Harman Law - March/April 2022

Harman Law - March/April 2022

March/April 2022

THE HARMAN HEADLINE

HARMAN LAW

Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Employment Lawyers

THE GREAT TOY INVASION THEY’RE OUT TO GET ME!

Most people only do spring-cleaning once a year — but if I tried that with three 4-year-olds in the house, I’d suffocate under a pile of toys by summer!

Jen and I have to deep clean at least every few months to keep the invasion under control. Usually, we manage it by rounding up the triplets and dropping them off at my parents’ house for the weekend. It’s the only way we can get the peace we need to sort things out for our friends’ kids, Goodwill, and the trash pile. Of course, cleaning is also a landmine, especially when it comes to our son Nolan’s things. He’s a tiny hoarder. We have two toy rooms for the kids (one upstairs, one downstairs), and he has two full cabinets in the upstairs playroom dedicated to his stuff, including his art projects, matchbox cars, and more. It’s meticulously organized, and he keeps a mental inventory of what’s inside. Once, Jen and I cleaned out a few broken things from his cabinets while the kids were with their grandparents. Oh man, did we hear about that when Nolan got home! Miles and Emerson didn’t even notice that we’d

Let’s do the math for a second. Every school day, the kids get between 1–3 prizes each. That’s 3–9 prizes total per day when you add the kids together. Considering they attend preschool three days a week, that means every week between 9–27 new toys show up at our house. We can’t keep up. I can’t count the number of Happy Meal toys I’ve snuck into the trash or how many tiny little puzzle pieces I’ve stepped on! We asked our families not to give the kids too many toys for their birthday or Christmas last year, but no one listened to us. Jen and I are starting to worry we’ll drown in a toy tsunami. Neither of us are very sentimental, so we’ve never had this many things in the house. Even my legal cases — which can sometimes get messy and accumulate paperwork — don’t get to this ridiculous level! It’s driving us nuts. So, I’m putting this on paper right now: This spring, we WILL do a deep-clean and get this crazy toy invasion under control.

“Wish me luck. If you don’t get a newsletter in a few months, you can assume the toys won!”

decluttered anything of theirs, but Nolan had a full-scale freakout.

The number of little puzzles, games, and

toys the triplets drag into the house is just unbelievable. But I’m writing to you about spring-cleaning this month because a new enemy entered the fray in our fight to keep things clean: the prize box. The prize box belongs to the triplets’ preschool teacher. It’s a bottomless pit of toys she hands out to the kids as rewards during the day. I’m not against this in theory. It actually sounds nice! But in practice, this means our kids accumulate toys at a breakneck speed.

Wish me luck. If you don’t get a newsletter in a few months, you can assume the toys won!

–Michael Harman

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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results. – Call Us Today 704-237-6613

Leaving on a Jet Plane? 3 Essential Packing Tips

Many people are considering traveling this spring for the first time since the pandemic started. A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation remains a hassle, and baggage fees haven’t gone anywhere. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible — physically and mentally. MAKE A LIST. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider in detail what you’ll need, and put it in writing. As each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system to prevent leaving anything behind. And when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don’t need that many pairs of sandals. USE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM FOR EXTRA STORAGE. Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but the general rule of thumb is that the personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse or a laptop bag when you can take a large tote or backpack. With the extra room, you can avoid checking another bag.

NEVER CHECK ESSENTIAL ITEMS. Lost luggage is the worst way to start a vacation, but it happens. If your luggage is misplaced, you probably won’t get it back that same day. So, you need to pack all essential items, like prescription medications or glasses, in your carry-on bag. Some experts even recommend tossing an extra shirt or pair of underwear in your carry-on in case your bag gets lost. You’ll be glad to have them if something goes awry. Packing smart will make for a less stressful journey. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the trip knowing that everything you need is right there in your suitcase, and everything you don’t need is safe at home.

Meet Sharon — Dog Mom, Sailor, and Our New Practice Manager!

When Sharon Listhaus was a little kid, she was determined to be a vet when she grew up. But along the way, something changed. She’s still not sure what!

“[I really enjoy] the people, the staff, learning new fields, practicing a different area of law I’ve never practiced, and supervising the amazing group on staff here.”

Sharon meets with team members one-on-one when they need help, answers their questions, and maintains our case files. Like she said, it keeps her busy! She’s just as active outside of the office. She still loves animals and she keeps that love alive by looking after her two dogs: Macks the 145-pound bloodhound and Rylee the 85-pound lab.

“I think I fell into [law] by accident,

honestly,” Sharon says, laughing. “I was talking with a friend and she was like, ‘You know, I’m a paralegal. Maybe you should think about that.’ The research aspect of it intrigued me, and I said, ‘Okay, I’ll go for it’ — and I did!”

“Macks stands taller than a Great Dane. It’s the most amazing thing ever! He is truly just a big goofy boy and loves everybody,” she says.

Seventeen years later, Sharon is an incredible paralegal with experience in insurance disputes, public official liability insurance issues, complex litigation, medical malpractice, premises liability, wrongful death claims, and more. She joined our team in November 2021 as our practice manager and has been supervising our six non-attorney staff ever since. Employment law and workers’ compensation were new fields for her, but she dove in without hesitation.

