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Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton
June 2021
Think Before You Post
Your Guide to Using Social Media Throughout the Litigation Process
caution when using social media during the course of a personal injury case or other legal concern. It may be impossible to avoid social media and online activity completely. Social media is ingrained in so much of our lives, and it’s how we stay connected with our families, learn about local news, and find new businesses or events.
your social media pages can be provided to the defense through a court order. It may be best to deactivate your accounts during the legal process. This will eliminate what’s discoverable, and it could prevent impulse posting. Furthermore, you should advise your friends and family to limit what they post about you. Ask that they don’t tag you in any posts, nor should they post about your case. Insurance companies often monitor the accounts of your friends and family, searching for proof that you don’t deserve compensation. They may even try to “friend” you or your loved ones in an attempt to see private accounts.
So, how should you navigate throughout the litigation process?
Let’s start with the basics.
When you’re facing a legal challenge, every part of your life faces scrutiny. It’s an exhaustive process that can add more stress to your circumstances, but understanding how this works and how you can protect yourself from negative consequences can make the legal process much easier to cope with. One of the biggest components of this is learning how to navigate social media’s role in your legal case. Insurance adjusters and defense parties can use photos, posts, stories, conversations, and location check-ins as proof that you do not deserve the compensation you are seeking — even if what they use is taken out of context. For example, simply posting “I was in a car accident” places fault on you, when that may not be the case. Even assuring your loved ones on Facebook that you are “fine” following the accident could be twisted by the insurance company. This is why you should use extreme
Your gut reaction to this information may be that you have to delete all potentially damaging posts from your social media pages, but don’t do this! It’s important that you discuss this with an attorney first. Deleting images or posts could rise to the level of destroying evidence.
Don’t use social media to post anything related to your case, the incident, or any injuries you may have incurred. Photos of the accident or your injuries, information about your case or attorney, rants about the opposing side, and many other seemingly normal posts can be very detrimental. You may be in
“Social media is discoverable, and what you post can have serious consequences on your case.”
Instead, heed this warning: Social media is discoverable, and what you post can have serious consequences on your case. You deserve to be properly compensated for your injuries. We would hate to see a social media post derail justice. If you have further questions about your case or social media usage during the legal process, please contact our team today.
pain and need assistance with your medical bills, but an insurance company might view that photo of you at brunch as proof that you are healthy, happy, and well. It’s unfair, but it happens. It’s wise to change your privacy settings on your social media accounts to private. This could protect you from having opposing parties discover potentially incriminating posts. However,
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ARE GROCERY SUBSCRIPTION BOXES WORTH IT?
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, so let’s explore one popular way to get more fresh produce into our lives: subscription-based delivery services like Full Circle and Imperfect Food. Are these services actually worth it? Do they save money and provide what they promise? Here’s what the research turned up. Can they save you time? The Verdict: Yes, without a doubt. Subscription-based grocery delivery services appeal to consumers because they save time. With somebody else doing your grocery shopping, you don’t have to think about when you’re making a trip to the grocery store this week. Someone else is doing it for you!
Is the food quality great? The Verdict: Yes, but it depends on your area. You have a higher chance of getting better grocery items if you buy from an organic grocery box service, like Imperfect Foods or Farm Fresh to You, since these companies work closely with your local farms.
SUMMER FUN — NOT SUMMER DISASTER PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH PROPER SUMMER SAFETY TIPS Keep in mind that some services, like Imperfect Foods, are designed to deliver fresh foods that are a little “imperfect” in size, shape, or color to help prevent food waste — but, as a benefit, it’s more affordable! However, we’ve found some services, like Full Circle, will prepackage their boxes from warehouses that may not be local to you, so do a little research before picking one. All in all, we’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that these boxes aren’t such a bad idea. Consider looking into it if you’re tired of the weekly grocery store time crunch!
Plus, some services even offer meal kits if you can’t decide what to make. There’s no argument here — these services definitely save you time.
Can they save you money? The Verdict: Sometimes, since it depends on your existing shopping habits. If you find yourself making impulsive purchases while strolling down the aisles at the grocery store, then a set (but customizable) weekly list of delivered groceries might be a great way to stick to your budget. Unfortunately, not many grocery subscription-box delivery services offer nonfood items like toilet paper or cleaning products, so you may still have to make a trip to the store every once in a while.
Water Safety A dip in the water is the best way to cool off, but it can turn deadly fast. Protection starts with education. Start by enrolling your children in swimming lessons. This instills powerful life lessons that ensure your children feel comfortable in the water. Then, enroll your family in a CPR class. (You can choose hands-only or traditional — either works!) This teaches everyone what to do in an emergency. Finally, children should never be left alone in the pool. In addition to this, life jackets can save your life and should always be worn on lakes and rivers. (And they are mandatory for children ages 8 and younger.)
correct, and that your luggage is functional. Finally, do not post about your vacation on social media until you have returned home. Doing so is a big advertisement to burglars who will know that your home is empty. Sun Safety The sun is a great source of vitamin D, but too much sun exposure can be damaging. Protect yourself and your family with a few simple tricks. First, wear clothing that covers your body and wear hats that shield your face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s rays, while opting for shady spots for picnics, beach gatherings, and barbecues will deflect some of the sun’s rays. However, the best way to shield yourself is to regularly apply sunscreen. Opt for a sunscreen that is rated at 15 SPF or higher and reapply every two hours.
