The Law Offices of Marc Shapiro P.A. - March 2022

Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake

BUT FIND THE ELUSIVE GOOD-LUCK CHARM FIRST

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to

enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Know Your Adversary COMMON DEFENSES IN PERSONAL INJURY CASES

Just like in a criminal trial, the defendant in a personal injury case has the right to defend themselves. So, the injured person not only needs to prove their case, but they also have to refute the other side’s arguments. The person who caused the injury or their insurance company will likely have legal representation, and they have a variety of defenses available to them.

Defense attorneys may also claim that injuries sustained in the accident were preexisting conditions. If the injured party already had the injury before the accident, they’ll argue that the defendant should not be held liable for causing it. They will seek out old medical records to prove their case. However, having a preexisting condition doesn’t mean you can’t receive compensation for an injury. After all, an accident can aggravate or worsen an old ailment, which qualifies for damages.

Perhaps the most common defense in personal injury cases is comparative negligence. Under comparative negligence, the defendant claims the injured party contributed to the accident and shares the responsibility. Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means each side is assigned a percentage of fault in the incident and considered responsible for it.

Sometimes, defense attorneys will argue that the plaintiff chose to engage in an inherently risky activity. It’s called “assumption of risk,”which means someone who knowingly partook in something dangerous cannot claim damages for it later. Think of football — if you choose to play, you can’t sue someone for following the rules and tackling you.

If, for example, the court finds the injured person 20% responsible for the accident, the damages they can recover will be reduced by 20%. A defense attorney will attempt to prove a higher percentage of blame by the injured person to reduce their liability. But remember that even if the injured person is 99% to blame for the accident, they’re still entitled to the final 1% worth of damages caused by the other party.

Countering all of these defenses requires evidence, experience, and understanding of the law. A personal injury attorney can help you with the process and increase your chances of a successful recovery. If you would like to learn more about how the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro can help in your case, call us for a consultation or visit our blog at AttorneyShapiro.com/blog.

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