Obiorah Fields - December 2020

Obiorah Fields - December 2020

OBIORAHFIELDS.COM | 404-994-6218 | DECEMBER 2020

WHY 2020 IS LIKE GETTING SOCKS FOR CHRISTMAS WHEN YOU’RE A KID

Like every other kid on Christmas morning, I was let down if I got socks as a present. I would tear into the wrapping paper, excited about the fun toy or accessory that might be underneath it, only to find … plain old, unexciting socks. As I’ve grown up, though, I’ve really come to value socks as a gift. They keep my feet warm and comfy all through the winter! In a way, 2020 has felt a little bit like getting socks for Christmas when you’re a kid. Remember back in January, when we were all really excited to kick off the new year? It felt a bit like unwrapping a really exciting present on Christmas morning, only to be filled with disappointment as the year went on. So many stressful,

contentious, awful things happened this year that now we just want to take 2020, cast it aside like a pair of socks, and move on to the next (hopefully) more exciting year. I’m trying to enter 2021 with an abundance of optimism because even though 2020 was like getting socks for Christmas as a kid, in some ways, it was kind of like getting socks for Christmas as an adult. They still might not be the most exciting Christmas gift you get, but you can still understand and appreciate their value. I can pick out a few positive aspects of this year for me personally that might not have ever happened if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. For example, I don’t think I would have ever taken the leap and tried working from home. Working away from the office was something I always resisted doing. It didn’t feel right. I had a hard time feeling like I was actually working, and I didn’t like having to make myself a separate workspace in my house so working from home was a viable option. This year, however, COVID-19 gave me no other option but to give it a try, and I was surprised to find how much I like it.

environment. I don’t drive my car nearly as much as I used to, and I’d be willing to bet the same is true for the millions of other people in this country who are working from home. On another note, I’ve been able to be just as productive working from home as if I were working at the office, if not more productive. It’s easier for me to take breaks when I need them at my house, which leaves me feeling a lot more rested after a workday than I used to feel. Now, this is just one small positive that I think has come out of what’s still a dumpster fire of a year. That said, though, I think many of us might have similar silver linings we can throw on this cloud as we head into 2021. At the beginning of this year, we were all like kids who just got socks as a Christmas present. I hope that going into this next year is a little more like receiving socks as an adult — where socks are still socks, but we can understand their value.

“So many stressful, contentious, awful things happened this year that now we just want to take 2020, cast it aside like a pair of socks, and move on to the next (hopefully) more exciting year.”

I hope all of you have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

–Teri Fields

For one thing, I think working from home has definitely benefited the

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Even though the pandemic might mean there aren’t as many parties going on throughout the Christmas season and on New Year’s Eve, people will still find ways to have a good time — and potentially make some really stupid decisions on the road. In any other year, New Year’s Eve would be one of the deadliest days to be out driving, considering how many people get in accidents with drunk drivers. However, by asking yourself these three questions, you can help make the holidays be a little less deadly this year. How do I know if someone is driving while drunk? While you can never tell for sure just by following someone, look for certain driving behaviors to help you determine if someone is driving under the influence. Some of these behaviors include: • Swerving in and out of their lane • Braking and accelerating without warning, at irregular intervals • Responding more slowly to traffic signals • Driving without their headlights on in the dark • Narrowly avoiding hitting the curb or going off the side of the road ABOUT DRUNK DRIVING DURING THE HOLIDAYS 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK (AND ANSWER)

Have you ever stood on a scale at the end of the holiday season and wondered how the extra pounds crept on? It’s no secret that a sugar cookie here, a slice of pie there, and a few glasses of eggnog in between can lead to a few pounds gained. When you’re surrounded by Christmas goodies, how can you resist? Luckily, there are a few ways you can protect your waistline this holiday season without completely cutting out your favorite treats. Be Choosy When you see a regular buffet of your favorite holiday treats, don’t immediately start scarfing down everything that looks remotely tasty and sweet. First, scope out the food — without a plate — so you won’t be tempted to start eating without really looking. Then, find the treats that are your absolute favorites and choose one or two of them to eat. You don’t have to give up sweets during the holidays; instead, eat with discretion. Don’t Go Hungry To ensure that you don’t overeat at a party or buy junk food that you don’t need when shopping, eat a healthy snack before going out. Before you head out to a party, eat a snack chock-full of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and unsaturated fats. Apple slices with peanut butter work, as well as lean meats and cheeses. If you’re headed to the grocery store, eating a filling snack before you go will make you less likely to impulsively scoop up those sugary cookies and pastries in the bakery. Drink Responsibly (and Judiciously) If you drink alcohol, keep in mind that each drink will probably be somewhere between 150–225 calories. A glass of eggnog can have as many as 500 calories. Alcohol decreases your self-control when you’re eating, while also increasing your appetite. Make sure that if you’re drinking, you’re not doing so on an empty stomach. And to decrease the number of high-calorie drinks that you consume, drink a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages. The holidays are a minefield for any healthy diet. But with the right tools, you can ensure that by Jan. 2, your waistline won’t be worse for wear. HOW TO EAT DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT SACRIFICING YOUR FAVORITE FOODS OR YOUR WAISTLINE

How do I report a drunk driver? If you think you’ve spotted a drunk driver, you should first make a note of the car’s make, model, color, and license plate. Then, pull off to the side of

the road and call 911. Tell the dispatcher that you would like to report a drunk driver, give them the information you have on the vehicle, and describe where you last saw them on the road. Then, leave the rest to the professionals. What do I do if I’m hit by a drunk driver? If you get into an accident with someone you believe is drunk, call the police and stay in your vehicle until they arrive. While you’re not obligated to interact with the other driver, record any interactions you do have with them to show to police later. Once they arrive, document the crash on your smartphone. If you’re injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, the attorneys at Obiorah Fields will be able to help you figure out the next steps toward receiving just compensation. Just call 404-994-6218 to get started.

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COVERING THE BASICS OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

IN 4 QUESTIONS

Did you know that medical negligence is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States? Every year, 195,000 patients die in hospitals because of preventable mistakes, and 80,000–100,000 people die every year due to an error in diagnosis. These are not small figures, and the victims of these mistakes and their families deserve to be compensated for their losses. No one should ever be subject to a mistake made by a medical professional, but if you ever find yourself in that situation, you should know a few key things. What is the legal definition of medical malpractice? An act of medical malpractice is characterized by an instance where a

medical professional deviates from the “standard of care,” which is defined as the reasonable actions they might take given a patient’s condition. How do I determine if I’ve been the victim of medical malpractice? Answering this question ultimately boils down to if you can prove a medical professional was negligent in some way. If you can identify your health care professional’s negligence, which in turn led to your harm, you might have a case for medical malpractice. How can I make sure I’m not the victim of medical malpractice? While it’s not advisable to believe everything you read on the internet

(especially when it comes to information on medical conditions), it doesn’t hurt to do a little bit of research on your condition and come to your health care professional with some pointed questions. You should trust their answers, but if something seems wrong, don’t hesitate to speak up. What should I do if I believe I’ve been a victim of medical malpractice? Your first step should be contacting a medical malpractice attorney to review your case. Determining if medical malpractice has occurred can be difficult, and having a couple of expert attorneys in your corner will help immensely. For questions about potential medical malpractice cases, contact the Obiorah Fields Law Office today for a free case evaluation.

At Obiorah Fields, LLC, we’re not your standard, run-of-the-mill law office. We don’t just do what’s required of us — we go the extra mile to make sure justice is served in every case we take on. If you’ve worked with us before and you know somebody who could benefit from taking us on as their legal team, please don’t hesitate to give them this newsletter and show them who we are! We want to help as many people as we can. We’re just one phone call away from new potential clients. If they contact us through our website and give us their name, contact info, and a brief description of their situation, we will give them a free case evaluation and report. Don’t hesitate to refer us! DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS OUR HELP? GIVE THEM THIS NEWSLETTER!

NEED A SPEAKER? If you are interested in having Teri Fields speak to your organization about legal issues, please contact us at 404-994-6218.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Why 2020 Is Like Getting Socks for Christmas

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How to Eat (Responsibly) During the Holidays What to Do if You Spot a Drunk Driver Medical Malpractice: Covering the Basics Do You Know Someone Who Needs Our Help? 3 Fool-Proof Ways to Pay for the Holidays Without Going Broke

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3 GIFT-GIVING TIPS

THAT WON’T KILL YOUR SAVINGS Set a budget — and stick to it. Setting a holiday budget ensures you only spend what you can afford. It also narrows down your search. If you choose to buy your neighbor something, but they aren’t your top priority, set their budget at a lower level, like $25–$50. If you have a sibling who has had a rough year and you’d like to make their holidays a little brighter, bump their budget up. This narrows the focus of what you’re looking for so you don’t stumble into something you can’t afford.

Ah, the holidays. It’s a time of sweet treats, family, and giving back — and sometimes giving a little too much. When it comes to the perfect holiday gift, many people spend too much money. The average American spends nearly $1,000 on gifts during the December holidays alone!

still feel the need to do something for them, send homemade cookies or a handwritten note instead of purchasing something. This limits how much you actually have to spend! Think beyond store-bought or expensive items. Sure, everyone wants this holiday season’s “it” item, but sometimes the best gifts don’t even come wrapped under the tree. Instead, look to your own talents as a clue to what you should give. If you’re a great crafter, create something unique for the people on your list. If you can

It’s possible to cut back and make it to January without major debt. Here’s how.

Check your list — twice! The list is going to be your secret weapon to tackling the holidays with your savings still intact. Start by writing down the name of every person you’d like to get a gift for. Now, with the exception of your immediate family members, narrow the names down to your top five — top 10 if you’re really popular. Now, place the names of the people who didn’t make the cut into a second list. If you

Ultimately, it’s the spirit of giving during the holidays that makes them so rewarding. With a little ingenuity, you can be generous and avoid the stress of excess debt come January.

offer the gift of time, provide a free night of babysitting for your friends with kids or an experience at the local theater. These gifts have a bonus factor: Recipients love the gift when they open it, and they love it when they get to use it!

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