Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton June 2019
June 2019
A Lot Has Changed, and Hare Wynn Has for the Better.
F or more than 125 years, our firm has stood tall in our fight to give a voice to the voiceless — to tell the story every client wants every juror to hear. We have been able to help thousands of clients after losing a family member or being hurt or wronged by others. We have a team of trial lawyers with proven track records and unparalleled abilities to tell our clients’ stories. Over the years, we have handled countless cases against the best lawyers and largest corporations in the world, as well as cases against careless drivers and others whose reckless conduct devastates lives. Every case, regardless of size, is important to us because we know it is important to our clients. Our roots run deep, and we are so very grateful to the families, farmers, and small businesses who have invited us into their lives when they needed help. Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton was founded on one simple idea — giving the highest quality legal representation and counsel to those who need it most. Our firm has had four generations of dedicated lawyers practicing in the Birmingham area and other states in the Southeast. While the basic tenets of our firm have stayed the same, we’ve been fortunate to bring lawyers of unrivaled talent and courtroom ability to the plaintiff’s practice. Our growth and expansion over the years is not just an indicator of how much people trust our attorneys; it is also indicative of a level of success that makes us proud to stand with clients and look back at the results we have obtained for them. Hare Wynn now has a dedicated team of twenty-two attorneys and more than thirty- five staff members — a powerful team approach that competes and wins against defense lawyers in major firms across America and in litigation with the highest
of stakes. Recent verdicts exceeding $300 million for rice and corn contamination in Arkansas and Kansas led to settlements exceeding $2 billion for deserving farmers. In addition, our newest lawyer just tried her first case and got a verdict of $5,700 against a large insurance carrier. These are very different results, but the concept is one that guides our firm every single day — every case deserves the best we have to give. I’m happy to say we have not lost of our small-firm feeling. That’s why our clients continue to put their heartfelt trust and confidence into our hands and why we’re proud to call them our friends. I’ve often told prospective clients to ask other lawyers or judges about our firm, and I’ll stand by whatever they are
We are committed to continuing our legacy of trust and unparalleled results for our clients and the great people who live in the communities we serve.
told. I’m that confident in the talent and ability of the men and women who are Hare Wynn. In 2012, we achieved another milestone in our journey. We opened our Kentucky office in Lexington and sent two of our partners to bring Hare Wynn to the Bluegrass State. With additions of outstanding staff and young associates, our Kentucky presence is flourishing, and we are thrilled with the opportunities we have to bring just results to our clients up there, especially to the coal miners we are honored to represent in cases involving black lung disease caused by inadequate coal masks provided to them over their years in the mines. We’re not the typical high-volume firm you see singing a catchy jingle on your TV screen. However, you’ll never find it hard to reach us. Whenever you feel the need to talk, we’re just a phone call or office visit away. Our nineteen lawyers in Birmingham and three in Kentucky are absolutely on your team and ready to help with anything we can do. We count on the relationships we have with former clients for future business. Who knows us better than those who have seen us prepare and try their case? Simply put, we want to stay in touch, and this newsletter is our first effort to reach out to former clients and their families. We are here for youyou were the and, at the end of the day, there’s always room for more family members. Please know our relationship is something that doesn’t have to end after your case is resolved. For all your legal needs and beyond, we’re here to help. As you would expect, we are extremely thankful for our clients who speak well of us. If you need help or just have a concern about something life throws your way, give us a call at 1-855-997-9319. Also, we invite you to visit us anytime at HWNN.com. Thank you so very much for allowing us to represent you and your families. We are honored by that trust and look forward to another opportunity to help you, a loved one, or a friend.
–Leon Ashford
Here’s to the next century,
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Lawyers Helping People—Since 1890
Kids often look up to their father as one of their greatest heroes. There are the long drives to sports tournaments, the late-night movies, and the sweets when Mom isn’t looking. We probably all have some reason to look up to our dad as one of our biggest influences. It’s Father’s Day this month, a special time of year when we take a moment to think about the sacrifices the father figures in our lives have made for us. Most dads are pretty great, but some go above and beyond the fatherly call of duty. Let’s take a look at some heroic dads who risked everything to keep their families safe. Brad Lewis: Over the Ledge Life can change in a split second, and how you choose to react in a moment of peril can define your legacy forever. Few people know this as well as Brad Lewis. When Brad and his young son, Oscar, were deeply entrenched in an intense Nerf battle, he surely didn’t think the situation would turn as dangerous as it did. When a few darts missed his father and landed on the balcony, Oscar ran after them but soon found himself teetering on the balcony’s ledge, 12 feet above the ground. Thinking fast, Brad grabbed his son just before he fell over, both taking the plunge while Brad protected his son with his own body.
father’s injuries were more severe. Brad was left fighting for his life in the ICU, with severe fractures to his skull and vertebrae. Thankfully, Brad is expected to make a full recovery and has made serious strides since the accident. He and his son will live to play another day. Greg Alexander: Couldn’t Bear to See His Son Hurt While camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in June 2015, Greg Alexander awoke to the sound of a nightmare. The screams of his son intermingled with the roars of an unknown assailant, beckoning Greg to his son’s tent. There, he found his son Gabriel being attacked by a bear. The bear had his son by the head and was dragging him away. Greg jumped on the bear’s back, desperately trying to take attention away from Gabriel. Amazingly, it worked, and in the end, the bear ran away. Gabriel was left with serious cuts to his head, but thanks to his dad’s heroism, the two were able to walk away from that campsite and back to their lives together. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to take a leap of faith or fight a bear to be a hero in your family’s eyes. Just be yourself, show some support, and do the best you can. Happy Father’s Day, everybody. Children’s of Alabama Children’s of Alabama started in 1911 and has continuously provided children suffering from illness or injury with expert medical care. Four years ago, Hare Wynn partnered with Children’s of Alabama to launch a unique program where they give free car seats to discharged hospital patients who would otherwise leave the hospital without a car seat. Hare Wynn has given more than $50,000 to this effort since 2015. Last year alone, Children’s was responsible for giving 240 car seats to families across the state. When a child is involved in an accident, they are more likely to be injured than an adult due to their fragile bodies and the size difference between their heads and bodies. It’s highly encouraged for families who have children ages 13 and under to have and use car seats. At Hare Wynn, our team understands the importance of the Children’s Car Seat Program, and we are honored to be apart of this incredible initiative.
Just as he’d intended, Brad absorbed most of the blow. While Oscar sustained serious wounds, his
Protecting Our Children Throughout Alabama
Avondale Elementary Bike Rodeo This educational and fun bike rodeo is a time where children can learn about street and bike safety while participating in a specialized course for students to bike through. The course offers several safety exercises, including identifying and obeying street signals and choosing the safest paths to travel on. Participating children are fitted with a helmet that they can take home and enjoy while biking. Since the program’s inception in 2016, we have distributed more than 500 helmets to children at our local Avondale Elementary School. Hare Wynn first sponsored this event three years ago and has been a partner of the program ever since, ensuring and spreading awareness for children’s safety in Alabama. If you’re interested in learning more or becoming involved in either of these programs, we encourage you to call our office or visit our website at HWNN.com.
O ur firm takes great pride in ensuring that our community’s children are safe, whether that be inside of a vehicle, out biking in their neighborhood, or anywhere in between. With this in mind, we’d love to share with you how fortunate we’ve been in finding resources to help make that possible. These outstanding organizations do wonders in our little part of the world, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with them. Let’s take a look at two of the fantastic programs we’ve been able to help support over the years.
