Hartwig Law Firm - March/April 2022

Hartwig Law Firm - March/April 2022

THE ADVISOR

MARCH/

APRIL 20

As the weather begins to break and the spring season officially kicks off, we will have plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy everything that planet Earth has to offer. From hiking through the forest to going for a jog in your neighborhood, there are outdoor activities that anyone can enjoy. We celebrate Earth Day on April 22, and I can think of no better way to share our appreciation for our planet than to get out and experience the great outdoors. While COVID-19 and the pandemic have made our lives difficult in certain aspects, it actually provided a great opportunity for my family. Being stuck in the house with three little kids for days on end was not working as well as we would have hoped. We started to look for new experiences and activities to participate in that didn’t require us to interact with other people. Before long, we were outside and enjoying the many beautiful sights of the Plymouth-Kingston area. It didn’t take me long to discover areas less than a mile from my house that I had no idea existed before. When the pandemic first started, I asked the kids if they wanted to go out and explore nature with me. We would get into the car without any planned destination. We just went where the adventure took us. Myles Standish State Forest became one of our favorite destinations since it had plenty of trails to hike and sights to see. If you have not checked it out, you need to make a trip over there. You will not be disappointed. April and May quickly became two of my favorite months to be outdoors because the weather is simply beautiful. We had many excursions during those months over the last couple of years that left us with memories we’ll hold dear for the rest of our lives. From walking across a giant log to tossing stones across a pond, we wanted to provide our children with wonderful outdoor experiences that were reminiscent of our youth. Enjoying the great outdoors has been an amazing addition to our lives that we don’t plan to stop anytime soon. Every weekend morning, I’ll see where the kids want to go adventuring before we fill the car and head to a TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS And Everything Our Area Has to Offer

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new spot. We never know what we’re going to find and the kids love every minute of it. They’re so full of wonder and think these adventures are very cool and interesting. Throughout our lives, we need time away from the usual business of daily schedules. We need to find ways to introduce peace and tranquility into our lives. One of the best ways to do this is by spending some time outdoors. You don’t even have to do anything extreme. Simply spending time on your back porch will make a difference. As the winter fades away and the weather begins to break, take some time to get fresh air away from the four corners of your home. It can be incredibly healthy and therapeutic for us. I’m certainly looking forward to it, and I hope that you are too.

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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989

You likely learned how to ride a bike as a kid — according to a 2013 survey, about 94% of American adults did. Even if it has been a while since your last ride, most people agree you never forget how, and you don’t have to be in great shape to get started. Outside of walking, biking might be the most accessible exercise for all ages and ability levels. The beauty of biking is that it can be as relaxing or challenging as you want. The average kid learns to ride at around 5 years old, so the basics aren’t complicated. Biking helps young children get outside and gives them a taste of being a “big kid.” As a result, it’s excellent for their self-esteem as well as their fitness. Cycling is also perfect for adults who are new to exercise or need a low-impact activity. A short ride on a flat surface will get the heart rate up without feeling too strenuous, making it optimal for beginners. Older adults and people with knee problems also use biking as an alternative to other forms of exercise because it’s easier on their joints.

Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge can easily find one. If you want a strenuous workout,

Just Like Riding a Bike

it’s easy to ride farther, increase the resistance on your bike, or pick a steeper bike trail to explore. Biking is only a cakewalk if you choose to make it one. Since it’s perfect for all ages, cycling is the ideal outdoor activity to do with your family, allowing everyone to be involved in quality time together while promoting their health. To get started, make sure everyone has a bike they can use comfortably and a helmet that fits, plus understands bike safety. Once the basics are taken care of, you’re ready to hit the trails or explore the neighborhood. Even if you never learned how to ride, there’s no time like the present. You might feel a little silly at first, but the benefits of cycling will serve you — and your family — well for the rest of your life.

Cycling Is the Perfect Activity for All Ages

MY SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIM WAS DENIED

What Now?

Social Security disability benefits can be extremely useful to those who can no longer work due to an impairment but not every claim gets approved. This can leave you wondering what you need to do if your claim gets denied. We’ve seen this situation happen time and time again. That’s why we thought it would be a great idea to inform you of your options if a Social Security judge denies your claim. After you’ve received your claim denial, the first thing you can do is file another appeal to keep fighting for your benefits. If you are denied more than once, you’ll eventually get to the last level — an Appeals Council. This council will review your entire case, including the judge’s decision to ensure that everything was decided justly and fairly.

On average, cases are under review by the Appeals Council for about 12 months. Only around 10% of cases are sent back to the judge who originally denied the claim. If it is concluded that the judge wrongfully denied your claim, you’ll have to continue to fight for your benefits. There is another option besides the Appeals Council, you can accept the judge’s decision that you are not disabled through the date of that decision. If you still believe that you cannot work due to an impairment for an indefinite amount of time, you can file a brand- new Social Security application claiming you are disabled from the date you file the claim moving forward. This is often more successful than the outcome of the Appeals Council.

