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APRIL 2023
FROM THE MOUTH OF THE DOG
4 WAYS TO PREVENT DOG BITES
Statistics show that dog bites cause 1,000 people in the United States to seek medical attention every day. Annually, 12,480 people are hospitalized with serious dog bite injuries. Dog bites are unfortunately very common and some of them can be very serious, if not deadly. Here at Case Barnett Law, we frequently represent victims of dog bites. These attacks leave individuals dismembered, traumatized, and scarred. Here in California, we have laws surrounding dog bites, and even though a dog may have never bitten anyone before, the owner can still be held liable. A dog owner’s homeowners insurance, through the personal liability coverage, may potentially cover injuries, legal costs, and medical bills resulting from a serious bite just as renters insurance will also cover dog bites. However, it’s important to understand that not all homeowners and renters insurance policies offer this protection, thus it’s important as a dog owner to know what type of insurance you have and what it covers! National Dog Bite Prevention Week takes place during the second full week of April, a time in which I encourage everyone, whether or not they own a dog, to be aware of the seriousness of dog bites. While dogs are pets, anything can happen, and it’s important to take steps to prevent bites.
Especially for children, here are a few general facts on preventing dog bites!
can lead to unpredictable behavior and actions, such as a nip or bite.
Don’t touch other people’s dogs. In our family, our kids are huge animal lovers, so it’s tough to take my own advice, but it’s crucial to ensure their safety! Even if you’ve been around a specific dog before, it’s important, especially for children, to avoid petting dogs you don’t know. Even if the owner ensures you that it will be okay and the dog is friendly, you just never know. By taking this blanket approach, you’re keeping everyone safe and happy. If a young child gets bit, they could potentially be scarred forever. Stand like a tree. If a dog is ever loose in your neighborhood, at the park, or even in your own driveway, have your young child learn to “stand like a tree.” By staying very still and limiting sudden movements, they are less likely to startle the dog or make them even more nervous, which could lead them to behave abnormally. Present the back of your hand first . If you’re going to pet or interact with a dog that you aren’t familiar with, always present the back of your hand first so the dog can sniff and understand that you are not a threat. When hands come at dogs quickly, this can startle them or catch them off guard, which
Read the dog’s body language. Just like when we interact with other humans, it’s important to read the body language the dog is presenting. If a dog is stretching or trying to appear larger, this is an aggressive behavior and you should not approach the dog. When they are more closed off and almost appear like they are attempting to hide, this means they are anxious or scared. Sometimes, dogs can alternate between the two if they are conflicted. While dogs are certainly members of the family, they are still animals and can be unpredictable. If you are a dog owner, we recommend that you limit your dog’s interaction with others. On the flip side of things, if you see or encounter a dog that does not belong to you, it’s important that you do not approach or pet them. Erring on the side of caution is always the best route — take our word for it! We see dozens of horrible dog bite injuries that result in extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Give us a call today if you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite — we are ready to step in and help!
–Case Barnett
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Earth Day is coming up on Saturday, April 22. But do your kids know why we commemorate the holiday? Do you? If you don’t know much about the history of environmentalism — or just want to learn more about the state of our planet — consider celebrating Earth Day by watching a documentary as a family. Dozens of fantastic films cover everything from the crusade to preserve our coral reefs to how farmers use soil health to enhance the planet. Here are a few of our favorites. ‘Kids Take Action Against Ocean Plastic’ — This short five-minute documentary from National Geographic follows a group of Hawaiian students determined to clean up their local beaches. It’s available for free on National Geographic’s YouTube channel! (If you watch it and love this documentary, check out the PG-rated flick “Plastic Island” on Netflix, which tackles the same issue in Indonesia.) 5 DOCUMENTARIES TO WATCH ON EARTH DAY SHARE THE FACTS WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!
stars celebrities Liam Neeson, Matt Damon, and Jaden Smith. Check it out on Netflix.
‘Extinction: The Facts’ — This hard-hitting documentary from
famous nature historian David Attenborough is
perfect for kids ages 16 and up. It tackles serious topics like species loss, food and water shortages, and the relationship between climate change and pandemic diseases. “Extinction: The Facts” is available
on PBS.org or Prime Video.
‘Kiss the Ground’ — Join actor Woody Harrelson on Netflix for an inspiring look at soil, why it matters, and what farmers and activists are doing to save and enhance it — and our food supply. The documentary is family-friendly and rated G. None of these documentaries existed in 1970 when activists came together to create Earth Day, build the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and pass laws to protect our air and water. But they’re a wonderful extension of that spirit! Hopefully, you will be able to find time to watch at least one of them this month. After watching, consider taking action and volunteering for a green project near you.
‘Brave Blue World: Racing to Solve Our Water Crisis’ — This PG-rated documentary about water security takes place on five continents and
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST “Case Barnett Law is an outstanding law firm that helped me through a lawsuit involving a traumatic brain injury. They have a wonderful team, their paralegal Paige Smoot was always prompt in keeping me updated on my case. Conor Mulvaney, my attorney, was especially helpful. He took the time to explain each step in the legal process and made me feel like I had someone in my corner. More than any of that, Conor went the extra mile to get to know me and the pain I went through. It really made me feel like he and the law firm had my best interest in mind. I am very grateful to have had Conor Mulvaney and Case Barnett Law represent me and would recommend their services to anyone and everyone.” –Gregory W.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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UNLEASH THE MAGIC OF READING Let’s Celebrate Children’s Book Day In the words of Dr. Seuss, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” On April 2, we celebrate Children’s Book Day. If you have children, little cousins, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, or if you can recall your childhood, you’ll know that books play such an essential and monumental role in the lives of young minds. Books are magic.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
Here in our household, Finn and Harlow adore reading and the many places they
Ingredients
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved
can explore without ever having to leave
• Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided
the house! At the top of their list is a book by B.J. Novak, “The Book With No Pictures.” This original concept is a cute and fun book — they really get a kick out of it, especially if
• 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed • 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
you read it dramatically. The best part is that silly lines like “My only friend in the whole wide world is a hippo named Boo-Boo Butt”
Directions
1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium- high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
get the whole family laughing.
They absolutely love having Daddy read it to them at least once a week — it unleashes the giggles and is the perfect time for bonding. Reading to and with children is so important because it allows their imagination to run wild while absorbing new information and learning new ways to navigate our world. Reading teaches our youth how to communicate while developing listening and language skills. Studies have even proven that cognitive skills are developed through children reading at an early age. In honor of Children’s Book Day, how will you celebrate? What books were your favorites in the past? Now is the time to share those with your children, your friend’s kids, or your grandchildren! Reading is knowledge, and knowledge is power!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Page 1 Don’t Fall Victim to a Dog Bite!
Page 2 Earth Day Documentaries to Watch
Our Clients Say It Best
Page 3 It’s Children’s Book Day!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles
Page 4 Make a Successful Chore Chart
Every parent knows the struggle: You try to assign chores to yourself, your spouse, and your children, but somehow at least one falls through the cracks. Maybe your son “forgets” to vacuum, or your daughter “thought it was her brother’s turn” to do the dishes. If you’re sick of the excuses, don’t worry — we have a solution. A chore chart will solve your tidy home problem. SAYING GOODBYE TO ‘FORGOTTEN’ CHORES BY USING A CHORE CHART
chores. Second, thanks to the prominent reminder, everyone will be more likely to do their tasks on time. Third, with all the duties clearly outlined, you can ensure that the distribution of labor is fair for everyone. Finally, you’ll teach your kids task management and help them reap the benefits chores provide. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, your children will gain higher self-esteem, become more responsible, and display increased resilience when facing challenges. How can you make one? You’ll need a whiteboard and a few markers to create a basic chore chart. On the left side of the board, write a list of your family members’ names and their daily chores (for example: “Sarah, set the table”) from top to bottom. Across the top of the chart, write the days of the week from left to right. Then, draw
What is a chore chart? A chore chart is a supersize spreadsheet that maps out all of your household’s necessary chores as well as who is responsible for completing them. It’s a powerful tool to help you divide labor among family members. You can even place the chart in your kitchen or living room to keep your whole family on track. How will it help your family? First, your family won’t need to waste time arguing over whose turn it is to do which
horizontal lines between the chores and vertical lines between the days to create a grid. That’s it!
Throughout the week, your family can make check marks in the boxes corresponding to the chores they’ve finished. You can also use magnets to mark completed tasks if you have a magnetic board. To inject a little fun into your chart, use different colors for each family member and decorate it with meaningful drawings and quotes. You can create similar charts for weekly or monthly chores, too!
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