Check out our September newsletter!
Justice MONTHLY
229-888-0888 • www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
SEPTEMBER 2021
Grateful for my Country WHAT 9/11 TAUGHT ME
For most of my childhood and early into young adulthood, I had never experienced any major conflict between the U.S. and other global powers. I was still a child when the Cold War ended, and other than the short-lived Gulf War, I didn’t know what it was like to live in a country that was distressed and mourning — until I was 20 years old. Sept. 11, 2001, felt like any other Tuesday morning. I was in my fitness class at Darton State College, and I heard rumblings about a plane crashing into a tower in New York City. We knew very little at the time, and people only speculated that terrorists had attacked. Inside the gym, none of us knew what exactly had happened, nor did we realize just how huge this moment would be. After class, I went to my dad’s office where everyone was surrounding the TVs. In the moments that followed, I watched as a plane hit the second tower of New York City’s World Trade Center and it collapsed. I didn’t know what to think at that time, but we would all later learn that these attacks were just two crash landings out of four across our country in what would become known as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, or 9/11. As we watched it unfold, we became completely shocked and scared for what might come next. In those early moments, nothing made sense. I had no idea people in the world could hate our country so much as to hijack four airplanes and kill countless people. At just 20 years old, I learned a very harsh lesson: There are terrible, violent people in the world. Strangely enough, shortly after that, the anthrax attacks took place. Five people were killed and dozens of others were poisoned by anthrax-laced mail, suspected to have come from Dr. Bruce Ivins, a government scientist. (Although, there are questions as to Dr. Ivins’ guilt today, he died by suicide in 2008.) After 9/11 and the anthrax attacks, I had a different perspective. News coverage shifted to conflicts against Al Qaida and finding the source of the poisoned letters. Our world shifted in a matter of weeks, and for many young people like me, it seemed surreal.
We had never experienced something to this magnitude, like our parents and grandparents had with previous wars. While everyone in the country coped with something that had never happened before, it was the first time we understood that violence could strike our country. Looking back on that time, I believe there are many lessons we can use today. The one that sticks out is that we have to enjoy every moment we are given in this country. To have lived 20 years before experiencing something as major as the 9/11 attacks is a gift, and the freedoms I continue to enjoy today are not something I take for granted. I’m proud to live in this country, and I’m even more humbled by what it affords me. This September, I’ll remember the momentous tragedy that was 9/11, but I’ll also feel an appreciation for the country I call home.
-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 1
FROM A SCATTERBRAINED SUMMER TO AN ORDERLY SCHOOL YEAR
Organize your school lunch supplies. Making your kids’ lunches each morning can be exhausting, but if you put different lunch items (e.g., bags of chips, apples, juice pouches, etc.) in different, easy-to-reach containers, you can turn making school lunches into an assembly line process where your kids do most of the work themselves, teaching them responsibility and taking a load off of your shoulders every school morning. You can even consider making the lunches the night before to lighten up the morning routine! Plan your kids’ outfits for the next day … or the next week. If they had their way, you know your kiddos would wear the same Spider Man or Elsa T-shirt every day of the week. So, if you want to make sure they look respectable and ready to learn every day, plan out their outfits for the entire school week. This is especially easy if they have a set of hanging cubbies in their closets. Allow them to help choose outfits on a Saturday or Sunday before the new week; it will also help them learn how to dress themselves later in life. Back-to-school season shouldn’t be hectic — and with a few of these hacks in mind, it won’t be!
Make a color-coded clock. Lots of kids are visual learners, which means an analog clock will be their best friend when it comes to keeping track of time. Color code different sections of the clock for different parts of the day to help them remember what they’re supposed to be doing, whether it’s blue for breakfast time, orange for homework hour, or purple for their bedtime routine. Make school supply cubbies. If your child tends to throw their backpack and jackets all over the house, then school supply cubbies could be a game-changer. You could even just label different hooks in your mudroom or hallway if that’s all you have to work with. Whatever the case, when your kids have an established place to put their school stuff, it’s that much easier for them to find as they head out the door in the morning.
Summer break (especially for young kiddos) is a lawless time with little meaning that’s punctuated by a vacation or trips to the park and pool. Transitioning children back to the calm, orderly world of the school year can be challenging for both teachers and parents. How can you make sure your kids trade in their summer hats for their school brains? Well, luckily, you can use a few hacks to make that transition brighter, seamless, and even fun. Create a fun checklist for school to-do’s. Spelling out all the tasks your kids have to do before and after school will help them ease back into the routines of going to bed each night and getting up early for school. Plus, it will introduce them to the satisfaction of checking items off a list after completing them. When your kids know what to do and when to do it, it makes your day a little easier!
3 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUCCESS TIPS FOR ALL FAMILIES
Communicate With Your Child’s Teachers Teachers work hard to ensure children get the most out of their education, and if you have any concerns or questions, your child’s teacher should be the first person you ask for help. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher in the beginning of the school year and ask for ways in which you can help your child succeed in school. (Teachers are a wealth of knowledge and creative ideas!) Establishing a rapport early can help create trust between your child’s teacher and your family. Try Tech Tools Digital communication dominated our lives during the pandemic, but there may have been a benefit. This school year, try downloading an app to keep your family organized. Cozi is a great place to start! Cozi has sharable calendars, to-do lists, recipe
It’s hard to believe summer is already over. As pool days are replaced with homework and after-school activities, your family is likely trying to find its routine. This year, as children potentially return to in-person classes, keep these tips for success in mind. Create a Homework Zone Have you ever tried to solve a problem while loud music or the television was blaring? It’s pretty difficult! The same goes for your children’s homework. Create an environment in your home that’s designed just for homework or school projects. This could be as simple as adding a desk to your child’s room or adding more space to your home office. Your family could also benefit from a designated “homework hour.” During this time, everyone has to find a quiet activity to work on, allowing students to focus.
sections, and more, designed to allow each member of your family to stay connected. And there are other options, too! For example, Google Calendar can be an easy transition into digitally tracking your days. Bonus Tip : Sometimes the best life hacks come from people we already know. For additional help, find your cohort! Create a parent group, befriend your child’s friends, or create a class Facebook page for parents to gain additional insight on how to make this year a success!
2 | 229-888-0888
A MAJOR UPDATE FROM THE 3M EARPLUG CASE
In 2008, 3M bought Aearo Technologies’ earplug design and product. Prior to that, Aearo Technologies had won a major military contract with the U.S. federal government to supply the earplugs to men and women serving in the nation’s military. Turns out, the entire product was a fraud. After years of battling for justice in court, juries have awarded veterans — who claim the earplugs did nothing to protect their hearing — millions of dollars in compensation for Aearo and 3M’s negligence. In June 2021, veteran Lloyd Baker was awarded $1.7 million by a jury over 3M’s failure to warn him and 230,000 other U.S. military personnel (who are currently fighting for compensation) about the defective product. The Florida-based jury found 3M 62% liable for Baker’s injuries, which could result in a deserved $1.1 million payout. This is the second case in which a jury has sided with plaintiffs seeking compensation for their injuries. In April, another jury awarded three veterans $7.1 million in compensation. In a third case, the jury did not support the plaintiff’s claims, but plaintiffs’ attorneys are hopeful and determined as September and October trials approach. The crux of the cases come down to the Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) which were sold to the U.S. military from 1999 to 2015, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The design and shape
of the earplugs were intended to protect soldiers from the loud and potentially damaging noises from gunfire and training. However, the plugs failed to do so, and records show 3M was aware of that. Furthermore, the Veterans Affairs office (VA) reports that tinnitus, or ringing of the ear, is one of the most commonly reported disabilities. This condition can cause difficulty interacting with family and friends, a rise in chronic health conditions, and trouble enjoying activities, like playing music. If you or a loved one served in our nation’s military between 1999– 2015 and sustained hearing loss or tinnitus, you may have a case for compensation. Our legal team can help you begin this process. Call our office today to learn more.
We Value You!
ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN
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 August newsletter:
Bring the taste of fall into your kitchen with this sizzling skillet meal.
Sharon McCoy, Loreal Mansfield, Gwendolyn Gilbert, and Cassandra Dennard
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided • 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish
Ingredients • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided • 1/2 cup apple cider
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.
Directions 1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 3
Inspired by WellPlated.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707
Remembering 9/11 PAGE 1
Hacks to Get Your Kids Organized for the School Year PAGE 2
Back-to-School Made Easy in 3 Steps PAGE 2
A Major Update From the 3M Earplug Case PAGE 3
One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken PAGE 3
Nothing to See Here: Mystery Spot Tourism PAGE 4
NOTHING TO SEE HERE A History of the Mystery Spot
The most famous mystery spot is in Santa Cruz, California, but it has cousins in Oregon, West Virginia, and Michigan. Each one is inexplicable — drawing thousands of people every year to come and spend their tourist dollars. And for many, the whole thing is just one big hoax, designed to take in suckers and generate cash. Although Santa Cruz has the most visitors, it was “inspired” by the Oregon Vortex, which was a spot that had odd occurrences “documented” back to the early frontier days. From a mining office sliding off its foundation to the high presence of optical illusions, the Vortex was the home to some odd events. Naturally, the thing to do was build a structure there and start taking people’s money! It’s not a coincidence that these locations began to pop up at the same time as the average American got access to automobiles — “roadside attractions” of all kinds have been the rage since people began to tour America by car, and it’s pretty clear that, real or not, these mystery spots fall into that category. That’s why many of them have updated over the years to suit changing tastes — such as the Michigan St. Ignace Mystery Spot’s addition of zip lines and other attractions.
And unlike many other roadside attractions, mystery spots continue to draw attention. Something in the American psyche loves the idea of the paranormal; Google “Europe mystery spots” and you’re likely to discover lists of unique vacation destinations. Perhaps they recapture the “paradise is just over the hill” mystery that in part drove colonization of the American West.
Or perhaps it’s all a bunch of hooey. The best way to decide, of course, is to visit one of these mystery spots for yourself!
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
4 | 229-888-0888
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. 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
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs