Check out our August newsletter!
Justice MONTHLY
229-888-0888 • www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
AUGUST 2021
The Secret Life of Rawson, Paco, and Lenny WHAT’S UP WITH THE UNDERWOOD PETS?
When we first brought Isabella home, our pets, Rawson, Paco, and Lenny, didn’t even notice her. In fact, it wasn’t until May or June when they finally realized something in the house had changed, and they were aware she wasn’t like anything or anyone else we had brought home before. When they finally noticed her, it was almost as if they knew she was a little fragile and they needed to be cautious around her. As Isabella has started to recognize them and reach out to hold onto them, it’s comforting that they tread lightly. We’re still cautious, but Isabella has become just as much a part of our pets’ pack as Priscila and me. As we approach the dog days of summer, I thought I would share a few updates from our family’s pets. Isabella has dominated our lives for the past year, but our pets are still very much an important part of our lives. Lenny has some of the biggest updates. If you remember, Lenny is the cat we adopted during the pandemic. I’m not sure if it’s because he lives with two other dogs or if it’s his personality, but Lenny seems to think he’s a dog. He’s been spending a lot of time outside — whenever he gets the chance — and he even likes to go with us when we walk the dogs. It’s gotten to the point where he loathes coming inside the house! Lenny likes to hang around some street cats near the dumpster by our house. (Honestly, they look like they could beat Lenny up!) But there have been a couple of times when we catch sight of Lenny merely near the other cats but still on his own. He doesn’t seem to belong to their gang. Rawson also had a habit of running off, but, unlike Lenny, he would not come home. Back when he was a young pup, I was accustomed to getting calls from neighbors who saw Rawson
swimming in their pool or hanging out with their dogs. Not even the invisible fence could keep Rawson in the yard. (Maybe that’s where Lenny learned it.) Now that he’s older, Rawson’s life is a lot less exciting. He’s content with taking a nap or having a lazy day in the sun. He’s become the old man of the house, and frankly, that makes me less worried about another grand escape. It’s comforting to know he’s just too lazy to run around the neighborhood like he once did. Meanwhile, Paco has been adjusting very well. Readers may remember that Paco was adopted by Priscila when she was still living in Brazil, and until 2020, that’s where he resided. Between regular hoops at customs and the extra red tape of COVID-19, getting Paco to Georgia took a lot of work. But we can tell he’s happy to be with us. He certainly completes our little family, too. They may no longer get all our love and affection, but we are very happy to have Rawson, Paco, and Lenny in our house. They keep life interesting, and when we need it, they’re always available for some extra love.
-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III
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IT’S TIME TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BANKING!
4. The more accounts you have, the more withdrawals you can make penalty-free. Many money market and savings accounts have limits on how many times you can pull money out each month. If you bank with several institutions, you can make a few withdrawals from each of them, stay under the limits, and avoid fees. 5. You’ll have access to more banks and ATMs. Do you travel across your city, state, or the country regularly? If you do, it can be beneficial to bank with several institutions so you’re always close to an ATM or bank branch. For example, you may want to use a local credit union at home for the member benefits but bank with a national bank for out-of-state emergencies.
You’ve probably heard the expression, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” But what about “Don’t put all of your dollars in one bank”? Banking at a single institution is the default for most people, but just because something is the typical strategy doesn't mean it’s the best one for you! Here are five reasons to consider taking the road less traveled. 1. Different banks have different perks. Credit unions are member-run nonprofits and often don’t have minimum balance requirements. Traditional banks have cutting-edge financial technology and more loan options. Some banks offer high-yield checking accounts while others don’t, and online banks can have interest rates on savings accounts up to 15 times higher than
brick-and-mortars. By banking with more than one institution, you can get the best of both (or three!) worlds. 2. You’ll have a backup if one bank fails. According to Bankrate, 511 U.S. banks failed between 2009 and 2020. That’s not nothing! If your bank isn’t insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) and it fails, you could lose your entire balance, so diversifying your accounts (or choosing only FDIC-insured banks) is a good backup measure. 3. You can make sure ALL of your money is insured . The FDIC only covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. So, if you have high-value accounts, depositing with multiple banks can ensure all of your money is covered.
TAKE A VACATION! AND OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO WHEN SEEKING INJURY COMPENSATION
When you are seeking compensation for an injury, you may struggle with what you can and cannot do. An attorney will likely warn you to stay off social media, refrain from talking to anyone you don’t recognize, and avoid sharing details of your case with anyone outside of your immediate family.
how long, and what you do. Insurance adjusters will scour your social media and all actions. If you do something that counteracts the claim you’re making, they may be able to use that to allege that your injury isn’t as bad as you say it is. For example, don’t get caught skiing when you claim to have knee trouble. Stick to local, short road trips instead.
cover some expenses. Note that the income from this second job may get factored into your workers’ compensation payout.
Household Tasks
You are allowed to do whatever you want in your own home. If you want to start a garden, then start a garden! Invite the grandchildren over for a play date or start restoring old furniture. Whatever it is you want to do at home, just be mindful that insurance companies could be monitoring what you do via social media. And be careful to not exacerbate your injury. Only do work approved by your doctor. If you have further questions about what you can do while seeking injury compensation, please call the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. today.
So, can you still live your life?
Get a Job
Yes! An injury as the result of someone else’s negligence should not cost you your lifestyle. Here are three things you can still do when seeking personal injury or workers’ compensation.
Money may be tight right now, and you could use all the help you can get. Why not pick up another job? This is a sound idea — but be cautious. You can’t work at your current job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, but you can secure a second, less-demanding job. For example, if you were injured while doing factory work, a filing job can be less strenuous and help
Take a Vacation
There may be no greater need to take a relaxing vacation than after an injury. However, be wary of where you go, for
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3 GEORGIA PET RESCUES TO SUPPORT DURING THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!
We believe all pets deserve loving families and second chances. Georgia rescues are dedicated to doing just that. This month, if you can, donate or volunteer at the following local animal rescue groups. Albany Humane Society and Sally Wetherbee Adoption Center Website: AlbanyHumane.org Phone: 229-888-7387 or 229-299-4504 In 2015, the Albany Humane Society partnered with the Sally Wetherbee Adoption Center to enact the society’s first steps toward becoming a no-kill shelter. Today, with your donations and commitment to the society and the center, it can continue its work toward that goal. The organization relies on donations and families that foster to rescue, protect, and house stray and surrendered animals until they can find their forever homes. You can donate — and choose how you would like your money spent — become a foster family, or volunteer by visiting the organization’s website!
animal care. The organization teaches kids how to be responsible pet owners through summer camps, educates the community on pet needs, and offers medical, food, and senior assistance for those in need. You can learn more about donating, fostering, or volunteering by visiting their website.
Castoff Pet Rescue Website: CastoffPetRescue.org Phone: 706-487-4539
Like the other organizations on this list, Castoff Pet Rescue is committed to helping animals find loving homes. However, Castoff also has a special program with the Colwell Probation Detention center. Through the program, inmates at the center train
dogs from Castoff in three-month increments, with the help of Cold Nose College. The inmates are nonviolent offenders who enter the program looking for valuable life skills. Together, the dogs and the inmates change each other’s
PAWS Atlanta Website: PAWSAtlanta.org Phone: 770-593-1155
lives. You can donate to Castoff to help more animals, including those in the training program, by visiting the organization online.
For decades, PAWS Atlanta has served as a no-kill shelter dedicated to not only adopting pets out to families but also educating the community about pet and
Thank you for your help!
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:
SWEET & SAVORY PUPSICLES
Ingredients • 1 can pumpkin purée • 1 strip bacon, cooked and crumbled • 1 cup water • 1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen • 1 package rawhide sticks • Special equipment: plastic or silicone popsicle molds With the dog days of summer in full force, your pup may need some help cooling down. These five-ingredient pupsicles are just the thing! Directions 1. In a blender, combine pumpkin, bacon, and water, blending until smooth. 2. Drop 3–4 blueberries in each popsicle mold, then pour in the pumpkin mixture, leaving about an inch of space. 3. Insert a rawhide into the middle of each mold to serve as an edible popsicle stick. 4. Freeze for 4 hours or until solid, then let your pup enjoy the taste of summer. Inspired by DaisyTheFrenchBulldog.blogspot.com
Sammy Green, Cheryl Roberts, Tosha Evans
Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments on our services through Google reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations 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.
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
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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
An Update From the Underwood Pets PAGE 1
5 Reasons to Diversify Your Banking PAGE 2
Why It’s Okay to Vacation When Seeking Compensation PAGE 2
Support Local Pets! PAGE 3
Sweet & Savory Pupsicles PAGE 3
Fight SAD Early! PAGE 4
FIGHT SAD EARLY! Start Taking Vitamin D Now, Before the Sun Goes Away
Do you get SAD? We’re talking about seasonal affective disorder, which affects 1%–10% of the population depending on the state you live in. Symptoms of SAD are similar to symptoms of depression, but unlike chronic depression, which can occur at any time, people with SAD only experience symptoms during a certain time of year, usually winter. SAD has been strongly linked with shorter days and less sun — although summertime SAD can result from long days that make sleep difficult, resulting in irritability and mood swings. In most cases, however, winter is the problem season, likely due to a link between less sun and a vitamin D deficiency. Depression is one common symptom of vitamin D deficiency, especially in patients who aren’t prone to depression due to other circumstances. Unfortunately, very few foods are good sources of vitamin D. The best source is sunlight itself.
There are a few ways to combat wintertime SAD. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is important, as is an exercise routine and healthy diet. As mentioned, it’s hard to find vitamin D in foods, but milk and other food products are often intentionally enriched with it during processing. The most common solution, however, is taking a vitamin D supplement, which can be purchased over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores. It is commonly recommended for people living in places with harsher winters, and although there are negative side effects if taken in excess, a regular daily dose of vitamin D is a healthy way to ensure you have the right levels in your system. This month is the perfect time to begin that process. Vitamin D can take several months to build up to effective levels in our bodies. It may be the hottest time of the year in many places, but it’s also the ideal time to start fighting SAD early!
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Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? Have you or a loved one been in contact with Paraquat, a common commercial herbicide? If so, you may be entitled to compensation over negligence committed by Paraquat’s manufacturers. The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. is now representing clients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after being exposed to Paraquat. We will guide you through the mass tort claims process, protecting your pursuit of justice at every venture. ATTENTION: COMMON U.S. HERBICIDE LINKED TO PARKINSON’S AND YOU COULD BE COMPENSATED!
If you or a loved one … • Used Paraquat on your farm or commercial farming field • Lived near a site where Paraquat was used • Were exposed to Paraquat under other circumstances
… then we want to help you!
Call the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. today at 229-888-0888 to learn more about our process, your options, and how we can help. YOU DESERVE JUSTICE. Continued on next page ...
THE STARTLING TRUTH ABOUT PARAQUAT — AND NEGLIGENCE
For nearly 80 years, Paraquat has been used by American farmers to prepare fields for harvest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that it’s primarily used by commercial farming operations for weed and grass control purposes. However, scientists have long known just how dangerous Paraquat can be. A study as early as the 1980s first linked Parkinson’s disease, a central nervous system disorder that often leads to tremors and immobility, to Paraquat exposure. In 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to express its concern for Paraquat’s link to Parkinson’s. They noted that exposure to Paraquat could increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s by as much as 600%, if they were exposed at a young age. When combined with a genetic predisposition to developing Parkinson’s, the exposure can be particularly devastating.
Yet, U.S. companies continued to market and sell the product without providing warnings.
Because of its danger and toxicity, Paraquat has been banned by dozens of countries in the European Union, Korea, China, and Brazil. The U.S. has limited the sale of and use of the chemical to commercial needs only; however, it has continued to allow farmers, workers, and those who live near these work sites to suffer the potential life- threatening consequences. Today, justice is being fought for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after exposure to Paraquat either by working with it or living near a field where it was spread. Multiple lawsuits have been filed on the behalf of Paraquat’s victims, fighting against the negligent makers of Paraquat.
If this sounds like you, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us today at 229-888-0888!
229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
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