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the Lyman Firm - March 2022

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Influential Role Models It’s Not Always Who You Think lymanf irm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699 The Lyman Firm Newsletter

MARCH 2022

What answers would you expect when asking your childhood self or your children this question: Who is your role model? For many kids, the answer would probably be a favorite athlete, teacher, coach, or celebrity. As we grow older, our idea of who an ideal role model is changes. We likely consider those who are much closer to home. For me, those people are my mom, aunt, and grandmother. Since International Women’s Day takes place on March 8, I want to recognize some of the greatest women in my life. mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland,

how to behave around women and treat them well. Everything I knew about dating and courting came from this woman. When I first moved to Atlanta and lived with her, I got my first taste of the real world since we would often go to dinner, social events, and parties together. It was a fantastic learning experience I’m incredibly grateful for. Another influential role model in my life was my grandmother. She raised both my mom and my aunt, so she’s the ultimate example of what it means to be a good person.

My mom spent plenty of time teaching me how to lead a good life and do the right thing. She taught me morality, values, and selflessness. We’ve been through a lot together, and it’s crazy to reflect on some of the lessons she taught me and the experiences we shared. To My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my raci g j urney due to a lack of financing, this day, my relationship with my mom is nothing short of fantastic. She lives less than 2 miles from me, so we still get ample time with each other. She gets to help out with the kids and loves every moment she spends with them. As I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed that the people who are good to their mothers are usually the nicer “I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.

In a way, she echoed everything I learned about respecting women. We’d often go to my grandmother’s house or one of her friend’s when I was young, and I had to mind my manners and do the would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life. right thing. If I was misbehaving or doing the wrong thing, she would pull me aside and tell me the proper way to act. I might not have thought it at the time, but those were very influential conversations in my youth. The women in our lives often don’t get the respect they deserve. They endlessly and Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorn ys they’ve w rked with on other cases. Alm st none of them are abl to muster an answer — th names of their lawyers complet y lo t in the tides of life’s trials. That’s when I tell them that there a a million diffe ent lawy rs out t ere doi g milli James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing

I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.

As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing t e company in ways that still allow us t k ep our fund m ntal values and operations in check.

selflessly sacrifice much of their lives and freedoms to raise children and provide them with love and affection differ nt thin s, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man wh gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step f he way. so they can grow into responsible and respectable adults. Take some time this month and show some appreciation to the women who have played a large role in your life. Take them out to dinner or to one of their favorite activities. When you see them smile, you’ll feel like smiling yourself.

people in the world. They’re willing to go out of their way for their parents and others because of the lessons they were taught as children. Certainly, good people in the world have strained or difficult relationships with their parents, but who I am as a man stems from that relationship. Another great role model in my life is my aunt. She lives in Boston now, so I don’t get to see her much, but when I first moved to Atlanta, I lived with her for a while. She taught me hero s — I work f r as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.”

At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son

-Thomas Lyman -Thomas J. Lyman

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Spring Fever Enjoy Warm Weather While Stuck Indoors

Try working outside. If your boss will allow it, there’s probably some opportunity to do a bit of work outdoors. Meetings and conference calls might offer your best option. For in-person meetings, your coworkers will also likely relish a chance to take it outdoors. In the event of a conference call, you won’t need to convince anyone else — grab your laptop and go! It’s not the same as enjoying the weather while you’re off the clock, but it’s a lot better than being cooped up inside.

The weather is warming up, the sun is out — and you’re trapped inside. Most of us have jobs that leave us stuck indoors during spring’s prime midday hours, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on the season’s best parts. Unfortunately, your boss probably won’t give you the day off just because of the gorgeous weather. So, we’ve compiled the next best thing — some tips to enjoy the season as much as you can while also getting your job done. Bring the outdoors in. When the weather is nice, open as many curtains and blinds as possible. The natural light will warm up the room and brighten your mood. While you’re at it, try opening the windows and positioning yourself near one. If you can’t be outside, the spring breeze on your face is the next best thing. Plants decrease stress, and having them on your desk might also trick your brain into feeling less cooped up. Take a break. You’ve still got to work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in a few minutes outdoors. Use your break for an outdoor stroll; if possible, you can also walk or bike to work. At the very least, park farther away to give yourself time to enjoy the weather. Volunteer to do a coffee run, pick up lunch, or take out the mail — you’ll be an office hero while catching some rays at the same time.

With any luck, these tips will help you make it to Friday with your sanity intact. And luckily, the weekend is always just around the corner.

