Di Bartolomeo Law Office - March 2022

Di Bartolomeo Law Office - March 2022

Makin’ It Better NEWSLETTER

March 2022

Oregon Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury | Social Security Disability

1139 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103 • 503-325-8600 • JoeDiBartolomeo.com

6 Inventions Created to Their Credit THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF WOMEN

THE DISHWASHER Josephine Cochrane invented the first automatic dishwasher that involved a motor turning the wheel inside a copper boiler. How did she come up with this ingenious invention? She wanted a machine that would relieve housewives of the duty of washing dishes after every meal. Cochrane’s invention has evolved into the dishwashers that most of us have in our homes today. HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS Marie Van Brittan Brown was a nurse who was often home alone at night. During the 1960s, there was a rise in the crime rate and a decrease in police responses, and she began to feel unsafe in her own home. With help from her husband, she created a camera powered by a motor that looked through the peepholes in her front door. The alarm was paired with a monitor in her bedroom and an alarm button. This simple, effective design has since been transformed into full home security products, like Ring cameras! MONOPOLY The game we all know and love was created by Elizabeth Magie in 1904. She was an inventor and stenographer who created this game to educate people about monopolies, unchecked capitalism, and the negative effects of having vast sums of wealth. Monopoly was ranked as one of the bestselling games in 2020 and 2021, and to this day, Monopoly is still educating people. All of these inventions are items that most of us use every day in our daily lives. There are so many strong and powerful women in this world. On March 8, be sure to thank the women in your life for everything they have done and continue to do for you.

March 8 is International Women’s Day! I am grateful and honored to be surrounded by so many great women in my life. They have truly made me the person I am today. In honor of this special day, let’s take a look at some inventions that you may not know were created by women. See if you knew any of these impressive facts — I certainly didn’t until now!

COMPUTER SOFTWARE Grace Hopper joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was assigned to work on the Mark 1, a new computer. In the 1950s, she was one of the pioneers of computer programming and was part of a team that created COBOL, one of the first modern programming languages. Hopper drove huge scientific leaps forward to help us get the computer software that we use today.

THE CIRCULAR SAW Tabitha Babbitt was a weaver, and she suggested the idea that lumber workers use a circular saw rather than a pit saw. She created a prototype in 1803 and added the attachment to a spinning wheel. Legend has it that she got the idea for this saw after seeing two men struggling with a pit saw. Today, we consider this invention one of the most important creations in the lumber industry. SOLAR HOUSES Maria Telkes, a biophysicist, created the first solar house in 1947. With the help of an architect, Eleanor Raymond, they kept a house in Dover, Massachusetts, warm for three winters. Telkes captured sunlight with a double layer of glass and a black sheet of metal, then warm air was piped into the walls. She was given a grant from the Ford Foundation to create solar houses for people living in all latitudes. Today, we see many solar-paneled houses and businesses, and they continue to expand across the nation.

–Joe Di Bartolomeo

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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4 HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPRING-CLEANING Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring-

way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses.

cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. SPRING-CLEANING REDUCES STRESS AND DEPRESSION. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones.

SPRING-CLEANING HELPS YOU BREATHE BETTER.

Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. IT KEEPS YOU MORE ACTIVE. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.

It’s More Than Just Tidying Up

IT PREVENTS ILLNESSES. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! What Happens at a Workers’ Compensation Hearing?

The hearing will begin with opening arguments by the insurer and the injured worker. Then, the worker or their attorney can present their case. It’s not necessary to call witnesses, but they can be helpful. The other side has the right to cross-examine them. Usually, the injured worker will also testify to address the specific concerns behind the insurer’s denial. Your attorney will help you prepare for this part of the hearing. Once the injured worker has finished presenting their case, the insurer has an opportunity to present their evidence. After any last- minute exhibits have been cross-examined, both sides submit closing arguments in writing. Finally, the ALJ decides an Opinion and Order in the case, generally within 30 days of the hearing’s conclusion. If you were not already working with an attorney on your workers’ compensation claim, we highly recommend securing representation for the appeals process. Oregon law ensures people from all walks of life can afford a workers’ compensation attorney, and your lawyer will not receive payment unless they win your claim. We help injured workers every day and know the ins and outs of the Oregon workers’ compensation system. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.

You’ve been injured on the job, visited your doctor, filed your workers’ compensation claim — and then received a denial back in the mail. It happens more often than we’d like. Luckily, in Oregon, you have 60 days to file an appeal, after which you will attend a hearing to make your case in front of a judge. If you’re not familiar with the process, it can sound a little intimidating. So, allow us to demystify things. The hearing takes place in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ) and is run a lot like the criminal trials you see on TV, only less formal. Both sides will submit evidence, question witnesses, and argue their cases. Before the hearing, the insurer who denied the workers’ compensation claim will provide the ALJ with an exhibit packet. The injured worker can make their own submissions, including medical opinions. If any of these come in at the last minute, the other side may “cross-examine” the exhibit and pause the hearing’s outcome until the witness has provided testimony.

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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

More than 30 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, but as they say, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. According to Wallet Hub, 57% of Americans reported plans to celebrate the holiday in 2020, and businesses stand to benefit greatly again this year. The average partier will spend $43 on their celebrations, totaling more than $6 billion in revenue. When celebrated responsibly, St. Patrick’s Day can be a fun way to let loose, wear green, and have a couple of drinks. But unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games. Beer sales jump 174%, liquor sales rise 153%, and 32% of men report binge-drinking. Revelers imbibe an average of 4.2 drinks apiece, which will get any drinker well over the legal intoxication limit. Since St. Patrick’s Day is the third most alcohol-soaked holiday of the year (beaten only by Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve), it should come as no surprise that driving conditions can be dangerous. Of all fatal car crashes on St. Patrick’s Day, a whopping 62% involved a drunk driver. In 2018, 73 people lost their lives as a result. No one wants a festive celebration to turn tragic, so if you’re partaking this year, come prepared with a plan. Most people don’t deliberately set out to drive drunk. Instead, they somehow lose track of how many drinks they’ve had or down a couple more than intended. They then assure themselves they’re up to the task of getting home by themselves. We make bad decisions when we’re intoxicated — this one is common, and, too often, it’s deadly. Drive Sober This St. Paddy’s Day DON’T PUSH YOUR LUCK

Your plan may involve a trusted designated driver responsible for getting everyone home safe at the end of the night. Or better yet, take a rideshare or taxi to your destination and back. That way, there will be no temptation to get behind the wheel, no matter how cloudy your judgment has turned. Of course, you can also choose to observe the holiday at home or stick to corned beef and cabbage instead of beer. No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember to put the safety of yourself and those around you first. St. Patrick’s Day should be a time for joy, not sorrow. Get out there and have a good time but make sure to do so responsibly.

PUZZLE

Easy March Madness Chili

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning

• 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

Directions

1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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503-325-8600 JoeDiBartolomeo.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1139 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103

What’s Inside

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March 8 Is International Women’s Day!

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Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning! What to Expect at Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing

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Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Safely Easy March Madness Chili

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Inside the Hot New Pet Tech Market

Dog and Cat Gadgets Are Hitting the Market Wearable Tech … for Your Pet?

If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money? A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost.

tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime. It’s fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals’ collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth. Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals.

If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.

Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep

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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com