It’s summer! That means the return of vacations, days spent by the pool, and long days outside with the family. But before you dive into all of that fun, be sure to brush up on some important summer safety tips. Travel Safety Before hitting the road, have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Technicians can find and repair damages so drivers can avoid emergencies. Create a roadside emergency kit, which should include blankets, flashlights, maps, wireless chargers, and water. If you’re flying, make sure your family has a supply of reusable masks, that your documentation is
You can learn more summer safety tips online at RedCross.org or visit CDC.gov.
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SUDOKU
An Example of Our Investment in Our Communities More Than Legal Experts At Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton, we understand that our responsibility as attorneys involves so much more than the legal work we do every day. We are committed to helping our clients begin the next chapter of their lives with a stable foundation, while also partnering with our communities to create a safer, better place for our future generations to grow and learn.
This April, one of our attorneys, Ashley Peinhardt, had the opportunity to do just that. Ashley was one of four
local attorney coaches who assisted Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School’s senior class through their Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program (CD3).
This national program provides high school and college students
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with firsthand experience through civil discourse by using mock hearings that examine cases that have relevant context to young adults (this includes freedom of speech in schools as well as social media issues). Throughout the program, several students act as attorneys, while the remaining class members make up the jury or collectively act as the judge. The attorneys present the facts of the case in the hearing, and the jury or judges are then tasked with coming to an “evidence-based solution.” The goal is to teach students how the civil process can lead to meaningful conversations, compromise, and resolutions to difficult problems. Ashley and her fellow coaches helped the students properly understand the process and intricacies of these hearings. They provided rules for a productive conversation, appropriate oral arguments, and jury deliberations by guiding the students through the hearing as if the event were actually taking place. The attorney coach expertise provided these students with valuable insight into the real-world scenarios they were examining. Ashley was honored to use her knowledge and experience to help students engage with the legal system in a meaningful, educational way — perhaps while molding a new generation of attorneys, too! We are proud of the way Ashley stepped up and volunteered in her community. She exemplifies our commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities for our clients, families, and children.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Easy Tuna Poke Bowl
This protein-packed recipe is the perfect dinner for two on a hot summer night when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Ingredients
• 2 tsp soy sauce • 1 tsp sesame oil • 2 tbsp orange juice • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced • 10 oz canned tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped • 1 scallion, finely chopped • 1 cup rice, cooked and cooled • 1/4 cup avocado, cubed • 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions
1. First, make the dressing. In a jar, add soy sauce, sesame oil, orange juice, and ginger. Secure the lid and shake until emulsified. 2. In a small bowl, empty the drained tuna and pour the dressing over top. Add the cilantro and scallions and stir until well coated. 3. Divide rice between two serving bowls. Top with the dressed tuna, avocado, tomatoes, and sesame seeds.
To learn more about CD3, please visit USCourts.gov. If you have a volunteer opportunity for our team, please call or email us today.
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Inside
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Social Media Etiquette During Your Case
Are Grocery Subscription Boxes Worth It?
Stay Safe This Summer With These Tips
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Attorney Ashley Peinhardt Helps Students Learn About Civil Discourse
Easy Tuna Poke Bowl
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Have You Explored a National Forest?
Explore a National Forest for Free
On National Get Outdoors Day
Many people in the U.S. and across the world have a national park trip on their travel bucket list. While Zion, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountains are all awesome locales, outdoor enthusiasts often overlook a resource that is less busy, less expensive, and usually right in their backyard: national forests. All but 10 states have a national forest (or more than one!), so if your home state doesn’t have one, it’s very likely a neighboring state does! And there’s no better time to hike, bike, forage for mushrooms or berries, or camp at a nearby national forest than this month. The tree-filled landscape will provide shade and help you beat the summer heat, and to further incentivize visitors, the U.S. Forest Service (the organization that oversees the national forests) is offering a fee-free day on Saturday, June 12, in honor of National Get Outdoors Day! While parking and day-use fees to access national forests tend to be relatively modest, fee-free days open up the opportunity to all visitors. The U.S. Forest Service has a great interactive map tool that prospective park- goers can use to learn more about the forests in their area, amenities and activities, and accessibility. Visit FS.fed.us/ivm to access the map and see what’s near your hometown!
If you’re dreaming up travel plans beyond your state’s border, consider visiting these notable U.S. national forests. • El Yunque National Forest: Located in Puerto Rico, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States.
• Tongass National Forest: Spanning 16.7 acres and several islands across Southeast Alaska, the Tongass is the country’s largest national forest. • Salmon-Challis National Forest: This Idaho forest is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 and contains the Frank Church- River of No Return Wilderness. • Cibola National Forest and Grassland: Spread across north- central New Mexico, west Texas, and Oklahoma, this forest and grassland area is notable for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The Sky Islands portion of the park is also home to over 200 rare plant and animal species.
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