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January/February 2024
THE HARMAN HEADLINE
HARMAN LAW
Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Employment Lawyers
YOU’LL NEVER HEAR ME SAY …
A FEW PHRASES YOU WON’T HEAR AT HARMAN LAW
Before April Fool’s Day, there’s Opposite Day on Jan. 25, a time to flip the script and act contrarily. I thought it might be funny (and informative) to share what I would absolutely never say to my clients and how these misconceptions can completely derail your case. You should never ever follow these rules, and if you do hear them from an attorney, you need to run in the other direction. You’ve been warned!
Another way to sink your case is to post any updates about feeling fine, hating your employer, or pretty much anything that can make you look like you’re simply out to get some cash.
“You should never ever follow these rules, and if you do hear them from an attorney, you need to run in the other direction.”
I once heard of an employment case where an employee was
hoping to file against his job, but there was just one problem. He had posted on Facebook that he was not only bitter about being fired but also had been drinking on the job . As you can imagine, his case didn’t go very far. Another social media disaster was when one man trying to claim workers’ compensation posted a video of himself dancing quite vigorously at a night club, and I mean he was getting down . This man was dancing in a way I couldn’t even do with a healthy back! Once you post something, it will be there for people and the court to see. Even if you try to delete it, the damage is still done! ‘DON’T READ, JUST SIGN’ Whatever agreement or contract you have in your hands — or on your phone — please read it. Pull out the magnifying glass and look at the tiny print because you need to know precisely what you are signing and how it can affect you in the future. Some agreements that come back to haunt people are employment agreements and liability waivers. While the print might be tiny, and your kids may be running amok, not reading through these can lead you to a bad spot where legal action is no longer an option. Take your time and read it through! When it comes down to it, you can trust what the Harman Law team tells you because we will never utter any of these phrases. If you want a second opinion or have any questions, come to us. We will always know what’s in your best interest. –Michael Harman
‘ALWAYS GO BIG OR GO HOME’ I can’t imagine a more crucial time to play it safe than pursuing a legal case. If you hear me say, “Go big or go home” or “What’s the worst that can happen,” that is not me but a doppelganger! You should never take any unnecessary risks just for the minuscule chance of a grand slam compensation. You’ll likely not only walk away with no settlement but also legal fees, missing wages, and much more. I always urge my clients to take a balanced approach when it comes to their cases. There are risks everywhere, and it’s vital you take all precautions possible to get the justice you deserve. ‘SHARE EVERYTHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA’ This misconception has led to plenty of failed and rejected injury cases. How can a court believe that your injuries are debilitating or life-changing if you just posted a video of you dunking a basketball or diving off a cliff?
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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results.– Call Us Today 704-237-6613
Kupata’s Road to Fame The Stray Dog Who Captured the World’s Heart
We often think dogs live the good life, as they seem to do nothing but play, eat, and sleep. Yet, some dogs are busy at work, some without being asked to do so! Take Kupata, the stray dog in Georgia, for example. This street- roaming pup takes it upon himself to guard a crosswalk all day, every day . In the town of Batumi, this stray stays by a single crosswalk and forces traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. He’s especially protective of children! If Kupata sees a car isn’t slowing down, he’ll bark at the driver as they drive away and run to protect the person crossing the street. One local even shared that Kupata will cross the road with children and stay at the park to protect the youngsters.
hard work, and locals all pitch in to care for and feed the stray dog. His consistently round belly shows just how loved he is. You’ll even see a massive painting of the beloved animal on a nearby building. Now, after tireless days of guarding his street, Kupata has his own doghouse provided by the city with an accompanying star on the road with his name on it. Kupata’s dedication made him go viral on social media, and now travelers from all over the world come to see Kupata. Don’t distract him, though. He’s busy at work! Sadly, even though Kupata remains cherished by his community, thousands of stray dogs in the country need shelter, food, and companionship. According to activists, around 500,000 stray dogs and cats roam the streets of Georgia. While stray animals may get a bad
reputation for being dangerous or unfriendly, Kupata proves that even these furry friends deserve love and recognition.
Kupata, which in English means “sausage,” has become a staple in the community due to his
HOW TO PURSUE JUSTICE AFTER A HIT-AND-RUN CRASH Your Case Is Not a Lost Cause
After a hit-and-run accident, justice might seem bleak. But according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, almost half of all hit-and-run drivers are eventually found and brought to justice. While we hope you never have to experience one, there has recently been a rising number of hit-and-run cases, and you must learn how to protect yourself and your case if the worst were to occur. WHAT COUNTS AS A HIT-AND-RUN? Under N.C.G.S. 20-166, if a driver flees after an accident and only property damage or minor injuries are sustained, they may receive a misdemeanor. Meanwhile, it is a felony to abandon an accident when serious damage and severe injuries or death are involved. In short, even if you aren’t harmed, but your car is damaged, that driver committed a crime and should be held liable.
some have varying time limits on making a claim. You may also need to verify that you want to file an uninsured motorist claim.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A DRIVER FLEES Follow these steps to ensure you not only have a better chance of finding the driver but also to strengthen your insurance claim:
Call 911: You need to make a report with the police so they can try to find the driver and for you to provide to your insurance company. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical attention, as many injuries, such as whiplash or back injuries, aren’t necessarily felt until later. This is also documentation you may need in the future for a case. Collect Evidence: Note any details you can remember, such as car type, license plate number, or characteristics of the driver. Even the color of their clothes can help the police narrow down a suspect. Call Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company quickly, as
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HOW YOU CAN STILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION In North Carolina, uninsured motorist
coverage is required, which can help you receive compensation even if the driver is never identified. However, North Carolina is not a no-fault state, which means that if your insurance company finds you even partially responsible for the accident, they will not offer you compensation. If you feel that your insurance company is mistreating your case, or you are interested in further investigation into your accident, you can call our team at (704) 286-0947 . We can help you find the justice you deserve.
