Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton Law - December 2019
December 2019
A Client’s Journey
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he day Linda Rutherford learned she had lung cancer, she also found out she’d had it for well over two years. Her previous doctor had missed her condition entirely, and by the time it was finally diagnosed by another doctor, it had advanced to stage 4. Confused and unsure what to do, Linda contacted an attorney for guidance. Medical malpractice is a highly specialized area of law, and few firms handle these cases, much less handle them well. This attorney referred her to Hare Wynn because of our reputation as one of the leading medical malpractice firms in the area. Jamie Moncus was the attorney assigned to represent her. When Linda first met Jamie, she was struck by his quiet confidence and assurance. She came away from the meeting comforted and encouraged, and she knew he understood what she was going through. Jamie knew Linda needed an attorney, but he also knew that going to trial would be an emotional and challenging process, so she was also going to need a friend. And when depositions began, Linda says “I was so scared because I had never been through anything like that before, but Jamie was just the best. He told me not to worry but to tell the truth — to tell my story, and everything was going to be fine. And he was right; it was.” Even so, Linda says the trial was a particularly stressful experience for her because the defense attorneys were aggressive and confrontational. In her words, “I don’t know why they have to try to turn everything around. I know that is their job, but Jamie was just so upfront, candid, and levelheaded with everything.” Linda goes on to say that Jamie’s approach in the courtroom was forthright and straightforward, which was in stark contrast to that of the defense team. She elaborates, “Jamie just had a knack for getting to the
“‘With Jamie, you never felt that it was just about winning another case. It was all about finding the truth, and he was so sincere and straightforward. I think that is what won the case.’”
truth. He was direct, and he wouldn’t back down. With Jamie, you never felt that it was just about winning another case. It was all about finding the truth, and he was so sincere and straightforward. I think that is what won the case. The jurors, no doubt, felt they could believe him and trust him. Furthermore, he was always very calm and collected, no matter what the defense attorneys tried to pull off. Because he was so calm in every situation, he also had a calming effect on me. If it wasn’t for his kindness, confidence, and composure, I probably would have been upset and crying and everything else. The trial was difficult because I had never gone through anything like that, but he gave me peace of mind.” Linda says that Jamie was so well prepared that no matter what the defense threw his way, he was never distracted or surprised. He took everything in stride because he seemed to have already anticipated the defense team’s every move. For example, there was a turning point at trial where one of the defense experts cited a study. The research supported the defense’s claim that the two-year delay in diagnosis had not been a factor in the growth of her cancer. It all sounded very believable until Jamie —who had anticipated their strategy — brought to the jury’s attention that the study was conducted in 1959. Linda feels that there were many examples throughout the trial of how well prepared and sincere Jamie was. Because of this, she feels the jury made up their minds well before closing arguments to rule in her favor. While the money Linda was awarded has made a tremendous difference in her life, it accomplished something even more significant than compensation for her illness. Linda explains, “I have experienced many difficult times in my life, and the cancer was only one of many. I am not accustomed to things going my way, but Jamie did the best possible job in the world for me, and because he did, he gave me hope at a time when I needed it. I will always be deeply grateful.”
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4 Eco-FriendlyWays to Decorate for the Holidays Considering all the wrapping paper, decorations, and cards that fill our homes during the holiday season, it’s no surprise that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is not only the most cheerful but also the most wasteful time of year. According to Stanford
and gingerbread ornaments for a fully edible, compostable tree decorating scheme. A bowl of patterned pomanders (oranges studded with cloves) and pinecones makes for a beautiful centerpiece that smells festive, too. GoWildWith Plants If you like to decorate your stair rail or mantlepiece, try replacing the shiny plastic and fake-foliage garlands with real holly and pine boughs or bringing festive potted plants indoors. Small evergreen trees, holly bushes, and poinsettias are all attractive choices that can, with proper care, last the whole year. Dare to DIY If you have the time, scrap paper can be cut into beautiful ornaments, and old Christmas cards can be punched into leaf shapes and used to create lovely wreaths. Don’t forget to save your wrapping paper and ribbon scraps for next year!
University, Americans generate 25% more trash during the holidays than any other period — that’s the equivalent of one million extra tons per week, which is enough to convince anyone worried about the health of the planet to cut back on the tinsel and fake snow. Luckily for the eco-conscious, celebrating the season without adding too much to the landfill is completely possible. To start your own green Christmas traditions, try these tricks: Opt for Edible Decorations Remember the cranberry and popcorn garlands of Christmases past? It’s time to bring them back! Pair handmade garlands with iced salt dough
Thrift Shop Till You Drop If you have your heart set on glitzy glass ornaments or an elaborate candle centerpiece, check nearby thrift stores before you head to Walmart. They’re often stocked to the brim with Christmas decor during the holidays, and you can probably get something you’ll love for pennies on the dollar! Plus, by recycling these previously used decorations, you’ll be keeping them out of the landfill.
Hospital stays can take a financial toll on patients and their loved ones, which is why the ball is crucial to the hospital. All the proceeds from the event are donated to the hospital to provide resources to children and their families regardless of their financial status. During the event, guests enjoyed dinner with live music from some of the area’s top artistic talent as well as live and silent auctions. Along with performances, guests were invited to Children’s of Alabama hospital to view over 40 spectacular trees on display in the hospital’s lobbies!
Designers and companies came together to display these trees to brighten the spirits of patients, families, and visitors alike. And some of the designers decorating these trees have been doing it for over 25 years! Some of the businesses included Bromberg’s Jewelers, Camp Smile-A-Mile, Children’s of Alabama Cardiac Nurses, Hand in Paw, Homewood and Mountain Brook Kiwanis International, and UAB Infectious Disease Laboratory.
I f you’ve read anything from Hare Wynn, you know we love to give back to our community. And during the holidays, it’s no different. This year, we’re happy we could support this year’s Children’s Ball for the 12th year in a row! The ball, held at The Club, was hosted to raise money for the patients and their loved ones residing at the Children’s of Alabama hospital. Children’s of Alabama is a nonprofit medical center that provides care to children in 42 states and seven different countries.
While the event may be over, you can still visit Childrensal.org to donate.
Anyone who’s watched“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”knows there is a lot that can go wrong over the holidays. While they may not always reach the level of mayhem the Griswold family deals with, real world accidents are no laughing matter. So, here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones in comfort and joy this season. Watch out for festive fires. Candles, Christmas lights, and holiday hams may fill our hearts with warmth, but if you aren’t careful, they might make your house even hotter. Consider using battery-operated candles to avoid the hazard of open flames. Before putting up electric decorations like lights, check cords and bulbs for damage. Furthermore, avoid overloading your outlets with too many of these decorations because they can blow a fuse or even spark an electrical fire. Finally, always remain in the kitchen while cooking your feast. A burning roast can leave you without Christmas dinner at best, and without a dining room at worst. Deck the halls with a sense of caution. Decorating is a timeless holiday tradition, but it’s also one that warrants precaution. For instance, did you know that many of our favorite holiday plants like mistletoe and holly berries are poisonous? Be sure to keep these away from children and animals if you plan to put them in your home. If you plan on running lights outside of your home, be sure to use a sturdy ladder and have a partner to help keep you steady. As for the tree itself, ensure its base is large enough to support it, and avoid putting glass ornaments on the lower branches where small children might grab at them. Make it home for the holidays. The roads may be the most dangerous place of all this season. Sadly, drunk- driving-related accidents skyrocket this time of year, particularly around Christmas and NewYear’s Eve. If you plan on having a merry time at a holiday party, then it’s best to go with a designated driver or use a ride-share service. Even if you are sober, be sure to drive defensively — especially at night.
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Gingerbread is a holiday classic of the very first order, but it’s often a construction material rather than a treat. This recipe, on the contrary, is purely for eating.
There can be many risks this time of year, but with a little caution, your holidays should be merry and bright!
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for greasing 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped 2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda
2 large eggs
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Grease a loaf pan with canola oil. 3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1/2 cup canola oil, molasses, brown sugar, eggs, ginger, and cranberries. In a separate bowl, sift and combine flour with baking powder, baking
soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until blended. 4. Scrape batter into loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes. 5. Transfer to a rack, let cool for 20 minutes, slice, and serve. Inspired by Food &Wine Magazine.
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A Client’s Journey
4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate for the Holidays
How the Children’s Ball Helps Those in Need
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Cranberry Gingerbread
Yuletide Safety
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Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’
LESSONS FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Your kids are listening to you (oh, fudge!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. Kids won’t believe in magic forever. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with
wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season. Sometimes ‘disasters’ lead to new adventures. Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.
Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!
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