Johnson Law Firm - March 2018

Take a look at our newsletter this month!

FAITH · FAMILY COMMUNITY

March 2018

www.jlfva.com (571) 298-0517

The Lombardi Philosophy

DOYOU BELIEVE IN LUCK?

T his month, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by dressing in green, drinking beer, and talking about the luck of the Irish. I enjoy celebrating this holiday, but when I hear the word “luck,” I don’t think of leprechauns. Instead, I think of a quote by Vince Lombardi.

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”

As a football fan and coach, I’ve always admired Lombardi’s style and philosophy, so naturally, this quote is one of my favorites. And I readily agree with his statement. Luck is chance as much as it is anything else, and opportunities are presented to us in life by chance. Not everyone gets the same opportunities — that’s just how life goes. But when chance shines on us, we have to ask ourselves,“Have we prepared for this opportunity?” and “Are we ready to seize it when it appears?” Opportunity exists; it’s your job to prepare for and recognize it.

you look back on missed opportunities and learn from your mistakes, you can be better prepared to take advantage of the next one. Although I try to apply Lombardi’s philosophy to all aspects of my life, one of the greatest examples was my acceptance into law school. In no way was it in my life-plan to attend, but when my brother threw the idea out there as a challenge to me, I decided it could be a path I wanted to pursue. I was happy in my job as a coach and a teacher, but I acknowledged that it was a great opportunity, and I do love challenges, so I made a deal with myself. I would study for three months and take the LSAT. If I did well, I would enroll in law school. If I didn’t do well, I would stick with my coaching and teaching career. I often say that I got lucky on the test, but I also know that I put a lot of work into studying. Each day, I would stay late after school, sit in the football office, and study. I

often got home close to midnight, and there were a couple of times I even fell asleep at the school and woke up early in the morning. I wasn’t going to leave this test up to chance. Instead, I was going to prepare myself in order to take full advantage of the opportunity available to me. Because of my preparation, I performed well on the LSAT, changed the direction of my life, and now have a different career. Luck can be pure chance, but more often than not, it appears when someone works hard and prepares themselves for an opportunity.The harder you work and the more you prepare, the more chances you create for yourself and the easier it becomes to recognize opportunity. I hope you have a great holiday. May Lady Luck shine her smile in your direction. Jamie Johnson

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”

It can be easy to look back on life and realize that you never took advantage of an excellent opportunity or you didn’t work hard enough to prepare for it. Everyone, including myself, has done this at some point in their lives, and it can be hard not to get hung up on those choices. But in my opinion, reflection can be beneficial to the present and future. If

www.jlfva.com 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPRING CLEANING YOUR UTILITY ROOM

Like all the other rooms in your home, this space needs to be kept clean. Dust, for instance, can be hard on HVAC systems. Over time, it accumulates in the HVAC intake and clogs the air filter, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency.This results in a short lifespan for your system, higher power bills, and a poorly heated or cooled home.

In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system.This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander, and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems. A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained.These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!

DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

HOW OFTEN SHOULDYOU REPLACEYOURAIR FILTER?

The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore — spring cleaning! As you dust, vacuum, organize, and declutter, don’t forget about the one room that often gets neglected.This year, give special attention to the utility closet. The utility closet houses your furnace, boiler, water heater,A/C junction, and other similar large appliances. Homeowners often forget about these appliances because they are out of sight and out of mind, and this can cost a lot in the long run.

• Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6–12 months. • Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3–6 months. • Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2–3 months. • Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1–2 months.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION

Traumatic brain injuries, commonly known as TBIs, are very serious and surprisingly common. However, not everyone is aware of the steps to take after a brain injury. A friend of mine was rear-ended by a drunk driver and received a mild traumatic brain injury.To most people, he still looks normal, but he was in a very dark place for most of the following year. To make matters worse, his insurance company tried to argue that since there were no visible scars, his injury wasn’t significant. Fortunately, he consulted one of the best brain specialists in his state and the insurance company was forced to acknowledge the struggles he was going through. His concerns were validated, and the expert opinion from his neurologist made his case stronger. Brain injuries are very different from injuries like broken bones. My friend’s neurologist told him that a bone break could heal in a matter of weeks and it would be hard to tell the

difference. But, depending on the severity, a brain injury can take months or even years to heal.With such a long healing process, brain injuries often force individuals to miss work to promote healing, which results in lost wages. The right specialist will be able to properly diagnose your injury so that you can get on the path of healing faster. Specialists are critical to your recovery, so if you’ve experienced head trauma, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. It can make a difference in your case, but more importantly, it will make a difference in your future. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain or spinal injury, call our office today, and we can look into what your options might be.We can’t make right what’s happened, but you may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve been through. Call us today and we can have a free and confidential discussion about your case.