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hearings, or a trial without representation — and if you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will provide you with a public defender. Ironically, to invoke your right to remain silent, you have to talk — simply not speaking isn’t considered sufficient. A person needs to say as clearly as possible that they are invoking their rights and want an attorney.

Though film and TV scripts tend to use uniform wording, there’s no required Miranda rights phrasing. Police only need to state the rights and ensure the suspect understands them. It’s also notable that police only have to read Miranda rights when they arrest a suspect — and they can question someone without

detaining them. Courts consider anything the suspect says when not under arrest to be of their own free will.

Many people waive their rights because they know they’re not guilty — or they think that speaking with the police will make them look innocent. Criminal defense attorneys strongly advise against this. Body language, off-handed statements, or inconsistent recounting of events can be used as evidence of guilt. And sadly, many innocent people have been sentenced to time in prison.

If you’re ever arrested or questioned in connection with a crime, the best way to protect your rights is to invoke them right away. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney or ask the court to appoint one for you. The lawyer will review your case, help you understand the charges, and provide expert guidance on your next steps. Don’t feel bad about doing so — these rights are enshrined in the Constitution. They’re just that important.

TAKE A BREAK

Why One Man Sued Michael Jordan for $832 Million I DON’T WANT TO BE LIKE MIKE

Many people have been told they

have a passing resemblance to a celebrity, and they usually have a funny story or two. To Allen Ray Heckard, his celebrity look- alike was no laughing matter. In 2006, he sued Michael

Jordan for looking too much like him and ruining his life.

The amount of the lawsuit was $832 million, and Heckard not only sued Jordan but also Nike, reasoning that the company helped Jordan achieve his incredible fame. The complaint argued that the resemblance to Jordan “has troubled

Heckard’s nerves” and being stopped by fans caused him emotional distress for over 15 years. He requested damages for defamation, permanent injury, and pain and suffering. For someone tired of being “recognized,” Heckard didn’t shy away from media coverage. When asked how he arrived at the astronomical $832 million lawsuit figure, he gave this much- shared (yet difficult to parse) answer: “Well, you figure with my age, and you multiply that by seven and, ah, then I turn around and, ah, I figure that’s what it all boils down to.” When asked why he felt the resemblance to Jordan had affected his life so negatively, he could only answer, “I want to be recognized as me, just like Michael’s recognized as Michael.” Funnily enough, most people didn’t think Heckard and Jordan looked alike at all. While each had a bald head, mustache, and a gold earring, the similarities seemed to end there. Many news stories noted that, compared to Jordan, Heckard is eight years older and 6 inches shorter. One question reporters did not appear to ask was why Heckard felt that Jordan should be held personally liable for hundreds of millions of dollars simply for his natural appearance. Sadly, we will probably never know the answer because the case ended rather unceremoniously. After a few weeks, Heckard dropped the lawsuit. He never publicly shared why, but a Nike spokesperson was glad to speculate that Heckard “finally realized he would end up paying our court costs if the lawsuit went to trial.” In the end, many ‘90s kids would argue that Heckard was most guilty of looking a gift horse in the mouth. After all, there is no higher achievement than to “be like Mike.”

EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin

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

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.

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE

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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack Impactful Role Models

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3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Enjoy Spring Weather — Even From Work Easy March Madness Chili Someone Sued Michael Jordan?

Let’s Retire These Health Myths

What Do Your Miranda Rights Mean?

The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe You Have the Right to … What Now? Understanding and Using Y ur Miranda Rights

BOTTLEDWATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER

The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. But why are these words so ubiquitous? What do they mean in the real world? And do you really need to worry about your rights if you haven’t committed a crime? Miranda rights originated in 1966 through the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona . Police arrested Ernesto Miranda on kidnapping charges, and after two hours of questioning, he eventually confessed to the crime. His attorneys argued that Miranda did not understand his rights at the time of the confession, so the courts should disregard it as evidence of his guilt. The Supreme Court agreed, saying that one cannot sign away their rights without first understanding them. The right to remain silent originates from the Fifth Amendment right to not self-incriminate. In this context, “staying silent” means not answering questions from the police. Though experts recommend silence from the beginning, a person can invoke their rights partway through an interrogation. The right to an attorney means you do not have to go through questioning,

We live in the golden age of information. The answers tomany of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-relatedmyths. Here are three popular health“facts” that are total works of fiction. If you watch a lot of procedural dramas on television, you can probably recite your Miranda rights by heart: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE

Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.

Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.

CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS

The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false.

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