Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. - August 2024

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AUGUST 2024

Our Attempts to Get Outdoors and Connect With Nature Not-So-Happy Campers

This time of year, a day on the lake and a night sleeping under the stars sounds perfect. No wonder Aug. 5 is National Campfire Day. The long summer days are perfect for unwinding and unplugging in nature, but my wife and daughters have no interest whatsoever in the great outdoors! I have to admit, my family and I aren’t frequent campers, and neither were my parents, but the few times I’ve managed to be one with the wilderness have left a lasting impression. Being out there, away from the constant buzz of civilization, can be incredibly therapeutic. It’s a total shift from my daily environment, swapping out traffic honking and nonstop phone buzzing for the soothing sounds of a forest or the rush of a river. My fondest outdoor experiences date back to when I lived in Colorado. My mother moved out there for a while, and it was during those visits that I truly embraced the joys of hiking and being in nature. As a kid, I wasn’t too keen on hiking, but I began to appreciate the stress relief and scenery it offered as I got older. I would even snowboard out of bounds just to get to that

powder snow! As for Georgia, the Flint River also provides a scenic backdrop for canoeing and kayaking — favorites of mine, though my opportunities to hit the water are few, given my little ones and my wife, Priscila’s, apprehension about opaque waters. I always jokingly blame the piranhas back in her native Brazil for making her a scaredy cat. Despite the allure, organizing a camping trip with my family today involves more persuasion, especially with Priscila’s preference for cityscapes and having small kids. It reminds me of my childhood, where camping was far from routine. My dad, who had his fill of nature in the Army and military school, considered a stay at the Holiday Inn as close to roughin’ it as he’d like to get. Our one family camping attempt in a rented camper was a comedy of errors — from backing into structures to forgetting the sleeping bags. It was so comically chaotic that we returned the camper early, much to the dealer’s surprise. Now, as I consider reintroducing camping to my life and perhaps convincing my girls to give it a shot, I’m thinking about starting with something more comfortable, like “glamping.” It could be the perfect compromise to ease everyone back into the joys of outdoor living. What draws me back to camping isn’t just the escape; it’s the chance to provide my girls with experiences that break the mold of everyday routine. I want to show them life beyond screens and scheduled activities and immerse them in the spontaneity and beauty of nature — whether that’s a backcountry hike, a night under the stars, or the simple joy of storytelling around a campfire. For anyone thinking about stepping out into the wild, whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice like me, remember the importance of preparing and respecting nature’s boundaries. Camping is not just about escaping; it’s about connecting — connecting with nature and with loved ones. Happy camping! —William F. “Trey” Underwood III

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Create or Join a Cooking Club! A Recipe for Great Food and Friendships

Cooking clubs can turn a chore into a flavorful event, with your friends acting as the ingredients for a good time and some good food. Let’s face it: Preparing a meal on your own can sometimes be a lonely, uphill slog, but if you cook with others, utilizing a theme, goal, or challenge to make it all the more exciting, it can be spectacular! Here are two reasons why — and how — you should create a cooking club! Friends of a Feather Cooking clubs usually comprise a small group of friends who come together regularly to cook. If you have friends who are similarly interested in expanding their culinary horizons, you are well on your way to establishing a successful club! Agree on a time — weekly, bi- weekly, or monthly — to collaborate on themed meals, preparation, or even cooking challenges, and away you go! Cooking Up a Good Time Each time your cooking club meets, you can embark on a new and exciting culinary adventure! Having a theme for your club’s meetup — like Thai, Italian, or French — can allow your group to spread their foodie wings and learn more about regional cuisine. You can also replicate one of your favorite television cooking competitions, like “Chopped” or “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and turn one of your club’s

gatherings into an entertaining spectacle! If you want to embark on a group diet, meal prepping with your group is a great way to reduce food waste and save money by bulk purchasing groceries. Collaborating on a culinary project can help rekindle friendships while exploring a fun hobby with those whose company you adore. If you want to socialize more while creating delectable memories with loved ones and friends, then a cooking club may be your new favorite group hobby!

Summer Fun With a Side of Caution What to Do if You’re Injured at a Summer Event

Summer is synonymous with fun-filled amusement parks, festivals, and community events. While these activities make the season special, it doesn’t mean there’s no risk of injuries or accidents. We’ve handled numerous cases arising from summer festivities and want to highlight the importance of being diligent, staying informed, and knowing your rights if you experience an injury. Liability and Safety Regulations It’s essential to understand that amusement park operators and event organizers have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for visitors. This includes regular maintenance of equipment, proper safety checks, and clear instructions for safely enjoying the activities. However, despite rigorous safety standards, accidents can and do happen. Mechanical failures, operator errors, or inadequate security measures can lead to severe injuries. When you visit a festival or amusement park, you enter a space where the premises liability law typically applies. This means that the property owners and event organizers are responsible for any injuries due to negligence. For instance, if a ride malfunctions due to poor maintenance, the operator could be liable for your injuries.

Steps to Take if You’re Injured If you or a loved one is injured at an event, there are several critical steps you should follow: 1. Seek medical attention immediately: Health comes first, even if the injury seems minor. 2. Report the incident: Notify the event organizers or park management right away. This documents the incident and alerts them to potential hazards for others. 3. Document everything: Take pictures of the injury and where it happened. Gather names and contact details of any witnesses. 4. Keep records: Save all medical records and receipts related to the injury. These will be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney Navigating a personal injury claim can be daunting, especially when dealing with large amusement parks or event organizers that have legal teams. Our team can help you understand your rights, gather the required evidence, and represent you in negotiations or court. As the summer unfolds, staying vigilant about your safety is important. If you find yourself injured at one of these events, remember that you have rights, and there are legal pathways to seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have questions or need assistance with a personal injury claim.

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Stay Safe Under the Sun and on the Clock

Essential Tips for Outdoor Workers This Summer

We all know how hot it can get down here in Georgia. As the temperature rises, outdoor worker safety becomes more critical than ever. The dangers of heat stress and related illnesses can quickly escalate for those laboring under the sun, which means adequate work safety measures must be in place. The consequences can be fatal. We’ll explore the vital aspects of outdoor employee safety and understand workers’ rights in hot summer conditions. Recognize the Risks of Heat- Related Illness Georgia’s summers are known for their intense heat and humidity, which can create hazardous conditions for workers in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. Under these sweltering circumstances, the body struggles to regulate temperature, which can lead to various forms of heat stress. These range from mild symptoms like heat rashes and cramps to severe conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are potentially life-threatening.

Employers are obligated to ensure a safe working environment, which includes protecting workers from the dangers of heat. This responsibility involves providing ample access to water, rest, and shade while ensuring workers have sufficient breaks to cool down. Acclimatizing new or returning workers to the heat can also prevent heat- related illnesses by allowing their bodies to adjust gradually to the harsh conditions.

under occupational safety and health laws. Workers should be aware of their rights to a safe workplace, which includes safety measures for extreme temperatures. If these rights are compromised, workers should seek legal support. Never Fight For Your Rights Alone Workers are entitled to a workplace that doesn’t pose a severe risk to their health, including proper management of extreme heat. If you or someone you know is dealing with the repercussions of insufficient workplace safety, please contact our team. We are dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of workers all year round.

Stay Informed and Know Your Rights

Education on the signs of heat stress is crucial for workers to protect themselves and assist colleagues suffering. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and excessive thirst. Recognizing these signs early can be vital in preventing more severe health issues. It’s equally important that workers feel empowered to voice concerns about heat. Employers who disregard worker concerns jeopardize health and risk legal consequences

TASTY CUCUMBER SUSHI ROLLS

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 May newsletter:

Ingredients • 1 cup uncooked sushi rice • 1 1/2 cups water • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 1 tbsp sugar

Melissa Larkins Sierra Richardson Aracely Rivera

Monica Irby Robert Foster Kenneth Singletary

• 1 tsp salt • 2 sheets of nori • 1/2 a cucumber, sliced

lengthwise into thin strips

Your recommendations are treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can 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. To make sushi rice, combine rice with water in a small saucepot. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until water is absorbed. Let cool. 2. Lay a piece of nori on a flat surface. Spread half of the sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one end. 3. Place half the cucumber strips along the other end of the nori. 4. Using your fingers, moisten the 1/2-inch border of the nori with water. 5. Gently roll up the nori, starting from the end with the cucumbers. Then press to seal. Repeat with a second sheet of nori and remaining cucumber. 6. Slice with a serrated knife into 1-inch sections and serve.

Thank you for trusting us to serve you!

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Trey Tries to Get His Family Around the Campfire This Summer PAGE 1 The Joy of Joining a Cooking Club Injured at a Festival or Amusement Park? PAGE 2 How Georgia’s Rising Temperatures Impact Outdoor Work Safety Tasty Cucumber Sushi Rolls PAGE 3 Aspiring Necromancer Sought to Revive George Washington PAGE 4

MANIC MEDIC

HOW A DOCTOR PLANNED TO RESURRECT GEORGE WASHINGTON

Fans of deathbed dramas can hardly ask for a more harrowing tale than the story of an overconfident doctor who tried to resurrect George Washington. As the former president lay dying in December of 1799, Dr. William Thornton raced to Washington’s Mount Vernon home in hopes of reaching him before he passed away, according to “Washington’s End,” a 2020 book by historian and White House speechwriter Jonathan Horn. Washington had been both a friend and benefactor to Thornton. A classic product of the Enlightenment, Thornton was a brilliant polymath considered a genius in his time. He was born in the British West Indies and attended medical school in Scotland before gaining American citizenship. Washington selected Thornton’s design for the U.S. Capitol.

corpse, frozen solid from the frigid winter temperatures and surrounded by grieving family and friends. The situation did not stop the doctor from hatching a bold plan to revive him. Thornton had studied numerous cases of people who were revived after appearing to be dead. He was an early advocate of the medical technique of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to revive victims of near-drownings. Before Washington died, he had suffered a series of tortuous medical treatments for a bad throat infection, including numerous bloodlettings, throat poultices, enemas, and purgatives. Thornton recalled cases he had read about fish being revived after freezing and proposed to thaw Washington’s corpse in cold water, restore air to his body by performing a tracheotomy, and replace the blood drained by the doctors with lamb’s blood. If a lack of air and loss of blood had killed the president, then restoring them and warming the body should revive him, Thornton reasoned.

None of Washington’s grieving family and friends supported Thornton’s idea. They recalled the former president’s deathbed instructions to the doctors attending him at the time, “I pray you to take no more trouble about me; let me go off quietly.” Ultimately, the president’s instructions were honored. Despite Thornton’s effort to have his body transported to the Capitol for burial, they granted Washington’s final wish: He was permanently interred at his Mount Vernon home.

Upon arriving at Mount Vernon, Thornton was shocked to see the president’s

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