Cellino Law - January 2022

Cellino Law - January 2022

January 2022 Adviso

When you grow up in Buffalo, there’s no getting around the snow. We’re pretty much bound to have a significant snow event every year — but some of them are a bit more memorable than others. I’ll never forget the Blizzard of ’77 — possibly the worst storm in Buffalo's history. Though we only got about 12 inches, which is not unheard of around here, it was also extremely windy and Lake Erie was frozen. The wind picked up the two feet of snow pack that sat on the lake and blew it into Buffalo for next couple of days. The high winds caused enormous snow drifts that clogged streets and driveways stranding 1,000's of motorists and forced people to be housebound. I was 20 years old when the storm started, and my dad and I were in the car going to pick up my youngest sister from school. As we drove down the highway, the snow would cascade up over the hood of the car and over the windshield. By the next morning, many snowbanks felt like they were 18–20 feet tall. I remember trying to help a neighbor navigate a path from his house to the road, with the snow towering over me. We had to climb to the top of the snow bank and shovel the snow to ground so the snowblower could grab and throw the snow over the enormous bank. The blizzard shut down the city for three days, and the enormity of the situation made it a very impactful moment for me. Many years later, we received 7 feet of heavy, wet snow, but my wife insisted on going to work. I tried to persuade her that she’d never make it there — it was all we could do to get her out of the driveway. Since she was determined to go, I volunteered to drive her. But by the time we got to the end of our street, we found several cars stranded and the roads deserted of any moving vehicles. It wasn't safe to drive, so thankfully, she agreed to go back. People were pulling sleds down to the 7-Eleven to pick up supplies; it almost felt like a scene from “The Walking Dead,” with so many unfamiliar people wandering up and down the road. LET IT SNOW LOOKING BACK ON MY WINTER ADVENTURES CellinoLaw.com

But the most memorable snow event has to be when I went snowmobiling with my boys near Toronto. There were about 8–10 of us, so it wasn’t super easy to keep track of everybody. We were riding across a frozen lake — but naturally, some spots were firmer than others. As I was riding, out of nowhere, I suddenly saw open water. I quickly turned and made it safely back to our campsite. But when one of my sons didn’t return, I was so afraid he’d fallen in the water. We went out looking for him, but we couldn’t find him anywhere. After about half an hour, he was back at camp — thankfully, he’d just gotten lost. That felt like the longest 30 minutes of my life, and I was so grateful he was okay. I know many people don’t like the snow, but I actually enjoy the change of seasons — besides, it’s not like we get much choice around here. I enjoy shoveling and snowblowing; it’s a good way to get some exercise during the winter. At the same time, many people are injured this time of year by slipping on icy sidewalks and walkways. Please be extra careful when walking in the winter weather — ice may be hidden under the snow, and it’s easy to get hurt. In a way, I think we’re lucky to see snow each year. People in the more southern states don’t have to deal with the snow and the dangers associated with icy conditions, but they also don’t get to experience that magical sense of relief that comes with spring. When we’ve had an especially harsh winter, I appreciate the warmer seasons that much more, and that’s its own sort of gift.

Cellino and the lawyers that have worked for him have recovered over $2 Billion in Settlements for their clients ––––-Ross Cellino 800-555-5555 1

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A 2019 survey by Ask Your Target Market showed 80% of respondents appreciate receiving thank-you notes — but only 22% of respondents report regularly sending them. That’s a pretty big discrepancy. During the holiday season, you probably received several gifts and may have attended a gathering at a friend or family member’s house, so now is the perfect time to revive the dying art of the thank-you note. If it’s been a while since you last wrote one, fear not. Here’s everything you need to know to get started. Know When a Note Is Needed. You should strongly consider sending a thank-you note any time you receive a gift, but they are particularly expected after big events like weddings or showers. It’s also good form to send a note whenever someone has done you a big favor or hosted you at their house. Professionally, thank-you notes should always be sent after job interviews. Notes should be sent as soon as possible, ideally within one month of the gift or event. Use Paper. It may seem old-fashioned, but that’s exactly what makes it special. In fact, the Ask Your Target Market survey found that 72% of respondents thought handwritten notes were more meaningful than electronic ones. Even if your handwriting is messy, your recipients will appreciate the personal touch. Exceptions apply for thank-you notes sent after job interviews — due to time sensitivity, these are best sent via email. Be Specific. Especially when you’ve got a large stack to get through, it’s pretty tempting to write the same note over and over again, changing only the salutation. Don’t give in! While it’s fine to have a template, recipients will recognize when the note you sent them is generic. Be sure to mention exactly what you’re thankful for (not just “the gift”) or how you plan to use the gift. Now, you’re ready to let people know how much you appreciate them in a way that’s both simple and classic. Your family, friends, and colleagues will be impressed. Who knows, you just might even start a trend. Bringing Back a Lost Art YOUR GUIDE TO WRITING A THANK-YOU NOTE

Always Moving Meet Attorney Stephen Ciocca!

Stephen Ciocca entered law to help people. “I always wanted to be able to do the right thing,” he says, “and being a lawyer allows you the best opportunity to do that.” After practicing law for 29 years, he has gained the highest possible Martindale- Hubbell Peer Review Rating, become a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and been named one of Upstate New York’s Super Lawyers.

