Harmonson Law Firm - March 2022

Harmonson Law Firm - March 2022

HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND MARCH 2022

BORN TO READ Books That Have Entertained, Taught, and Changed Me

Running/Inspirational I started seriously running about the same time I opened my law firm. I had been an athlete in high

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know there’s nothing I love more than a good book. March 2 is Read Across America Day, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some of the books that have inspired and stuck with me over the years. I’ve broken them down into three categories and shared a few words about what makes each of them memorable. Epics/Tear-Jerkers I’ve always loved a good adventure. My passion for sweeping tales started as a boy, and these are two of the first epics I ever loved. ‘Roots’ by Alex Haley When I first picked up this book as a kid, I hadn’t heard of the 1970s miniseries. I was 16 years old, my girlfriend went away to summer camp, and I felt bored. My parents had this book on their shelves, and I picked it simply because it was so big, and I assumed it would fill a lot of time. This book is special because it’s the first one I remember reading without someone forcing me to do it. It opened my eyes to a history I didn’t know and started me on my journey to reading. ‘Lonesome Dove’ by Larry McMurtry I’m not the biggest fan of the Western genre, but “Lonesome Dove” is a fantastic book that’s epic in scope. I read it right after college as a pharmaceutical sales rep, when I would spend long periods on the road. As a personal injury attorney, I can’t believe I did this — and would never recommend it! — but I would put this book on my steering wheel and read while I drove. These were definitely the days before the iPhone and downloading audiobooks. I remember I had almost finished the book when I got to my destination, so before going inside, I stayed in my car for another hour to finish it.

store without putting on protective equipment, and I craved stories of adventure. I found them in these two books. ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed Cheryl Strayed was in her 20s when she lost her mother to cancer. She felt adrift, moved to Oregon, got involved with the wrong guy, and ended up hooked on heroin.

school but let that fall by the wayside. I was looking for a change in my life, so I started with a Couch to 5K app, running one minute at a time. It was a struggle, but I came to love it. And while I’m no elite athlete, I’ve gained inspiration from these two books. ‘ Born to Run’ by Christopher McDougall This story is about a white vagabond, nicknamed Caballo Blanco, who goes to live with the Tarahumara tribe of Native Americans, who live in northern Mexico, not terribly far from El Paso. They’re super-elite long-distance runners living in the Copper Canyon. Caballo Blanco organized a race to help them preserve their culture, and he learned to become a better endurance runner. If you want to start running or enjoy a good adventure, this is a great book. ‘Finding Ultra’ by Rich Roll Rich Roll was a Stanford swimmer and later became a lawyer, but alcohol took over his life. His addiction almost consumed him, but he entered a 12-step program and turned his life around. Today, he’s an ultramarathoner who does health and wellness podcasts. It’s an inspirational story, especially for someone like me, who at the time worked to go from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one. Pandemic Sanity-Savers In the early stages of the pandemic, we were all stuck at home. I couldn’t even go to the grocery

But one day, she went to REI and saw a brochure advertising the Pacific Crest Trail, which is for very experienced hikers. Strayed was not a hiker, but she took on the challenge and traveled from California to Washington on foot, and she found healing along the way. ‘To Shake the Sleeping Self’ by Jedidiah Jenkins Jedidiah Jenkins grew up in a super-religious household, so he struggled mightily upon realizing he was gay. Echoing Strayed, he hopped on a bicycle and rode his bike from Portland, Oregon, to the nation of Chile (with a boat or two helping him across the water). It’s a real adventure, and along the way, Jenkins grapples with his faith and sense of self. In the end, he reunites with his mother for a cathartic and touching moment. Reading is a magical gift that transports you to another world, life, or way of thinking. As a father and businessman, I can’t just drop everything and go on an adventure, but books allow me to live vicariously through others. Have your own favorite adventure story to share? Drop me a line at [email protected] — I’m always looking for another good read.

