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HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND JUNE 2022 A DEVOTED DAD WHY CLARK IS AN EXCELLENT FATHER TO OUR CHILDREN
Clark manages to do all of that despite having a busy schedule and being devoted to his clients. Through his work, I see him improve the lives of others every day. But it doesn’t come at the detriment of time with his family. I always admire that Clark works hard to do the right thing, even when it’s not easy. He thinks hard about how to stand by his values, a trait I also admired in my father.
solar system. The entire family (minus Winn, who wasn’t born yet) went to the craft store to pick out the materials and help Clayton with his project. I remember Clark sitting at the dining room table helping Clayton cut Styrofoam balls in half to glue to the poster as planets, and it was sweet seeing that parallel in our lives. In May, we passed the fifth anniversary of my father’s death. I still miss him a lot, but Dad’s passing also had a profound impact on Clark. I think he realized that a father is a monumental figure in a family, and maybe he even started to think about the legacy he wanted to leave behind. After gaining that perspective, he decided to stop drinking and recently marked his fifth anniversary of sobriety. Clark was always a good husband and a great dad, but I admire that he continually wants to do better. When Clark committed to sobriety, it positively impacted us all and allowed him to be more fully present with the kids and me. I’m grateful for the dedication he has to us, and I’m proud of what he has achieved. It’s very comforting to have Clark as my co- parent. Practically, it’s helpful not having to come up with dinner on my own every night or be responsible for all the child-rearing, and he also provides a lot of emotional support. But what I love most about parenting alongside Clark is that I know I always have someone by my side who loves the kids as much as I do. I never doubt we both have their best interests at heart. In my book, that’s what makes a great dad. –Sheri Harmonson 915.584.8777 • 1
As Clark’s wife, I have a unique insight into the type of father Clark is. Aside from our kids, I’d say there’s no one better qualified to speak on the topic. So, I’m taking the reins of the newsletter this month for a little Father’s Day celebration. Specifically, I want to share what a good dad Clark is to our three children. Clark has always been very involved in his children’s lives. Even though he owns his own firm, he still manages to have a good work/life balance and ensure the kids have quality time with him. He makes the time to be involved in their activities, cook for the family, and drive the kids to school every day. (Although Clayton recently got his driver’s license, which has really shaken everything up!) I know what a good father looks like because I had one myself. Having been shaped by my dad’s parenting, I wanted a husband similarly dedicated to his children. Fortunately, I got my wish. As a father, Clark is a lot like my dad. In both, I see great character, a stable presence, and a willingness to be available to their children.
Some particularly fond memories of my father involve his helping me with my school projects. My hometown always had a big Fire Prevention Week competition, and all of the school children would make educational posters. There were prizes, and mine became a citywide winner. It centered around a picture I drew of the comic book cat Garfield, and my dad helped a lot with the spacing and lettering. He got out a ruler and helped me understand how to make it neat and legible. It was fun to win, but it was also good quality time together.
When our oldest son Clayton was around the same age, he had to create a poster about the
Dad is a very important person in your life! Every year when Father’s Day rolls around, it can be tough to come up with the perfect gift, whether it be for your dad, a new father, your grandfather, or a father figure. Getting creative can be tricky, but this list is sure to help you with an idea or two for all different price ranges! Wallet Why not go really classic and opt for a thoughtful and practical gift? Most men’s wallets see a lot of wear and tear. After all, they’re sat on, toted around in pockets all day long, and sometimes forgotten about and sent through the wash. A new one just may be in order! Massage Gun Massage guns are rising in popularity. To help Dad recover from soreness and injury or just a tough workout, a massage gun will do the trick! The best part is that they range in price, and you can even purchase one on Amazon! Apple Watch Strap Does the dad you’re celebrating own an Apple Watch? If so, help him customize it with a new Apple Watch strap. You can choose from many materials, colors, and designs so he can blend in or stand out as much as he wants. A New Cooler Men love their coolers — it’s a foolproof Father’s Day gift! Whether Dad loves to camp, fish, tailgate, go to the beach, or barbecue in the backyard, he’s sure to appreciate a new way to store ice, drinks, food, or bait! Tool Bucket Organizer Is your dad a bit of a handyman? Help him get organized and never lose track of his tools again. Tool bucket organizers come in many forms and, again, can be purchased right online, making your shopping easy! Bluetooth Headphones or Speakers If your father doesn’t have Bluetooth headphones or speakers yet, he’s missing out. The opportunity to jam out wirelessly while working out, cutting the grass, doing hobby work, or just relaxing is effortless with this thoughtful gift.
Driving without a valid license is against the law, but let’s face it: Law-breaking causes a lot of car accidents. Some drivers never obtain a license, and others have their licenses suspended or revoked due to violations. If you’re unlucky enough to be in a collision with such a driver, it’s natural to wonder how their lack of license can affect you. To start, there is more than one license type. Most drivers have a Class C driver’s license, which allows them to legally operate standard motor vehicles like cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks. Class C drivers can also pull a trailer or camper when it does not exceed maximum weight limits. But you need a Class M license to drive a motorcycle or moped, and drivers must undergo a different certification process. A person with a Class C license only may not operate a motorcycle. Similarly, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is necessary to drive vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds or transport hazardous materials. These vehicles most commonly include semitrucks and buses. RECKLESS AN HOW AN UNLICENSED DRIVER C
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SOLUTION ON PG. 4
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Personal injury plaintiffs go through a lot. First, there’s the trauma of the accident and the injury itself. Then, there are the follow-up medical appointments, rehabilitation work, missed wages, and time spent talking to lawyers or the insurance company. Once we reach a settlement for our clients, we hope the worst of their worries will be over. But some have a new concern: Will their hard-earned compensation be taxed? Fortunately, in most cases, the answer is no. According to section 104(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, settlement money is not taxable if it is paid “on account of physical injuries or sickness.” That means money paid out for medical bills, lost wages, physical impairment, disfigurement, and pain and suffering cannot be taxed. That’s good news because these factors account for virtually every case our firm handles. As with anything pertaining to our tax code, there are exceptions to the rule. In the rare instance that a person is not injured physically but suffers emotional injury only, the settlement can be subject to tax. Punitive damages are similarly uncommon, but they are also taxable. Punitive damages are only assessed in the most outrageous cases to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct; they are rarely a concern. Additionally, the IRS may tax payments made to ensure confidentiality. We can never guarantee any given settlement will not be taxed, but we believe each of our clients deserves their compensation and will do all we can to avoid taxation. For example, we are always careful with the language used in any settlement. We establish the compensation is for physical injuries or sickness suffered by the recipient. When the agreement includes a confidentiality clause, we generally specify that additional payment was not made in exchange for the confidentiality. Our attorneys and clients have found these steps sufficient to prevent tax obligations. At Harmonson Law Firm, our goal is to do right by all of our clients and avoid creating any additional burdens. While we hope this information puts your mind at ease, we are not tax attorneys. If you still have concerns, we urge you to seek the help of a tax professional with experience in personal injury settlements. TIME TO PAY THE PIPER? Personal Injury Settlements and Taxes
ND ILLEGAL CAN AFFECT YOUR CASE
But not all licensed drivers can operate a vehicle under all conditions. Many drivers are required to wear glasses or contact lenses, but other restrictions exist. For example, some drivers are prohibited from driving at night, on the expressway, or more than 45 mph. And drivers who behave recklessly behind the wheel can have their license revoked. When a client seeks our help in a car crash case, one of our first actions is to retrieve the other driver’s driving record. It will contain similar accidents in the driver’s past, previous violations, the history of their license status, and whether or not they could legally drive at the time of an accident. It will also provide details of any restrictions on their license. The value of a case can increase significantly when the at-fault driver has a suspended or revoked license, did not wear the required corrective lenses, or otherwise violated their license terms. All of these actions put other drivers at risk. When they do, we work to hold the irresponsible party accountable.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers Inspired by RecipeRunner.com
INGREDIENTS
For the Marinade •
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3/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt For the Skewers •
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2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp honey Juice of 1 lime
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DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides!
915.584.8777 • 3
5505 North Mesa St., Suite 3 • El Paso, TX 79912 WWW.CLARKHARMONSONATTORNEY.COM 915.584.8777
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Sheri’s Father’s Day Tribute to Clark
Father’s Day Gift Guide
When Unlicensed Drivers Cause Accidents
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Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers
Is Your Personal Injury Settlement Taxable?
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Summer Skin Protection
Time for Safe Summer Fun
3 Ways to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Seek out the shade. No matter the activity, try to limit your exposure to the sun — you’ll be cooler, too! Look for trees, pavilions, and shelters. When these options aren’t available, create your own shade by wearing a hat and toting along an umbrella. Wear protective clothing. Whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. UV protective clothing is best for maximum protection. Don’t forget about your eyes — UV sunglasses are important for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Just because sunglasses appear dark does not mean they protect against UV rays! This summer, be sure to have fun but don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburns, possible skin cancer, and early signs of aging due to damage from sun exposure! Lather up!
It’s time for fun in the sun! Whether you’re heading out to the beach or lake, catching a ballgame, hosting a barbecue, or taking a boat tour, it’s important to protect your skin to avoid sun damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans develops skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old, and every hour, two people die of skin cancer nationally. The risk of skin cancer is severe — it’s not just one sunburn. Having five or more sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of developing skin cancer.
30% of women and less than 15% of men regularly apply sunscreen, which leaves them vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The National Cancer Institute recommends using an SPF of at least 15 and reminds everyone to remember their feet if they are exposed!
Here are some surefire ways to avoid a pesky, painful, and potentially harmful sunburn.
Always check: Did you apply (and reapply) sunscreen? Apply sunscreen, and then reapply after going in the water or a few hours later. According to the National Cancer Institute, only about
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