A Buffalo native, Stephen attended the University of Toledo College of Law and was hired fresh out of school as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s Dade County. The prosecutor’s office was headed by Janet Reno, who would later become the U.S. Attorney General. “She was just a fascinating person and was very impressive,” he remembers. “So, when she offered me the job, I took it and moved to Miami.” Eventually, he decided to come back home. Reflecting on his love of being in the courtroom and helping people who have been harmed, personal injury law seemed like a perfect fit. Stephen has now worked with Ross Cellino for almost 20 years. Stephen loves working with personal injury clients because it allows him to help people in the time when they need it most. “I have seen firsthand the suffering and hardship people endure when they are injured due to the negligence of others,” he says. He’s steadfast in his commitment to helping clients win the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. At Cellino Law, Stephen especially appreciates the freedom the firm grants him to help his clients. “We don’t cut corners,” he says. If it benefits the client, Cellino Law will make it happen. “I’ve handled cases against major corporations, and I’ve never felt as though I was outgunned,” he says, “because I had the resources at my disposal to do what needed to be done. We do everything and anything we can to help the client.” When he’s not working, Stephen does everything in his power to keep himself moving. He enjoys playing softball, climbing mountains, and participating in triathlons, and he's even been known to scuba dive and jump out of an airplane. He has been married for 27 years and has four adult children. Thankfully, Stephen and his wife agree on an active lifestyle. “We don’t like to sit still,” he says. Currently, they're particularly enjoying practicing yoga.

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WARNING FOR PARENTS OF PREMATURE INFANTS

Similac and Enfamil Associated With Intestinal Injury

When a child is born prematurely, their parents face serious concerns about their short- and long-term health. Everyone wants what’s best for their baby, and parents of premature infants have more on their plates than most. Babies born prematurely have special needs and generally need additional care. After already facing setbacks, they deserve the best chance of survival and normal growth. One of the life-threatening complications found in premature infants is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe and potentially fatal inflammation of the intestinal tract that can cause the bowel to die. Tragically, NEC has almost a 50% death rate. Premature infants who recover from NEC can face lifelong challenges, including developmental and growth delays, cognitive disabilities, and intestinal problems. Premature infants’ digestive tracts are intolerant to cow milk enzymes. As a result, evidence shows that premature infants have over a 300% increased chance of developing NEC when provided with cow’s milk formulas. Yet, when parents purchase infant formula, they are often left unaware of when it could cause harm to their babies. The manufacturers of Similac (Abbott) and Enfamil (Mead Johnson) have produced, marketed, and sold their cow milk-based baby formulas without any warning regarding the risk of NEC they pose to premature infants. The dangerous products include Similac Special Care, Similac Neosure, Enfamil NeuroPro, and Enfacare. There are many non-cow

milk alternatives that do not expose vulnerable premature infants to NEC, and parents should be able to trust the products marketed to them are safe for their children. No one should ever be misled into feeding potentially deadly food to their infant. We will work to obtain compensation for infants born at up to 36 weeks of gestation who were fed cow’s milk formulas made by Similac or Enfamil and later diagnosed with NEC. The attorneys at Cellino Law have extensive experience representing our clients against medical, pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter product manufacturers that market products without adequate warning. These companies should not be allowed to harm consumers without repercussions, and we know how to fight back. Call us today for a free consultation and case review.

Brain Break

Deep-Fried New Year’s ‘Cookies’ Inspired by MennoniteGirlsCanCook.ca

What do you get when you mix a cookie and a doughnut? A portzelky! This traditional Mennonite “New Year’s cookie” is perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp yeast • 1/2 cup water, warmed • 1/2 cup and 1 tsp sugar, divided • 5 eggs, beaten • 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 2 1/2 cups milk, warmed • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 4 cups raisins • 7 cups flour • 4 cups canola oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, water, and 1 tsp sugar. Wait 10 minutes. 2. Stir in remaining sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and salt.

BLANKET CARNATION COLD EMMYS FOOTBALL GARNET

JANUS MITTENS PARADE RESOLUTION SNOW WORKOUT

3. Fold in the raisins and flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for an hour. 4. In a high-sided pot or deep fryer, heat canola oil to 340 F. Line a plate with paper towels. 5. Drop a rounded tablespoon of dough into the oil. Fry until golden brown, then set aside on the plate. Poke the cookie with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s cooked through! 6. Repeat until the batter is gone.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Ross Remembers a Lifetime of Snow 2 The Lost Art of the Thank-You Note Meet Attorney Stephen Ciocca! 3 The Dangers of Similac and Enfamil Baby Formulas Deep-Fried New Year’s ‘Cookies’ 4 Why Do Your Ears Pop on Flights?

AIRPLANE EARS The Science Behind Your Ears Popping on Flights

When it comes to flying on an airplane, you can avoid cramped legs by upgrading to first class or catch a view by picking the window seat. However, there’s no getting around your ears popping during takeoff and landing. Believe it or not, there is a scientific explanation behind this common annoyance. As you read this, you’re likely not on an airplane, and the air pressure on either side of your eardrums is equal. Air is currently passing right on through your eustachian tube, a narrow passage that leads from your middle ear cavity to your pharynx and allows for pressure to be equalized on each side of your eardrums. When you’re taking off on an airplane, the air pressure is not equal. During both ascent and descent, your eardrums stretch to try to adapt to the changes. In order to equalize the pressure, your eustachian tube needs to open and close. When it does, your ears pop! Usually, ear popping can be irritating but nothing more. However, in rare cases, the pressure can lead to ear pain and even loss in hearing, especially if your ears don’t pop.

In this case, you may need to make an effort to get your eustachian tube to open by yawning, talking, or swallowing. Sucking on a piece of candy, drinking some water, or chewing gum may also help. In fact, one of the best things you can do is make sure you are not sleeping as the airplane takes off or lands because your eustachian tube isn’t able to open and close normally while you sleep. If you commonly struggle with congestion or sore ears on flights, taking a nasal decongestant before you board may ensure that your eustachian tube is not blocked. If your hearing and ears do not return to normal shortly after your flight, be sure to schedule an appointment to see your health care professional as soon as possible.

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