Fleschner, Star, Tanoos & Newlin's online newsletter for November 2018
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November 2018
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The crisp morning air has arrived, and the leaves have begun their yearly transformation. Trees have always been a“favorite thing”of mine, and I think I ammost fascinated by their leaves. Arriving as blossoming buds, they morph into resilient, green leaves, withstanding wind, rain, and blistering sun rays, only to change into the warm, welcoming orange, red, and golden colors of autumn. Then they calmly float to the ground as winter nears. When I look at my life, I see various transformations from one phase to the next, much like the transformations of a leaf —going fromwhat is comfortable and working for me at a moment in time (like leaves in the summer) to taking a risk and doing something differently (like leaves in the fall), not knowing exactly what the next phase will be, but knowing I will again bloom and transform. I’ve been practicing law for four years, but it wasn’t always a career path I thought I would follow. I didn’t give law, as a career, serious thought until after college, although I had done some work around the Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin law firm and I had grown up around law, thanks to my dad, Steve Fleschner. During my summers in high school and college, I worked as a case assistant at the firm, often reviewing and highlighting medical records. I also spent time working behind the receptionist desk, answering phones, making copies of documents, and sending faxes. I enjoyed the work, but I did not see the part- time summer job as leading to my career. In fact, I graduated from college with degrees in biology and business. My“transforming moment”came after college. While applying for jobs related to my degrees, I was also working as a case analyst and brief writer for the firm’s Social Security Disability department. When I received notification that one of our clients had been awarded disability benefits, and I had written the brief for that client’s hearing, I felt this overwhelming sense of pride and purpose. I saw howmy work as a brief writer and the work of the firm had changed someone’s
life. So, I decided to do something differently. I quit applying for other jobs, and instead I applied to law school. I will joke and say that during the three years I spent in law school I was definitely in the phase of a“fallen, brown leaf on the ground,”due to little sleep and tons of studying and exam-taking. However, just as spring always arrives, so did law school graduation, and after passing the bar exam, I entered my new phase as an attorney. Through that life change, I’ve been able to help people more than I could before. When a person comes to us for help with a personal injury case, he or she walks through the door injured, often struggling to make ends meet, and having gone through a traumatic experience. Often, all that person wants is help getting to the next step, and that’s where I come in. It’s remarkable to see the change in people fromwhen they first walk in the office to the day their cases are over. You can see a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. I’m so thankful I’m in a place where I can make that kind of difference. And that brings me to the next thing I love about this time of year — the reminder to be thankful. There are so many things I am thankful for, and it is difficult to put into words my gratitude for so much, but I am so very thankful for my family. Through all of these stages, these life changes, thriving seasons and difficult seasons, I have had family members who I can count on. There is always someone I can talk to, spend time with, laugh with, or have a conversation with —no matter the situation. I wish this blessing on all of you at this time of year. I’m looking forward to seeing my family and extended family at Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving Day has always been a huge event for our family, as far back as I can remember. We often have up to 100 people (that’s no typo!) gather around every available table, catch up with one another, eat wonderfully delicious food, and just spend time together. I can’t wait to spend the day with family — and sample the tasty mashed potatoes, noodles, and pumpkin pie! From all of us at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. – Katie Fleschner McMullen
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Our referrals continue to be one of the best ways clients find us, and we deeply appreciate it! for your trust and confidence.
Attorney
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This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First WorldWar. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. The Great War By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a
Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into WorldWar I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. The Restoration of Peace In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history.
Veterans Day Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
Why Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Often the Most Important Car Insurance You Can Purchase
You already know that, in Indiana, more than 16 percent of people driving have no insurance. That doesn’t take into account the fact that, of all the drivers who are insured, about 20 percent have just the minimum $25,000 of coverage. That means that if you are a victim of a car accident, at least 36 percent of the time, the at-fault driver will have no insurance or will only have minimum coverage. That’s the reason you need underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. An underinsured policy provides coverage for damages caused by a driver who has a policy that is not large enough to cover all of your damages. In essence, your UIM coverage will pay for damages on top of the coverage provided by the other driver. For example, let’s say you are an accident victim and the other driver only has $25,000 of coverage. If you have damages valued at $250,000 and you
have underinsured coverage of $250,000, you should be paid the full value of your claim. You could receive $25,000 from the liability coverage of the at-fault driver and $225,000 from your underinsured coverage, for a total amount of $250,000.
I recently worked on a case for more than a year trying to get a client’s bills and Medicare lien reduced and get him some money in his pocket. He had just retired. He was looking forward to time with grandkids and playing a lot of golf. On the way home, another driver crossed the center line. My client suffered multiple broken bones and needed several surgeries totaling nearly $200,000. The case had a value of well over $1 million, but the other driver only had $50,000 of coverage, and my client only had $50,000 of underinsured motorist coverage. There was no way my client would be compensated fairly for his injuries. The best we could do was get some of his bills and liens waived or reduced. Clearly, it would have been an entirely different ending if the at-fault driver had had better insurance or our client had possessed higher underinsured motorist coverage.
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Our Clients Say It Best
“Extremely professional, very thorough, friendly, and always treated me with respect. Every time I wanted or needed something, they pulled through for me. The girls who answer the phone are amazing!” –Denise “This is one of the best law firms I can refer anyone to when they are looking for someone to help them with their Social Security disability filing. I used them after two failed attempts on my own, and we had a three-year battle with my state here in NC. Through their professionalism and their teams that work strictly with Social Security disability, we won my case — and what a great outcome we had. The professionalism of this firm and their effort to stay in contact with me throughout this ordeal was great. I am so proud and glad I chose them, and I would recommend them to anyone fighting a battle with the Social Security disability claims department. They are a winning law firm.” –Lea
Crystal has been with the law firm for 9 1/2 years and is the accounting manager. Her job is to “count the beans.” She handles all of our incoming and outgoing bills at the law firm, payroll, expenses, and much more. Her favorite thing about working at FSTN is the people she works with. Meet Crystal
I N E T
No matter how you cook your bird for Thanksgiving, it will taste better if you brine it beforehand. Break out your biggest cooler and some ice to ensure that your guests rave about your turkey.
We Handle Case Types Did You Know We Handle All of These Types of Cases?
Ingredients
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3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt
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2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
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3/4 cup sugar
1 carrot, peeled and diced
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
1 large onion, peeled and diced 1/4 cup celery, diced 2 large sprigs thyme
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• Bicycle crashes • Car accidents
• Medical malpractice • Wrongful death • Social Security disability • Family law
Directions
• Pedestrian injuries • Slips, trips, and falls • Brain injuries
1. In a large stock pot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. Add 6 quarts cold water to brine. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.
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Finding Inspiration and Giving Thanks
A Historic Veterans Day Why Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is So Important
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Employee of the Month A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey
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What to Talk About This Thanksgiving
Dodging Thanksgiving Awkwardness
Conversations Appropriate for the Dinner Table
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that you meet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life, so why do so many people leave their annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins steering in an awkward direction, try these conversation starters for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. What’s your pet been up to? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets. 2. What Thanksgiving dish can you not live without? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. You may start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question. 3. Dad did what as a kid? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those bonds.
You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. 4. Stupid human tricks, anyone? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after-dinner wine. 5. How about we get coffee? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’questions stems from holiday pressures. It may force you to address
your bank account, love life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, you might feel more relaxed.
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