Smith Wallis & Scott November 2018

Smith Wallis & Scott November 2018

NOV 2018

LEGAL INJURY GUIDE

327 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton, GA 30117 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION | PERSONAL INJURY | SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

SERVING MY TEAM

they have created a good atmosphere here. Isabel and Joseph became partners at the beginning of this year. Both are great attorneys and have really helped the firm. We have a great team. I enjoy serving my team so they can focus on their tasks. I tell each staff member, “If there’s anything I can do to make your job easier, please let me know.” I am here to provide support and assistance so they can focus on their roles and together we can all serve our clients better. Each department head and I meet to discuss the progress of their departments and find solutions to any problems they may have. I meet with each staff member to do employee evaluations, and as needed to discuss any concerns. I also replace or purchase everything for the firm from simple office supplies and software programs to anything for the actual office building. My role in finance encompasses payroll and bookkeeping. It has been great working for the firm and serving my team! Outside of work, I stay busy with my family and at our local church. My husband and I have been married for 16 years. We have three wonderful children. I’ve been lucky to call Carrollton my home for most of my life. I graduated from Carrollton High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Accounting from the University of West Georgia. My husband and I enjoy traveling. We have traveled to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, Panama, Argentina, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Out of every place we’ve been, Greece is our favorite — the people are wonderful, and it’s a beautiful country. My husband and I also serve as pastors at Carrollton United Pentecostal Church. We spend a lot of time working for the church. We have a bilingual congregation. Occasionally I interpret for my husband when he preaches. I lead a Bible Study and Music Ministry class on Wednesday nights for children ages 9–12. I also assist in our Preteen Sunday school class on Sunday mornings. I serve in the music department, and I sing and play the piano. I’ve been playing the piano for several years, and I enjoy doing that.

As the Firm Administrator and Finance Manager at Smith, Wallis & Scott, I work closely with our department heads and staff to keep everything running smoothly. I’ve been with the firm since 2005. I started working for attorney Chris Scott and handled all Personal Injury cases and all our Spanish-speaking clients’ Workers’ Compensation cases. In 2016, I moved into the Firm Administrator position, where I am now responsible for overseeing the firm’s finances and administration. It has been a great experience to be involved with different parts of the processes at the firm, from working cases up from the beginning and having more client interaction to doing what I’m doing now with finance and administration. When I joined Smith, Wallis & Scott, I knew it was the right fit. I’ve enjoyed working with our three original partners: Ken Smith, Jim Wallis, and Chris Scott from the beginning. Mr. Wallis is now retired. He handled the firm’s books and finances for many years and I inherited that from him. They are great people to work for, and with the combination of our other partners,

–Gabby Rubio

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nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. THE RESTORATION OF PEACE In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. VETERANS DAY Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month. A HISTORIC VETERANS DAY Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of WorldWar I

This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. THE GREAT WAR By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY What to Look Out for After an Accident One of the most difficult things we see in our line of work is someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of an accident. Often, these injuries can be life-altering and cause lasting damage. In the event that you or a loved one is injured, understanding some of the warning signs and symptoms that could signal a spinal cord injury may be vastly beneficial. Before you do anything, if you suspect that your back or neck may have been injured in your accident, consult a physician right away. It’s always crucial to seek medical attention immediately after any accident, but it’s paramount for a spinal cord injury. Not only is this step important if your accident ends up becoming a legal matter, but it’s also necessary to protect your health and safety. A spinal cord injury happens when there is damage to any part of the spine or nerves at the end of the spinal canal, and damage to this important part of the body can have a temporary or permanent effect on your mobility and senses. There are some signs to be aware of that could signal this type of injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the emergency warning signs of a spinal injury after an accident may include the following: extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back; weakness or paralysis in any part of the body; numbness or tingling in hands, fingers, feet, or toes; and difficulty with balance and walking. The neck being out of position could also

signal a spinal cord injury. Following this kind of injury, you may feel loss of movement or bladder control, pain, or intense tingling as a result of damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord. Knowing what the condition is and recognizing some of these symptoms can help you in case you are ever faced with this situation. After you seek medical help, reach out to Smith, Wallis & Scott so we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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PERSONAL BENEFIT Along with adding benefits in the workplace, bilingualism allows you to grow as a person. Many studies have shown that speaking more than one language can benefit your mental health. Individuals who speak more than one language are often found to focus more on tasks, consider options more carefully, and even have reduced health risks — including risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s. Knowing more than a single language opens your world up to the different cultures and diversity within your community and country. Speaking another language gives you an understanding of the culture from which the language originates, thus expanding your knowledge and awareness of the world around you. At Smith, Wallis & Scott, we understand the importance of bilingualism within a company and community. Our firm offers services in Spanish and English, allowing us to reach out and help many people in need. Call our offices today to see how we can help with your case. GUTEN TAG! HOLA! CIAO! HELLO! The Advantages of Bilingualism

Speaking a second language can help you tremendously both in and out of the workplace. People who can speak two languages often have more opportunities, leading to long-lasting careers and even better health. In a similar fashion, companies that embrace bilingualism excel better than companies that only offer services in one language. WORKPLACE VALUE When a company provides bilingual services, it allows them to reach more clients. As the world advances in technology, communicating with people from other countries is easier than ever. This makes people who speak more than one language valued within many businesses. People who speak multiple languages also have a higher chance of finding a job, and once in that job, they can put their skills to use. Plus, America is becoming more diverse, and companies know it. A resume that lists bilingual or multilingual skills is more likely to catch the attention of an employer than one that doesn’t. Having a bilingual employee with the company will be more beneficial for both parties involved. TAKE A BREAK

SPICY, CREAMY SWEET POTATOES

INGREDIENTS

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1/2 cup dark brown sugar

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5 pounds sweet potatoes

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4 tablespoons unsalted butter

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1 cup canned coconut milk

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1 tablespoon kosher salt

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1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot. 3 (770) 214-2500 Inspired by The New York Times

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

(770) 214-2500 swslawfirm.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE

327 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton, GA 30117

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Get to Know Gabby

A Historic Veterans Day

Recognizing Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

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The Value of Bilingual Services

Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes

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3 Movie Locations to Captivate Your Eyes

Movies captivate audiences partially because of their ability to transport you to a different place. The heart yearns to be taken places, and cinema facilitates that journey. But what if you could immerse yourself in those fantastical worlds by visiting the destinations that you’ve seen on the big screen? Here are three places that are worth the trip. WHYWATCH THE FILMWHEN YOU CAN SEE IT WITH YOUR OWN EYES? 3 Famous Movie Locations You Need to Visit

HOBBITON The only aspect of “The Lord of the Rings” that is more compelling than the fantastical journey of Frodo is the alluring, untamed countryside and quaint towns that make up Middle Earth. The Green Dragon Inn, Bilbo’s house, and the rolling hills of New Zealand make for a backdrop that will transport you straight into the life of Middle Earth’s smallest people — only these houses aren’t small at all. And you don’t need large, hairy feet to enjoy them. CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Harry Potter captured the imagination of the world. There are multiple sites across the United Kingdom where you can get lost in the adventure that shaped a generation, but there is one spot at

the top of almost every fan’s list. Hogwarts is a magic castle in J.K. Rowling’s books, but in real life, its film location is a functioning cathedral in Oxford. Take one step onto the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral, and you might begin to wonder when the next Quidditch match will begin. TIKAL NATIONAL PARK When George Lucas witnessed a poster of this famous archeological site, he didn’t see an ancient culture — he saw Yavin IV, the perfect location for the Massassi Outpost, a rebel haven found in the first film of Star Wars. Though the movie paints a futuristic look at the region, walk through Tikal National Park, and you’ll experience it as a trip through history.

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