The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III - December 2023

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Justice MONTHLY

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DECEMBER 2023

Our Journey Through 2023 and Beyond A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR FOR OUR FIRM AND CLIENTS

Before I dive into all of the moments and achievements my firm and I have experienced this year, I have to say the best and most significant accomplishment of 2023 is my daughter, Rebecca, who was born on Jan. 19. Getting her home safely and caring for her has been the ultimate highlight of the year! Since then, Rebecca has been growing every day, and I feel like I can say the same has happened to our firm this year. While we’ve had more than a few game-changers, I think one of our most impactful moves was getting a line of credit for our expense account. I know it doesn’t sound too thrilling, but it does change how aggressive we can be during prosecution. Without paying out of pocket, we can get more doctors on the phone, have more depositions, and move at full speed with our cases. Another recent change we’ve implemented was our intake process, ensuring we care for anyone reaching out to us as efficiently as possible. One of our core values has always been communicating with clients clearly and promptly. That way, they’ll never have to feel stressed and out of the loop. We’ve even started using HONA, an app where clients going through a personal injury case can receive notifications (if they want to) when they reach a new stage in their case. When your case moves forward, you’ll immediately be notified and even shown a video explaining the process. We’ve had some incredible feedback on both communication

do better, and so on. In the end, though, we were just happy to see everyone relaxed, cases closed, and knowing one another on a new level. We’ll be holding these client advisory panel meetings every three months from now on, and if you’ve worked with us before, I’d love for you to join us. If interested, call our office at (229) 888-0888 !

changes, and I know our team loves how smooth it is now to update our clients.

In 2023, I was able to actually hold the 90-day meetings I had been planning on doing for years. These consistent meetings allow the whole team to strategize on improving our operations and better serving our clients. Here’s some even more exciting news: We are now in a bigger office! The whole team was eager for more space, and these additional conference rooms will allow us to meet with more clients. Thanks to our new 90-day meetings, we’ve focused our attention on enhancing our firm, and that’s exactly what we did. Lastly, I am so pleased with our recent client advisory panel meetings. We held our first get-together this year, and our team had dinner with clients at Blackbeard’s, where we could all chat casually outside the firm. Of course, the main point was our questionnaire, which asks why they chose us, what we can

As we enter 2024, I know there will be even more remarkable changes ahead, but there’s one announcement I just can’t keep to myself any longer. We’ll be adding two new practice areas! If you ever need legal assistance with a real estate closing or bankruptcy, our team is ready to help. We’ve come to a point where we’ve dialed in and become the experts in personal injury and workers’ compensation, so it’s time to offer more. I can’t wait to start 2024, and I hope to see you at one of our client advisory sessions very soon!

-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III

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FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER Explore America’s Most Magical Christmas Towns

Woodstock, Vermont During Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, you’ll find the town in peak Christmas mode, where you can experience parades, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and the Billings Farm, a local favorite of the season. Stroll down Main Street to witness an idyllic Christmas spot filled with cozy small-town shops and restaurants.

It may be too late for less spontaneous travelers to start planning a Christmas vacation. But that shouldn’t stop you from planning next year’s holiday journey! The good news is you don’t need to venture to another continent to find a Christmas wonderland. There are countless picture-perfect Christmas towns across the country. Make your next Christmas trip feel like a Hallmark movie at one of these festive towns! Leavenworth, Washington Many have dubbed Leavenworth the most Christmas-centric in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This Bavarian-style village experiences nearly 96 inches of snowfall every year, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the holidays. The town lights up and decorates almost 21 miles, where you can find reindeer farms, carolers, gingerbread competitions, and Christmas markets. Every step of the way offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity! Solvang, California A slice of Denmark right in sunny California, Solvang brings endless holiday cheer, especially with their annual Julefest. Pronounced “Yule-fest,” this month-long festival takes place every December and features picturesque events, including a ballerina-filled tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, culinary delights, traditional Danish celebrations, and much more!

North Pole, Alaska If you ever feel like celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, we know the perfect destination. North Pole, Alaska, offers Christmas decor and festivities year-round! Here, you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer, meet the man himself, and enjoy the snow that covers the entire town. Be sure to check out their ice sculpture competition, which features artists from all over the world! Ready for the Christmas celebration of your dreams? Start planning your next holiday vacation at any of these destinations, and we promise your dreams will most definitely come true!

Emotional Symptoms Often, victims experience anxiety or depression, and their overall quality of life may deteriorate. In more severe cases, victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the injury resulted from a traumatic event like a car accident or assault. Victims may also isolate themselves after a significant event, avoiding social interactions and activities they once enjoyed. Emotional isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle that is hard to break. Coping Mechanisms One of the most effective ways to cope with the emotional impact of a personal injury is to seek professional help. Psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors can provide valuable coping strategies. Social support networks can also be invaluable in the recovery process. Talking openly about your emotional struggles with friends and family can provide relief and help identify when professional help is needed.

