Aulsbrook Law Firm - February 2021

Aulsbrook Law Firm - February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

I COME TO FIGHT. I DON’T BARK. I BITE! WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM 817.775.5364

Big Dreams Start Young

MEET WENDY BALDERAS!

T he Aulsbrook Law Firm continues to grow in 2021! We’ve welcomed many new people to the talented Law Dog team over the past several months, and today, we welcome yet another: Wendy Balderas, our newest case manager! I first started working in the legal field when I was still in high school. One of my teachers found me an internship at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas and another internship at a personal injury law firm during my junior and senior years. I was fortunate to start gaining experience so early. When I was 5 years old, I was already dreaming about being an attorney and working in law. I thought it was a noble profession that would give me an opportunity to help others. Long story short, that’s pretty

much how it played out. I’m thrilled to join the Aulsbrook Law Firm as a case manager!

circumstances, we haven’t been doing that nearly as much. We have, however, started hiking and getting involved in more outdoor activities! I’ve made a few resolutions for 2021. In 2020, I made the commitment to become as close to zero waste as possible. It was a challenging goal, and I’m still working on it. My plan is to keep this commitment and find new ways to support sustainable initiatives. It will continue to be a lot of work, but I’m sure I’ll be able to get much closer to zero! Here’s one last fact about myself: I have two cats and a puppy! My house is basically a zoo at this point. That seems to be the running theme at Aulsbrook Law — just about everyone’s home is a zoo! But my animals are a lot of fun! I’ve only been with the firm since January, but it already feels like home. I’m excited to see what this year brings, and I’m excited to get working for our clients!

My role is largely to add value to our cases. I’ll also be involved in the intake process. On top of that, I’m interested in learning how to write demands. Writing demands gives every claim a personal touch, which adds value. I’m excited to be in a place where I can make a crucial impact on a case. I love being able to walk clients through the claims process. We all know how traumatic and overwhelming accidents can be, and I’m in a place where I can genuinely do something to help. It’s one thing to say you love to help, but it’s something else entirely to actually make a difference so people can find stability and recover from their injuries. I’m also a very family-oriented person. My family is from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, but we moved to Dallas in 1994. I love taking my younger siblings on trips and to concerts, though due to current

–Wendy Balderas 1

WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM

817.775.5364

Our vehicles take a real beating on the road; over time, they get worn down and deteriorate. If not addressed, these issues can pose a safety risk for the vehicle owner and others on the road. On top of that, many minor issues can become major if not addressed. Here are three things that are easy to forget about. Tire Wear Your driving habits have a direct impact on tire wear. If you drive fast around corners and curves or on rough, uneven roads, your tires will get worn down more quickly. If you adjust your driving habits, drive slower, and avoid potholes and deteriorating roads, you will get more out of your tires. It’s also important to rotate your tires roughly every six months and replace them when the tread is worn. Tires with worn tread don’t offer traction, and if they wear down too much, they may rupture while driving. Headlight Fog While headlight fog isn’t a big deal in the short term, it can be in the long term. You may spot a permanent fog inside the headlight casing. As this film builds, it reduces the amount of light put out by the headlights, which can be dangerous at night. Clean your headlights every six months to a year, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it. Battery Corrosion Battery corrosion reduces the life of the battery and may even prevent you from starting your car. However, it’s easy to identify and fix. Simply pop the hood to check the battery at least once a month (the more frequent, the better). If the terminals and cables look clean, you’re good to go. If they show rust or have a white or blue powdery look, they need to be cleaned. If the corrosion is especially extensive, the battery or terminals may need to be replaced. SAFETY ON THE ROAD Car Wear & Tear You Don’t Want to Forget About

Share the Love This Month 4 Ways to Support Your Loved Ones This Valentine’s Day Every Valentine's Day, people want to find the best ways to show their partner or even a close friend how much they care. It is easy to get sucked into thinking you have to give them the most expensive or elaborate present you can find, but sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the simplest. Here are four easy ways to show your loved ones how much you care this February. A Text a Day Knowing someone has your back throughout the year, no matter how difficult things can get, is a great source of support and love. In addition to the usual communication you share with your loved one, add in a supportive text each day, whether it’s simply letting them know you’re thinking of them or wishing them luck on a presentation or interview. The best part about these texts is that they can be sent year-round. A Morning Message Board Whiteboards are fun to draw on and make great calendars, but they can also be used to share heartfelt messages with your roommates or spouse. Writing positive messages like, “I hope you have a wonderful day!” or “You matter!” can make all the difference. Waking up to a loving note from someone they care about could mean the world to them and shift their entire mood for the day. A Daily Journal Entry February and March are usually when New Year’s resolutions begin to falter. To encourage yourself and your loved one, consider starting a daily journal. Leave a journal where you both have access to it and write positive messages inside for the other person. This acknowledgment of hard work is exactly what you both need to continue pursuing your goals this year. Random Gifts You don’t have to wait for a birthday, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day to give your loved one a gift. Buying small gifts lets your friend or spouse know you’ve been thinking about them. Whether it’s a treat they enjoy, a book, or even a small gift card, these thoughtful gestures are sure to make them smile.