915.584.8777 • 1

YOU’VE BEEN ACCIDENT: WH 5 CRITICAL

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid- free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, most of us will be at some point in our lives. In fact, the car insurance industry estimates that the average driver will have 3–4 accidents throughout their lifetime. Though that sounds scary, most accidents are minor fender benders. But if and when you’re in an accident, it’s critical to follow the below essential steps to protect your safety and rights. Call for help. If there has been a collision, the most important thing is to ensure that everyone present is safe. If possible, pull off to the side of the road to prevent a pileup. Then, check yourself and all passengers in your car for injuries, followed by those in the other vehicle. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 for help immediately. Otherwise, call the police to file a police report. Exchange insurance information . Once everyone’s safety is secured, you’ll need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. For accuracy, photograph their insurance card and driver’s license. Be careful, however, not to chat with the people in the other car. Confirm everyone is okay, exchange information, and end the conversation. Though it may feel natural to apologize or rehash the accident, doing so can be used against you later.

SUDO KU

SOLUTION ON PG. 4

2 • www.ClarkHarmonsonAttorney.com

N IN A CAR HAT NEXT? STEPS

We place an enormous amount of trust in doctors. We share some of our most intimate secrets with them, depend on them to keep us healthy, and put faith in the treatment plans they prescribe. And if we face a life- threatening medical problem, we count on them to save our lives. Unfortunately, medical practitioners are not perfect. They can make mistakes — and in the worst cases, even behave negligently. When they do, they’ve not only violated our trust but also put our health and lives at risk. The consequences can be far-reaching, including permanent disability and death. Medical malpractice lawsuits exist to win justice for these victims. But exactly what kinds of damages can they receive? In New Mexico, the injured party or their family may be eligible for multiple types of compensation. The most common damages awarded in medical malpractice cases are monetary damages. Monetary damages refer to any tangible financial loss due to malpractice. These damages can include past or future bills for follow-up medical procedures and wages lost by the injured party or their family both now and later. Second, New Mexico will honor noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases. They can include pain and suffering or embarrassment over disfigurement or disability. Victims can also seek remuneration for decreased quality of life. For example, they may no longer be able to play with their children or perform their own hygiene. If the malpractice victim dies from their injuries, What Types of Damages Can Victims Receive? MEDICAL MALPRACTICE IN NEW MEXICO

Collect evidence. Next, record what you can. Take notes or make a video, recording everything you remember about the accident. Additionally, take photographs of the accident scene from as many angles as possible, including close-ups of damage. Notify your insurance agency. Insurance companies generally have rules about how quickly you need to file an accident claim, so don’t wait. Call them as immediately as possible to open a claim. Visit a doctor. Even if you feel uninjured after an accident, you should schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible. Some accident injuries take weeks or months to start showing symptoms. And in the event that injuries do become apparent later, an early visit provides a protective paper trail, making it harder for the other side to claim you’re faking. Consult an experienced car accident attorney. A qualified legal team can help you deal with your insurance agency and file a claim for any injuries. An attorney will give you the best case possible and help prove whether the other driver was negligent. Don’t go it alone — get the expert help you need as soon as possible.

Easy March Madness Chili Inspired by MyRecipes.com Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

their survivors may also be eligible to win the cost of funeral services and compensation for their loss of companionship.

Punitive damages are reserved for the most egregious medical malpractice cases when a health care professional is grossly negligent or reckless. If a health care professional causes deliberate harm or practices medicine under the influence, the victim can seek punitive damages as punishment for the practitioner’s actions. Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex, and the success or failure of each claim generally involves several factors. For the best outcome, medical malpractice victims or their surviving families should hire an experienced attorney. Recent changes in New Mexico law may make it easier than ever to win the compensation deserved. Our team is always here to help with a free, confidential consultation. Don’t hesitate to contact us for an evaluation of your case.

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

2 lbs ground beef 2 tbsp chili powder

• • •

2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes 2 16-oz cans small red beans 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

1 tbsp Creole seasoning

1 tsp ground cumin

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.

915.584.8777 • 3

5505 North Mesa St., Suite 3 • El Paso, TX 79912 WWW.CLARKHARMONSONATTORNEY.COM 915.584.8777

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1

Clark Shares Some of His Favorite Books

2

Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

5 Things to Do After a Car Accident

3

Recoverable Damages for Medical Malpractice Cases

Easy March Madness Chili

4

Packing Tips to Save Your Back, Wallet, and Sanity

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.

.

4 • www.ClarkHarmonsonAttorney.com

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com