The Law Offices of William F. Underwood - June 2022

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JUNE 2022

Following Footsteps WITH A FEW MISSTEPS IN BETWEEN

I wish I could say that becoming an attorney was something I always knew I wanted to be, but I can’t help but laugh at that notion. Honestly, I think my dad let out a huge sigh of relief when I finally enrolled in community college. He never pressured me to become an attorney like him, but it was his advice that set this career in motion. I dropped out of high school when I was 17 years old in 1998. I know my dad was disappointed, naturally, but I had a lot of growing up to do. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, nor was I very mature when it came to actually being an adult. When I finally got my act straightened out, I enrolled in community college and kept my focus on my future. After getting good grades in community college, I was finally able to enroll in the University of Mississippi. At first, I wanted to be a stock broker. I guess I thought I could be like Bud Fox in Wall Street (without all the drama and insider trading, of course). Therefore, I majored in managerial finance with an interest in investment analysis. My dream job shifted from Bud Fox to Warren Buffett. I looked up to him. But that didn’t seem like a great fit for me. As I moved through senior year, I spent more time with my dad. I would be with him during holiday and summer breaks, and during that time, we would talk. It became clear that I was either going to earn my MBA or go to law school after graduation. My dad gave me a piece of advice I’ll never forget — words that charted my course. “Law school is not going to be a detriment,” my dad said. “Even if you go to law school, you don’t have to be a lawyer. You can still go into banking or finance, and it’s probably better than an MBA.”

Today, I find that some of the things I often thought were a little hokey or weird about my dad when working with him are some of my favorite parts of the job now, too. For instance, my dad always made a big production out of giving clients their compensation checks. It was like Christmas morning! As a young adult, I always found this a little goofy. But now, it’s one of my favorite parts of the job, too. I can see why Dad loved this career so much. I like to think that my dad would be proud of the firm today. It’s not that different from the operation he led, and in fact, I sometimes get to work with clients he represented or professionals in the area. Neither one of us could have pictured this when I dropped out of high school nearly 25 years ago, but I’m happy it all worked out this way.

-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III

There’s a reason my dad was a convincing attorney. I couldn’t argue with that one!

P.S. This cover article was inspired by Ed White, who was the first U.S. citizen to walk in space in June 1965. Apparently, White came from a family of pilots, so an astronaut career was natural to him. In my family, a natural career path could have also been piloting! My dad thought he was going to be a pilot and flight instructor like his dad. He even interviewed with Cessna Aircraft Company. If that had happened, my own career path may have looked very different!

From the moment I began law school, I saw my future more clearly than I had seen it before. I knew I was going to help my dad run his law firm. And that’s just what I did! I was lucky to work with my dad for a few years, as many of you know.

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6 GIFTS DAD IS SURE TO LOVE IT’S DAD’S DAY!

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!

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!

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.

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!

Construction workers are tasked with some of the most arduous yet necessary careers. Using their expertise, they build new businesses, homes, and roads, all of which we use on a regular basis. As such, their job requires them to climb up high, use powerful tools, and operate in potentially dangerous areas. Needless to say, construction work is a treacherous job. If you work in construction, understanding your rights to compensation in the event of an injury can protect you. Be sure to save this article or share it with someone you may know in the construction industry! A Right to Workers' Compensation All workers are entitled to workers’ compensation in Georgia. Employers carry this insurance and enact it when an employee is injured on the jobsite, regardless of how it happened. This insurance is intended to cover lost wages and medical bills after an injury. This is a valuable compensation option for construction workers to learn about, as injuries in this physically demanding job are more common. You can learn more details about what your company offers through your employer. BUILT FOR WORKERS Your Right to Compensation as a Construction Crew Worker

A Boost With Third-Party Claims Construction crews are often specialized, so there may be any number of businesses working on one jobsite. As such, in addition to workers’ compensation, construction workers may also receive compensation from third parties. So, after an injury on the jobsite, you may file a claim with your employer’s insurance company for workers’ compensation, but you may also be entitled to file a claim with the insurance company of the party not affiliated with your employer if you were injured as a result of someone not affiliated with your construction company, like a motorist. Important Reminder: You may see more crews popping up in your neighborhood and on our roadways as the weather warms up. It’s imperative we all watch for construction crews and remain vigilant when driving through work zones.

If an accident does occur, be sure to call the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. at 229-888-0888.

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HOOK, LINE, AND SLINK-ER ON OVER TO THESE FISHING SPOTS down through Florida. That means its fish are river dwellers, like largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegills. The whole area of Little Ochlockonee River is home to many other protected species of birds, fish, and plants, too. It’s truly an escape into the wilderness!

There’s something about June that just makes it impossible to ignore the outdoors. Maybe it’s because the rainy weather from spring has subsided, but we aren’t in the dead heat of summer just yet. Whatever the case, we know where you can find us this June: at one of these great fishing holes!

Rock Hole Creek Where: Lee County, Georgia

Lake Blackshear Where: Cordele, Georgia

We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our April newsletter: Just miles outside of Albany, Rock Hole Creek is a great place to get away without the fuss of traveling. Bring a few snacks and your favorite rod and bait and hunker down for some great fishing. According to other anglers, the best time to hit the creek is around 4–5 a.m. and again from 3–6 p.m. Test your luck or teach the little ones how to fish in this quiet spot! Note: When fishing, abide by Georgia law. All anglers ages 16 and up need a fishing license. Additionally, some fish have legal restrictions if you plan to keep your catches. Learn more online at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website, GADNR.org.

With more than 156 catches logged on Fishbrain — a website for anglers — Lake Blackshear has great catches just waiting for you to drop a line. Fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, and other fish at this popular destination. The lake is a flowage for the Flint River, and it’s an active spot for the whole family. When you aren’t fishing, take a dip off the boat or hook up the water skis!

Little Ochlockonee River Where: Southwest Georgia

For a quieter spot to drop your line, check out Little Ochlockonee River. This waterway flows from southwestern Georgia all the way

GRILLED CORN AND RICOTTA DIP

This dip tastes great with bread, crostini, or crackers and will be a hit at any summer gathering.

Ingredients • 6 ears of corn • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream • 1 1/2 cups ricotta • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp thyme, finely chopped • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jermaine Harrison Anthony Pittman

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced • Chives and scallions, finely chopped

Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 F. 2. In a large grill pan, cook the corn until charred on all sides. Let cool, then cut the kernels from the cob. 3. In a food processor or blender, purée two-thirds of the kernels with the cream, ricotta, flour, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in remaining whole kernels. 4. Pour into an 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and dot with butter. Bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, until bubbly. 5. Garnish with chives and scallions before serving.

Thank you for trusting us to serve you!

Inspired by Saveur.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law

1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707

Finding My Way While Following My Dad’s Footsteps PAGE 1

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Remember Construction Crew Rights This Summer PAGE 2

3 Fishing Spots Georgia Anglers Love

Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip PAGE 3

Summer Skin Protection PAGE 4

TIME FOR SAFE SUMMER FUN 3 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

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. 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 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! 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

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HAVE YOU OR A LOVED ONE USED ZANTAC? PLUS AN UPDATE ON CANCERS INCLUDED IN THIS CASE!

Do you or a loved one now suffer from cancer, nervous system disorders, liver failure, and other debilitating or deadly diseases?

If so, you may have a claim against the pharmaceutical manufacturers of Zantac.

In September 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zantac — the over-the-counter name of the heartburn medication ranitidine — contained elevated and unsafe levels of the carcinogenic contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Experts claim that when the medication comes in contact with water, its production of NDMA increases. The FDA is continuing to investigate the cause of the elevated levels of the carcinogen. As a result, thousands of mass tort lawsuits have been filed on behalf of those who have been diagnosed with cancer and other dangerous illnesses after the continued use of Zantac. Evidence suggests that the manufacturers of Zantac were aware of the potentially deadly qualities of NDMAs and its presence in ranitidine when they mass-marketed the product. The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. are your south Georgia mass tort case experts, so call us at 229-888-0888 today. Our attorneys will be there with you through every step in the process and work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve.

Continued on Back ...

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with one of the following cancers after taking Zantac, you may be entitled to compensation and justice for your suffering.

Cancers included in the Zantac mass tort case: • Liver

• Stomach • Bladder

• Esophageal • Pancreatic

The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. are your south Georgia mass tort case experts, so call us at 229-888-0888 today. Our attorneys will be there with you through every step in the process and work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve.

We will continue to update you as this investigation progresses and more details are released.

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