Check out our March newsletter!
March 2025
Expressway Tower • 6116 N. Central Expy., #1201, Dallas, TX 75206 • 214-682-7132 Alps Building — Historic Stockyards • 222 W. Exchange Ave., Suite 106, Fort Worth, Texas 76164 • 817-382-8387 Spot the Hidden Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury
How a Young Girl’s Case Changed My Perspective on Brain Injuries
to move within the skull, creating trauma. Symptoms might not show up right away, or they could be dismissed as unrelated. But make no mistake — these injuries can lead to life-altering consequences, especially if left untreated. Now, when I meet with clients, I approach every conversation with care and intent to identify TBIs as soon as possible. I ask, “Are you experiencing headaches? Memory loss? Trouble focusing? Do lights or sounds irritate you more than usual?” These are all red flags for a potential TBI; just one “yes” to these questions is enough for further investigation. I advise my clients to consult a neurologist if there’s even the slightest indication. Sometimes, what seems like a minor injury is actually the start of a much bigger issue. What amazes me is how far we’ve come in understanding brain injuries. The groundbreaking research in sports — like the studies on NFL and NHL players — has shed light on the long-term effects of concussions. Tools like neuropsychological evaluations and life care plans help us measure the impact of TBIs and chart a path forward for care and compensation. They allow us to show how these injuries ripple through daily life, affecting education, employment, and relationships in the immediate future and even years from now. What I always tell clients is this: Do not ignore the signs. A fall in the yard, a bump on the head — these might seem insignificant, but they can have lasting effects. Pay attention to your body, and do not be afraid to ask for help. The brain is an incredible, complex organ that defines so much of who we are. It is our thoughts, our dreams, our memories. Brain Injury Awareness Month reminds us that this fragile, powerful organ deserves our care and attention. Let’s commit to looking closer, asking questions, and supporting those facing the challenges of brain injuries. Because when it comes to the brain, there’s no such thing as being too careful.
Brain injuries are among the most misunderstood and overlooked threats to our health. They often creep in unnoticed, their symptoms subtle and delayed. But as someone who has witnessed their life- changing impact firsthand, I know how crucial it is to shine a light on these invisible injuries. Since March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, let me share what makes these injuries so dangerous and how awareness can make all the difference. Years ago, I handled a case that forever changed my perspective on brain injuries. A young girl, barely 8 years old, suffered an electric shock from faulty wiring in a hotel. At first, everything seemed fine. Then, the symptoms crept in — seizures, learning challenges, and behavioral changes no one could explain. After a long journey to find answers, a pediatric neurologist diagnosed her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). That case opened my eyes to how insidious brain injuries can be, especially in children whose brains are still developing. What I have learned since then is this: Brain injuries are not always obvious. You do not have to directly hit your head to suffer one. A fall, a car accident, or even a jolt to the body can cause the brain
– Patrick R. Kelly
WE WANT YOU TO CONSIDER US YOUR LAW FIRM. While we specialize in bodily injury cases, we are happy to refe r you to a firm that can help you with any legal issue that may arise. Please feel free to refer us to your friends and family for their legal needs. We look forward to helping you.
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No one enters a marriage thinking it will end in divorce; however, when people hear the words “nuptial agreement,” the implication is that the couple has no faith the marriage will stand the test of time. But consider a different perspective. These agreements, whether prenuptial or postnuptial, can also be viewed as intentional steps toward restoring marital bliss, which can be especially beneficial when couples have financial concerns after marriage. Postnuptial agreements, in particular, can assist couples in making the best financial decisions for their marriage. Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial The only difference between a “prenup” and a “postnup” is the time of signing. A couple signs a prenuptial agreement before marriage, whereas they sign a postnuptial agreement afterward. Both types of agreements are contracts both spouses agree to sign to ensure a fair and decent distribution of financial assets in the event of divorce. 4 Common Reasons for Postnuptial Agreements There are many reasons a couple may want to create a postnuptial agreement. Perhaps both spouses wanted to sign a prenuptial agreement but never got around to it, or maybe the couple had a change of heart and wanted one after all. Either way, a postnuptial agreement can assist in the following scenarios. Dividing Interest in a Business: Separate or Marital Properties When dividing interest in a business, the main concern is determining marital and separate property. If the business belonged to one spouse before marriage, it is their separate property. If the business was established after marriage, it’s considered marital property. However, if both spouses contributed to the maintenance and operations of the business, Could They Be the Solution for Marital Harmony? CONSIDERATIONS OF POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
“A postnuptial agreement has an important place in many marriages and can relieve stress if you have relentless concerns about financial matters.”
it can be viewed as a hybrid property. Postnuptial agreements help couples categorize the business as a separate property to be left to the titled spouse. Determining Inheritance: To Whom Does the Money Go? If a spouse is bequeathed a large inheritance, the couple may choose to discuss the distribution of the funds in case the marriage dissolves. This is especially important if you live in a state where assets are equally dispersed between spouses if the assets were obtained during the marriage — i.e., community property. A postnuptial agreement trumps the community property law, granting the heir their full inheritance. Rebuilding a Relationship Postnuptial agreements can also function as a way to mend a strained marriage. Infidelity, for example, can be devastating to a marriage. As a condition for the marriage, the non-cheating spouse may require the cheating spouse to agree to sign a postnuptial agreement. This can signify hope for the marriage — but only under certain conditions. Protecting Stay-at-Home Parents A stay-at-home parent may have spent years out of the workforce but has equally contributed to the upkeep and harmony of the home. Because of that, the legally unemployed parent may find reentering the workforce difficult and want financial security through a postnuptial agreement. This would ensure they get a fair distribution of assets. Are you considering a postnuptial agreement? A postnuptial agreement has an important place in many marriages and can relieve stress if you have relentless concerns about financial matters. If you’re considering a postnuptial agreement, seek legal advice to navigate the complexities of these legal documents.
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Is there really such a thing as “ organized chaos ”? It depends on whom you ask! If you thrive in clutter, this article isn’t for you. Creating an organized space is simply a matter of ensuring household items have a place to be stored — and not in the one drawer filled with everything from ketchup packets and paper clips to a random Cheeto! Whether you’re preparing for house guests or diving into a spring-cleaning marathon, these organizing tips will bless your cluttered mess! Tension Rods for Shoe Storage Need more shoe space? Not a problem — just grab a few tension rods! If you have two sturdy objects — dressers, a wall and nightstand, etc. — you can place two tension rods between them and create a “shelf” to place your shoes on. Add multiple rows of tension rods for extra storage. Clothes Pins for Cabinet Door Storage Kitchen cleaning supplies, especially lightweight items, don’t always have to be placed on the floor inside the under-sink cabinet. Putting double-sided tape onto clothes pins and sticking them inside the cabinet doors creates an excellent place to hang rags/sponges, kitchen gloves, and sink stoppers. Napkin Holders for Pot Lids Using zip ties and upright wire napkin holders, you can create a lid organizer for your pots and pans. Rather than flipping the lid upside down on top of the pot, you can create a designated space for all the lids to reside. You can even organize your lids from smallest to largest! Pool Noodles as Hanger Spacers Between Clothes Pool noodles work as spacers to keep your clothes hanging neatly. Just take a pool noodle and make one cut length-wise to open the noodle, and then cut it horizontally into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces on the bar in your closet and hang your clothes according to how many hangers you want between each spacer! Honeycomb Organizer for Socks and Undergarments Drawers that house undergarments and socks tend to get disorganized quickly. Honeycomb organizers are the perfect addition to ensure all items fit in the drawer, making it easier to grab what you need. These organizers are also adjustable, so they’ll fit any drawer size! Get It Together! DIY Organization Tips to Bring Order to Your Living Spaces
TAKE A BREAK
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth • 1 (15-oz) can (no salt added) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt • 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 (5-oz) package baby spinach • 1 cup heavy cream
Directions 1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add broth, tomatoes, fresh basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until carrots are slightly tender. 3. Stir in tortellini. Cook until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. 4. Add baby spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve and garnish with additional basil if desired.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Why You Should Never Ignore a Head Injury, Big or Small
2
Postnuptial Agreements: What They Are and Why They Matter
3
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Decluttering Hacks Made Easy
4
Food-Based Courtroom Follies
BEEF BRIEFS BIZARRE FAST-FOOD LEGAL BATTLES
quantity of meat in its burgers compared to those other popular fast-food restaurants sold. Decades later, a New York resident launched a one-man mission to prove that one of Burger King’s modern-day competitors, Taco Bell, failed to heed the burger giant’s lead. In the summer of 2023, Frank Siragusa filed a class action suit against Taco Bell, alleging the company had “materially overstate[d] the amount of beef and/or ingredients” in its advertising for its Mexican Pizza and Crunchwrap menu items. Siragusa’s suit includes photographic evidence comparing the robust size of the advertised products versus the actual ones he purchased. While the case was ongoing as of this writing, Siragusa’s love for fast-food beef cannot be disputed. A Vegan Vendetta Vanquished Although only 3% of the adult population in the U.S. identified as vegan, according
to research presented by the Vegetarian Resource Group in 2022, people who refuse to eat any animal-derived products remain a passionate and vocal minority. In 2019, a vegan named Philip Williams took Burger King to court after learning that the patty in his Impossible Whopper — marketed as a meat-free alternative to the popular burger — had been cooked on the same grill as beef products. In his suit, Williams argued that because Burger King had added a plant-based meal option to its menu, consumers were led to believe the meal would be prepared separately from the animal-based items in the kitchen. The judge disagreed, later dismissing the case and noting that Burger King’s marketing of the Impossible Burger promised only a meatless patty and nothing more. The lesson learned? Sometimes, even in the world of fast food, what you see is what you get.
Is seeing always believing? Well, plaintiffs in two of the oddest legal cases in recent years set out to show the world that what ends up on our trays or in our drive-thru bags may not be as scrumptious as fast-food joints promise in their ads. A Clash With Burger King Readers of a certain age may remember Wendy’s’ famous “Where’s the Beef?” campaign that brilliantly marketed the
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