When she isn’t out walking with her pups, Sharon is spending time with her two kids and her brand-new 9-month-old grandson, Eli. They like to hike, hang out with friends, and explore the water in their sailboat.

We’re thrilled to have Sharon on the team. If you ever get her on the phone, she’d love to hear about your pets after the legal talk is over.

“I like to be busy, so it’s definitely a plus that there’s no downtime in this position,” Sharon says.

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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results. – HarmanLawNC.com

SUDOKU

5 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AWRECK DON’T PANIC — YOU’VE GOT THIS

If you’ve been in a car crash, you know how overwhelming it feels after impact. Your hands shake, your heart pounds, and your brain speeds into overdrive, “Am I hurt? Where? What happened?!” This panicked response is totally normal. But what you do next could make or break your legal case against the other driver’s insurance company. To set yourself up for success and a fair settlement, follow these five steps. 1. EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATIONWITH THE OTHER DRIVER. If you’re not badly injured, talk to the other driver and get their name, address, and insurance information. If they flee the scene or refuse to cooperate, move on to Step 2. 2. REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO LAWENFORCEMENT. Here in North Carolina, you have to report all severe accidents to law enforcement. Any crash that causes injuries, death, or property damage totaling at least $1,000 is considered severe. Even if your accident isn’t that bad, you should report it if the other driver is uncooperative or doesn’t have insurance. 3. GET MEDICAL HELP — AND DOCUMENT THE PROCESS. If your accident is severe, call 911 and ask for paramedics. They’ll take you to the nearest hospital for help. If you’re not badly hurt, it’s still a good idea to visit your doctor after a car wreck — even for minor aches and pains. Ask for their diagnosis and make sure they document it in writing, along with your symptoms and treatment. This record could come in handy in court later. 4. CALL A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY. The legal ins and outs of insurance can be confusing ... and that’s when everything goes well! If conflict arises or the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, call our team for help. We’ll guide you through the rest of the process and fight for you in court if needed. 5. REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER. It might be tempting to skip reporting a minor accident in case it increases your insurance premium, but insurance companies nationwide actually require immediate reports. Call your insurance company to make yours and avoid complications and penalties. Your lawyer can guide you through the best way to handle this call.

Solution on Page 4

EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI

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

INGREDIENTS

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2 lbs ground beef

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2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes 2 16-oz cans small red beans

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2 tbsp chili powder

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1 tbsp Creole seasoning

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1 tsp ground cumin

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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.

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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results. – Call Us Today 704-237-6613

16507 Northcross Drive, Suite B Huntersville, NC, 28078 Offices in Lake Norman, Charlotte, and Hickory 704-237-6613 HarmanLawNC.com

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Inside This Issue

Michael Battles a Toy Invasion Page 1

Sudoku Solution

Packing Tips to Save Your Back, Wallet, and Sanity

Meet Our New Practice Manager Page 2

Easy March Madness Chili

How to React to a Wreck Page 3

Duke University’s Head Coach Is Retiring Page 4

THE HISTORY OF COACH K A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten

As we approach March Madness, it means this basketball season is coming to a close. For Duke University’s men’s basketball head coach, Mike Krzyzewski On June 2, 2021, Coach K 2021–2022 basketball season coaching. In honor of one of basketball history, let’s take a

He coached the USA men’s national basketball team to three gold medals, in 2008, 2012, and 2016. With the Duke Blue Devils, he has the most wins in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history. In 2015, he also became the first Division I men’s basketball coach to reach 1,000 wins. His Duke teams have won 15 ACC Championships, gone to 12 Final Fours, and won five NCAA National Championships. Paired with his impressive coaching history, Coach K also has some awards under his belt. He was awarded the ACC Coach of the Year in 1984, 1986, 1997, 1999, and 2000. Time Magazine and CNN named him as America’s Best Coach in 2001. In November 2000, the hardwood floor in Duke’s gym was dedicated and renamed Coach K’s Court, and the area surrounding the outside of the gym was named Krzyzewskiville. The question on every basketball fan’s mind is this: Who will be Duke’s new head coach? The university has already announced that Coach K’s longtime assistant coach, Jon Scheyer, will replace him. Scheyer used to play for Duke in 2011–2013. Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be missed by Duke fans and basketball fans around the country. His presence and legacy will forever reign in basketball history.

team, it also means their (Coach K), will be retiring.

announced that the

would be his last year of the greatest coaches in look at Coach K’s history

and accomplishments.

Coach K was born in

Chicago, Illinois, in 1947. He the United States Military Academy at West Point

attended

and was the captain of their basketball team during his senior year. After graduating, he served as an officer in

the U.S. Army in 1969 and was discharged from active duty in 1974. Soon thereafter, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers. After one year, he returned to West Point as head coach of the Army Cadets for five seasons. Then, in 1980, he was named head coach for Duke University’s men’s basketball team. Coach K has been the head coach for Duke for 42 years and has left a huge legacy.

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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results. – HarmanLawNC.com