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LEGAL BRIEF
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JANUARY 2026 FriedmanSimon.com
A YEAR OF MILESTONES
GROWTH AT WORK AND AT HOME
Resolutions haven’t ever really been my thing. I know many people start the year by talking about going to the gym more or setting goals for the next 12 months, but that’s not me. Now, it’s not that I don’t set goals. I do. I have a long list of personal and professional goals. But the best part about the start of the year for me is that it gives you a chance to stop and reflect. I’ve always made it a point to think about where the last year went, what I did, and what I was able to accomplish. Otherwise, January just turns into another month on the calendar.
It’s been an amazing year at work, too. We settled many cases with great results for our clients, which means we helped a lot of people. That’s always the best part. Seeing someone finally get through a rough situation and start to move on is something that never gets old for me. Between the wins at work and everything I have going on at home, I can honestly say that 2025 was a landmark year for me. As for 2026, I just want more of the same. More good cases, more growth, and more time with my family. We’ve got some new faces on the team at the firm, and it’s been great bringing in fresh ideas and finding new ways to make things even better for our clients. I like that part of this job. It keeps you on your toes and reminds you that there’s always room for improvement. I’m not looking to make many changes this year; I just want to keep building on what’s working. Life’s been good, and I don’t take that for granted. I’ve got a happy home, a baby who’s growing fast, and rewarding work that challenges me every day. You can’t really ask for much more than that. Wishing everyone reading a happy and healthy new year, and a prosperous 2026!
Looking back, 2025 was a wild one. Along with
buying our first house this year (we closed in April), my wife and I had our first baby (in May), our son George. At the beginning of the year, we were still in a condo, not even sure we’d find a house in time for the baby. Now, we’re homeowners trying to keep up with a seven-month-
old who’s getting bigger every day. It’s crazy how much can happen and change in one year. It’s been very different from any I’ve ever had … in the best possible way. I’ve learned that being a dad changes everything. Before, I’d often stay at the office until 7 p.m. or even as late as midnight if I was working on a deadline. I still pull late nights if needed, but by 5 or 5:30, I’m typically headed out the door and on my way home. Work is still work, and I pour myself into it, but my personal priorities and responsibilities are different. A year ago, I’d be thinking about what we could do after work or over the weekend. Now, my main interests are rushing home to spend time with my wife and son during my non-work hours.
-John G. Papadopoulos
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Strategy in a Construction Injury Case
FIGHTING FOR A FAIR SETTLEMENT
The start of a new year always feels like a blank page full of possibilities. While many families dive into resolutions and goal- setting, try another tradition just as powerful (and a lot more fun): creating a family gratitude jar. Instead of focusing on what to change, this little project helps you notice and celebrate what’s already good in your life. With nothing more than a jar, scraps of paper, and a few minutes daily, you can build a collection of joyful moments your family will treasure all year. GETTING STARTED Pick a container. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A mason jar, decorated tin, or clear plastic container all work as long as they can sit where you’ll see them daily. Prepare the supplies. Cut paper into squares (3-by-3 inches works nicely) and have pens, crayons, or markers nearby. If someone doesn’t love writing, they can draw, circle options, or dictate for an adult to write. Have extras ready so you’re never scrambling. Set a daily ritual. Decide together when you'll pause to think and share. It could be after dinner, tucked into bedtime routines, or first thing in the morning. What matters is consistency. Stick with it long enough that it becomes part of your rhythm. Use a simple prompt. Here’s an easy method: Ask each person, “What was a bright moment today?” Encourage them to name something specific, even if it’s small, like “the puppy barking” or “a funny joke.” Give them space. Then have them write or draw it, slip it into the jar, and (if you like) share aloud. Make it meaningful later. Open the jar together once a month or at the end of the year and read through the notes. You’ll be surprised how small moments you may have forgotten feel powerful all over again. Use them to spark intention for the coming year: “I want more of that,” or “Let’s do more kind acts like this.” Starting a gratitude jar is about building a modest, consistent habit that opens your eyes to abundance. Over time, the jar becomes a treasure chest of your family’s stories, reminders, and unseen miracles. That collective memory anchors your family in kindness, wonder, and connection as each new year unfolds! One Jar, Countless Smiles Kick Off the New Year With Gratitude
Some injury cases can move fast, but construction cases rarely do. There are usually many players, several insurance companies, and a lot of finger-pointing before anyone agrees to do the right thing. I recently settled a construction case that took a lot of time and care. It was not a one-on-one situation. We had a general contractor, multiple subcontractors, and different carriers arguing over who was at fault, and who should pay what. Meanwhile, my client couldn’t work and was trying to heal. Our job was to keep the case moving, and keep him informed. There are several reasons why these cases take time. There are depositions for various individuals on the site, and calendars don’t always align. Contracts matter, too. Who installed what? Who handled safety at the location? Who coordinated the project? Every defendant and insurer wants to shift the blame. Getting all of them to agree on fault and dollars doesn’t happen overnight. After depositions, defendants often attempt to file motions to dismiss as well. It helps to have the right team. In many construction injuries, you have both a workers’ compensation attorney and a third-party injury attorney. The comp lawyer helps process medical bills and lost wages through the workers’ compensation board, and we pursue the third- party case to ensure full accountability of the negligent parties that may be responsible for the injuries. Throughout the course of the case, I stay in touch with the client, explain what is happening in plain English, obtain treatment updates, and set a realistic timeline. The turning point in this case came after we completed depositions and filed a document called the note of issue, signifying that the case was ready for trial. That changed the leverage. Shortly before trial, with motions pending, everyone agreed to sit down with a neutral mediator. We spent the day working through the strengths and weaknesses of the various claims, with the defense working through percentages and contributions to a potential settlement. By the end, every defendant contributed something, and we reached a settlement. If you’re in the middle of a construction injury case, here’s my advice: Keep your medical appointments. Follow your treatment plan. Be consistent and careful with your statements and deposition testimony. Ask questions when you have them. Big sites mean many players,
and progress can feel slow, but it’s still progress. A construction injury can upend your life, and you need someone on your side who knows how these cases work. We are here to help you move forward.
