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June 2023
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Find Justice After Mesothelioma Who’s to Blame for Asbestos Exposure?
While mesothelioma cases seem rare in the U.S., I have worked on many legal cases with victims and their families. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed with this specific cancer yearly. With no cure and painful symptoms, mesothelioma is a severe illness that, when diagnosed, can drastically change lives. Unlike other cancers, mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure and is usually the fault of companies and poor working conditions. That’s why I recommend that anyone diagnosed with this condition pursue legal action. Mesothelioma is most common among blue-collar workers in fields like construction, auto repair, mining, and manufacturing. Unfortunately, mesothelioma isn’t strictly found in those directly exposed to asbestos but also in their loved ones who experienced secondary exposure. This can include family members such as the wife and children of high-risk workers. Most of the time, symptoms of mesothelioma won’t appear until nearly 20–60 years after asbestos exposure. I can’t stress enough how critical it is to act quickly once you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The statute of limitations can come sooner than you think, and then you will be left without any chance of receiving financial compensation. While each state varies, the statute of limitations is often around two years after the victim gets a diagnosis. The mesothelioma lawsuits I’ve encountered smoothly settle outside of court. The settlement aims to help people overcome financial hardships caused by extensive medical bills and compensate for pain and suffering. According to the Mesothelioma Center, the average settlement in a mesothelioma lawsuit ranges from $1 to $2 million. Meanwhile, the REFERRALS WELCOME Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be
compensation averages around $5 million to $11.4 million for trial verdicts. While a mesothelioma diagnosis can lead to a substantial settlement, it’s vital to seek legal advice from an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can help you discover if your case has a chance of success. I often work with two types of mesothelioma lawsuits: personal injury and wrongful death. Personal injury cases are filed by the mesothelioma patient and aim to prove that an employer or company’s failure to warn or eliminate asbestos exposure led to the patient’s illness. The settlement for a mesothelioma personal injury case will aim to cover medical bills, future expenses, and pain and suffering. Meanwhile, loved ones of a recently deceased patient can file a wrongful death lawsuit to compensate for medical fees, funeral costs, lost wages, and emotional pain. When putting together a mesothelioma lawsuit, my team and I work hard to do the heavy lifting, especially since our clients are trying to find stability after this distressing diagnosis. We will compile all necessary evidence, such as past medical records, work history, etc. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our Beck & Beck team at 314-961-5678. We’ll help you better understand how the legal process works and help you feel supported in this challenging time. You and your family deserve justice after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, and we want to ensure that happens.
embarrassed by a referral to our office. We’re always available to lend a helping hand to anyone with any legal need. Just give us a call at (314) 961-5678 or visit us at BeckLawMO.com .
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Common Restaurant Health Code Violations That Doesn’t Look Quite Right
illnesses to become more likely. In all stages of the cooking process and behind-the-scenes prep work, cross-contamination can occur. While it might be difficult to see how your food is being prepared at a restaurant, some signs of cross- contamination that occur in the dining area include waiters and waitresses carrying plates by the rim instead of the bottom of the plate, hair dangling into the food, using a glass to scoop ice, and forgetting to sanitize towels between each use. Unsanitary Restaurant Exterior and Interior As mentioned, restaurant guests typically aren’t invited back into the kitchen, but the dining room and exterior of the restaurant are on full display. Is there trash around the exterior that could potentially attract rats and pests? Are there cracks and crevices in the walls? Is there stagnant water, debris, or places for pests to hide? Are blinds and window sills dusty? Is there dirt, trash, or food particles on the floor? All of these signs may point to poor cleanliness in the kitchen. Employee Presentation You might never actually see the chef and the cooks on the line, but you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the rest of the staff. Are employees wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)? Are they tidy, in proper uniform, wearing aprons, with their hair tied back appropriately? Are their hands free of debris, food, and dirt? As a general rule of thumb, employees should not be eating in dining and food preparation areas. If you ever catch your waiter sneaking a bite of a breadstick, this could also be a cause for concern. While it may be difficult to pinpoint whether or not a restaurant is lacking in the health code area, these are some great identifiers to keep an eye out for. They may even reveal whether or not the establishment and its protocols are up to snuff — so you can feel comfortable and confident indulging in a great meal there. Happy dining!
If you’re a foodie, then you may agree with other restaurant enthusiasts when they say that the top deterrent to dining at a particular food establishment is an adverse health inspection. When a restaurant is plagued with that on their record, images of rats, mold, filth, and grime may pop into your head — and then your appetite tanks. Restaurants must comply with a health code designed to ensure their food is safe and customers don’t experience foodborne illnesses. When restaurants violate this code, they expose themselves to potential fines and sometimes forced closures. If you’re a person who enjoys dining out, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most common health code violations. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for. Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination takes place when bacteria are transferred among different people, objects, and places, causing foodborne
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TAKE A BREAK
Change the Way You Save What to Expect From the SECURE 2.0 Act
Beach Burgers Cycling Father Juneteenth Music
Get ready for more savings! Last year,
Pearl Pride Refugee Sailing Solstice Waterski
the SECURE 2.0 Act added new provisions that may change how you
prepare for retirement. In order to
increase your savings come retirement, these changes aim to make
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com HOMEMADE DOLE WHIP
saving more manageable and enticing. They also lower the cost for employers
to offer savings plans within the company. Now, it’s more attractive for employers to offer savings plans for their employees, and employees will have better plan options to choose from! Here’s what you need to know! RMD Age Extended One of the most significant changes involves required minimum distributions (RMDs). The previous rules stated that retirees were required to make withdrawals from their retirement accounts when they turned 72 years old. Now, the RMD age is 73, providing you an extra year to save in your tax-free retirement accounts instead of taking those taxable distributions early. On Jan. 1, 2033, this threshold age will be raised again to 75. Penalties Cut in Half In the past, if you missed an RMD deadline, the penalty was 50% of the amount you should have taken. This penalty has been reduced to only 25% of the amount. If you fix your mistake within two years, the number could be reduced to 10%. Pre-Death Requirement Eliminated In 2024, the pre-death requirement for Roth 401(k) accounts will be removed. This means Roth IRA accounts are not subject to the RMD rules if the account holder passes away before the required distribution age. These changes to RMDs are just a few things the SECURE 2.0 Act has set in motion. To learn more about how to continue saving through your golden years, set up a strategy session with your trusted financial advisor!
The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert: the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the creamy taste of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple
Directions
1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Take Action After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Watch Out for Restaurant Health Code Violations
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Homemade Dole Whip More Ways to Save Are Coming!
A Wheely Good Time at the Drive-In
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A Poppin’ Night at the Drive-In The Best Seats in the House
Do you remember the days of packing up snacks, hopping in the car, and heading out for an evening under the stars at the drive-in? Every year on June 6, we celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. Although movie-going has seen some modifications over the last few decades, drive-in movie theaters are still around and continue to draw a crowd! If you’re interested in reliving some of your best memories and watching a movie at your local drive-in, here are some tips to make the most of the evening. Pack the snacks. Most drive-in theaters have maintained the look and feel of the retro movie experience, so you may need to bring your own munchies and refreshments. So, before you go, pop the popcorn and refrigerate your soda. If you’re bringing your kids or grandchildren, you may want to pack some extra M&M’s and gummy bears along with their favorite juice box! Pocket some cash. For drive-ins with a concession stand, be sure you have cash on hand, just in case they do not accept cards. Before your movie, you can always call ahead to get the scoop on whether or not they have a concession stand and the rules and options.
Dress appropriately. The temperatures can get a bit chilly depending on where you live, and the bugs may be on the loose! Long pants and sweatshirts are a great option to stay comfortable, warm, and protected from the bugs. Tote along some chairs. If you’re with a large group of people, or your car feels a bit cramped, take the party outside: Set up a viewing area with some foldable chairs right around your car. If you have a truck, you can back into the parking spot and put chairs in the truck bed, too! When you arrive prepared, the drive-in is a fun activity all ages and generations can appreciate. As always, ensure you get there early to enjoy the previews, too — many argue it’s the best part of the entire experience!
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