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September2025
Injured in an Accident?
Here’s Why Working With a Lawyer Could Change Everything
If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, dealing with the pain, medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future is overwhelming. The smartest step you can take is hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer who will fight to get you the full compensation you deserve. Get medical treatment. The most important thing to do after an accident is to get proper medical care, even if your injuries seem minor. Serious conditions like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding may not have obvious symptoms at first. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose you and recommend treatment. Follow your doctor’s orders exactly and attend all follow-up appointments to protect your health and strengthen your claim. Avoid discussing your accident with the insurance company. The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely contact you seeking a recorded statement about what happened. They may seem friendly and express concern for your well-being, but make no mistake. Their goal is to find ways to limit or deny your claim. The best way to protect yourself is to politely decline to give a statement and direct the adjuster to speak with your lawyer instead. Don’t accept the first offer. You’re missing work, bills are piling up, and you need money now. The insurance company knows this and will use it to their advantage. That’s why their first settlement offer is almost always lower than what your claim is worth. They’re hoping you’ll agree to the lowball amount out of financial desperation and not understanding the fair value of your case.
If you accept that check, you sign a release giving up your right to further compensation, even if your injuries are more serious than you initially realized. Understand the statute of limitations for claims. Working with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is essential due to the statute of limitations, the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you try to file your case after the statute of limitations expires, the court will almost certainly dismiss it. Statutes of limitations vary by state and type of claim, ranging from one to six years. The clock starts running on the accident date, but some exceptions may extend the deadline. Should you hire a personal injury lawyer? After an injury, it’s always a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Here’s why: • Injuries that appear minor at first can develop into something more serious.
personal injury lawyer will identify all potential sources of recovery to maximize your compensation. • Evaluating damages like future lost income and pain and suffering is complicated. A personal injury lawyer knows how to calculate the full value of your claim. Do you need a personal injury lawyer if you have insurance? If you have your insurance, like health insurance, disability insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or Medical Payment (MedPay) coverage on your car insurance, you’ll file a “first-party claim.” Your insurer is supposed to be on your side, but they may still try to deny or limit your benefits. Find the right personal injury lawyer. Not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. Here are some tips for finding the right fit: Look for a lawyer who focuses on personal injury law. You don’t want a jack-of-all-trades lawyer dabbling in personal injury cases. Find an attorney who focuses on personal injury law and is someone who truly understands its complexities. Choose a lawyer with experience handling your type of case. Personal injury law covers many accidents, such as car crashes, slips and falls, dog bites, etc. You want a lawyer who has successfully handled plenty of cases similar to yours.
• The insurance company may try to lowball you or deny your claim. A
personal injury lawyer will deal with the insurer and treat you fairly.
• Proving the other party was at fault and their negligence caused your injuries isn’t always easy. A personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. • Multiple parties, such as a negligent driver’s employer, may be responsible for your accident. An experienced
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The Power of Early Estate Planning Starting your estate planning early might not sound like the most exciting thing, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift: peace of mind. Control Over Your Wishes One of the most significant advantages of early estate planning is control. You have the opportunity to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your children if something happens to you, and who will make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without a plan, those decisions could be left to the courts, and the outcome might not reflect what you would have wanted. Protection for Your Loved Ones If you have young children, planning early is especially important. A well-crafted estate plan allows you to name a guardian for your kids, create trusts to manage their inheritance responsibly, and ensure your family is cared for no matter what happens. Even if your estate isn’t large, the structure and guidance you leave behind can make a huge difference. Probate Hassle Avoidance Another key benefit of early estate planning is avoiding probate, a time-consuming, public, and expensive legal process. Strategies like creating a revocable living trust can keep your estate out of “Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift ...” Secure Your Future Today
probate court and ensure a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries. Starting early allows you time to structure your plan wisely and avoid future headaches. Adaptation to Life Changes The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have. Life doesn’t stand still — marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren, job changes, and new properties can all affect your estate. Beginning early gives you a solid foundation you can tweak as needed, instead of scrambling to build something from scratch during a crisis. Tax Minimization While not everyone faces estate taxes, for those who do, early planning can help minimize them. A financial and legal advisor can help structure gifts, trusts, and charitable donations in ways that preserve more of your wealth for your loved ones instead of the IRS. And even for smaller estates, planning ahead helps with income and capital gains tax implications that often get overlooked. Family Conflict Avoidance When a loved one passes without a clear plan, confusion and differing expectations can lead to arguments or legal battles between family members. By outlining your wishes clearly and legally, you minimize misunderstandings and help ensure a smoother, more unified transition. Peace of Mind Ultimately, the most significant advantage is peace of mind. Knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones will be cared for, and your legacy will be preserved brings a sense of comfort that’s difficult to put a price tag on.
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Can You Put Your Pet’s Bowl in the Dishwasher?
Read reviews and testimonials. Check the lawyer’s website, Google reviews, Avvo, and other online resources to see what former clients say about their experience and results. Choose a lawyer who consistently receives positive feedback. Consider the size of the firm. You might feel drawn to a big law firm, but your case can get lost in the shuffle and passed off to a less experienced associate. Look for a firm large enough to have clout but small enough to give your case personal attention. Schedule a consultation and trust your gut. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations. Take advantage of this to meet with lawyers and get a feel for their personality and approach. Go with the lawyer with whom you have the best rapport. The right lawyer can mean the difference between a lowball settlement that doesn’t begin to cover your losses and a full financial recovery that lets you put your life back together. Contact a personal injury lawyer today.
W H A
If your pet is practically a family member, you likely care a lot about what goes into their food bowl. But here’s a question many pet owners forget to ask: “How clean is that bowl, really?” And more importantly, “Can you just toss it in the dishwasher?”
–Bill Steffens
The short answer is yes, most pet bowls can be safely washed in the dishwasher — and they probably should.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are among the germiest items in the home, often ranking alongside kitchen sponges and bathroom faucets. When left unwashed, pet bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and salmonella, which can pose health risks to pets and families. That’s where your dishwasher comes in. Modern dishwashers can handle more than dinner plates — they reach high enough temperatures to sanitize pet bowls and kill harmful bacteria effectively. Just check the bottom of the bowl or the manufacturer’s instructions for a dishwasher-safe symbol, especially for plastic bowls, which can warp or degrade in high heat. If you still use a plastic pet bowl, consider finding a new one. Veterinarians and pet care experts recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Not only are they more durable and hygienic, but they’re also far less likely to harbor bacteria in scratches or porous surfaces. If you’re hand-washing your pet’s bowl, use hot, soapy water, and scrub every part of the bowl. The FDA recommends cleaning pet bowls after each use and even more frequently if you feed wet or raw food. If your pet eats from their bowl multiple times a day, consider having a second clean set on hand so a fresh one is always available. So, if your pet’s bowl is dishwasher-safe, go ahead and give it a spin — preferably on the top rack. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and safe.
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large,
• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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(308) 872-8327 www.SteffensLaw.com PO Box 363 Carnegie Prof. Bldg.
Broken Bow, NE 68822 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Be Your Best Ally
2
Get Ahead of Life’s Surprises With a Rock-Solid Estate Plan
3
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Yes, You Should Be Washing Your Pet’s Bowl Every Day
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Legacy Lessons From Michael Crichton
Estate Planning Lessons From a Literary Legend EVEN MICHAEL CRICHTON GOT IT WRONG
Michael Crichton was a literary giant — the mind behind “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” and “ER.” But despite his brilliance, he wasn’t immune to estate planning complications. When Crichton passed away in 2008 at 66, he left behind a complex situation that serves as a cautionary story for anyone hoping to leave a smooth legacy.
Crichton’s estate was valued in the tens of millions, but we can all learn from his story. Here are four key takeaways. Keep your documents up to date. Life changes with marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Your estate plan should reflect your current reality. Review it at least every 3–5 years, or immediately after a significant life event. Plan for future children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not expecting, it’s wise to include language that accounts for future descendants. This can avoid costly court battles and ensure your intentions are honored. Communicate with your family. Unspoken assumptions can lead to conflict. Being clear with your loved ones and your estate planning attorney can prevent confusion down the line. Work with an experienced estate planning professional. Crichton had a will and trust, but they weren’t airtight. A qualified estate planner can help ensure your documents are legally sound and flexible enough for life’s surprises.
Crichton had a will and trust in place, but they were outdated. Most notably, his documents did not provide for any future children. At the time of his death, his fifth wife was pregnant — a fact not reflected in his estate plan. As a result, there was a legal dispute over whether the unborn child, John Michael Todd Crichton, should be considered a beneficiary. Crichton’s adult daughter from a previous marriage argued that the baby should not inherit, citing the language in the will. A court battle followed, and eventually, a judge ruled that the son could inherit from the estate — but not without litigation and unnecessary stress for the family.
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