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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results.– HarmanLawNC.com
SUDOKU
TURN BIG GOALS INTO ACHIEVABLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE 2024 YOUR YEAR OF SUCCESS Achieving a New Year’s resolution can feel impossible. The idea that people meet their goals can feel like a myth. While countless statistics show how common it is to fail at New Year’s resolutions, it’s not unattainable. The key is that you approach your resolutions the right way. A few tactics can make or break your goals for the new year. As you get started, keep these tips in mind, and you may find yourself closer to your resolutions than in previous years. CREATE SMALLER, MICRO-RESOLUTIONS We often choose resolutions that are large and impressive. We want to lose weight, save money, or get a promotion by the end of the year. This approach is setting you up for failure. Not only are you pursuing a large-scale goal, but you’re also trying to achieve multiple! Instead, create smaller, more attainable goals that you can realistically achieve. Micro-resolutions are smaller goals you try to achieve each month, giving yourself 30 days to accomplish each. To achieve a large-scale goal like losing weight, plan micro-resolutions like going to the gym daily for one month and not eating sugar for the next month. You’re more likely to reach your larger overarching annual goal when you have smaller, more specific monthly goals. START ‘HABIT STACKING’ The term “habit stacking” was created by writer S.J. Scott in his book “Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less.” He describes this practice as attaching your new, desired goal habit to existing habits. If you want to drink more water, plan on drinking a glass after brushing your teeth, walking the dog, or any other activity you already do every day. It allegedly creates a cue for your brain to remember this new habit, and you’re more likely to adhere to it. PREPARE SPECIFIC PLANS Having a specific plan in place to achieve your resolutions may be the most critical part of the process. How exactly will you reach your goals? What steps do you need to take to make this happen? Create a detailed step-by-step plan and follow through with it. Leave no room for ambiguity! In the end, you just need to remember that nobody is perfect. You will have a few slip-ups here and there, but don’t let this stop you from achieving your goals!
Solution on Page 4
Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? If you tend to think of oatmeal as boring, this fun dessert- themed recipe just might change your mind. To go all out, top with a candle and a dollop of whipped cream. BIRTHDAY CAKE BAKED OATMEAL FOR ONE (YES, REALLY)
INGREDIENTS •
● 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
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●1 tsp baking powder
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Splash of vanilla extract
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●1 browning banana, mashed
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●1 tsp brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
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●1/2 cup milk
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●1/2 tsp cinnamon
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●2 tsp sprinkles
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and prepare a small oven-safe dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the sprinkles.
3. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the oatmeal is golden brown.
5. Let the oatmeal cool slightly, top with sprinkles, and dig in!
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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results.– Call Us Today 704-237-6613
16507 Northcross Drive, Suite B Huntersville, NC, 28078 Offices in Lake Norman, Charlotte, and Hickory 704-237-6613 HarmanLawNC.com
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HARMAN LAW
Inside This Issue
Know Everything You Shouldn’t Do This Opposite Day Page 1 Meet Kupata, Georgia’s Street-Roaming Pup Hero Steps to Take After a Hit-and- Run Accident Page 2 Birthday Cake Baked Oatmeal for One (Yes, Really) Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick Page 3 How to Elevate Your Family’s Movie Nights Page 4
Sudoku Solution
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Innovative Family Movie Night Ideas
Family movie nights are a cherished tradition in many households, offering a chance to bond over cinematic adventures and entertainment. While the classic movie night with popcorn and your go-to films is always enjoyable, why not shake things up with creative and unique ideas to make these evenings even more memorable? Here are some imaginative ways to enhance your family movie night experience. OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT Take your movie night under the stars by setting up an outdoor screening. All you need is a projector, a white sheet or screen, and comfy outdoor seating. Enjoy the fresh air, watch the stars above, and immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor cinema. THEMED MOVIE NIGHT Select a theme for your movie night. It could be based on a film genre, a specific actor, or
a series. For example, a “Harry Potter” theme could include all the movies from the series along with themed snacks and decorations. CLASSIC FILM NIGHT Introduce your children (or spouse) to classic childhood hits or rediscover them together as a family. From “The Wizard of Oz” to “E.T.,” these movies offer timeless entertainment for everyone.
As you watch the movie, mark off the items on your bingo card as you see them. The first person to get bingo wins a prize. MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT After watching the movie, have a trivia game based on the movie you just watched. Whoever answers the most questions correctly gets to choose the next movie!
With these creative ideas, your family movie nights will become even more special. Whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors, dressing up as your favorite characters, or challenging each other
COSTUME MOVIE NIGHT Encourage your family to dress up as characters from the movie on deck for the night. It adds a layer of fun and immersion to your film-watching experience.
to movie trivia, these memorable experiences will bring your family closer together while creating lasting memories.
MOVIE BINGO Create bingo cards with scenes, quotes, or characters from the film you’re about to watch.
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Unwavering Client Experience. Outstanding Results. – HarmanLawNC.com
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