And though it may seem counterintuitive, physical activity is another way to combat emotional stress. The type of physical activity depends on the injury, so consult your health care provider before engaging in any exercise. Pain and Suffering Damages While addressing emotional health is important, it’s just as critical to explore the available legal options. In personal injury cases, victims can seek damages for pain and suffering. These damages cover both physical pain and emotional distress, and they are categorized as “noneconomic damages” because they are subjective and difficult to quantify. An experienced attorney can help you determine if you have a case for receiving damages for your injury, particularly if it was caused by the negligence of someone else. If you’re struggling with emotional stress after an injury or need advice on getting compensation for pain and suffering, give us a call today. The emotional impact of personal injuries can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk this road alone.

The Emotional Impact of Personal Injuries

Bodily injuries are not just physical; they often come with an emotional toll that can be as debilitating as the injury itself. The emotional impact of an injury can manifest in various forms, and far too often, someone suffering from an injury may not know how to handle those feelings. If you’re dealing with an injury, read on to learn how to manage the stress and possibly even receive compensation.

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A Victorian Christmas If you are feeling adventurous, you can travel down to Thomasville for the 37th Annual Victorian Christmas. Held Dec. 14 and 15, this tradition features carolers, musicians, carriage rides, marshmallow toasting, street vendors and much more. It’s definitely worth the drive! Georgia’s Magical Holiday Events While not specific to Albany, Georgia has several signature holiday events. These include Christmas lights, carriage rides, music, wine tastings, and extended shopping hours, among other holiday festivities. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, you can partake in various fun activities throughout the holiday season. Eventbrite Listings If none of these events are what you’re looking for, or you’re seeking a more tailored experience, Eventbrite is an excellent resource for finding holiday events in Albany. Whether you’re interested in holiday-themed parties, craft fairs, or cooking classes, you can find an event that fits your interests.

With a lineup of events, including parades, music, and other activities, Albany is the place for those wanting to make the most of the holiday season. Check out these! 33rd Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas Parade The streets of downtown Albany come alive with colors, lights, and the spirit of Christmas during the Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas Parade. Taking place on Saturday, Dec. 2 this year, the parade is a fantastic event for the family and sets the mood for a cheerful holiday season. The theme for this year is “Gingerbread,” so there are sure to be floats decked out like gingerbread houses, marching bands playing holiday classics, and Santa Claus making a grand appearance! Rock & Roll Christmas Albany usually hosts events combining traditional holiday activities with modern elements, like the Rock & Roll Christmas. This event includes live music featuring holiday-themed rock and roll songs and aims to add a bit of an edge to the conventional holiday celebrations.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AROUND ALBANY

HOMEMADE EGGNOG

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 November newsletter:

Inspired by AheadOfThyme.com

Ingredients • 3 cups whole milk • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 3 eggs, room temperature • 4 egg yolks, room temperature • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/4 tsp salt • 2 cups heavy cream • 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Tabitha Harris Brittany Berry Frieda Shelton Derrick White

Darius Colton Jermaine Harrison William Johnson

For topping • Whipped cream • Ground cinnamon • Extra nutmeg

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 saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and vanilla, swirling occasionally until it starts to steam. 2. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture is thickened. Slowly add milk and whisk to combine. 3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring for about 6 minutes. 4. In another large mixing bowl, place heavy cream and nutmeg. Strain egg mixture into the cream and cool in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When chilled, fill a glass with eggnog and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and extra nutmeg!

Thank you for trusting us to serve you!

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Trey Reflects on 2023 With a Special Announcement PAGE 1 Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Towns in the US The Personal Side of Physical Injuries PAGE 2 Upcoming Holiday Events Homemade Eggnog PAGE 3 Sleep Position Secrets PAGE 4

A Dreamer’s Guide: The Link Between Sleep Positions and Dreams

Dreams are mysterious journeys into our subconscious. They can be filled with strange places, familiar faces, or bizarre scenarios. While the content of your dreams may seem random, research suggests the position you sleep in can influence their nature and intensity. The Impact of Sleep Position on Dreams The way you sleep can affect how often you enter the rapid eye movement (REM) stage and, consequently, the types of dreams you experience. While researchers can’t conclusively identify the relationship between sleeping positions and dreams, they have reached some research-based theories. Supine (On Your Back) Sleeping on your back allows for more unobstructed breathing and less fragmented sleep and may increase the likelihood of vivid and intense

dreams because you’re more likely to reach REM sleep.

Prone (On Your Stomach) Sleeping face down is associated with more restless sleep, less REM, and potentially fewer dreams, meaning your dreams will be less vivid and memorable. Lateral (On Your Side) Sleeping on your side, particularly in the fetal position, commonly leads to emotional dreams, possibly due to the sense of vulnerability or comfort this position provides. While sleep position can influence the frequency and nature of your dreams, it’s only one piece of the dream puzzle! Dreams remain a complex aspect of human consciousness, but it’s pretty neat to know that how you sleep may play a part!

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