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ENERGIZE NATURALLY WITH SIMPLE DAILY HABITS Ditch the Quick Fix
It’s 3 p.m., and you’ve hit the dreaded midday slump. For many Americans, coffee or an energy drink may fuel their second wind. When tired, we tend to turn to external sources for a boost, but it’s a temporary fix; we’ll encounter the same issue the next day. Instead, we need to look internally and make changes to improve overall well- being for the long term. A healthier, more consistent way to increase energy is possible! Do you stay up late every night? Do you use your phone right before you fall asleep? Do you have trouble waking up in the morning? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to give your sleep a facelift. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, ideally around 9 or 10 p.m. Put your phone away at least an hour before bed. If this is difficult, practice meditation whenever you feel tempted to grab your phone.
Your diet may also need adjustments. If you skip meals, eat junk food, or snack right before bed, you’ll feel it later. During the day, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods instead. Make time for every meal, stepping away from your work while you eat. If you do not get enough nutrients, supplement your diet with vitamins. Consider your daily movement as well. It might sound counterproductive, but exercise can substantially boost our energy. Exercise improves oxygen and nutrient circulation while allowing us to get better sleep.
You don’t have to go through life lacking energy. Make adjustments today for a more energized tomorrow.
SUDOKU
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
This delicious dish will help make your home the go-to destination for Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
Directions
1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com
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Reflecting on a Big Year INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 End the Year With a Jar Full of Joyful Memories
Building Patience in Complex Cases
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The Healthy Cure for Your 3 p.m. Crash
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
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Tiny Paws, Big Rescue: Kitten Helps Man Survive Mountain Ordeal
SMALL HEARTBEAT, BIG RESCUE KITTEN KEEPS TRAPPED CLIMBER ALIVE IN MOUNTAIN BLIZZARD
Trapped in an icy mountain ravine, soaked and nearly frozen, 28-year-old Vladislav Duda contemplated what he feared would be the last night of his life. Escape from the ravine, more than 430 yards deep, was out of the question. Suffering from fatigue as hypothermia set in, Duda believed only one thing separated him from death: the furry warmth of his months- old kitten, Peach, huddled against his chest beneath his coat. Duda, a Ukrainian journalist, had undertaken a perilous journey in late 2024 across the Carpathian Mountains into Romania to avoid being drafted to fight in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Four days earlier, he had run out of food for his cat and himself, and they were surviving on icy water from melted snow.
Rescue workers from a regional mountain team had tried to reach Duda by helicopter, but hazardous blizzard conditions forced them to turn back. Instead, more than a dozen ground workers battled through deep snow in 14-degree temperatures into the ravine. When they finally reached Duda, they opened his coat and found the tiny orange tabby kitten curled against Duda’s chest. “The cat was warm, and was warming him,” Dan Benga, director of the Maramures Mountain Rescue Service, told The Associated Press. “He saved his life.” Asked if he was okay, Benga says that Duda told his rescuers, “I’m happy because my cat is alive. I got a chance from God for a new life. The happiest moment is because
the cat is here with me.” Although climbing out of the ravine took more than five hours, Duda held Peach close to his chest the entire way. Forced to turn the kitten over to rescue workers when he was placed in an ambulance, Duda begged them, “Please take care of the cat.” When Duda was rescued, he was one of roughly 160 Ukrainian men saved while crossing the mountains to avoid the draft. Sixteen others died trying. The rescue was “like a dream, after all I have been through,” Duda said. “Peach kept my heart warm, and he kept my faith alive.” Duda was treated for hypothermia at a nearby hospital. Peach was taken to a veterinary clinic nearby and, at last report, survived the ordeal in good health.
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