Now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better time to soak up the sun and put your problems away for another day. While we’re right there with you, we want our clients to understand that this time of year is associated with many unfortunate risks. We know the type of shadow this narrative can cast, but it’s important to note the everyday accidents that tend to unfold during the warmer months. With more people participating in outdoor activities like grilling, boating, and driving, there are more chances of getting hurt. With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can work to avoid any nasty slip-ups this summer. Safety on the Grill While you want to enjoy all the pleasures your backyard has to offer, it’s important to take a look at some of the things we take for granted. Each year, nearly 9,000 fires are reported from outdoor grills, resulting in some serious risks for your loved ones. As 44% of households own a charcoal grill and 64% own a gas grill, it’s easy to see how this could become a hazard. You should always make sure to keep your wits about you when you have a summertime barbecue, and that means making sure your grill is clean and positioned away from any structures. Also make sure you’re wearing clothes that aren’t extremely susceptible to catching fire. Lastly, if you’re using a gas grill, always wait five minutes to relight your grill after your flame goes out. If not, you could trigger a dangerous flare-up or explosion. By exercising a little extra caution this season, your family (and your burgers) will be safe and sound. Safety on the Road Summer for some families can mean going on the trip of a lifetime. Feeling the wind in your hair, cranking the tunes, and stopping by roadside attractions can make memories you’ll remember forever, and you wouldn’t want anything getting in the way of that. No matter where you’re going, it’s important to exercise caution when spending so many hours in the car. Summertime means more drunk drivers, so keep your eyes on the road and report any suspicious behavior. Make sure your child’s car seat is properly fitted and placed in the back seat for the highest levels of safety. Whether you’re on the road or parked at a rest stop, always lock your doors and keep an emergency kit in the trunk in case anything goes wrong. Finally, never leave your kids alone in the car, even for a second. In addition to the rising heat we know so well in the South, there is always the risk of hitting the wrong switch and turning your vehicle into a rolling disaster. For everything you can’t predict, make sure to contact your friends at Hare Wynn. We will work with you to get you the outcome you deserve. Have a great summer, everyone.
Solution on Page 4.
Ingredients:
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1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, or 6 tbsp ghee 3 russet potatoes (about 1/2 lb.), peeled 1 tsp Kosher salt, plus more to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Pinch of cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
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Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until foamy. Reduce heat if needed to avoid browning. Skim off white milk solids to make clarified butter (ghee). Transfer to a bowl and reserve. (This step won’t be needed if using ghee.) 2. Using the large holes on a box grater, grate potatoes. Transfer to a large bowl of cold water and stir until water becomes cloudy. Rinse potatoes under cold water, then squeeze out liquid using cheesecloth or a kitchen towel,
removing as much moisture as possible. Season potatoes. 3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter (or ghee) to medium-high. Add potatoes and cook until a crust forms underneath, about 5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, break up potatoes and continue to cook, adding more butter (or ghee) if potatoes begin to stick. 4. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels; season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. Serve.
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Sudoku solution.
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The Journey of Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton
A Few Dads Who Went Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Protecting Our Children
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Hash Browns for the Best Dad Tips for Summer Safety
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Crazy Lawsuits Surrounding the Dearly Departed
Let’s Hope There’s a Courtroom in the Afterlife We pride ourselves on being a country where everyone receives a fair trial. And while that’s not always the case, even the craziest claims still have to be heard in some capacity by a court of law. As you can imagine, this can result in plenty of spooky high jinks in the courtroom. Let’s take a look at some of the more baffling court cases in recent memory. deadlines to turn in proper documents. Thankfully, the issue was resolved, but not before he had his credit cards and Medicaid revoked after appearing to be dead. Solemnly Spooked
An unnamed New York resident — just what on earth is going on in New York? — claimed that the house they’d recently purchased was horribly and cripplingly haunted by unseen forces. The poltergeist was said to disrupt their daily activity, and the plaintiff was suing on the grounds that the home was notorious in the area for being haunted and had a reputation as such, therefore it should have been disclosed to the buyer before closing. They won. That’s right; the court ruled that the seller misled the plaintiff and should have disclosed the nature of this potentially harmful house. Shockingly enough, this type of thing is required to be disclosed when selling a house in New York. Well, at least a buyer will have peace of mind knowing that they got a sweet new pad and a ghoul for pennies on the dollar.
Dead Man Talking
In something straight out of a Coen brothers movie, a New York man had to sue The New York Times on three separate occasions to get them to stop reporting that he was dead. In all fairness, it seemed like an honest mistake prolonged by the ineptitude of his public counsel and a whole lot of terrible coincidences all rolled into one. Juan Antonio Arias just so happened to share the same first and last name as one “Juan Arias” who had met his untimely demise. After it was reported in a Times article, the living Arias accidentally had his own date of birth and Social Security number added to the death certificate of his now deceased namesake in a terrible mix-up from the coroner. As a result, he sued on three occasions after his lawyer missed certain
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