CAR ACCIDENTS ∙ DUI DEFENSE ∙ WILLS/TRUST ∙ PROBATE 2

DO YOU NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY FOR AN AUTO ACCIDENT?

serious injuries from an auto accident, there may be staggering medical bills, along with time lost at work, that can create financial hardship. Insurance benefits are often insufficient in covering these damages, so it may be necessary to seek a settlement in the courtroom. • There is a dispute of fault in the accident. When there is a question of fault in an accident, it is best to consult an attorney to build your case and ensure that you are not held responsible for a collision that was not your fault. • The accident required you to visit the ER or urgent care. If your injuries required immediate medical attention, they will likely need additional follow-up.A skilled attorney will negotiate with both the insurance company and your doctors to maximize your recovery. If you are unsure where to turn after a serious car accident or even a fender bender, call Johnson Law Firm at (703) 763-0780 to schedule your free initial consultation.We can get you the compensation you deserve.

WHENTO HIRE ANATTORNEYAFTER ANAUTOACCIDENT

Auto accidents are some of the most common causes of personal injury cases.While many auto collisions are minor, car accidents can lead to serious injuries and significant property damage that may warrant the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you have been involved in an auto accident inVirginia, Johnson Law Firm can help you determine

There are many different reasons you might choose to speak with an attorney after a car accident. If you are faced with any of the following situations, you will definitely want to schedule a consultation.

whether a personal injury case will be appropriate for your circumstances.

• The accident led to serious injuries or death. If you or a loved one have sustained

BRAISED CHICKENAND SPRINGVEGETABLES

AROUND THEWATER COOLER

This simple and delicious one-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight. It only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on work, but will taste like you spent all day building flavors. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s sure to delight eaters of all ages.

Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 8 small bone-in chicken thighs • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 12 radishes, halved

• Happy birthday,Albert Einstein!

• 4 large carrots, cut into sticks

• Don’t forget to set your clocks forward for daylight saving time on March 11! Remember: It’s spring forward, not fall back.

• 1 tablespoon sugar • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped • Salt and pepper

• March is the

Recipe inspired by Real Simple

leading month for vasectomies — perhaps because the NCAA tournament eases the boredom of sitting on a bag of frozen peas for 3 days.

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6–7 minutes per side. 3. Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat.Add broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. 4. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15–20 minutes. Finish with chives.

www.jlfva.com 3

13478 Minnieville Road Suite 204 Woodbridge, VA 22192 www.jlfva.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

INSIDE

WHATVINCE LOMBARDI TAUGHT ME ABOUT LUCK PAGE 1

SPRING CLEAN YOUR UTILITY ROOM

WHATTO DO IFYOU’VE EXPERIENCED HEADTRAUMA PAGE 2

WHENTO HIRE ANATTORNEY AFTERANAUTOACCIDENT

BRAISED CHICKENAND SPRINGVEGETABLES PAGE 3

AMELIA EARHART’S LEGACY PAGE 4

UP IN THE AIR T here are plenty of figures worthy of remembrance duringWomen’s History Month. From literary pioneers like Mary Shelley and Emily Dickinson to civil rights heroes like Rosa Parks and Daisy Bates, inspiring legacies abound. But few of those women’s stories end with a question mark.

THE LEGACY OF AMELIA EARHART

by mystery. For decades, historians and enthusiasts have batted around theories about the fate of the intrepid pilot. Just last summer, on the 80th anniversary of her disappearance, a History Channel documentary claimed to have found the truth. TheTV documentary “Amelia Earhart:The Lost Evidence” made a media splash when investigators claimed to have uncovered a

photograph of Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, alive in the Marshall Islands. According to their narrative, Earhart and Noonan survived an emergency landing in the Japanese-occupied islands, only to languish as prisoners of war. Cold water was poured on this theory shortly after.A copy of the same photograph was found in the Japanese National Archives with the date 1935, which was two years too early for the photo’s subjects to be Earhart and Noonan. People’s enthusiasm to solve the mystery of Earhart’s disappearance will persist for years to come. But this month, as we celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history, it’s important that we set aside the mystery of Earhart’s death to honor her vibrant life. She blazed a trail for women in science, aviation, and beyond, leaving a legacy as boundless as the sky.

To this day, the story of famed pilot and women’s rights advocate Amelia Earhart remains shrouded in the clouds. Her life was defined by a rare combination of curiosity, conviction, and courage. Earhart became a nurse during the GreatWar, taught aeronautical engineering at Purdue, and was an avid feminist in the post-suffrage era. On top of these accomplishments, Earhart became the famous aviator we remember today. Since her twin-engine Lockheed Electra disappeared over the Pacific Ocean during the last leg of her historic 1937 flight around the world, the Earhart legacy has been defined

4

CAR ACCIDENTS ∙ DUI DEFENSE ∙ WILLS/TRUST ∙ PROBATE

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

www.jlfva.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs