The Law Offices Of William F. Underwood - September 2023

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SEPTEMBER 2023

Our Firm’s Dedicated Team Deserves Celebrating! MANY SKILLS MAKE UP OUR INDISPENSABLE TEAM

While my name is in the firm’s title, the Law Offices of William F. Underwood III P.C. would be nothing without its team. Labor Day is here, and I want to highlight my incredible crew and show just how much I appreciate everything they do. Every employee here works hard and gives everything they have to help our clients, and it shows! I genuinely believe this is the best team the firm has put together since I started practicing. First, I must shout out my partner, Ben Haggerty. With Ben’s assertive approach, we can bring double the manpower to our cases and ensure we’re fighting for our clients in full force. While Ben focuses more on legal work and writing briefs, I get to put all my energy into the business side and communicate best with my clients. Without him, I’d probably be spread thinner than butter on toast. Thankfully, I have him as my partner to balance our cases and work together to get the justice every client deserves. Meanwhile, our personal injury case manager, Ashleigh Thornton, is integral to keeping our chaos in order. When I say she is highly organized, I mean it! She is undoubtedly one of the detail-oriented people I know. Ashleigh is truly the best person ever to fill this role, and I wouldn’t want to know what this firm would be like without her. Jennifer Collins, our paralegal, has a wealth of knowledge and experience, so when she first started, she was able to hit the ground running. As a paralegal, she makes my life so much easier. Jennifer brings her invaluable experience, drive, and dedication that uplifts us all. Last but not least, our intake specialists, Stephanie Harden and Kayla Dooling, work together to keep an outstanding attitude and commitment to our clients, which isn’t always easy. Stephanie handles every call with compassion and support and has been coaching Kayla, who has shown great promise. The team can’t wait to see what Kayla will achieve here at our firm!

Every employee here abides by our core values with great ease. Everyone at our firm is a team player and is always more than willing to give five-star service to our clients. We’re firing on all cylinders now, and with such amazing work from everyone, our team has outgrown our office! While searching for a new space, we’ll update our clients on any further changes. We’ve been in our current office for almost six years now, and I want to ensure that my team and our clients can be as comfortable as possible. Growth is always part of our plan, but we will always ensure that our team, no matter what size, serves our clients to the best of our ability. My team, myself included, cherish the strong bonds we create with our clients, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Happy Labor Day to you all, and a special thank you to every member of the Underwood team!

-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III

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GET YOUR HOME FALL-READY

Decorate your door. Wreaths are a DIY staple for several reasons. They’re easy for beginners to make and can set the tone for your home by offering visitors an autumnal focal point. You can buy a variety of starter wreaths at the craft store, so find one that suits your taste. Then pick up other supplies like leaves, pine cones, dried corn, and ribbon. Now you’re ready to hot glue to your heart’s content and create something distinctive.

Housewares stores are currently full of cute autumn decor, but the cost of refreshing your house’s look each season adds up quickly. Fortunately, you can do a lot for less. Many DIY crafts are not as complicated as you might think. In addition to saving money, you’ll create personalized charm none of your neighbors can match. Repurpose your pumpkins. Small gourds are incredibly versatile. Just sprinkling a few around your dining room table or mantle makes it feel like fall. But you can quickly elevate them using metallic paint to add cute designs, phrases, or names. Another option is to wrap seasonal fabric around them like a pouch, gathered at the stem. If you feel more ambitious, you can also use pumpkins to make succulent planters. Cut a crater in the top of the

pumpkin, pop in the succulent and soil, and press the dirt until snug.

Light up the night. The soft glow of a lantern or candle is the perfect way to get the cozy vibes started. Instead of succulents in the top of your pumpkin, you can set wax and a candle wick to create something unique. If you’re

bored with pumpkins, try the same with acorn caps. An even simpler idea involves glazing real or fabric leaves on the outside of mason jars with craft glue. Then add decorative stones and a wax or battery- operated tealight for a seasonal twinkle.

If you need further ideas, look closer the next time you shop. Many of the fun fall items for sale aren’t very difficult to make yourself with a few minor adjustments and a little creativity.

We understand you probably don’t get in a car wreck daily or find yourself injured every month, and the injury claim process isn’t a breeze to understand. Many steps occur when a person files an injury claim. While you legally can do this on your own and represent yourself, an experienced attorney can remove immense stress from your shoulders. We work on injury cases daily; it’s an area we are more than comfortable navigating. An Overview of the Injury Claim Process While the exact timeline and steps in an injury case can differ depending on a variety of features, there are a few factors that you will likely face along the way. 1. After an accident, you will likely need to receive medical attention to care or check for any injuries you sustained. 2. Calculate the damage done and determine who is at fault. 3. Gather all the evidence you can, such as medical records, police records, photos, witness statements, etc. NAVIGATE THE INJURY CLAIM PROCESS DON’T DO IT ALONE

4. Write and send a demand letter to the insurer, which covers all the case details, the costs you’ve faced, and the compensation you’re requesting. 5. Negotiate the given offer and reach a settlement. This can be the most difficult part for those who’ve never negotiated with an insurer. 6. If you can’t settle, you may need to head to court. The Most Common Mistakes People Make Without an Attorney These are only the major steps in the injury claim process, and we still didn’t cover numerous aspects. Clearly, this is no walk in the park. Those who venture on this journey without an attorney will face numerous challenges and will make crucial mistakes. Some common errors people make are: • Providing a recorded statement to insurance companies that is used against them to undermine their case • Requesting compensation that is either too high or too low • Accepting the first offer the insurer gives them and they miss out on thousands of dollars • Not filing certain damages present in their case, resulting in a reduction of their total settlement Like before, these are just a few critical errors that can hold you back from the compensation you deserve. When filing a personal injury claim, you should leave it to a professional legal team who knows the ins and outs of the process. If you or someone you know needs legal representation for their case, call our team at 229-888-0888 .

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CELEBRATE AUTUMN’S ARRIVAL! START THE SEASON RIGHT WITH FESTIVITIES

Oktoberfest — Helen Sept. 7–Oct. 29, 2023

SPICED PECAN PIE BARS Every year, this famous fall festival gets even bigger and brighter. We say brighter because the countless pumpkins will glow bright, and a massive light show will occur once the sun goes down. This pumpkin festival doesn’t just show any light show, but the world’s largest pumpkin light show! That should be a good enough selling point to visit, but if not, the festival will also feature live entertainment, train rides, parades, and dining. Visit StoneMountainPark.com/activity/ events/pumpkin-festiva l to learn more! While the weather could be cooler, it doesn’t mean fall isn’t just around the corner. The 2023 autumn equinox is on Sept. 23, and with autumn’s arrival comes endless fall festivals and fairs throughout Georgia. You don’t have to wait for October to enjoy pumpkin patches and warm cider. Plan a day trip to one of these fall harvest festivals this September! Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival — Stone Mountain Sept. 16–Oct. 29, 2023

We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our July newsletter: Mountain Fair brings the quintessential fall feel with the usual fair festivities like live entertainment, endless food, face painting, petting zoos, and carnival rides. Make sure you stop by on Sept. 15 or 16 for the rodeo shows that will have you on the edge of your seat! If you want to see all the fair has to offer, go to ChattahoocheeMountainFair.org . Oktoberfest in Helen isn’t just a renowned festival in Georgia but in the entire country. Sit at one of the long rows of tables to chow down on bratwurst sausages and a variety of craft beer while German polka dancing and music take place. This festival shows off the local Alpine culture while marking the beginning of autumn. Head to HelenChamber. com/oktoberfest to check out more details about this must-see event. Chattahoochee Mountain Fair — Clarksville Sept. 8–16, 2023 This classic fair has been taking place ever since 1975! The Chattahoochee

Ingredients Crust

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar • 1/2 cup honey • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup melted butter • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 3 cups chopped pecans

Elaine Jackson Katrina Wilson

Shakina Sanders Cymander Hodge

• 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed • 3/4 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp salt

Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.

Filling • 4 eggs • 1 cup corn syrup

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Use baking spray to grease a 13x9-inch pan before lining with parchment paper. 2. In a food processor, blend crust ingredients until a crumble forms. Press mixture into pan. Bake until light golden brown, about 20 minutes (crust will have cracks). 3. In a bowl, whisk all filling ingredients (except pecans) together until smooth. Stir in pecans and pour over crust. Bake until set, around 30 minutes, then let cool completely in pan.

Thank you for trusting us to serve you!

Inspired by SouthernLiving.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law

1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707

Appreciation for Every Member of Our Firm PAGE 1

Simple, Affordable DIY Projects You’ll Love

Common Mistakes When Filing Without an Attorney PAGE 2

Experience Georgia’s Best Fall Festivities This September

Spiced Pecan Pie Bars PAGE 3

Unsinkable Sam: The Feline Hero of WWII PAGE 4

How a WWII Cat Survived 3 Ship Sinkings: THE STORY OF UNSINKABLE SAM

You've heard the saying, "Cats have nine lives," and while there are countless tales of cats falling from trees or high-above windows, one cat put this theory to the test, earning himself the name "Unsinkable Sam." Sam's original name was "Oscar," and his legacy began aboard the Bismarck, one of the two first-class Nazi battleships in World War II. The Bismarck (with Sam) was launched on Feb. 14, 1939, and soon after engaged in battle with The Prince of Wales, an Allied battleship. The Nazi ship was severely damaged in this battle and ultimately sunk. Only 118 of the 2,200 crew members survived, plus Sam. The British destroyer HMS Cossack found Sam floating on a board hours later, and they promptly scooped him up and welcomed him aboard. Sam had officially switched sides to the Allied forces.

Now on the right side of history, Sam lived with the British crew for the next few months as they performed convoy escort duties — until a torpedo struck the HMS Cossack in October

Sam's luck would have it, a torpedo struck the HMS Ark Royal just a month later, leaving

him once again clinging to a floating plank near a boat launch back in Gibraltar. Luckily, Sam's boating days were over, and he was honorably transferred to the position of "mouse hunter" in the building of the governor-general in Gibraltar. Eventually, the British restationed their favorite floating feline

1941, killing all 139 members aboard. Except for Sam. Once again, Sam clung to a wooden

plank and floated safely to the nearby shore of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. British service members who found him ashore put two and two together and realized the cat — the very one their fellow servicemen saved in 1939 — was the only survivor of HMS Cossack, earning him the nickname "Unsinkable Sam." The group in Gibraltar was from the HMS Ark Royal crew, and of course, they loaded Sam aboard when it was time to launch. But as

to a "home for sailors" in Belfast, where he lived for the rest of his days until his peaceful passing in 1955. Sam's story may not officially prove cats have nine lives, but it makes at least three seem likely!

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