepare to find some awesome deals for the whole family on new gear for the coming year.

As you sort through your gear, see if any equipment is damaged and requires repair or replacement. Test flashlights and headlamps to make sure

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BRAIN WORK WORKERS’ COMP CORNER State Requires Workers’ Comp Coverage

PUMPKIN GRILLED CHEESE PANINIS

Ingredients

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2 slices ciabatta bread

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2 tbsp pumpkin butter

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1/2 slice or 1/8 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I recommend Cabot’s Seriously Sharp Cheese) 1/2 slice or 1/8 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (I recommend Cabot’s Extra Sharp Cheese)

There are cases in which an employer doesn’t have workers compensation insurance coverage. Would it be a dead end? Would you be able to file a workers’ comp claim? Of course you would! Nevada law requires all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage as well as having a workers’ compensation informational poster displayed in a public area (a break room, for example). In the case that the employer does not have the insurance coverage, a claim can still be filed. To do this, when completing a C-4 form with the medical provider during the initial treatment, let the provider know that the employer may not have workers’ compensation coverage. Visit the Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) website for forms to apply to receive workers’ compensation benefits under the Uninsured Employers’ Claim Account. The DIR will investigate and decide if the injured employee should have been insured. Once accepted, the DIR will assign the claim to a third-party administrator who will handle

the claim as if it were an insured claim. (These claims take longer to get accepted, so to avoid delays in benefit checks and medical care, it is important to get the paperwork done as soon as possible at the DIR.) As for the employer, they face penalties such as an administrative fine up to $15,000 for not having workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Penalties may also include business closure until insurance is obtained, and the business may be held financially responsible for all costs arising from the work-related injury and may be subject to a criminal penalty. If you don’t see a workers’ compensation informational poster at your place of employment, you can verify your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage with the Coverage Verification Service at the DIR’s website — DIR.NV.gov/wcs/home . You can also find a listing of self-insured employers through DOI.State.NV.us.

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3 leaves arugula

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4 apple slices, cut very thin

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2 strips bacon, cooked crisp

Directions

1. Spread pumpkin butter on both slices of bread. Place cheeses on each slice, then place arugula on one slice. Place apple slices and bacon on other slice. 2. Carefully put both halves of sandwich together. 3. On a panini maker, grill, or frying pan, toast

sandwich for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Inspired by Eat Move Make

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10785 W. Twain Avenue, Suite 219 Las Vegas, Nevada 89135

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INSIDE

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What’s With the Cardboard Cutout Fans?

Tips for Buying New Outdoor Gear! Exploring Las Vegas Workers’ Comp Corner Pumpkin Grilled Cheese Paninis

Blogging Through the Pandemic

BLOG YOUR WAYTHROUGH THE PANDEMIC The Power of Writing

Everyone has faced trying times over the past few months. While many activities help get us through these challenges, blogging can be one of the most impactful. Writing enables you to express your feelings and experiences, and blogging allows you to share them with others. Here are a few reasons why starting a blog can be an important part of coping with the pandemic. CONNECTWITH YOUR READERS. At times, it can feel like you are alone in the world, especially now. However, your blog can reach people who feel the same as you or who have had similar experiences as you. Also, writing down your story will inspire other people, and they may even start their own blog. In this way, you not only help yourself and others, but you also spark change in their lives. MEET NEW PEOPLE. In addition to encouraging others, you might find a community of like-minded people through sharing your blog. You never know — from new readers and followers, you might learn of support groups to

provide additional insights to your experiences. You can also find empathy and provide support to others. An online community can help you feel less isolated due to the pandemic or provide support through other challenging aspects of your life.

EXPRESS YOUR ANXIETIES. Writing helps people cope with stressful

experiences, and the pandemic has ushered a huge amount of uncertainty into their lives. Many people have felt afraid and anxious in the last eight months, and they continue to wonder what the future may hold. Your blog gives you a chance to express those fears and ease your stress. Harvard Medical School studies have shown that writing your thoughts down helps you organize ideas and even regulate emotions. With less on your mind, your body can relax. Write out your experiences, no matter what situation you find yourself in. You will help other people and especially yourself.

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