2

WWW.LEGALINSURANCEAGENCY.COM

817.618.6381

Having a Conversation About Wrongful Death

GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

T he loss of a loved one can be tough to talk about, but when the subject of wrongful death comes up, that's something you should absolutely talk about. Every year, there are people who have to deal with the wrongful death of a family member, and they aren’t always sure where to start. There are many looming questions as emotions run high and legal issues start to mount. As a family, the last thing you want to do is deal with this kind of stressful and unfortunate situation. This is why working with a compassionate and experienced attorney can make all the difference. You'll have less to worry about, and a personal injury attorney with the skills and resources to navigate your case will help take some of the burden off your shoulders. But there’s more to it than that. In Texas, wrongful death is considered a statutory cause of action. You are fully within your right to sue and file a claim under this statute, which states you Texas-Sized LAUGHS

can recover damages. The law also defines who can recover these damages (such as the surviving partner, their children, or the parents of the deceased). Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death suits. There is also a stipulation that the surviving family of the deceased must file a suit within three months of the date of their loved one’s death, and if they don’t, the executor of the deceased’s estate may file a claim (unless the family explicitly requests otherwise). In these types of cases, damages can include past medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of future earning capability (especially if the

deceased is the breadwinner). While no amount of money can ever bring back a loved one, there are legal avenues you can explore to get what you need to begin the healing process. If your loved one's death was the result of a dangerous workplace, oilfield hazard, or trucking accident, don’t wait — call us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help in your time of need.

LEGALINSURANCEAGENCY. COM 817.618.6381

MONTSERRAT O S WA L D

‘MY FURRY VALENTINE’ PUP SNACKS

Who needs a Valentine’s Day date when you have a furry friend at home? This Feb. 14, show your pooch your love with these frosty strawberry dog treats. Use a heart-shaped silicone mold to make this snack extra festive.

INGREDIENTS

• •

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/4 cup frozen strawberries, puréed

DIRECT IONS

1. Fill each heart in the mold 3/4 full with yogurt. 2. Freeze the yogurt hearts for 1 hour. 3. When the yogurt is set, add the puréed strawberry on top of each heart to fill the rest of the mold. 4. Freeze for another hour, then share the tasty treats with your dog! Note: If you don’t have a heart-shaped mold, you can freehand your treats on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze 1 tbsp dollops of yogurt for an hour, then top with 1/2 tbsp of strawberry purée and freeze another hour.

Inspired by SugarTheGoldenRetriever.com

3

WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM

817.775.5364

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM 817.775.5364 420 E. LAMAR BLVD. #110 ARLINGTON, TX 76011

LEGALINSURANCEAGENCY.COM 817.618.6381

INSIDE Meet Wendy Balderas, New Law Dog and Case Manager! 1 A Month of Love and Support Car Wear & Tear You Don’t Want to Forget About 2 Talking About Wrongful Death ‘My Furry Valentine’ Pup Snacks 3 A Tiny Dog Is Crowned the Biggest Hero 4 Cases We Handle: • Personal Injury • Wrongful Death

MONTSERRAT O S WA L D

• Car Wreck • Truck Wreck

Heroes Come in All Sizes

MACKENZIE THE CHIHUAHUA IS ONE BIG HERO

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards competition is an annual celebration that honors some of the world’s most extraordinary canines. The awards recognize dogs that have gone above and beyond the call of duty, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill or elderly, or demonstrating just how powerful the bond between humans and animals can be. Winners are crowned in several categories, but the “American Hero Dog” is the top winner selected by expert panelists and a popular vote. It most often goes to dogs who show astute bravery in what they do, and in 2020, that bravery came in a 4-pound package. MacKenzie the Chihuahua bested over 400 competitors to be selected as 2020’s American Hero Dog. Born seven years ago with a cleft

palate and severe pneumonia that nearly took her life, MacKenzie fought hard to overcome her sickness and birth defects. Soon after she defied all odds, her owners noticed her affinity for other animals — despite being tiny compared to many of them. That’s when they gave her a special job: caring for baby animals born with birth defects just like she was. Many of the rescue animals MacKenzie helps care for have medical problems that prohibit them from staying with their mothers, but MacKenzie takes a genuine interest in each baby from the moment they’re introduced, no matter its species or size. She plays nurse, cleans, and comforts them through their recovery, becoming a pseudo- mother that teaches them how to socialize and play. She’s nurtured countless puppies, kittens,

birds, squirrels, mice, goats, and turkeys. Despite her tiny size, she’s even mothered a Great Dane.

In addition to caring for rescued animals, MacKenzie also helps kids learn to be open- minded about both animals and people with physical differences or disabilities. The Chihuahua teaches the kids kindness and patience and shows them that no matter how small you might be, you can make a big difference. MacKenzie lost her ability to bark very early in life, but she has one of the loudest voices when it comes to speaking for disadvantaged animals. Heroism truly comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but MacKenzie demonstrates that the most heroic act of all is exuding compassion for others, no matter their circumstances.

4

WWW.LEGALINSURANCEAGENCY.COM

817.618.6381