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Bridging Generations The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 The Lyman Firm Newsletter T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699
DECEMBER 2024
Christmas has always had a big impact on my life, and the classic Christmas movies I enjoy have remained meaningful across the generations. My family and I watch these films year after year, appreciating the human lessons they convey and what they say about life. One of my favorites is “A Christmas Story,” a 1983 comedy about 9-year-old Ralphie Parker growing up in Hammond, Indiana. One of this movie’s many memorable moments highlights the importance of standing up for yourself. When a couple of neighborhood bullies torment Ralphie and his brother Randy repeatedly, Ralphie finally in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, gets so furious one day that he snaps and attacks the bullies. His mom intervenes and drags Ralphie and Randy home. Although the boys expect their dad to punish them for fighting, their mom seems to understand the importance of her sons’ sticking up for each other and deflects any punishment, earning her boys’ respect. The scene where Ralphie gets his mouth washed out with soap for cursing startled my kids, who are 9 and 11. They were even more surprised when I told them, “That was something my parents did when I was young.” G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland, mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated
LIFE LESSONS FROM CLASSIC CHRISTMAS FILMS
James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life. Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorneys they’ve worked with on other cases. Almost none of them are able to muster an answer — the names of their lawyers completely lost in the tides of life’s trials. That’s when I tell them that there are a million different lawyers out there doing a million different things, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man who gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step of the way.
I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.
and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right. My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my racing journey due to a lack of financing,
As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing the company in ways that still allow us to keep our fundamental values and operations in check.
unexpectedly in his RV with his wife, two kids, and a Rottweiler. Other scenes highlight the importance of watering your Christmas tree lest it burst into flames, as the Griswolds’ tree did after the dog drank all the water in its stand. Another lesson is to refrain from spending money you don’t have. Clark learned this the hard way after blowing his entire Christmas bonus on a new swimming pool before receiving it. My third pick may surprise some readers. The 1988 action film “Die Hard” is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, in my opinion. The main character, played by Bruce Willis, is vulnerable but resilient, weathering some grueling moments. But even when he’s down for the count, his buddies tell him, “Keep the faith. We’ll get through this.” The one-liners are great, and the film has a sweet ending when Willis’ relationship with his estranged wife is mended. I broadcast my appreciation for this great film by wearing a “Nakatomi Plaza Die Hard Ugly Christmas Sweater” every year. For me, watching a great Christmas movie with loved ones is a highlight of the season. They are shared cultural reference points to laugh about, learn from, and enjoy. As you celebrate the holidays, I also wish you some downtime with your favorite end-of-the-year flicks! -Thomas J. Lyman -Thomas Lyman www.LymanFirm.com | 1
“They really put soap in your mouth?” they asked.
“Yeah, they did,” I replied. I think that story has stuck with them.
Another memorable vignette shows the value of broadening one’s culinary horizons. When the neighbors’ hound dogs devour the family’s Christmas turkey, they go to a Chinese restaurant for Peking duck, or “Chinese turkey.” The kids are excited when the server presents the duck with the head still attached, but Mom is less than thrilled. I also really appreciate the film’s portrayal of The Old Man, as Ralphie calls his dad. While Dad seems aloof and a little clueless, he actually is well-tuned in. When Christmas finally arrives, it is Dad who buys Ralphie the one present he really wants — a Red Ryder BB gun! Nobody was expecting that of him, and it shows Dad always has his kids’ best interests in mind. movement, and these are the everyday people — the Another movie I love is a 1989 comedy, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with Chevy Chase. Even though Clark Griswold’s efforts to have “a good old-fashioned family Christmas” backfire in so many ways, he still manages to be kind to his family members — even his wife’s annoying cousin, played by Randy Quaid, who arrives “I believe one person can be the face of a greater heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.”
At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son
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CANINE COUNSELORS THE ROLE OF COURTHOUSE DOGS
they also greatly emphasize how schools treat their puppy pupils. To become accredited, a school must also employ humane training methods, have a valid health care regimen, and employ well-trained and evaluated trainers. The accreditation process is essential because courthouse dogs are only assigned to a handler after at least two years of training. If you think in dog years, that’s the equivalent of a Ph.D. in being a fluffy, adorable companion. Handling Business Once a dog has graduated from an accredited dog school, it is ready to be assigned a handler. The handler essentially adopts the dog and is responsible for housing, feeding, and caring for the professional pup. The handler is typically a victim advocate, forensic interviewer, police officer, or attorney, as they most often interact with people needing the dog’s expert care. Handlers also can’t have other dogs in the home who are overly aggressive, and most handlers provide support to the courthouse dog during off-hours. A secondary handler is typically necessary, as they can accompany the dog when the primary handler is required elsewhere. The Drawbacks Issues can arise if court employees or participants are allergic to dogs. Dog dander, a common allergen, can be on handlers’ clothing, making them a hazard to those with strong allergies. Care must be taken to avoid contact between handlers, their dogs, and those allergic to the animals. Similarly, some people have intense phobias of dogs; in this case, similar measures should be taken to avoid contact between the dogs and these individuals. The Benefits Courthouse dogs can seem alien in the stuffy courtroom environment, but their benefits greatly outweigh any breach in tradition or hindrance allergies or phobias may cause. They can help vulnerable witnesses regain the confidence to share their stories, no matter how difficult, and persevere through a challenging situation.
The courtroom can be an intimidating place. The formality, seriousness, and importance of our legal system — paired with potential trauma — can make it a challenging environment for those called to testify. Scared witnesses, victims of crime, and experts who are just having a down day can all have trouble when taking the stand. However, recalling a traumatic event can be easier with the help of a well-trained dog snuggled up against you on the witness stand, providing the mental nourishment to get through it. Courthouse dogs are used throughout the United States, providing an invaluable service often overlooked or unknown despite their noble purpose. They are professionally trained animals chosen from the most friendly and compassionate pool of dogs to provide reassurance in high-stress situations. Here is what you should know about these unsung heroes. Accredited Companions Not just any dog can become a successful courthouse dog. First, it needs to meet the professional standards. Only the friendliest and most adaptable dogs can cut it in an accredited assistance dog school. These hallowed nonprofit institutions are accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the world’s leading authority in the industry. ADI has been an integral part of the process since 1986 and only awards accreditation to organizations that meet its rigorous standards. While the ADI evaluates a dog school’s organizational operations, treatment of clients, safety, cleanliness, and compliance with legal regulations, “Courthouse dogs are used throughout the United States, providing an invaluable service often overlooked or unknown despite their noble purpose.”
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No matter where you go in the world, most kids are picky eaters. According to a study published in Frontier, about 54% of kids are reluctant to try new foods. In the U.S., many kids will scoff at anything but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In France, it’s probably peanut butter and creme fraiche. And good luck getting Scandinavian kids to eat anything that doesn’t taste like black licorice or pickled herring! In all seriousness, parents everywhere have a similar problem. So, what’s the solution? Small Steps Kids go through many different dietary phases as they grow up. While frustrating, it is common for young kids to go through their “picky eater” phase. Some common tactics parents employ to counter this, however, are counterproductive . For instance, making kids eat everything on their plates can be stressful and make them even pickier than before. Instead, serving smaller portions is more helpful, especially when the foods are unfamiliar. Role Models When it comes to food, parents should lead by example. Eating together as a family and demonstrating how you enjoy the foods you are trying to introduce to your kids can go a long way to getting them to try new cuisine. While you’re at it, describing what you’re serving is a good idea so the textures and flavors don’t catch them off-guard. Introducing New Foods Building on the previous tips, introducing new foods, even in very small amounts, can help expand a child’s culinary boundaries over time. Even if the child does not eat the food the first time you put it on their plate, or even the fifth time, they will naturally become more familiar and comfortable with it. Studies show that you may need to feature new foods on their plates up to 15 times before kids are willing to try them! Picky Eaters HOW TO HELP KIDS ENJOY MORE FOODS
TAKE A BREAK
Creamy Thai Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup almond butter • 3 cups diced carrots • 3 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes • Salt and pepper to taste • Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil • 2 cups chopped yellow onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger • 2 tbsp red curry paste • 4 cups vegetable broth, divided
Directions 1. Melt coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for 5–6 minutes. Stir in curry paste. 2. In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup broth with the almond butter until smooth. Add the mixture to the pot, along with the carrots, sweet potatoes, salt and pepper, and remaining vegetable broth. Stir to combine. 3. Bring soup to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. 4. Blend with an immersion blender until the soup is smooth. 5. Season with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more spice if desired.
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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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2860 Piedmont Rd., Suite 275 Atlanta, GA 30305
INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Savor These Classic Christmas Movies
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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack How Canines Bring Comfort to the Courtroom 3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Creamy Thai Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
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Conquer Picky Eating
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Let’s Retire These Health Myths
Hospital Loses Part of Patient’s Skull
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The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe ANYONE SEEN A SKULL? Hospital Misplaces Patient’s Body Part
scheduled the procedure to repair Fernando’s skull for November 2022, issues arose that made it impossible for the hospital to fulfill its end of the bargain. The hospital made errors when identifying the bone flaps and had no idea which skull fragments belonged to Fernando. Eventually, hospital staff informed the patient they could not find his bone flap and, as a result, they would be unable to put the missing pieces back in his skull.
All of us have had to search underneath the couch cushions for a missing wallet or TV remote, or we’ve had to scour the mall parking lot in search of our somehow misplaced car keys. I would almost certainly lose my head if it were not attached to my body. Which, as it turns out, is why I definitely should not work
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER
The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With Suing Over a Skull Consequently, Fernando and Melinda information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. Cluster have filed a civil lawsuit against the hospital. The Clusters claim the hospital’s failure to find his bone flap led to an extended hospital stay, increased medical debt, and undue pain and suffering. Not to mention, of course, the alleged negligence in misplacing a patient’s skull . If nothing else, the Clusters have a remarkable story to tell and, most probably, a large settlement headed their way instead of a fully functional brain cage.
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE staff allegedly misplaced something more important than the contents of a patient’s pants pocket. Following his brain surgery, Fernando Cluster was horrified to discover that the hospital had misplaced part of his skull . What a Headache Fernando underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke and subsequent cranial bleeding. As part of Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent
Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.
at one particular Atlanta hospital. In September 2022, the Emory University Hospital Midtown
CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS
on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant. the surgery, surgeons removed a portion of Fernando’s skull, known as a bone flap, with plans to reattach that portion of his skull after he healed from his surgery. While the hospital
The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false.
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