Take a look at our March newsletter!
The Disability DIGEST
JoelThrift.com 404-618-4816
March 2024
Not Just Another Case
DEDICATION THAT GOES BEYOND THE NORM
Sitting down to write this, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that led to one of the most significant milestones in my career. I recently had the privilege of settling a case that not only marked a significant achievement for my firm but also underscored the value of dedication, patience, and the personalized approach we bring to each case. Unlike the giant personal injury practices that juggle thousands of cases, preferring volume over depth, my practice thrives on giving each case the attention it deserves. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when you refuse to let a complicated case fall through the cracks simply because it demands more time and effort. The case in question was not just another file on my desk. It was a reminder of why I chose this path. It involved a car accident another firm had passed up because they deemed it too complex to untangle. But where they saw complications, I saw an opportunity — a chance to dive deep, to fight for someone who had almost slipped through the system’s cracks. It took four years of relentless work, building a solid foundation piece by piece, to reach a settlement that truly made a difference in someone’s life. It was a process that taught me patience and perseverance, reminding me that the most rewarding victories often come from the most challenging battles.
This experience has been a powerful reminder of the broader scope of my practice. While I’m known for handling specific areas like Social Security cases, my expertise spans a wide range of personal injury claims. From car accidents to nuanced legal battles, my commitment to personal attention remains unwavering. Everyone deserves an attorney who is not just a name on a billboard but a dedicated advocate who will stand by their side every step of the way. It’s easy for individuals to feel lost or overwhelmed when facing legal challenges, especially when they are up against the impersonal machinery of large legal firms. That’s why I pride myself on being different. When you come to me with a car accident case, you’re not handed off to an anonymous team member — you work directly with me. My recent reflections have highlighted a communication gap I am eager to address. Not all of my clients are aware of the full breadth of services I offer. This oversight means some may turn to larger, more impersonal firms for cases I am well equipped to handle. I want to change that. You, my client, must know I’m here for you, regardless of the legal challenge you face. Whether a car accident, Social Security claim, or any other personal injury matter, my door is always open to you. I’ve built my practice on the principles of perseverance, personal attention, and a deep commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for my clients. The journey with every case may be long, and it may test our patience, but the results we can achieve together are worth every effort. If you or someone you know is navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim, remember that you have an advocate ready to stand by your side. Let’s tackle these challenges with the dedication and personal care everyone deserves.
–Joel Thrift
JoelThrift.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Debunking the Latest Viral ‘Credit Expert’ Claim
DON’T TRUST STRANGERS ON THE INTERNET
Yet another viral video from a supposed credit expert has made its rounds online. This alleged expert claims that in 2023, Congress passed a new law titled “FCRA law” to “permanently remove any negative debt older than two years and is affecting your credit score.” This person goes on to sell $20 letters written to these companies to help those in need. If you think this sounds suspicious, you’d be right. Unfortunately, this video preys on people with bad credit, including those with massive hospital bills, home loans, or student loans. Though this post garnered over 70,000 likes in two weeks, this law and how it claims to repair your credit do not exist. The law mentioned, FCRA, was actually passed in 1970. It’s called the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and it requires most negative credit information to be removed from your credit report after seven years. You don’t need to send any letters to assure this information is removed, much less one costing $20 and paid to a nebulous online “expert” with no credentials. “I’m not aware of any law that comes close to this,” says David Silberman, the former acting deputy director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in an interview with the Associated Press. And Richard Franks, the head of Lightbox at Intuit Credit Karma, told USA TODAY, “Another protection under the FCRA ensures that old negative information, like late payments or bankruptcy, aren’t held “Anyone claiming they have the ‘magic bullet’ to remove recent and accurate credit information, no matter how negative, is likely a potential scammer.”
against the consumer forever; credit agencies must remove most negative credit information after seven years, and remove bankruptcies after 10 years.” Several proposals have been made to shorten the seven- year timeline, but nothing has yet passed. U.S. Rep. Ayana Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, introduced H.R. 4120 in 2021 to add this amendment for “comprehensive reforms” to the law. The bill includes improvements to the disputing process, free credit scores, removal of adverse information for private education loan borrowers, and credit restoration for victims of predatory activities. The bill has yet to make it out of the House Committee on Financial Services. It’s essential to research and fact-check claims like the one in this viral video. If it seems too good to be true, it most likely is. If someone claims to be an expert, take the next step and check their credentials. Does their social media account lead to another website where you can read their full bio? Did they go to school for their chosen field or otherwise gain mentorship? The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), started in 1933 by Congress to place faith in the banking system after the Great Depression, warns, “Watch out for scammers who falsely claim to be lenders, loan servicers, financial counselors, or representatives of government agencies who can help with your mortgage.” These government agencies and professionals will not reach out through text, email, or phone calls to ask for sensitive information. They are not advertising their services on a viral video and charging $20 for unnecessary credit repair letters. Once again, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. While you can advocate for your credit, beware of claims that someone will help you on your journey. Anyone claiming they have the “magic bullet” to remove recent and accurate credit information, no matter how negative, is likely a potential scammer. By law, no one can remove this information within two years. Use your common sense and triple-check claims, and you can’t go wrong.
2 | 404-618-4816
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
Do you know the muffin man? We’d be surprised if you didn’t. This nursery rhyme is still passed down in kindergarten classrooms and children’s books in many languages. The origin of this and other popular nursery rhymes is nebulous. While “Ring Around the Rosie” was a time-keeping method for doctors during the Black Death, “The Muffin Man” is allegedly about the British serial killer Frederick Thomas Linwood. Linwood, or the Drury Lane Dicer, is said to have murdered up to 15 children in the late 1500s. Urban atactics, tying a muffin to a string and pulling it along the street to lure his victims. Some especially morbid accounts say he also murdered seven rival bakers during his spree. Having that many victims would make him the first serial killer in history. Often, truth is stranger than fiction, but in this case, no actual facts support this creepy origin story. The book “The Singing Game” by Opie and Opie states that the first recorded mention of this nursery rhyme exists in a manuscript from 1820. It is originally a poem with music added later. One version of the song changed Drury Lane to Dusset Lane, home to the first confirmed serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton, but that’s where the similarities stop. This urban legend isn’t sweet enough for our taste, but don’t worry. You can keep singing about the muffin man without fear. The (Supposed) Dark History of This Popular Nursery Rhyme DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN? YES, FROM DRURY LANE
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BUTTERFLY CLOVER DAFFODIL GREEN IDES LEPRECHAUN MADNESS SPRING TANGERINE WOMEN
Irish Soda Bread
Inspired by Epicurious.com
Ingredients
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray • 2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting • 5 tbsp sugar, divided • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 3/4 tsp baking soda • 3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cubed • 1 cup buttermilk • 2/3 cup raisins
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 4 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture with your fingers or a pastry knife until crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until dough comes together. Mix in raisins. 3. Using floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp sugar. 4. Bake bread for about 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a tester stick comes out clean. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
JoelThrift.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube
404-618-4816 JoelThrift.com 2860 Piedmont Road NE, Ste. 115 Atlanta, GA 30308
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Personal Touch in Law
1
Too Good to Be True
2
Irish Soda Bread
3
The Alleged Dark History of the Muffin Man
4 The Marketing Campaign That Cost Red Bull Over $6 Million RED BULL DOESN’T GIVE YOU WINGS Marketing Campaign Disproved in Court
For decades, Red Bull has run the marketing campaign that its energy drink gives people wings. Most assume it’s a joke, an exaggeration of the beverage’s stimulating effects. The courts disagreed. A group of Red Bull drinkers in 2014 filed a class action lawsuit
go writing a letter to Red Bull for your voucher, know that customers are no longer eligible for this compensation. In Red Bull’s words, they settled to “avoid the cost and distraction of litigation,” noting that their ad campaigns and can labels “have always been truthful and accurate.” Red Bull denied any wrongdoing. What Red Bull did was tread the line between false advertising and “puffery,” the legal term for extravagant claims about a product. The law allows for some lofty claims — such as “World’s Best Coffee” — so long as they are opinions. “Red Bull gives you wings” sounds like a factual statement, so it doesn’t fall under puffery. The energy drink company has continued using the slogan in its marketing in event sponsorship and TV ads. So, while Red Bull may not actually give you wings, it did pay out a lot of money in a court settlement over the claim.
against the Austrian company, accusing them of false advertising. Despite the company’s claims, they alleged that the drink does not give you wings. To be more specific, the suit alleged that the ad campaign uses flying imagery to convey that the beverage is better than other caffeinated drinks. While the brand’s messaging claims it improves response times and concentration, the suit alleges the beverage isn’t much more effective than a cup of coffee. Red Bull settled for over $6 million. They also agreed to compensate customers who were disappointed about the drink’s wingless results. Such claimants could receive $10 or a voucher for $15 of Red Bull products. But before you
4 | 404-618-4816
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator