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JULY/AUGUST 2025
Breaking News: I Took a Vacation and the Office Didn’t Burn Down Workaholics Anonymous
July 5 is National Workaholics Day, and if there’s anyone qualified to speak on the subject, it’s me. For years, I was the textbook definition of a workaholic — glued to my desk, fueled by ambition, and convinced that stepping away, even briefly, meant falling behind. I believed every success story was built on relentless effort, long hours, and a schedule that never quit. In those early years, that mindset served a purpose. I poured everything into building a firm I could be proud of — one known for treating clients like people, not case numbers. The early years of my career were all about laying a solid foundation. I fully devoted myself to the practice, learning every detail, handling every task, and ensuring my clients felt prioritized and protected. That effort helped me build the thriving firm I have today. But as the years passed, and as I became a husband and father, I realized there had to be more to life than just the next case file or courtroom date. I reached a point where I knew I had to shift my mindset. The challenge, however, was figuring out how to maintain the same level of excellence and care for my clients while creating space for personal time and family life. Learning to delegate has been one of the biggest lessons of my career. Building a team I trust — people who have the skills and share our firm’s core values — has made all the difference. I’ve come to understand that success isn’t found in doing everything myself, but in developing a team that works with the same passion and commitment I once carried alone. We meet every Monday to align our goals, share our top priorities, and remind each other why we do what we do. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working well, together. I took one of the biggest steps this year: nearly two full weeks in Brazil with my family. It was the longest I’d ever been away from the office. And yes, I still participated in a couple of mediations remotely and answered emails, but the experience reminded me that rest and renewal are just as important as hard work. I admit there were moments where I felt the anxiety seep in, endlessly thinking about what could go wrong at the firm in my absence and
what I should be doing instead. Fortunately, my wife Priscila and our daughters were always there to bring me back down to earth.
Letting go of the constant pressure to be “on” hasn’t been easy. A part of me still wrestles with guilt when I step away from my desk. I still have to resist the urge to check my inbox at 10 p.m. But here’s what’s made the difference: my team. These folks not only know their stuff, but they also understand our values. They treat every client with care and respect. They explain the complicated stuff, like what a deposition is, instead of throwing around legal jargon. They care as much as I do. National Workaholics Day is a timely reminder that working hard is important, but so is living well. Balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about being intentional. It’s about building a practice you’re proud of while also making time to enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to create. I haven’t perfected that balance yet, but I’m committed to the process, one thoughtful step at a time.
—William F. “Trey” Underwood III
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Ready to shake or stir things up this summer? Grab your martini glasses because there’s nothing like a summertime soiree. Whether mixing it up with a tropical tiki night, pouring classy spritzers in the garden, or sipping something cool at a poolside bash, hosting a summer cocktail party is the perfect way to serve up flavor and fun. Get ready to be the host or hostess with the mostest with these delicious tips (and sips) to throw the ultimate party this summer! Perfect Party Formula Do you want to keep things casual with familiar beers and classic finger foods, or do you want to see your friends in their best “Great Gatsby” attire sipping on a sidecar for a roaring ’20s-themed party? Plan your theme and the perfect menu of drinks, appetizers, and entrees to match. Next, pick out your summer guest squad and invite them at least a month in advance to give them ample notice. Ideally, you want to keep the guest list to about 15 people, mixing in long- time friends and new acquaintances to keep the conversations lively and the party manageable. Mix, Mingle, Move Around Set up an inviting scene with cute cocktail glasses, festive decorations, and different seating options that encourage guests to Sip, Sip, Hooray! Your Perfect Summer Soiree Formula
mingle and have fun. Clear space for a makeshift dance floor, and provide snacks at every little grouping of comfy chairs to entice guests to nosh while they chat. Having an attractive and central bar area can set the party’s mood. You can go all out and hire someone to handle a full bar, create a drink station in the kitchen, or set up a DIY bar cart with recipes and all the ingredients for your friends to be their own bartenders. Shake Up Conversations No celebration is complete without engaging conversation and entertainment. Help your guests get to know each other by putting out fun icebreaker questions on the tables or serving each drink with one. This will get people to open up, laugh, and make new friends (the ultimate party favor). You could also come up with some fun games that encourage a little goofiness, like charades, a board game, or your very own talent show.
Slip, Trip, or Fall at an Airbnb? Your Vacation Rental Might Be Legally Responsible
You planned the perfect getaway: bags packed, itinerary set, and a cozy Airbnb ready to welcome you. But instead of lounging on the deck or exploring the town, you found yourself injured due to a hazard no one warned you about. So, who’s responsible when a relaxing retreat turns into a legal headache? Understanding a Host’s Responsibility When someone opens their home as a short-term rental, they take on a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for their guests. This includes repairing obvious hazards, inspecting for less visible dangers, and warning guests about anything that could cause harm. If a host knew or should have known about a safety hazard and failed to address it, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. Common issues include broken stairs or railings, loose flooring, water leaks that cause slip-and-falls, faulty wiring, or even structural failures like a collapsing ceiling or balcony. In any of these scenarios, you may have a right to seek compensation if the injury occurred due to the host’s negligence. What About Airbnb’s Role? Unlike hotels, Airbnb does not own or maintain the properties listed on its platform. However, the company does provide liability insurance for hosts under certain conditions. This insurance may
cover injuries sustained during a stay, depending on the specifics of the incident and whether it meets the policy criteria. Determining whether Airbnb’s insurance applies requires a close look at the platform’s terms and the host’s compliance. Why Medical Documentation Matters If you’re injured during an Airbnb stay, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury initially seems minor. Some injuries may take hours or even days to fully present symptoms. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates an official record that can strengthen your legal case. Protecting Your Rights After an injury, you must be cautious about what you say to Airbnb or the host, as your words can be used against you later. Instead, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of premises liability and short-term rental cases. If your dream vacation took a turn due to an unsafe property, know you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. From determining who’s liable to negotiating with insurers, we’ll work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on track.
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The Real Cost of a Poolside Accident
How a Day at the Pool Can Lead to a Legal Battle
A sunny afternoon by the pool is supposed to be one of life’s simple pleasures — until it isn’t. Whether it’s a faulty drain causing serious injury or an unsupervised pool party that takes a tragic turn, poolside accidents happen more often than people think. And when they do, the consequences can be life- changing. Understanding who’s responsible in the aftermath is key to getting the help and the justice you deserve.
At public or commercial pools, the stakes are even higher. Hotels, apartment complexes, and fitness centers are expected to follow strict regulations, from posting warning signs to providing lifeguards when necessary. A missing “no diving” sign or malfunctioning filtration system might seem minor until someone gets hurt. It’s not always the pool owner’s fault. Sometimes, the issue lies beneath the surface. The manufacturer or installer might bear responsibility if your injury was caused by faulty pool equipment, such as a defective ladder, broken tile, or a dangerous drain system. Poor design or improper installation can turn a fun day into a nightmare. From slips to submersion: Here are the most common pool injuries. Pool-related injuries vary in severity but are often more serious than they first appear. These can include:
• Drowning or near-drowning incidents • Spinal injuries from diving accidents • Head trauma from slips or falls • Infections or illnesses due to contaminated water • Entrapment injuries caused by faulty drains Hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve been injured in a poolside accident, you may have the right to pursue a premises liability claim. You’ll need to show that the property owner (or another responsible party) failed to maintain a safe environment, that their negligence directly caused your injury, and that you suffered measurable damages, like medical bills, lost income, or long-term pain. When a day at the pool leaves you or a loved one hurt, don’t assume it was just bad luck. Reach out to our firm for experienced, compassionate guidance. We’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Property owners may be held accountable.
In Georgia, property owners are lawfully required to keep their spaces safe for invited guests. That includes pools. If you’re swimming in someone’s backyard, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining a secure and hazard-free environment — think secured gates, safe surfaces, and properly functioning equipment. Ignoring those responsibilities could make them liable for any resulting injuries.
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 May/June newsletter:
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium shallot, chopped • 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided • 1 14-oz can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Kaitlin Carr Star Dantley Sabrina Gaston
Linda Harris Otha Hopkins Andrew McDowell
Your recommendations are 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 so they can 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. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
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Confessions of a Workaholic Lawyer (Who’s Finally Taking a Vacation) PAGE 1
Pop the Bubbly, It’s Party Time!
Who’s Liable for Airbnb Accidents? PAGE 2
A Day at the Pool Shouldn’t End in the ER or a Courtroom
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup PAGE 3
The Hidden Innovators Behind Baseball’s Greatest Gear PAGE 4
MEET THE MINDS BEHIND BASEBALL’S ICONIC EQUIPMENT
A Glove, Bat, and Ball Transformed Baseball Forever
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but it didn’t appear out of thin air. The game we know and love today is a patchwork of early stick-and-ball games, tracing back centuries to England’s cricket and even as far back as ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Egyptians. But modern baseball started taking shape in 19th- century New York. Enter the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, which set the foundation in 1846 with official rules that included base paths, foul lines, and, mercifully , the elimination of tagging runners out by hurling the ball at them. Of course, baseball wouldn’t be what it is today without the brilliant minds who revolutionized its equipment. Three inventors, George Rawlings, John Hillerich, and Benjamin Shibe, took baseball’s core components and transformed them into game-changers.
Hillerich’s new design had a harder surface to help players drive the ball farther, and in 1902, the famous Louisville Slugger was patented. More than a century later, the bat remains one of the most iconic pieces of baseball equipment, wielded by legends past and present. And finally, Benjamin Shibe, the “Edison of baseball.” Before Shibe, baseballs lacked the durability needed for a high-powered sport. In 1909, he patented the cork- centered baseball, a tougher, more resilient ball that allowed for stronger, farther hits. His creation became the official ball of Major League Baseball in 1911, forever altering how the game was played. These three inventors helped shape baseball into the thrilling sport it is today. Next time you watch a game, remember that every leaping grab at the warning track, every solidly hit line drive, and every soaring home run snagged by an enthusiastic fan are built on a legacy of innovation.
think, “There’s got to be a better way.” As a sporting goods store owner, Rawlings designed a padded baseball glove, patenting it in 1885. With added felt and rubber padding, his glove gave players much-needed protection while fielding fast-moving balls. Today, Rawlings’ baseball gloves are as essential to the game as the bases themselves. Then there’s John Hillerich, a German immigrant and skilled woodworker who ran a shop in Louisville, Kentucky. His game-changing moment came when his baseball-loving son needed a better bat.
George Rawlings was the first to look at a player’s bruised and battered hands and
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