Take a look at our July newsletter!
1600 S. BRENTWOOD BLVD., SUITE 220 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63144 // FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222 // JULY 2023
Knowing When It’s Time to Settle TRIAL LAWYERS DON’T ALWAYS GO TO TRIAL
I feel like I’m in an identity crisis as I write this. We work hard to be trial lawyers — and believe it or not — it’s hard to get to trial. You have to balance being driven to try cases with rational decision-making. You cannot try every case because there will be offers you would refuse that go against your client’s best interests. That is where I find myself today. We are supposed to try a case in about three weeks. It’s a great case with an even better client. The damages are solid, and the liability is clear. But the insurance carrier has steadfastly minimized my client’s injuries. They’ve hired doctors to say he is old and his body is degenerating — like every person over 60 will have ankle, neck, and back surgery. I don’t even think the defense doctor believes what he is saying, and I am more certain the defense lawyer (a very nice man) doesn’t believe that either. A couple of days ago, I got a call from the defense lawyer. He had an offer to make. It was eight times their last offer. And it wasn’t even their final offer. It took me by surprise. I had expected an increase from them but not that big of a jump. I had expected this to be an easy decision — to tell them no thanks, see you in court, the offer is way too low.
But this offer changed the nature of that “easy” decision. Now I have to think about it. I’ve got to go over the numbers. I’ve got to check my ego. I’ve got to tell my client you should look at this. I can’t be reckless with the potential money on the table. You see, taking the offer or something close to it would settle the case. There would be no jury trial. There would be no jury. I am trying to be a jury trial lawyer. I can’t be that if I settle the case, right? And that’s the identity crisis. How do you weigh doing what is probably the right thing versus what you are striving for? I don’t know; I’m not sure anyone knows. I think it may be a constant battle. One that you don’t know if you are winning or losing. It’s a maddening gray area, and the right answer may feel like the wrong one. Or the wrong one feels like the right one. I posted on LinkedIn a few months ago about the most exciting part of a case. I said it was signing the case up. Not settling it, not the verdict, not any of that. There is so much hope and excitement when you sign up a case. The future looks bright. You know you have some work, and that is good. You get to reaffirm that commitment to being a trial lawyer. You get to know your client and get to work for them. But settling a case? There’s finality in that. What do you do with yourself after you settle a case? How do you tell yourself it’s the right choice? Is it the right choice? Have I undervalued the case? What am I missing? Is there more there? What don’t I know? Why are they paying us now?
I’m not sure this case will settle. Maybe it will. Part of me wants it to settle. It’s a constant inner debate. All I know is that I wish the defense lawyer never called me.
Published by Newsletter Pro // www.newsletterpro.com
During the summer, there’s nothing better than jumping into a pool to cool yourself off. However, if you don’t have a pool, the next best thing might just be creating your own slip-and-slide! Here’s how you can make yours so you can keep having fun in the sun while staying cool. Step 1: Purchase the necessary items. You can buy a 10-by-25-foot roll of plastic sheeting at home improvement stores for under $30. Choose 6 mil so it can withstand everyone running and sliding on it. Then, you want to get 10 regular-size pool noodles and one large pool noodle. Construction supplies you’ll need are Velcro tape, scissors, two hose sprinkler attachments, and several landscape staples. Step 2: Begin building your slip-and-slide. Once you have all the needed supplies, start by rolling the plastic sheet onto a relatively flat surface free of rocks, sticks, and any debris that could puncture the plastic or injure you and your family. You can cut the plastic to any length you like — you may want one long slip-and-slide, or you can create several smaller ones so you can play games. Create a Slip-and-Slide! Want to Entertain the Kids This Summer?
After rolling out the plastic sheeting, lay the pool noodles down on each side of the plastic and place the larger pool noodle on one end of the sheet. Wrap the plastic sheet around the large pool noodle, use Velcro tape to secure the plastic around it, then do the same for the other pool noodles. These will act as barriers so people won’t slide off the plastic. Once everything is wrapped and taped, place landscape staples on the four corners of your waterslide and a few along the sides to secure it. Finally, set up your sprinklers on either side of the slip-and-slide. If you want the surface to be extra slick, drizzle some dish soap onto the plastic. Step 3: Slip, slide, and splash! Now, it’s time to have fun in the sun! The possibilities are endless regarding what you can do with your DIY waterslide. So, let your creativity flourish! Will you be creating your own slip-and-slide this summer? We would love to know the games you and your family play on your DIY waterslide!
Honesty Is the Best Policy in Personal Injury Cases THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
We all tell white lies now and then. We say a haircut looks great when it doesn’t or invent a better excuse about why we were late. That tendency can carry over into personal injury cases, where plaintiffs sometimes think embellishing a story or leaving out key details might improve their chances of success. But they couldn’t be more wrong. In honor of Tell the Truth Day on July 7, we want to discuss why a personal injury case is the time to practice radical honesty. Our clients are human, and humans make mistakes. It’s common for every fact not to be in an injury victim’s favor. But attempting to hide that information might be the surest way to lose a personal injury case. A skilled defense attorney can sniff out a lie from a mile away, and they’ll work tirelessly to uncover it. When they do, you’ll be far worse off than if you’d told the truth in the first place. We hope you weren’t using your phone at the time of the accident — but if you were, it’s much better for your attorney to know that information upfront. Other details clients might leave out include prior accidents, injuries, lawsuits, or arrests. Having all the facts will allow your attorney to prepare for the
inevitable. The worst thing for a lawyer to be in the middle of a trial or negotiation is surprised.
If your case goes to trial, your credibility is on the line and will likely determine the outcome of your case. Someone shown in court to be a liar rarely has a positive result. By contrast, a person who is honest and regretful about their mistakes can win the sympathy and respect of a judge or jury. Therefore, your truth-telling shouldn’t end with your personal injury attorney; you must be honest with your doctor. The medical treatment you receive is one of the most crucial pieces of evidence after an accident. You should report all symptoms from the accident as soon as they occur and be consistent about follow-up. No problem is too small to mention — and it could change the outcome of your case. Honesty might not be the best policy in every life circumstance, but it certainly is in a personal injury case. Your attorney can often find a way to work with the truth, but a lie will surely be your downfall.
Published by Newsletter Pro // www.newsletterpro.com
THE STORY OF THE DANISH PROTEST PIG An Unconventional ‘Bacon’ of Hope
In the 19th century, Denmark and Prussia couldn’t agree on where to draw their border. Both countries refused to concede or couldn’t reach an agreement on which country would ultimately control Southern Jutland, which today is Germany’s northernmost state called Schleswig-Holstein. This refusal to compromise ultimately led to war, and in 1848, Denmark won control. However, their victory was short-lived, as roughly a decade later, the Second Schleswig War was underway. This time, though, Prussia was victorious. After their victory, the Prussian authorities slowly began to move into the peninsula, implementing new laws over the Danes living there. These new laws prohibited
to crossbreed their pigs to create a new breed, one that had the same markings as the Danish flag. These pigs were red in color, with one white vertical stripe and one white horizontal stripe. The farmers named their new pigs Protestschwein, or the Danish Protest Pig. This protest pig quickly became the mascot of Danish cultural independence, and their efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Prussian authorities. In 1881, a local Prussian police station sent communications back to the government in Berlin that farmers were breeding strange-looking pigs. However, while they could not prove that farmers were knowingly breeding the pigs to look like the Danish flag, “it was believed that the farmers were well aware of this and that this pig represented an affront to the Prussians,” according to records from the Red Holstein Breeders Association.
anything Danish, including all uses of the Danish flag. Needless to say, the Danes were not happy — especially the farmers. These Danish farmers knew they had to protest this oppressive Prussian government, but they couldn’t just publicly wave the Danish flag. So, they got crafty. Danish farmers began
Today, the Danish Protest Pig is recognized as its own breed but has a different name: the Husum Red Pied. And, the
now-German state of Schleswig-Holstein supports the protection of this pig due to the cultural significance it offered its Danish ancestors so many years ago.
SAZON GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
YOUR REFERRALS MEAN THE WORLD TO US There is no greater compliment we can receive than a client telling a friend or loved one about us. If you know somebody who has been injured and needs an attorney who will fight on their behalf and give their case the attention it deserves, please pass along this newsletter and have them give us a call at 314-293-4222. Thank you for spreading the word about Finney Injury Law.
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp oregano • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) • 1/2 tsp salt • Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, add chicken, olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss together to coat chicken; let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill to 400 F. Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and an internal thermometer reads 165 F. 3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm, then chop into bite-size pieces to use in salads, tacos, bowls, and more!
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
1600 S. BRENTWOOD BLVD. SUITE 220 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63144
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
My Inner Struggle With Knowing When to Settle
2
Make Your Own Slip-and-Slide!
2
How Small Lies Can Backfire in Court
3
The Swine That Dared to Defy
3
Sazon Grilled Chicken Thighs
4
Where to Enjoy a Local Picnic
It’s just not summer unless you eat a meal or two outdoors. Backyard barbecues and restaurant patios are great options, but we can’t forget the simpler pleasures. In honor of National Picnic Month, we’ve compiled some of the best places in St. Louis to spread a blanket and enjoy a lazy afternoon with food and friends. Grab Your Basket and Blanket THE BEST ST. LOUIS PICNIC SPOTS
Laumeier Sculpture Park Get a bit of culture by checking out the 70 large-scale outdoor art pieces spread throughout Laumeier Sculpture Park. It’s one of the oldest sculpture parks in the country and covers 105 acres in total. Pick a favorite piece of art to settle under with your picnic blanket, or pre-book one of the covered pavilions. After you eat, you can explore one of the several onsite hiking trails or embark on a self-guided tour of the sculptures. There is plenty to see and countless photo opportunities, but remember not to touch the art unless labeled otherwise.
Tower Grove Park Take in 1800s architecture while you enjoy your sandwiches at Tower Grove Park. This historic landmark features hundred-year-old buildings, statues, and architecture dotting the vast landscape. The park also serves as an arboretum with over 7,000 trees that house more than 200 bird species. Pavilions, tables, and barbecues are available for those who’d like to use them, and restaurants sit on either side of the park if you’d like to pick up a professionally prepared lunch before sitting back to enjoy the scenery.
Citygarden This downtown location offers
sculptures, scenery, and more. The relatively recent addition to St. Louis packs a lot into only two city blocks and has created a green oasis in the middle of the city. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of trees and thousands of flowers hand-picked to decorate the landscape, along with two dozen sculptures. Sit in a shady grove or spread out by one of the two fountains in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Note that barbecues are banned, so you’ll need to bring a ready-to-eat meal — but the experience is well worth packing your picnic basket.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator