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THE BRASHER
BULLETIN
December 2024/January 2025
Beaumont Office (Main Office) 1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 832-3737 New Orleans Office 1555 Poydras Street Suite 1600 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 527-8291 Lake Charles Office 2201 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 284-9998 Houston Office 3555 Timmons Lane Suite 1130 Houston, TX 77027 (713) 714-5014 Dallas Office 6160 Warren Parkway Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 928-0517
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A LIFTOFF! Serving Houston With a Bigger Space and a Bigger Heart
As a lifelong Houstonian, I’m thrilled to share that Brasher Law is opening a new office in Greenway Plaza! This expansion marks an exciting chapter in our commitment to serving the Houston community, and by the time you read this, we will have already opened our doors to our 2,000-square-foot office. The new office is complete with local artwork and thoughtfully chosen decor that reflects our Houston pride, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this new milestone. While our firm has often handled cases based in southeast Texas and Louisiana, we have long had an office here in Houston, supporting those needing quality legal service. Now, our new office location in a high-rise building with modern amenities and proximity to major freeways enhances our accessibility so we can serve the city better and handle legal needs with the care and dedication our community deserves. We’re not just expanding our physical space but also growing our team. We plan to hire new staff members to ensure every client receives personalized and efficient service. This growth
and this new office signifies a renewal of that commitment. I was president of the South Asian Bar Association of Houston and very involved with the Houston Bar Association and the Houston Trial Lawyers Association. So, I’m beyond excited to be back to my roots doing what I do best.
As a fellow Houston resident, you can also rest assured that we’re going through the same challenges regarding severe weather. My husband and I just found out we had a big hole in our roof due to Hurricane Beryl in July! While we were lucky to catch it, we and countless others in the community are forced to wait on an endless backlog to receive necessary home repairs. Now, as I move into this new office here in Houston, I feel as though I can better connect with my community and help overcome obstacles just like this one. Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to practice more frequently in Harris County. Having known many of the judges here for years, I look forward to representing you in local courts, offering the nuanced, informed representation only a native Houstonian can provide. As we step into this new era, I am reminded of the resilience and spirit of our city — qualities we at Brasher Law embody in our work every day. Whether dealing with the aftermath of a storm or navigating complex legal challenges, we are here, ready to support and uplift our community. Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and the unbreakable spirit of Houston! –Nishi Kothari
allows us to offer more comprehensive support to our clients and engage more deeply with our community. So, while you’ll definitely see familiar faces like mine, get ready to meet a few new Brasher Law team members! I’ve worked on cases all over, but I have to admit that my love for Houston runs deep. I mean, it’s my home! I’ve had the privilege of being involved with local legal and community organizations for years,
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Whisking Up Family Fun Could your child be a future celebrity chef? Could your baby be a world-class baker in waiting? Help transform your toddlers or school- age kids into tiny tastemakers by following these three simple tips. USE YOUR SPACE AS A SKILL ZONE. It takes more than just a love of food to make delicious meals and treats, as cooking and baking put all five senses to the test. Helping in the kitchen enables small children to heighten their awareness of smells, tastes, sounds, and textures while learning new words. Having them measure ingredients and pour them into bowls is an easy way to refine their motor skills, and your guidance behind the counter will encourage them to follow directions. If your kitchen companion is a baby, you can still involve them by describing the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding them and letting them touch some of the food — all great tools to assist in developing their connection to the world. KID-PROOF YOUR MEAL PREP. Before taking your child on a culinary journey, check that their countertop travels won’t endanger them. It’s obviously a big no-no to rest a sharp knife on a cutting board that small hands can reach, but little things like toothpicks can also pose a risk. If your small assistant is old enough to cut up ingredients, a plastic utensil will be less painful Want to give your elderly mom or dad a holiday surprise they’ll never forget? Present them with a meal based on one of their famous recipes that their grandkid(s) helped prepare! Holiday gatherings are great for sharing the details and delicacies that shaped your family’s history — and a wonderful opportunity to pass down those special traditions to the next generation. With the holidays upon us, now is a perfect time to introduce little ones to the joys of baking and cooking by turning your kitchen into a safe space for learning and bonding. than steel if the blade misses its mark. KEEP FAMILY FLAVORS FLOWING. FESTIVE KITCHEN ADVENTURES — KID EDITION
Understand Your Role in the Insurance Claims Process INSURED’S DUTIES WHEN MAKING AN INSURANCE CLAIM Insurance policies are two-way contracts. That means that each party, you and the insurance company, have obligations under the policy. The insurance company’s job is to conduct a reasonable investigation and promptly pay for covered damages. But what about the insured (you)? What responsibilities do they have? COOPERATE When you are making a claim under an insurance policy, you should remember a few key points. First, you must cooperate with the insurance company to investigate the claim. That means responding to reasonable requests for information, providing access to your property for inspection or examination, and communicating with the insurance representative as requested. Usually, in my experience, my clients have done a fine job with this requirement. A couple of other duties, however, arise more frequently in litigation. PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY Second, you must protect your property from further loss. This can be challenging because, many times, the insured has not received any money to accomplish this, and they have to use their own money or find other means to protect the property. In a typical home or building claim, this effectively means preventing the damage that gave rise to the claim from continuing — like tarping or replacing the roof to prevent further roof leaks. MAKE REASONABLE REPAIRS And third, make reasonable repairs. When an insured receives money from an insurance company, they should use the money to make reasonable repairs to the property. As a general rule, we all have a duty to minimize or mitigate our damages. You have to do the best you can with what you have or have been given. –Clint Brasher
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DON’T SETTLE FOR NO Your Road Map for Contesting Life Insurance Decisions
BREAK TAKE A Life insurance policies are meant to provide financial security at a time of loss. However, this period can become significantly more stressful if your claim has been denied. Understanding your rights and the steps to challenge a life insurance denial can empower you and potentially reverse the decision. STEP 1: REVIEW THE DENIAL LETTER The first step in challenging a life insurance denial is to thoroughly review the denial letter from the insurance company. This letter should clearly detail the reasons for the denial. Fully understanding these reasons is crucial, as they are the basis for your appeal. An attorney can help you review your application and understand your available options. STEP 2: GATHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Once you’ve understood the reasons for the denial, compile all relevant documents that support your claim. This could include medical records, death certificates, and any correspondence related to the life insurance policy. These documents are essential for building a strong appeal.
STEP 3: PREPARE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPEAL Preparing a detailed appeal is crucial. Your appeal should directly address each reason for denial the insurer listed. Include all pertinent documents and evidence that support your case. This might include new medical opinions, legal briefs, or expert reports that were not part of your initial claim. Ensuring that all information is included in the appeal is critical because once you submit the appeal, you cannot introduce any new information should the case go to court. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY Consulting with a life insurance attorney can be a game-changer. Attorneys who specialize in life insurance law are familiar with the nuances of policy agreements and state laws and can navigate complex legal challenges effectively. They can also act as dedicated advocates on your behalf, ensuring your appeal is as strong as possible. With the right approach and support, you can contest a denial and secure the benefits your loved one intended for you. Remember, you’re not alone in this — our team here at Brasher Law can guide you through every step of the process.
Korean Steak Slaw Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
Ingredients • 2 tbsp gochujang or sriracha hot sauce • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp sesame oil, divided • 2 sirloin steaks, about 1 lb total • 1 daikon radish
• 1 large carrot • 1/2 red cabbage • 5 green onions, divided • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture to use for dressing. Place steaks in bowl with the remaining marinade and coat. 2. Julienne radish and carrot into strips. Shred red cabbage and slice 3 green onions. Mix the reserved marinade with the remaining sesame oil and rice vinegar, then toss with vegetables in a large bowl to coat. 3. Heat a frying pan until very hot. Fry steaks for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing with the marinade as they cook. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Slice the remaining green onions and add to the slaw. 4. Serve sliced steak over the slaw and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX, 77701 (409) 832-3737 brasherattorney.com
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Our New Houston Office Aims to Serve You Better Mix, Measure, and Make Memories Insured’s Duties When Making an Insurance Claim Denied Life Insurance Claim? Know Your Next Steps Korean Steak Slaw
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Unravel the Myth of the 16th‑Century Rocket Cat
CAT-APULTING INTO HISTORY
The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered.
Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of ( literally ) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords.
Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper. Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
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