Aulsbrook Law Firm - November/December 2024

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NOV/DEC 2024

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From Campaigns to Candy Canes CELEBRATING THE SEASON OF TOGETHERNESS

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m so glad the election ads on TV and unwanted political texts to me have stopped. Whether your candidate won or lost, we can all celebrate the end of the political ads and be thankful we live in a country where we get to vote. We are heading into the holiday season, which is my favorite part of the year. The temperatures have finally cooled in north Texas, and I look forward to spending time with family and friends. We plan to host a Thanksgiving meal at our house this year. And while we love spending time with loved ones, preparing all the dishes can be quite a chore, so we haven’t fully decided if we will cook or cater the meal. Whatever we do, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and connect rather than stress about cooking. Our team will be volunteering at Mission Arlington before Thanksgiving. Mission Arlington gives away thousands of meals at Thanksgiving every year. If you feel compelled to volunteer with us, please reach out.

Mission Arlington also helps thousands of kids get Christmas presents they would otherwise not receive. We will be collecting toys again to donate to Mission Arlington. You can drop off toys anytime at our office until Dec. 20. Asher is 2 this holiday season, and we are looking forward to him being more excited about all things related to the Christmas season. We are taking him to New York City in the first part of December to do all the Christmas things there.

Can we top last year?

The fourth quarter is the busiest at our office. The insurance companies seem more motivated to settle cases at the end of the year. We are blessed to be experiencing another record year of growth. We will be going to The Gaylord in Grapevine as a team with our families for an overnight stay to celebrate hitting a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) that I set as a target when I started the firm in 2018. Our families will get to hang out and do all the fun stuff at the Gaylord, including going through the Rudolph Ice sculptures, the ice slides, ice skating, gingerbread house building, and everything else the Gaylord Texan offers. As we move into the holiday season, it’s important to remember that time is precious. You may have family members who are tough to deal with, but I encourage you to embrace the time you have with your loved ones. Tell them you love them, as we don’t know how long we will be around.

A referral is the greatest compliment you could ever give us! If you know someone in need of our services, we are eager to help. Please pass this newsletter along and tell them to call 817.775.5364 or visit TheTexasLawDog.com/contact-us. Thank you!

From our family to yours, I hope all your celebrations are filled with love and cherished memories. See you soon,

–Matt Aulsbrook

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The holiday season is here, and you might be one of many gearing up to hit the road for much-needed quality time with your family. However, this time of year also comes with heavy traffic, bad weather, and potential vehicle issues. But those considerations don’t mean your trip is going to be disastrous. Proper preparation is key to safe travels on the way to family time. Beware of Bad Weather In many cases, what’s shown on the weather forecast isn’t what’s actually reflected outside. That’s why bad weather is something you can never be too prepared for. Heavy rain, snow, and black ice all increase the likelihood of an accident on the road. So, to prepare for inclement weather, check your tires, ensure your windshield wiper blades aren’t worn, and pull over if you need to. Holiday Cheers, Not Fears SEASONAL TRAVEL SAFETY ESSENTIALS

Create a Productive Sanctuary

How you set up your workspace can be the difference between being productive and falling into a pit of procrastination. If you have a cluttered, unkempt, and drab desk and work area, you may lack the inspiration to produce your best work, regardless of the project or task you’re working on. If you’re unsure how to improve your workspace, don’t stress; we’ve gathered a few easy-to-implement tips to help refresh your area. Keep It Clean A cluttered, disorganized, and dirty workspace will distract you no matter what. So, take a few hours at the beginning or end of every week to clean up your area by wiping down surfaces and putting everything in its home. A great way to make this easier is to have organizers or trays for all your items. That way, you won’t have pens, papers, or other items all over your desk. Additionally, keep a small trash can in your room, preferably under your desk, to prevent garbage from piling up. Personalize If you want your workspace to inspire you, it needs to reflect your goals, personality, and values. Add items to your workspace that make you smile, whether pictures of loved ones, candles with scents you enjoy, or even a few toys like your favorite action figure or Funko Pop! Another great thing to include in your workspace is a vision board outlining your future goals and desires. Looking at something to inspire and encourage you can go a long way toward accomplishing your goals. Add Color Avoid the dreary blues and blacks that make up most people’s workspaces. Instead, add your favorite colors to the area through your keyboard, mousepad, and decor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add string lights to the bottom of your desk to give your workspace a colorful glow. TRANSFORM YOUR WORKSPACE WITH THESE SIMPLE TIPS

Avoid Driving Fatigued As the saying goes, drowsy driving is just like drunk driving . In fact, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 18% of all fatal car

accidents from 2017 to 2021 were due to drowsy drivers. The holiday season can be exhausting as it is, so for your safety and the safety of others, get plenty of rest before going on lengthy road trips or plan rest stops along your route.

Don’t Mix Drinking and Driving

Because it’s the holiday season, more people are drinking before getting behind the wheel. That’s why

it’s especially important to drive defensively. Be aware of people driving too fast or unusually

slow, swerving, or tailgating. It’s never okay to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. If you plan on drinking, make sure you won’t have to drive anywhere after, or make arrangements to get a ride. Refrain From Speeding The excitement of getting to your destination can be overwhelming on longer trips. However, you have to resist the temptation of speeding. Speeding can cause accidents, not to mention the likelihood of obtaining a speeding ticket. Remember, law enforcement is on high alert to ensure the road is safe for drivers during the holiday season.

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CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PRODUCT LIABILITY Know Your Rights When Safety Is at Stake

Have you ever gone to buy a phone charger and worried if it would cause an electrical fire in your home? Most people don’t. Unfortunately, there are instances where consumer safety is at risk due to faulty products, leading to catastrophic events and injuries. If a defective product injures you, you can recover damages from any part of the distribution chain, including the manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, or distributor.

of claim is typically the result of a breach of the initial specifications of the design, causing the product not to perform as safely as the design specifies. For example, the design of a tire proves it to be safe. However, during manufacturing, other particles get in the adhesive that secures the tire together, resulting in a tire blowout.

Failure to Warn or Inadequate Warning

Injuries from defective products fall into these three main categories:

In this type of claim, products are safe if used properly. However, manufacturers must clearly provide risks and safety hazard information with the product on the dangers of misuse. Failure to do so could lead to serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. Unknown side effects of certain medications are very common for this claim type.

Design Defects A design defect means there’s an issue with the product’s model before it goes into production. For example, a chest of drawers that risks tipping over or an airbag that deploys without being triggered. Many lawsuits against furniture and car manufacturers fall into this area of product liability. Manufacturing Defects Manufacturing defects are errors made during the fabrication process. This type

If a faulty product has injured you or someone you know, our team of

experienced attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today, or stop by our office, and we will answer any questions you may have.

Texas-Size LAUGHS

SPINACH, LENTIL, AND ROASTED BEET SALAD Inspired by MinamalistBaker.com

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a rimmed baking sheet. 2. To a small saucepan over medium- high heat, add lentils and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes uncovered until all liquid is absorbed. Set aside. 3. Add leeks and beets to the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake 15–20 minutes. For crispier beets, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. Set aside. 4. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until combined. 5. In a larger serving bowl, combine spinach, beets, leeks, and lentils. Add dressing and toss to coat.

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • •

1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed clean 1 cup vegetable stock (or water)

3 medium leeks, chopped 1 medium beet, quartered

1–2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp each salt and pepper 4 big handfuls of spinach

Dressing •

1/4 cup tahini

• • • •

1/2 medium lemon, juiced

2 tbsp maple syrup 3–4 tbsp olive oil

1 pinch each salt and pepper

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INSIDE A Message on Cherishing Time With Loved Ones 1 How to Optimize Your Workspace for Success Driver Preparedness This Joyous Season 2 When Faulty Products Require Legal Action Spinach, Lentil, and Roasted Beet Salad 3 Estate Planning Essentials for Young Adults 4 Cases We Handle: • Personal Injury • Wrongful Death • Car Wreck • Truck Wreck

3 Essential Legal Documents Every Young Adult Should Have

Financial Power of Attorney A financial power of attorney is another crucial component of a young adult’s estate plan. This document ensures someone can manage their bills and any financial affairs if they are ever physically incapacitated. Whether paying rent, managing bank accounts, or handling other financial matters, having a financial power of attorney provides peace of mind that these tasks will be taken care of without disruption. A Simple Will Finally, every young adult should have a simple will. While it might seem unnecessary for someone with few assets, a will is essential for ensuring their property is distributed according to their wishes. It also simplifies the process for loved ones during a difficult time, reducing potential disputes and confusion. A simple will can address the distribution of personal belongings, digital assets, and any other property, providing clarity and direction for those left behind. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or older adults; it’s also a crucial step for young adults. Taking these steps now can provide peace of mind and protect them and their loved ones in the future.

Every person needs an estate plan, regardless of age or income level. It’s easy to think estate planning is only for the wealthy or older adults, but even young adults can benefit from having essential legal documents

in place. Here are three critical estate planning documents every young adult should have and why they’re so important.

Health Care Power of Attorney One of the most important documents for any young adult is a health care power of attorney, also known as an advanced health care directive. This document allows a family member or another trusted individual to make health care decisions on behalf of the young adult if they become incapacitated. Without this legal document, parents and legal guardians will be barred from making health care decisions for them and will not be allowed to access their medical information. This can create complications during an already challenging time.

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