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HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND DECEMBER 2023
Our Commitment to Giving Back LET’S UNITE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Volunteering and giving back to your community will always feel infinitely more fulfilling than opening presents during the holidays. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that this season is meant for giving, especially to those who dearly need it. For December, I want to share three incredible organizations our firm supports and how they work tirelessly to change lives. The Harmonson Law team has long endorsed Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as we know just how damaging drunk driving can be to entire families. We want to help those who have fallen victim to drunk driving and work with MADD to do whatever we can to prevent more crashes like these from happening. We’ve seen the irreparable damage it does. But MADD can bring hope with its mission to raise awareness and prevent impaired driving. They offer victims financial support and counseling services to better handle the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Our team has sponsored MADD’s annual October walk to honor those who have lost their lives to drunk driving. Sheri and the kids join me every year as we walk toward a safer future. Another cause we couldn’t be prouder to back is the Rescue Mission of El Paso. This organization does so much for our community by helping those without a home find safe housing. The Rescue Mission has also been housing the countless migrants coming to the U.S. from South and Central America. These people have just been through U.S. Immigration and arrived in El Paso before trekking to their final destination. Sadly, they often only have the clothes on their backs and no place to stay as they navigate a new life. Rescue Mission of El Paso gives them a bed, three warm meals a day, clothing, access to restrooms, showers, laundry machines, and a medical check-up. These resources are just the basics every human deserves, but migrants often have to survive without them. If you didn’t know, they also have the Rescue Mission Hallelujah! BBQ, which offers fantastic barbecue! I’m a barbecue snob, so when I say this place is good, I mean it. The restaurant lets residents find employment, get experience in the
food industry, and bring them one step closer to financial security. My son volunteered at the Rescue Mission this summer!
Last but not least is the El Paso Fighting Hunger Food Bank. When we think of hunger crises, we often picture communities across the world, not our own. But so many people around us are struggling to find food, and this organization is working hard to combat that. Through partnerships and donations, they can serve 160,000 people in need, with 1 in 3 being uncertain of when they’ll eat next. The El Paso Fighting Hunger Food Bank can receive fresh, nutritious foods at a lower cost, so we highly recommend you send monetary donations rather than canned foods! While we support many impactful organizations here in El Paso, I hope you can keep these three in mind during the holiday season. In the season of giving, it can feel even more special when you and your family can provide a helping hand.
Happy holidays from my family to yours!
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After your child is injured in an accident, you will likely have a lot of questions. “How does the legal process work if the victim is underage?” “Will my child have to go to court?” Well, the truth is that child injury cases aren’t too different from adult injury claims. What to Expect The two processes are primarily identical because a child who is injured deserves compensation just as an adult would. An attorney will evaluate the extent of the child’s injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages to calculate an accurate compensation amount. Investigations to acquire evidence, testimony, and experts are also just as common. How Catastrophic Injury Claims Work Our team has worked with numerous minors who have experienced injuries with permanent or long-lasting damage. These cases are unique because an attorney will need to go to court to ensure that the settlement offered is in the child’s best interest and that the settlement actually goes to the child as agreed upon. In Texas and New Mexico, there are specific procedures that keep the settlement secure until the child turns 18. If it’s a smaller settlement, it will be held by the Registry of the Court or in a special savings account that can only be accessed KNOW YOUR CH UNDERSTAND CHILD INJURY
Christmas is built on tradition. Many families celebrate the holiday by waking up bright and early to open presents, attending church, having a delicious meal, and closing the day with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Elf,” or another Christmas classic. Some families have been doing this for so long that they’re starting to look for new traditions to throw in the mix to spice up the season a little more. There are plenty of ways to change your holiday traditions without losing the meaning of the season! You could go caroling or try out a white elephant gift exchange with the entire family. If you’re looking for something unique, try one of the following activities this year. The Christmas Box One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is when everyone gathers to open gifts. The Christmas box gives you an opportunity to create a new tradition around gift-giving. Fill a medium- or large-size gift box with smaller items you like to give each year. You can stuff it with Christmas pajamas, mugs, books, movies, and other small gifts you know your family or friends will love. Refill the box with different versions of these items every year. You can also do this with your friends in place of a Secret Santa gift exchange. Set a budget and draw names to determine whom each person will give their box to. From there, you go to local garage sales, dollar stores, and thrift shops to fill the box with things the person will like. A Reminder of Past Christmases Do you buy a real tree every Christmas? Most of us bring our old trees out to the curb when the holiday passes. Before you do so, cut off the very bottom of the tree trunk. Write the date on it and include any extra information you want, such as a child’s or pet’s first Christmas. After a few years, you’ll have a collection of tree trunk rounds that help you reminisce about one of the happiest days of the year and all the memories you made.
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HILD’S RIGHTS Y LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
SETTLE DISPUTES WITHOUT THE GAVEL How Mediation Reshapes Legal Dispute Resolutions Trial isn’t always the answer, and most times, our clients don’t ever have to set foot in the courtroom. Before a case makes it that far, it’s usually settled between both parties. We would say that 90% or more of litigated cases are settled during mediation or a settlement conference. What is mediation, and how does it work? Definition of Mediation Unlike a trial, where there is a clear winner and loser, mediation allows both parties to reach a mutual agreement. Instead of a courtroom, both parties meet privately with a mediator, a neutral third party offering guidance. The mediator is usually a retired judge or an experienced litigation attorney. Ultimately, all the decision-making comes down to the parties alone, not a judge or jury. This meeting allows both sides to be heard and resolutions to be created. The Process and Benefits Mediation is a last resort to find a resolution before going to trial. The mediator will hear from both parties and their side of the
by the minor when he or she turns 18. For larger payments, many will buy a structured insurance annuity that will guarantee tax-free payments when the child comes of age. While there is a cost to all investments, a structured annuity has a higher rate of return than placing the funds in the Court’s Registry, and both the principal and the gains are tax-free. The Role of Guardian Ad Litem A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a third party, appointed by the Court, working in the injured child’s best interests. The GAL must make sure the settlement is fair and adequate and ensure that the settlement funds are properly invested. As a representative of the Court, the Guardian Ad Litem’s only duty is to the injured child. The GAL is paid by the settling party’s insurance company. It has been my honor to act as GAL in numerous cases involving injured children. If your child or the family of someone you know needs legal guidance after an accident, call (915) 584-8777. Our team can ensure every child receives the justice and compensation they deserve.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE
INGREDIENTS
story. The mediator will then speak confidentially with one side at a time, which allows them to speak more freely. The mediator will help the two parties come together and work out an agreement, if possible. If one or both sides cannot settle, a trial is the next step. Mediation has plenty of benefits as it allows clients to avoid going to trial. Some of the main reasons mediation can be a great solution include: • Mediation sessions are entirely confidential • Costs of mediation are lower than courtroom fees • It is less stressful and less confrontational • Both parties can be creative when reaching a compromise • It is much faster than waiting for a court verdict or appeal Your Next Steps While we have participated in plenty of mediations, we also are ready to head to trial if needed. We never want our clients to accept a settlement or resolution that does not work in their favor. Every victim of an accident deserves justice, and we won’t stop if mediation is unsuccessful in proving full justice for our injured clients.
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1/2 cup butter
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1 cup milk
1 cup chopped onion 1 cup sliced celery 2 cups sliced carrots
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups peas
4 cups cooked chicken 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
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1 egg
1/2 tsp celery seed 1 tsp garlic powder
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 425 F. 1. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 2. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 3. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 4. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture. 5. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
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Change Lives for the Holidays
Fresh Traditions to Make Your Holiday Sparkle
What to Expect in a Child Injury Case
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Sudoku
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Unravel the Mediation Process Before Heading to Court
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Give the Gift of Innovation This Christmas
5 Must-Have Tech Gifts for Christmas 2023
morning wake-up calls. For a sleek design, try the Loftie Clock with its all-black look. For a faux sunrise to fill the room, go for Philips HF3670/60 SmartSleep. SELF-CLEANING WATER BOTTLE These days, everyone is carrying around their oversized water bottles. Let your tech-lover be ahead of the curve with a self-cleaning water bottle! These innovative bottles use UV-C LED technology to sanitize the water
As Christmas shopping gets increasingly hectic, knowing what to get for the tech lovers in your life can feel impossible. New devices and gadgets hit the market daily, and following tech trends might not be part of your daily routine. Fortunately, 2023 has brought some standout innovations anyone would love to unwrap on Christmas Day.
and the inside of the bottle regularly. The LARQ Bottle PureVis is a popular choice as it also can keep beverages cold for 24 hours.
NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES Considered a modern staple, noise-
UV PHONE SANITIZER Did you know your smartphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat? This year, grab a UV phone sanitizer for yourself and your loved ones that can remove 99.99% of bacteria. The PhoneSoap Pro can clean your phone and other
canceling headphones are the perfect gift for a special someone who needs a break from the chaos and a way to focus. You can find a variety of headphones in different price ranges, so staying within
small items with its sleek design.
your budget is easier. However, if you want to splurge, Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are an excellent choice with crystal clear sound and over 20 hours of battery life. SMART ALARM Give the gift of a good night’s rest and a peaceful morning! Smart alarms have been a popular gadget this year, with features like white noise sound, artificial sunrises, Bluetooth speakers, and gentle
PET CAMERA WITH TREAT DISPENSER Do you know a tech lover who also dreads leaving their furry friend home alone? A pet camera strapped with a nifty treat dispenser might be their favorite gift of 2023! A small surveillance camera allows pet parents to keep an eye on their fur babies, and Petcube’s Bites 2 also lets them dispense a small treat to keep their pets happy.
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