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LEGAL BRIEF
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APRIL 2025 FriedmanSimon.com
THE POWER OF TAKING A CHANCE RISK, REWARD, AND LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES
You never know when one decision will change everything.
That’s what I thought when I saw that National Take a Chance Day is celebrated in April. I know it’s just another made-up holiday, but this one made me pause. It reminded me of my dad. If anyone knows what it means to take a real chance, it’s him. My father was just a teenager when, out of nowhere, one of his cousins told him, “We’re leaving tomorrow. Get on the boat with me.” There was no guarantee — just a shot at something different. And he went for it. He was a kid. At only 16 years old, my father left his home, his parents, and his family in Greece. He worked his way from place to place around the world on a ship for two years before ending up in the U.S. at 18. Fifteen years passed before he made it back to Greece. And by then, everything was different. He’d built a life, a family, and a future that wouldn’t have been possible if he hadn’t taken a big chance. We’ve never really talked about what he was thinking when he left, and maybe I should ask him sometime. Did he second-guess himself? Did he ever think about turning around? I don’t know, but the leap of faith he took at such a young age set everything in motion — for him and ultimately for the family he created with my mother who he met here in New York. BIG OR SMALL, RISKS SHAPE OUR LIVES. Not every risk is as dramatic as leaving everything behind and hopping on a boat, but we all face decisions that can shift our path. Taking a new job, moving into a new place, or even just speaking up when it feels risky involves taking a chance. Some risks lead to incredible opportunities, while others come with uncertainty. We take a chance at something bigger each time we step out of our comfort zone. I talk to clients about this all the time. They get an offer — money on the table, guaranteed. Do they take it? Or do they push for more, knowing there’s no promise of what’s to come next? It’s a tough call, and just like in life, every choice comes with risks and rewards. TAKING A CHANCE IN THE COURTROOM. One recent case sticks out when I think of risk and reward in the courtroom. The insurance company came in with a $100,000 offer —
not bad, but we knew the case had more value. The client had to make the call — lock in the payout or roll the dice. They decided to hold out, and it paid off in a big way. The jury awarded $650,000, making our client’s risk well worth it. Of course, things don’t always go this way. Clients can take a chance and end up with less than they hoped. That’s the risk, but the decision is never made blindly. We break it down, weigh every angle, and develop a game plan before recommending any decision. THE LESSON IN TAKING CHANCES. We all run into many moments when we have to choose — play it safe or go for the unknown. My father had no idea what was waiting for him if he took a chance and got on that boat. It’s crazy to think about. What if he’d stayed? What if fear or doubt held him back? Like
him, my clients don’t know how everything will turn out. But sometimes, taking a chance with the right preparation and guidance leads to something bigger than you ever expected.
-John G. Papadopoulos
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A family road trip is a great way to make memories with the people you love. But along with all the adventure, you can expect challenges. What’s the key to making the journey as pleasurable as the destination? Preparation. A little planning will go a long way toward making your road trip easy, fun, and memorable — in a good way. CHECK FOR VEHICLE SAFETY. Your trip's safety depends on your car's safety, so a thorough vehicle inspection is essential. This includes checking tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels. A professional assessment can provide added peace of mind if your car hasn’t been to the mechanic recently. And don’t forget the emergency kit. At a minimum, you need a spare tire, jumper cables, first-aid supplies, and basic tools. PACK ESSENTIALS. Road trips can quickly head south (figuratively!) without the necessities. Packing healthy snacks and plenty of water will keep everyone hydrated and satisfied between meal breaks. Bringing pillows, blankets, and loose-fitting clothing will ensure comfort on long drives. And don’t forget the entertainment. Create playlists to cut down on disputes over the radio, and bring audiobooks and travel games for when you need a break from the music. PLAN THE ROUTE. GPS devices and smartphone apps make modern travel a breeze with real-time directions and traffic updates. However, some areas of the country have poor cell service. Downloading your route before your trip can avoid the headache of spotty internet service. It’s also wise to bookmark any stops you plan to make. This includes roadside attractions and rest areas for restrooms and meal breaks. SET THE GROUND RULES. Families often forget to review their rules for car travel. Setting expectations early on can make all the difference. Start by establishing rules for in-car behavior — no screaming, arguing, or distracting the driver. Then, to make it easier to maintain the peace, involve the kids in creating a list of car-friendly activities. Consider implementing a rotation system for seating, snack selection, and playlist control to help keep things under control. While you likely have a destination goal, road trips are just as much about the time you spend getting there. By following a few tips, you can have a great family adventure. Family Road Trips Done Right Tips for Traveling With Your Crew
When getting in shape and sticking to an exercise routine can feel like an uphill battle, it doesn’t have to. Current studies show that we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Moderate is defined as walking 2 miles in 30 minutes or biking 5 miles in the same amount of time at a rate that requires some effort to hold a conversation. THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF LOVING YOUR DAILY WORKOUT Find an Exercise Routine You Can Stick To
With these guidelines in mind, it’s time to reset your workout expectations with these three tips to help you find a program you can stick with.
CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU ENJOY. It’s okay if lining up at dawn to enter a CrossFit gym isn’t your thing. There’s nothing worse than dreading daily trips to a weight room when you’d rather be out hiking or playing a competitive sport. The important thing is to do what you enjoy. If it’s easier to exercise with friends, ask at your gym for groups that meet there or find other people who want to work out with a group on social media. BREAK THE 150-MINUTE GOAL INTO SMALLER, ACHIEVABLE INCREMENTS. If you like jogging, rather than running for 30 minutes five days a week, substitute cycling — either outdoors or inside on a stationary bike — every other day to take the pressure off your feet and joints. Three 10-minute workouts rather than one long session is also fine. Whatever feels good for you and keeps you giving your best effort each workout. TRACK YOUR SESSIONS AND REWARD YOURSELF. Keeping a calendar of your successes helps make your good habits tangible. If you need a boost, look for different yoga, dance, or martial arts classes to incorporate into your schedule. After 30 days of success, give yourself a treat, whatever may be motivational. The bottom line is that exercise should be enjoyable if you’re going to stick with it. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. The voice in your head should be encouraging, the way you would speak to a friend who’s struggling. Give yourself time to establish your new routine. If you choose activities you enjoy, taking time for yourself will be a pleasure. You’ll start looking forward to your exercise routine and be more likely to stick with it over the long term.
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expects to be in an accident, but the right coverage can make all the difference if you are.
DON’T RISK YOUR SAFETY THIS SPRING April Showers Bring May Insurance Claims
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN THE ROADS AREN’T Instead of taking chances on the road, here are a few ways to stay safe during April showers: • Slow Down: Wet roads increase stopping distance, so give yourself extra time.. • Check Your Tires: Good tread helps prevent hydroplaning. • Headlights: Even in light rain, better visibility protects everyone. Also, take a few minutes to review your insurance policy — it could save you major stress later. NOT ALL RISKS ARE WORTH TAKING. Some risks pay off. Holding out for a better settlement? May be worth it. Speeding through a downpour or driving without proper insurance? Definitely not. You also don’t want to risk handling the aftermath of an accident alone. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free consultation.
Risk and reward go hand in hand. Some risks can lead to life-changing rewards — like my father leaving Greece as a teenager (see cover story) or a client holding out for a bigger settlement. But not every risk is worth taking. One place not to gamble? Behind the wheel of a car. THE DANGEROUS SIDE OF APRIL SHOWERS. Spring weather is unpredictable and can create terrible driving conditions. Some drivers adjust, but many don’t. In fact, driving in the rain brings out a special kind of overconfidence. People act like wet weather doesn’t change anything — they fly through deep water, tailgate, and blow through intersections as if they could stop on a dime. But rain makes accidents more likely and more dangerous.
Even small mistakes can turn serious fast when roads are wet.
WHY YOUR COVERAGE MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH. Like driving too fast for the conditions, too many drivers also take chances with their insurance policies. As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen this many times. Someone gets hit by a driver with too little or no insurance, and the person hit also lacks insurance or collision coverage, leaving them to deal with out of pocket car repairs or worse, a terrible injury with only the minimal recovery allowed by the law available. Without collision and proper supplemental uninsured/underinsured coverage, they may have no way to cover those costs. No one
SUDOKU
Hearty Gnocchi Soup Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Savory bacon and cheddar make this an easy favorite to whip up on cold nights.
Ingredients • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 1/2 tsp celery seed • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth • 16 oz fresh gnocchi
• 1/2 cup half-and-half • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided • 2 tbsp chopped chives • Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery seed and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes, then stir in half-and-half and 1/2 of the bacon. 3. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup cheese, then rest until thickened, about 5 minutes. 4. Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon as desired. Directions
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516-800-8000 FriedmanSimon.com
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The Risks That Change Everything INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Family Road Trip Hacks You’ll Love
Make Exercise Fun and Effective
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Spring Storms, Slippery Roads, and Smart Coverage
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
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How Much Do You Know About Diet Soda?
ARE SUGAR SUBSTITUTES WORTH THE TRADEOFF? KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
The U.S. market for soda is worth over $200 billion, fueled by the average American's annual consumption of nearly 40 gallons of soft drinks — including diet soda. While staying hydrated is good, sending lots of chemical sweeteners into our digestive tracts may not be. Concern for serious health issues started in the early 1970s when scientists linked cyclamate and saccharine, popular synthetic sweeteners, to cancer. Congress banned cyclamate but wouldn’t ban saccharine. More recent studies determined that obesity is related to many types of cancer, and obese people are more likely to consume lots of diet soda. Similarly, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes are more likely due to underlying health issues like excessive weight than consuming artificial sweeteners. In the last decade, more natural sugar alternatives have become available, like stevia, agave, monk fruit, and allulose. Diet soda manufacturers have yet to incorporate these into their soft drinks, but
they are experimenting. The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia along with erythritol (another new sugar substitute) in its Vitamin Water Zero.
Artificial sweeteners do provide some benefits, including fewer cavities, lower blood sugar, and less weight gain. However, some people still suffer side effects from drinking diet soda. The sugar alcohols in diet sodas are linked to intestinal distress, and one scientist points to a potential link between laboratory-created sweeteners and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The importance of our stomach’s microbiome is new to science, and all impacts are under intense scrutiny. Sugar-free beverages may be a better choice than sugar-infused drinks because they don’t cause insulin spikes, but the Mayo Clinic warns that frequent consumption of any type of sweetened drink can become habit-forming, making it hard to return to drinking plain water, which is the optimal choice for health. As with most food trends, we should be informed, listen to our bodies, and make wise choices about what we drink and eat.
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