Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers - March 2022

Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers - March 2022

LEGAL BRIEF

MARCH 2022 FriedmanSimon.com 516-800-8000

OPTIMISM ISN’T JUST FOR KIDS HOWA LITTLE HOPE CONTINUES TO CHANGE MY LIFE

I consider myself an optimistic person, but I think it’s fair to say that the pandemic was a pretty severe test of everyone’s hope and optimism. A worldwide health crisis causes many people to think the same thing: What’s there to be optimistic about? In honor of Optimism Month, I thought I’d share my thoughts on how optimism is rarely about ignoring the bad events in our lives. I believe optimism is about focusing on how to transform bad events to affect real positive changes. “An important part of effective optimism isn’t just wishful thinking, though – it’s also about proactive action to create a more positive version of your life.” Although I’ve always been one to recognize that life has a lot of hardship, optimism has become such a big part of my life, both professionally and personally. I try to be negative about very little. If there’s a way to take on an optimistic view on something, that’s the route I want to be on. Ultimately, when I’m sad about a certain event or hardship, it can feel like it’s spinning out of my control. That’s when optimism prompts me to ask an important question: What good can still come out of this situation? Even in my hardest moments, I’ve relied on optimism, time and time again, to feel control over my life again. Somehow, options I’d never considered before begin to open

up, and the possibilities become limitless again. Bitterness can close our minds and perspectives, and for good reason, we can embrace bitterness because we assume that it’ll prevent us from getting into trouble in the future. We can forget that bitterness is faultily designed to protect us by limiting our possibilities, not expanding them. Taking control back with optimism is just one reason why it’s become so entwined with my life. Another reason is that I’ve become more aware of how my optimism (or lack thereof) can affect others. If you’re stressed about resolving a problem, it’s likely that other people will be stressed, too. If you’re thinking more optimistically to reduce your stress and operate more open-mindedly, you could find that people have an easier time helping you achieve your goals. Not only do we treat ourselves better when we’re optimistic, but we even treat people around us better, and generally improve morale in our professional and personal circles. An important part of effective optimism isn’t just wishful thinking, though — it’s also about proactive action to create a more positive version of your life. If all the dominos in our life are leading into chaos, we’ll have an easier time feeling optimistic if we redirect the dominos toward better outcomes. It’s not effective to be optimistic if you’re just waiting for positive outcomes to magically happen. I can be optimistic about winning the lottery, but I still have to buy the ticket! What I’ve shared in this newsletter previously, and how I’ve described my experiences above after COVID-19 spread, is very similar to how many Americans felt.

When we were stuck working from home initially, and most restaurants and public spaces were closed, my view of the situation was totally darkened. It was depressing to feel incapable of going into the office or anywhere else, like I could before. But I realized how it transformed my ability to spend time with my wife and newborn daughter while still fulfilling my work duties from home. During any other time, it would have been nearly impossible for me to be there with our newborn. I am thankful for the time I had with my family while stuck at home where we made incredible memories. Some of the most terrible things in our lives can lead to the best things. I wouldn’t be an attorney or have met my wife if it weren’t for some of the most difficult periods of my life, which had profoundly affected me. When a child falls and scrapes their knee, we tell them it’ll get better. We assume that, when much bigger problems happen to us as adults, we can’t say the same thing to ourselves. That’s not true. No matter how bad things are right

now, I believe it’ll always lead to something better, especially with a little time and stubborn optimism.

-Michael J. Mills

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Hey, friends! It’s Michael again. Attention to detail means everything in a case and nowhere is this truism more apparent than when a client has been involved in more than a single accident that resulted in injury. Fortunately, it is relatively rare for people to be seriously injured in two or more accidents within a short time frame, but it does happen. When an injured client presents us with such circumstances, it reinforces for our team of legal professionals the critical importance of focusing on details. In our drive to win the best possible outcome for our clients by building the most compelling case, we investigate every piece of relevant evidence, so absolutely nothing is missed. As we analyze the evidence in a case, we are aware that nothing should be taken at face value and that everything should be questioned. Even expert testimony must be reviewed with a critical eye that is always searching for errors and inconsistencies. An example of this would be when a doctor erroneously attributes the cause of an injury to the wrong accident. Recently, we had a case where that was exactly what happened. One of our clients was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a truck owned by a municipality. The doctor said that she’d need surgery for the tears in her shoulder caused by this accident. Unfortunately, not too long after this first accident, she was seriously injured in a second accident and then, after an MRI, the doctor said she needed surgery on her neck. I immersed myself in the medical records generated after both the first and second accidents and discovered that the doctor mistakenly concluded that the neck injury was a result of the second accident and not the first. In my review of all the medical records, I found ample documentation indicating that our client had complained of injury and pain to her neck after the first accident. In fact, the MRI reports from the first accident revealed the same injuries to the neck that were reported in the second accident’s MRI reports. Now, in addition to a claim for a shoulder injury that required surgical repair, our client had a clear claim for injuries to her neck that would also require surgery. This increased the dollar value of her claim against the negligent municipality tremendously. As a result, we were able to conclude her case for a very significant sum. Although the misfortune of having two serious accidents within a short time frame was devastating for our client, she was able to find comfort in knowing that the reckless driver who caused her injuries would be held accountable and peace of mind in knowing that her financial recovery would allow her to rebuild her life without worries of financial ruin. I am grateful that our attention to detail made such a positive difference in our client’s life. The opportunity to help our injured clients in this way is a huge part of why I am excited to come to work every day. WHY OUR DETAIL-ORIENTED INVESTIGATIONS ARE SO IMPORTANT The Devil Is in the Doctor’s Report?

When to Use Each Card Credit or Debit?

When it comes to purchasing items, you have a choice about whether you should use your debit or credit card. Although these rectangular pieces of plastic look the same, they are very different. With credit cards, you’re borrowing money, whereas a debit card takes money directly from your account. That being said, is there a better time to use credit than debit? Here are a few instances to help you determine when to use which card.

Debit Card

• If you need to access cash quickly, it’s best to use your debit card. If you use an in-network ATM, you can withdraw cash without a transaction fee. But if you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank and the ATM provider will charge a fee. Although you can use your credit card to withdraw money, the fees are usually even higher. • Debit cards can help you avoid merchant fees from businesses. Some online retailers, restaurants, and small businesses have a surcharge when you use your credit card, but debit cards are excluded from these fees. • If you make an international purchase, you may want to use your debit card if your credit card company charges foreign transaction fees.

Credit Card

• Your credit card is preferred for safer online shopping to prevent your debit card information from being on the internet. However, check your browser and shopping apps to make sure your credit card is the preferred payment method. • If you have any subscription services or bills, your credit card works great for recurring payments. Your fees will be paid automatically, and these regular on-time payments will help raise your credit score.

• If an emergency occurs, put it on your credit card. This will give you some time to pay off the expense if you need it.

Which card you use is a personal preference. Use whichever method you’re comfortable with and that makes sense for you. Always check your balances and fees to ensure everything is in order and cost- effective. If you see suspicious activity on your account, contact your bank for assistance.

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It’s More Than Just Tidying Up 4 HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPRING-CLEANING

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

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.

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring-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.

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.

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.

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!

SUDOKU

Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup

Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com

Is the chill of winter lingering? A hot bowl of this Asian-inspired soup will warm you right up! Our recipe makes 4–5 servings.

Ingredients

• 3 cups chicken broth • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 garlic clove, chopped • 10 leaves bok choy, thinly sliced • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 2 tsp soy sauce • 2 tsp sesame oil

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. 2. Stir in red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. 3. Add bok choy leaves and rotisserie chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the bok choy is dark green and tender. 4. Enjoy with slices of your favorite whole-wheat bread!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2

Optimism Is an Adult’s Most Useful Tool Issue: Should I Use Credit or Debit? How a Medical Report Turned Into a 6-Figure Case Get Healthy While Spring- Cleaning! Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup Inside the Hot New Pet Tech Market

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WEARABLE TECH … FOR YOUR PET? DOG AND CAT GADGETS ARE HITTING THE MARKET

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?

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.

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. Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can

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