As a final option, you can accept the judge’s decision that you are not disabled under Social Security’s criteria. Use this time to focus on taking care of yourself and implementing your doctor’s advice. You’ll have to depend on your savings, or find other means to keep up with your finances. If your Social Security claim has been denied and you’re unsure what to do next, give our office a call. We would be more than happy to help you explore your options.

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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989

One-Pan Chicken Tacos

This recipe from TikTok user @violet.cooks almost broke the internet — and you’ll see why! The fried tortillas make it out-of-this-world delicious.

INGREDIENTS

At Hartwig Law Firm, we are driven to get the best possible results for our clients. We’ve been getting the desired results for our clients for years thanks to the dedication of our hard-working team. Now that we’ve purchased Keefe Disability Law, we’ve added even more amazing professionals to our team. Elisa Abatsis was with Keefe Disability Law for 2-1/2 years, and we couldn’t be more excited to add her to the Hartwig Law Firm family. Elisa worked in the arts sector for several years but decided to return to school to pursue an associate degree in mortuary science. Although this was not the perfect fit, mortuary school helped her discover a passion for anatomy, physiology, and pathology. She’s used her medical knowledge many times to help her clients win the benefits they deserve. Eventually, Elisa found work with a national SSDI firm where she managed a team of customer service representatives for seven years before joining Keefe Disability Law. She made this switch because she wanted to work directly with clients. She loves the level of personal attention she’s able to provide her clients and treats each one with compassion and respect. Elisa believes that there is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of her clients win their benefit case. Those happy phone calls are often the best part of her workday. She has a talent for problem- solving and is always seeking options outside of the box to ensure her clients have every opportunity to win. Not only is Elisa a wonderful addition to our team, but she’s also an incredibly talented writer. Her short stories have been published in multiple literary journals and her work has been supported by the Sewanee Writers Conference and by Grub Street in Boston. When she’s not working or writing, Elisa loves to spend time with her husband and their two rescue dogs, Sigrid and Apollo. Introducing ELISA ABATSIS A Wonderful Addition to Our Team

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1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces 2 tbsp garlic powder

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Canola oil (for frying)

Corn tortillas

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Grated cheddar cheese

2 tbsp cumin

Pico de gallo and guacamole salsa (to taste)

2 tbsp chipotle powder

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix until the chicken is coated. 2. In a frying pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken mixture. Cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes. 3. Remove the chicken from the pan, and add the corn tortillas (avoid overlapping) so they soak up the juices. Flip the tortillas and repeat. Then, add chicken and grated cheddar to each tortilla and fold it over the filling — in the pan. 4. Cook the tacos for 3 minutes per side until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. 5. Top with pico and guacamole salsa, and serve!

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

Answer on Page 4

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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

385 Court St., Suite 210 Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 732-8989 www.HartwigLawFirm.com

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Celebrating Earth Day By Enjoying Nature

SHARE YOUR STORY! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Hartwig Law Firm, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at (508) 732-8989 or via email at [email protected], and you could be featured in our next newsletter!

Get Outdoors With the Family Through Cycling

Your Options If Your Social Security Claim Is Denied

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Who Is Elisa Abatsis?

One-Pan Chicken Tacos

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Welcome Spring With Open Arms

4 Ways to Harvest Positive Vibes in Spring GET SPRUNG

Welcome spring-cleaning. It isn’t called spring-cleaning for nothing! Decluttering, dusting, reorganizing, and tidying up feels great! It’s empowering and refreshing. There is something special about creating more space in your living space that gets the positivity flowing. Eat fresh, colorful foods. During spring, many delicious fruits and vegetables come into season. Berries, oranges, apples, carrots, avocados, cherries, spinach, and kale are all at their peak. Your local farmers market is a great place to get the freshest produce to fuel your body! Spring is a time for new beginnings and positivity. Make the most of this spring season by welcoming a fresh abundance of love and life.

Have you ever noticed that springtime just feels lighter and brighter? That’s because, believe it or not, the seasons affect us. When spring rolls around, the energy shifts, and it’s up to us to maximize those positive vibes. Let’s examine how we can make the most of spring and inject some color and vibrancy into our lives again after a long winter. Rely on color. Colors have the ability to elicit certain emotions and feelings. Tropical tones and pastels are everywhere in spring — the clear sky, grass, and flowers — so allow them to fill your space and take them with you as constant reminders to smile. If you’re up for it, wear some new colors to brighten up your wardrobe, and don’t forget to take in a sunset when you’re able! Enjoy more hours of daylight. Spring brings more hours of sunlight and warming temperatures that can give you more time to enjoy your morning cup of coffee outside. You can take an early stroll around the block, get in a workout outdoors, or just enjoy the fresh air. Also, many areas observe daylight saving time, which extends sunlight into the evening, so no matter how you choose to spend your extra daylight, make it an adventure.

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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989

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