Take a look at our February newsletter!
For The Ambitious Advocate BRIEF RECESS
FEBRUARY 2024
FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF J. PRICE MCNAMARA
As we approach Feb. 1, which is known as National Get Up Day, I am reminded of a simple but profound truth: We all face setbacks in life, but it’s crucial to pick ourselves up and keep going. This idea is especially relevant for people like us who work in the legal field, where we deal with complex issues every day. Life can be tough, just like our jobs, but it’s our resilience and determination that help us navigate these challenges and achieve success both professionally and personally. Lawyers often have to navigate unfamiliar situations, whether we’re in court, at the negotiating table, or in the boardroom. That’s why more than many skills, it’s important that we’re adaptable, determined, and committed to achieving justice, as the legal landscape is constantly changing. Even when things don’t go as planned, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and keep going. Being a lawyer is not just a career; it’s a calling to uphold justice and advocate for the rights of our clients. In the face of legal challenges, we find ourselves on the front lines, but it’s not always an easy job. Sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to, and it can be discouraging. And, much like a legal case, life itself is filled with unpredictable twists and turns. As lawyers, we have to balance our work responsibilities with our personal lives, which can be tough. Sometimes, everything seems to go wrong at once, and that can be really overwhelming. But it’s during these difficult times that we learn how strong and determined we can be. However, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that every stumble is an opportunity to rise stronger. We have clients who rely on us to help them, and our ability to overcome challenges directly impacts their lives. As we celebrate National Get Up Day, let’s remember that it’s normal to fall sometimes, but what really matters is our determination to get back up. A LAWYER’S DUTY OF OVERCOMING ADVERSITY IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE FROM LEGAL BATTLES TO LIFE’S CHALLENGES
Practicing law is both a privilege and a responsibility. The challenges we encounter are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, resilience, and a more just society. So, on this National Get Up Day, let us renew our commitment to rising strong, not just for ourselves but for the clients who depend on our unwavering dedication to justice.
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The Story of Jim’s Battle Again
In a remarkable display of courage and instinct, a German shepherd named Tank recently became an overnight sensation. His heroic act, captured in a TikTok video with over 45 million views, showcased the extraordinary bravery of our canine companions. Tank’s story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary when he saved his owner’s 6-year-old son from a dog attack in November 2022. As the young boy played in the front yard of his South Florida home, a neighboring dog, unrestrained and aggressive, charged toward him. In an instant, Tank leaped into action. The dog pushed the boy to the ground and then placed himself between the boy and the oncoming threat, averting a possible tragedy. Tank’s quick thinking and fearless stance saved him and demonstrated the innate protective nature of German shepherds. German shepherds are a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them the first choice for families seeking a dependable guardian. Like many German shepherds, Tank possesses a unique blend of courage, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs are not just pets; they are devoted protectors and family members willing to put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones. A Heroic Hound’s Story R ? THE BRAVERY OF TANK THE GERMAN SHEPHERD
Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS! Bake for your love. Baking is a great way to express your love on Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning to bake cookies, bread, or an entire cake, finding the perfect recipe online is easy. You can make the experience more enjoyable by shopping together for the necessary ingredients and playing your favorite songs while baking. To add some fun, you can challenge each other to a bake-off! When you’re done, you can sit down and enjoy your delicious treats while watching a movie or catching up on your favorite TV show. Valentine’s Day, an annual quest for the perfect date, prompts the dilemma of whether to go all out and spend a ton of money or to keep it simple. So, this year, whether you plan to stay low-key or celebrate with extravagance, there are plenty of ways to make the day special in Baton Rouge, no matter what your preferences are. 4 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Our Lovely City! Baton Rouge Romance
Tank’s story is more than a viral sensation; it’s a testament to the deep bond between dogs and humans. His actions remind us of dogs’ invaluable role in our lives, offering unconditional love and unwavering protection when needed. The boy’s mom wrote on social media that Tank is their “highly skilled professional home security officer.”
“This is Tank & no, he is not professionally trained. He’s just a man with killer instincts, who loves
a good chew toy,” she wrote after posting a video of Tank playing with his favorite toy.
In today’s world, Tank stands out as a true hero. As we watch Tank’s story, we are reminded of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends and their profound impact on our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes; they have four paws and a tail.
ERISA is all we do!
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nst Unjust Benefit Termination
HOW WE OVERTURNED THIS UNFORTUNATE DENIAL MONTHLY LONG-TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS WON ON APPEAL! Our client Mary (not her real name) suffered from an extreme mental illness disability triggered by work burnout. Her claim story and her symptoms are scary, as you’ll read below, for several reasons. Mary’s treating physicians told her she could not work until she got better. But the Principal Insurance Company ignored the doctors and denied her claim for disability benefits. Principal claimed that the evidence she presented was insufficient to prove her case, despite her treating psychiatrist’s unwavering opinion.
Plan a picnic at LSU lakes. LSU is known for its beautiful lakes beneath breathtaking oak trees, making it an ideal location for a romantic and relaxed picnic date (weather permitting). Don’t forget to grab your picnic blanket and pack your basket with refreshing drinks, sandwiches, chips, and a scrumptious chocolate treat. You could also make a quick stop to get some unique snacks to share! Taste some tapas together. Originating in Spain, tapas are small, savory dishes that are usually served as appetizers but can also be eaten alone and paired with wine. These dishes are perfect for sharing, and their small size allows you to order multiple plates. This way, you and your partner can try out multiple dishes together, but there is no shame in ordering tapas just for yourself! In Baton Rouge, there are several restaurants serving tapas and excellent wine, such as Solera Bar & Tasting Room, Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, and Proverbial Wine Bistro. Indulge in a fine dining experience. Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion for fancy dinners, and luckily, Baton Rouge offers several restaurants for those who want to splurge this year.
We worked closely with Mary to help her build her claim carefully and systematically with new, undeniable evidence far beyond what she had presented to Principal before they denied her claim. In helping Mary gather evidence to build her case, we needed to learn all the details of her story. As we did, we quickly realized that her story of burnout, and truly delusional bipolar disorder, was the most extreme we had ever heard. In her appeal, Mary simply needed to tell her story more vividly and effectively to the insurance company. Mary’s delusional symptoms were terrifying and included “hearing voices and seeing her dead relatives.” She thought she was constantly monitored and would not let anyone near her with a mobile phone. She felt her office was bugged and would only communicate in whispers with co-workers. She thought people were taking pictures of her through the skylight and while using the toilet. She was convinced trucks were following her, and she believed everyone who worked on her house, such as plumbers, yard, and maintenance personnel, was part of the mafia. She became extremely hyperactive, assigning staff to clean out cabinets and refrigerators at 2 a.m. during an ice storm and fired good staff members for no reason. With Mary’s help, we spoke with some of her physician supervisors to create detailed descriptions of their direct observations of Mary’s bizarre behavior. These descriptions were made into formal, signed statements. We created a more vivid, detailed statement for Mary’s signature describing her symptoms. Thankfully, presented with undeniable new evidence in Mary’s appeal and court opinions, Principal finally did the right thing. It paid her for all past-due benefits and began paying her the $7,500 per month that was owed to her under the policy. Unfortunately, disability insurance companies unfairly deny legitimate claims every day. But these unfair denials can be overturned with properly presented, stronger evidence. If you’ve suffered an unfair disability insurance claim denial, we’d love to hear your story and see if we can guide you to benefits. Call or text (225) 201-8311 for a consultation today!
Some of the upscale restaurants in the area include: • Texas de Brazil • Stab’s Prime Steak & Seafood
• Jubans • Maison Lacour French Restaurant • The Little Village
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House • Mansurs on the Boulevard
Marry Me Chicken Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients • 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
ERISA INSURANCE J. PRICE MCNAMARA Claim Attorney
10455 Jefferson Hwy. Suite 130 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 201-8311 WinMyBenefits.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Celebrating National Get Up Day With Resilience and Determination
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Meet Tank, a Canine Companion and Protector
Our Top Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Baton Rouge!
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Marry Me Chicken
Mental Health Disabilities Deserve Benefits, Too
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The ‘Back to Eden’ Method for Your Garden
GET ‘BACK TO EDEN’ IN YOUR YARD WITH REGENERATIVE GARDENING
Regenerative gardening, often called the “Back to Eden” method, is a game-changer for gardeners. This approach harnesses the power of nature to create a thriving, sustainable garden with minimal effort. We’re here to share what regenerative gardening is, why it’s an excellent choice for gardeners, and how to implement it yourself. What is regenerative gardening? Paul Gautschi’s documentary “Back to Eden,” featuring his transformative garden, put regenerative gardening on the map. The concept is based on replicating natural ecosystems within your garden by following three basic steps: Wood Chip Mulch: The garden bed is covered with a thick layer of wood chips, mimicking the forest floor. This mulch conserves moisture and slowly breaks down, providing nutrients to the soil.
No Tilling: Unlike traditional gardening, regenerative gardening encourages minimal soil disruption. No digging or turning of the soil is needed, reducing weed growth and preserving beneficial soil organisms. Natural Composting : Instead of chemical fertilizers, composting is used to enrich the soil naturally. Nutrient-rich materials are added on top of the wood chip mulch, allowing rainwater to help leech the nutrients into the soil. Why choose regenerative gardening? It’s low-maintenance, serving as an effective weed barrier and moisture retainer, reducing the need for constant weeding and watering while maintaining soil health. Additionally, this method promotes sustainability by removing chemical additives from your garden. The gradual decomposition of wood chips enriches
the soil naturally over time, yielding impressive harvests without synthetic fertilizers.
How to Get Started Clear existing weeds to prep the garden, then apply a substantial layer of chemical-free wood chips, at least 4–6 inches deep. Adding a layer of compost atop the wood chips will initiate the natural decomposition process. For planting, create holes or trenches within the wood chips and place your seeds or seedlings directly into the compost layer. To maintain your garden, top the wood chip mulch layer as needed, and continue adding compost annually to nurture your garden. Regenerative gardening is an innovative approach that can transform your green space into a thriving, low-maintenance oasis. Embark on your regenerative gardening journey and witness the magic for yourself!
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