Law Offices of Driggs, Bills & Day March 2018

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

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog