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Malloy Monthly
MALLOY LAW OFFICES, LLC
Serving You In: Baltimore, MD • Bethesda, MD • Clinton, MD Ellicott City, MD • Frederick, MD • Germantown, MD Wheaton, MD • Washington, D.C. • Alexandria, VA • Manassas, VA
October 2024
HOW CLIENTS UNKNOWINGLY DESTROY THEIR OWN CASES LEGAL HORROR STORIES
Posting on Social Media Today, many people share details of their lives on social media without thinking twice. But when you’re involved in a legal case, this can be a huge mistake. Insurance companies and opposing counsel can monitor social media accounts for any posts that can be used against you. Even posts that seem harmless can be twisted to discredit your claims. Being Unprepared in Court Courtroom appearances can be intimidating, but preparation is key. Being unprepared can reflect poorly on you and damage your case. It’s important that you thoroughly review any records, documents, or depositions before you appear in court. Knowing the facts of your case inside and out will help you stay calm, confident, and credible during questioning. Failing to Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice Your lawyer is there to guide you through the complexities of your case. Ignoring or failing to follow their advice can lead to unnecessary mistakes. Remember: Your attorney’s guidance is based on experience and expertise. Not following their advice could put your case at risk. Being Discourteous to Involved Parties While legal disputes can be emotional, maintaining a level of professionalism and courtesy toward opposing counsel and everyone involved in the case is really important. Being rude or uncooperative can make you look bad in court and can negatively impact the outcome of your case.
With Halloween just around the corner, we’re all gearing up for a little harmless fun — spiders, spooky costumes, haunted houses, and scary movies. But while these Halloween frights come and go, there’s something that scares me year-round: the ways clients can ruin or even kill their own cases! As a lawyer, I’ve seen plenty of situations where things could have gone much smoother if we could have avoided a few key mistakes. Let’s look at seven common mistakes that can jeopardize a case and how to avoid them! Lying One of the quickest ways to derail a case is by being dishonest. Whether it’s a slight exaggeration or a major lie, being caught in a lie could destroy credibility in front of a judge or jury. The legal process relies on trust; once that trust is broken, it can be very difficult to recover. Always be truthful with your attorney and everyone involved in the case, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Skipping Medical Treatment If you’ve been injured, skipping medical treatment or failing to follow your doctor’s directions can seriously hurt your case. Not only does it give the impression that your injuries may not be as serious as claimed, but it also undermines your legal claim for damages. While treatments help you recover from your injuries, they also provides a clear medical record to support your case. Failing to Provide Documentation In all cases, evidence is crucial. This includes photographs, videos, receipts, and other documentation that supports your claims. Failing to provide this material or neglecting to gather it in the first place can weaken your case. Whether it’s a picture of the accident scene, video footage, or medical bills, every piece of evidence can make a big difference.
By taking these precautions, you’ll give your case the best chance for success and avoid any real-life legal horror stories.
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Can’t Solve Your Leg
HERE’S WHY PROFESSIO
“Why is the ocean’s water salty?” “Why do I have stomach pain after eating?” “Why are the leaves on my indoor plant browning?”
When in doubt, it’s easy to whip out your phone or hop on your laptop and quickly Google a question. In fact, many people rely on the internet for information and even legal advice. While the web can be a great resource for general information, relying on Google for legal guidance can be risky — and, in some cases, detrimental. Legal issues tend to be complex, and attempting to handle them based on a quick search could lead to costly mistakes. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t trust Google for legal advice. Oversimplified Information It’s rare for a legal case to be simple. Each case has its own set of unique circumstances that require careful consideration. Google searches often provide oversimplified information that doesn’t account for the specifics of your situation. For example, typing “how to file for divorce” into a Google search may give you general advice, but it won’t explain how divorce laws differ from state to state or how your particular circumstances may affect your case. Misinformation or Outdated Laws The internet is filled with outdated or incorrect legal information. Laws frequently change, and what may have been valid advice
I would like to start by apologizing to super fans of the 1995 crime drama “Se7en,” who thought they had their baby’s name all picked out. While it’s fine to include a number in a movie’s title, putting a number in a baby’s name is usually illegal. Depending on your state, some rules apply to the length, letters, and symbols that may be legally included in a name. Here are three specific restrictions some states impose for naming your child. Derogatory, Obscene, or Offensive Some of the most common naming rules are to prevent someone from giving their baby a particularly heinous name. A baby’s name cannot be offensive, obscene, or include derogatory terms. Additionally, some monikers, like “King,” “Queen,” and “Santa Claus,” might not seem offensive but are still considered illegal. Other banned names include “Jesus Christ,” “Adolf Hitler,” “Messiah,” and “Nutella.” Say No to Math If you have ever wondered why you’ve never met someone from Canton or Cleveland named R2-D2 or 42069, there is a legal reason for that. Some states, including Ohio, New Jersey, and Virginia, forbid using numbers in baby names. However, this is not true across the board. States like Illinois, California, and Florida have no specific rules against including numbers in names. New York, however, forbids using numbers and mandates the maximum length of all first names to be 30 characters long or less. Symbols and Non-English Letters In 2020, Elon Musk made waves when he and his girlfriend Grimes named their baby boy X Æ A-Xii. If you are struggling to pronounce that name, you are not alone. However, depending on the baby’s birth state, that name may run afoul of the law. In New York, for instance, symbols like hyphens, asterisks, and apostrophes are not allowed. California law prohibits pictographs and non-English characters. These rules are often due to the software used to keep records of people’s names and are common across many states. WHY SOME BABY NAMES ARE FORBIDDEN Naming No-Nos
Take a Break
If you must name your baby something numerical or inappropriate, I recommend moving to Kentucky. It is one of the few states with no significant rules regarding naming children.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation •
gal Problems
a few years ago could now be irrelevant or harmful. For instance, searching for “how to set up a will” may lead you to advice that’s no longer legally valid in your state due to changes in estate law. Misunderstanding Legal Language Legal terminology can be confusing; without a proper understanding of the language, it’s easy to misinterpret what you read online. For example, someone might search “how to avoid taxes” and find information on tax shelters. However, without understanding the difference between legal tax avoidance and illegal tax evasion, they might follow the advice and accidentally put themselves at risk with the IRS. ONAL ADVICE MATTERS
THE INSPIRING STORY OF JONAH LARSON
While Google can be useful for general legal information, it’s no substitute for professional legal advice — the risks are too
high! For all personal injury or workers’ compensation questions, we are here to help. Turn to us before you turn to Google!
At just 14 years old, Jonah Larson has already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. From discovering his passion for crocheting at 5 to becoming a social media sensation, published author, and philanthropist, Jonah’s journey is truly remarkable. The Prodigy Crocheter Jonah’s love for crocheting began when he discovered an abandoned crochet hook in a bag of craft supplies. With the help of YouTube tutorials, the La Crosse, Wisconsin, native taught himself the basic stitches and quickly mastered the craft, creating flawless dishcloths and hats. By 8, Jonah had already crocheted a stunning Scandinavian throw, showcasing his exceptional talent. Sharing His Passion With the World Jonah’s mother, Jennifer, initially shared his creations on Instagram, and the response was overwhelming. Thousands of followers and fans were captivated by his skill, leading to a thriving social media presence, an online store (JonahHands.com), and even a popular catchphrase, “Buy and crochet with Jonah’s Hands.” Jonah’s influence extended beyond the online realm, as he started a trend with his signature “cowl neck” design, widely replicated by his growing fan base. Giving Back to Those in Need Jonah’s success is not just about his personal achievements; it’s also about his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. In 2018, he used his platform to raise funds for a library in Ethiopia, his birth country, providing access to education for children in need. Additionally, Jonah has authored two books, sharing his crochet expertise and inspiring others to pick up the craft. The Next Chapter With his sights set on attending West Point and becoming a surgeon, Jonah’s ambitions extend far beyond the world of crocheting. However, his passion for the craft remains a vital part of his journey, one that has brought him personal fulfillment and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. Jonah’s story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the ability to turn a hobby into a means of making a positive impact. As he continues to pursue his dreams, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable young man.
Scan the QR code for a clip of Seann Malloy giving his opinion on seeking online advice, especially when it comes to legal matters!
ULTIMATE BAKED ZITI
Ingredients • 1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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7910 Woodmont Ave. #1250 Bethesda, MD 20814 (202) 933-7277 • Malloy-Law.com
Inside This Issue
1
The Scariest Ways to Sabotage Your Own Case
2
Forbidden Baby Names
2
Don’t Trust Google for Accurate Legal Guidance
3
Ultimate Baked Ziti
3
The Teen Changing the World With Crochet
4
Legal-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
CREATIVE LEGAL-THEMED HALLOWEEN COSTUMES From the Courtroom to the Party
Annalise Keating From ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ Annalise Keating, the lawyer from “How to Get Away with Murder,” is an excellent costume idea for anyone in the legal world. To nail this look, dress in professional business attire, carry a briefcase, and make some references to the show. She-Hulk/Attorney at Law She-Hulk is a fun costume idea because you can be the best of both worlds — a superhero and an attorney! Paint yourself green, wear a professional-looking business suit, and you’re all set to pretend to be a legal powerhouse and a huge green Marvel hero! Classic Lawyer If you’re looking for a more generic yet effective option, dressing as a lawyer never goes out of style. Wear a well-tailored suit, carry a briefcase, and throw on a
The spooky season is here! Whether you’re attending a party in the office or just looking for creative inspiration for your Halloween plans, there are plenty of ways to dress up with a legal twist. From celebrity references to classic professions, here are seven costume ideas to consider. Jake From State Farm (Insurance Adjuster) With a nod to the popular commercial character, dressing up as Jake from State Farm is an easy and recognizable option. All you need are khaki pants, a red polo, and a name tag that says “Jake.” This is perfect for someone in the insurance or legal claims field. Elle Woods From ‘Legally Blonde’ A favorite among law students, Elle Woods is an iconic character from “Legally Blonde.” Channel her signature style with a bright pink suit, high heels, and a handbag. Don’t forget a stuffed dog that looks like her pup, Bruiser!
pair of glasses for that extra touch of professionalism. Judge
You can always kick it up a notch and go as a judge. Wear a black robe, carry a gavel, and you’ll instantly be recognizable as the authority in the courtroom. Detective
Dressing as a detective is a great way to channel your inner investigator. A trench coat, a fedora, and a magnifying glass complete the look. This is a perfect costume for anyone who would like to work in the criminal justice field.
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