Law Offices of Driggs, Bills & Day March 2018

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Mar 2018

The Advocates Injury Attorneys • www.UtahAdvocates.com • (801) 783-3555

Like many of my peers in the profession, I didn’t always know I wanted to be a lawyer. Back in the day, I was fascinated with the study of human genetics. So I went through my undergraduate years in biochemistry, parsing incredibly complicated chemical reactions and gaining a working understanding of human anatomy. From the Lab to the Courtroom

I loved the challenge and depth of the field, but when I graduated and secured the first job of my career, working at an ARUP Genetics laboratory in Salt Lake City, I began to understand the true nature of the career path I was on. Every day, I would get exactly 144 blood samples and run them through the exact same 10-hour process. I wondered, after basically going through an identical day for the hundredth time, whether this was the right path for me. Unsurprisingly, I realized it wasn’t, so I began to look into other things I might be able to do with my life. I quickly became intrigued with the law field, curious about the dynamic nature of the work and the potential to have a real impact on the lives of people who would really depend on me to get to the bottom

“Though I didn’t do anything big, it was

incredible outcomes for the people we serve, even in the most dire of situations.

deeply gratifying to help out this family that was just struggling to stay afloat, even if it was in this small way.”

Just recently, I had the privilege of handling a case that really illustrates the amazing things we have the opportunity to do for our clients. My client had been severely rear-ended in a car crash, and as a result, had become seriously injured and was unable to work. He was a young, married guy, only about 26 years old with three kids under the age of 4, and all of a sudden, their primary source of income was completely wiped out. At one point, my client was

of their case. I got a job clerking at a medical malpractice firm and almost immediately fell in love with the work. I made it through the gauntlet of law school and got a job at another law firm in St. George. When I heard about an opening at The Advocates, I jumped at the chance to come over and take control of my own set of cases rather than serving the interests of another attorney. While I’ve only been with The Advocates for a few months, it’s already obvious to me that I made the right choice. The team is incredible, always collaborating to drive cases forward in the best interest of their clients. Everyone gets personally invested in the work we’re doing, which clearly results in some

essentially forced to become homeless. While his wife and kids were sleeping in his mother-in-law’s extra bedroom, he was sleeping in his truck — there simply wasn’t room for him. They struggled so much for money that my client couldn’t afford to register his vehicle. When he got pulled over for the unregistered truck, he couldn’t afford to pay the fine, either, so later he got put in jail. I reached out to his wife, who was at home with these three little kids, and she had no way to fix the problem. Though her husband had gotten another job with a much lower income, his paycheck wouldn’t arrive for another week, and when it did, she had no idea where to go to collect it.

www.UtahAdvocates.com • 1 Continued on Page 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SITTER FOR YOUR FAMILY

Next, check out your potential sitter’s references. Online profiles almost always require them, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Call their references and check your sitter’s other social media profiles to learn more about their personality and hobbies. Finally, run an enhanced background check through your local police department or through a private online service. Once you have compiled a list of candidates, it’s time to conduct interviews. When communicating with candidates you don’t know, remember not to give out too much personal information. Set up phone interviews for the first round, and if you like the candidate, set up an in-person interview in a public place. Your questions should be geared toward your lifestyle and the expectations you have for a sitter. Make sure you’re on the same page about job specifics, discipline, and responsibilities. If you’re still sold on the candidate after the in-person interview, consider introducing them to your kids to get their opinion on the sitter. Once you’ve decided on the perfect babysitter, make sure to monitor the relationship and ask your sitter and child open and upfront questions after every session. The most important thing to remember is that your sitter must be compatible with the needs of your family. Sometimes, you learn that a perfect candidate is not the right fit for your family. But that’s okay! Once you’ve gone through the process once, finding another sitter will be a breeze.

Finding the perfect babysitter can be daunting. But as most parents know, sitters are a necessity. Here are some tips to help you find the best sitter for your family. Many people turn to family friends or neighbors to find a trusted sitter, but searching for a candidate online is also a great option. No matter where you look, you should start by creating a short list of potential caregivers and screening them for your family’s needs. Review their experience, education, certifications, and hourly rate. If you have online candidates, you can read parent reviews to get a better idea of a sitter’s performance and personality. Make sure to run a basic background check on each candidate.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“Mark Stewart was my attorney. I would have gone out of my mind fighting insurance companies, and I am so grateful I didn’t have to. It was nice to know that I could see a doctor and chiropractor without worrying about how I’d pay the medical bills. It is a relief my case is finally coming to a close and I can move on with my life. I would highly recommend them!”

–Craig Paulson

“They were absolutely wonderful to work with. They made the horrible situation I was in much better. They were confident and always had any information that we needed. They were positive and made us feel comforted. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who has been in an accident.”

–Tawnda Littlewood

–Matt Goodrich

If you would refer our services to a friend or family member, please leave a review on our Google or Yelp pages.

2 • (801) 783-3555

When Man’s Best Friend Turns Vicious

Growing up, Connor never had a dog. Twice a year, on his birthday and Christmas, he would beg his parents to buy a family dog, but with three brothers and sisters, his mom and dad said adding a pooch to the mix would just be too much. Naturally, Connor’s obsession with the idea of a dog made him notice them everywhere. One day, he was shooting hoops in the driveway when he saw their neighbor walking their dog. He ran over to pet it. But before the owner could do anything, the dog reared back and struck, biting Connor on the arm.

According to the CDC, about 4.5 million dog bites happen every year in the U.S. Many of these bites become infected, requiring medical attention and causing lasting mental and emotional damage. If you or someone you love has been bit by a dog and is still suffering emotionally from the incident, consider speaking with a medical professional. They will be able to gauge the level of trauma and give a specific recommendation about what to do. Cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy may be the best path forward. After receiving treatment, whether mental or physical, you can take stock of how your injury has affected your life and the associated medical expenses. If the damage has been severe enough to warrant compensation from the dog’s owner, the next step is to hire an attorney or write a demand letter. Regardless of your situation, it’s important to know your options. Give the Advocates a call at (801) 326-0809. We will provide a free review of your case and help you determine the best way to proceed.

Though we’ve changed Connor’s name for the sake of privacy, his story is true, and it is devastating. Since the vicious attack, Connor has suffered from a form of cynophobia, or a fear of dogs. Ever since then, whenever he sees a dog, he suffers extreme anxiety, his palms become sweaty, and his breathing becomes shallow and panicked.

Continued from Cover

ZESTY ZUCCHINI ENCHILADAS

I reached out to the guy’s boss personally, got the paycheck, and immediately got it over to my client’s wife. She was able to go to the jail and bail out her husband, pay off the fine, and gain a little footing in the midst of all this chaos. Though I didn’t do anything big, it was deeply gratifying to help this family that was just struggling to stay afloat, even if it was in a small way. And now, at the time of writing, we’re waiting to mediate the case — I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to get him a substantial settlement to help them sort out this terrible situation once and for all. Working at The Advocates’ firm here in St. George has been an amazing opportunity. No longer am I cranking out tests in a stuffy laboratory. I’m interacting with real people in serious situations every day, and working tirelessly to get them out of whatever difficult circumstance they’ve found themselves in. I’m so happy I’ve shifted to this meaningful career where I’m able to steer my clients through impossible situations and get them the compensation they need to get back on their feet. –Nate Langston

Adapted from delish.com.

For a lighter take on enchiladas, go carb-free by swapping tortillas for zucchini!

Ingredients

• • •

2 teaspoons cumin

• • • •

4 large zucchini

2 teaspoons chili powder 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken 2 cups shredded cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee

1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

and spoon chicken mixture on top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla” and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used. remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!

1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken and 1 cup prepared enchilada sauce. 2. Use vegetable peeler to thinly

3. Cover the enchiladas with

slice zucchini. Lay out three slices, slightly overlapping,

www.UtahAdvocates.com • 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

331 South 600 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84102

Inside This Issue

1

Attorney Nate Langston’s Drastic Career Change

2

Finding the Perfect Babysitter

Hear From Satisfied Clients

3

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Go Carb-Free for Dinner

4

The 3 Best Places to See Beautiful Flowers

EARTH’S MOST BEAUTIFUL

Flower Displays

Spring is here, which means flora will soon be in full bloom. Flowers can be an easy pick-me-up or a great way to add color to your home, but some people take their flower obsession to the next level by planning botanical-themed vacations. Here are some of the most impressive gardens and flower displays in the world.

Spring is here, which means flora will soon be in full bloom. Flowers can be an easy pick-me-up or a great way to add color to your home, but some people take their flower obsession to the next level by planning botanical-themed vacations. Here are some of the most impressive gardens and flower displays in the world. NETHERLANDS Holland, most famous for its tulips, always draws visitors at the first sign of spring. One of its most famous destinations, Keukenhof, located in Lisse, is among the world’s largest flower gardens. The park is 79 acres and boasts approximately 7 million flowers each year. This colorful garden is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, but mid-April is the ideal time to see the tulips. WASHINGTON, D.C. Besides the monuments and historic buildings, one of the biggest attractions in Washington, D.C. is the cherry tree blossoms. Travelers

who visit the Tidal Basin during the spring can witness 3,000 trees, which were a gift from Tokyo in 1912, flaunt their beautiful pink blossoms. The best time to see the spectacle is from the end of March through the end of April. ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK Desert lavender, flowering cacti, pygmy poppies, and rock daisies are just a few of the many wildflowers decorating Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The various native species are often seen weaved together to form a colorful carpet over any barren patch in the park, which is located just two hours from San Diego. In addition to flowers, visitors often spot bighorn sheep. Wildflower blossoms vary in intensity each year, but they typically begin to bloom in late February or early March.

Next time you’re planning a spring trip, consider visiting one of the world’s most beautiful flower displays. No green thumb required.

4 • (801) 783-3555

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

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