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TRUE NORTH
BY
STEVE LINGENBRINK | CHRIS CAZARES
DON’T BE A BAD DOG OWNER Avoiding Dog Bite Cases Requires Responsibility
If you have ever been to our offices, there’s a good chance you have met our office dog and family pet, Mr. Pickles. He’s the perfect office dog because of his gentle temperament, and with all the time we spend with Mr. Pickles, we know exactly how he is going to react in many situations.
But that doesn’t mean Mr. Pickles is trusted off-leash on our walks.
We learned the neighbor’s dog had a history of biting, which they failed to disclose to neighbors. Additionally, a review of the area also revealed improper fencing. Our client received a settlement, but the bite has placed limitations on her career, and her dog can no longer perform. You can see the anxiety on her face when she goes outside near where the incident occurred. The neighboring dog owner continued to maintain that it was our client’s fault that this incident had occurred, stating that our client’s dog had jumped the fence previously, provoking the dog into action. This neighbor fell right into the stereotype we unfortunately see in a lot of these cases: people unwilling to take and accept responsibility for their poor dog ownership. This owner put their dog into a situation where it lashed out. The neighbor had a responsibility as a dog owner to provide their dog with safety so that it could be healthy and happy — like it deserved to be. I’ve come to appreciate this idea as a member of the board for Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville. Our pets give so much to us in terms of love and companionship; the least we can do is make sure we invest our time and attention to make sure they are safe. Learn from this case of irresponsible dog ownership and avoid putting your dog in a threatening situation. Use a leash in a posted area, and always understand your dog’s full history. It’s what all dogs deserve and is just what we do for our gentle Mr. Pickles.
In fact, only recently, I was grateful to have Mr. Pickles safely on his leash. I was walking with him and my children when a neighbor’s dog came rushing down the sidewalk untethered. Luckily, the loose dog paused when he saw us, and nothing happened. As a dad, I was nervous. It’s never an easy feeling when you’re in a public space with your children and a dog is loose. Readers may think that’s the personal injury attorney in me speaking; however, I have been part of far too many devastating dog bite cases to know that no matter the temperament of the dog or the nature of the surroundings, it’s the decisions we make as humans that make all the difference. As dog owners, we have a responsibility to never put our dogs in a situation where they may feel threatened. A while back, we represented a veterinarian in a dog bite case. Our client is passionate about her work with animals, including her job in general practice, animal surgery, and working with large animals. She is also a proud dog owner of a show dog, which she dutifully trained and cared for any time she could. One day, our client and her dog were in their yard when the neighbor’s dog jumped the fence. Before our client could react, the neighbor’s dog knocked our client to the ground and latched onto her dog’s neck. Once on her feet, our client’s training kicked in, and she successfully separated the dogs.
Unfortunately, in the process, our client was bitten on the hand by the neighbor’s dog.
Think about how important our hands are to everything we do, and then consider the fact that our client is a surgeon. Her hands are her livelihood, not to mention used to care for and train her dog.
I firmly believe in the saying, “There are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners,” and sadly, this was one of those cases.
CHRIS CAZARES
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POLARISINJURYLAW.COM | 425.637.1300
A 15-MINUTE NAP CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD, HAPPINESS, AND HEALTH The Power of Power Napping
benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine.
Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your
cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations.
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you
Vitamin D, traditionally celebrated for its role in bone health, has emerged as a crucial nutrient in bolstering the immune system. This fat-soluble vitamin, produced by the body through sun exposure, plays a significant role in maintaining overall health, particularly in immune function. Given the modern challenges of minimal sun exposure due to indoor lifestyles and skin cancer concerns, understanding vitamin D’s impact on immune health has become more critical than ever. Vitality of Vitamin D in Immune Regulation Vitamin D is instrumental in enhancing the functionality of white blood cells like monocytes and macrophages, which are pivotal in immune defense. Additionally, it plays a role in reducing inflammation, a key factor in a healthy immune response. Its ability to modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses is crucial, with deficiency linked to increased susceptibility to infections and heightened autoimmunity. Respiratory Health and Vitamin D Recent studies, including a significant one published in the British Medical Journal, suggest that vitamin D supplementation can help protect against acute respiratory tract infections. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with lower baseline levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D’s Link to Autoimmune Diseases The correlation between vitamin D levels and autoimmune diseases is an area of growing interest. Diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis have been associated with low levels of vitamin D. Supplementation
in such cases might offer therapeutic benefits, though further research is ongoing to fully understand this relationship. Impact of Vitamin D on Mental Health Emerging research has
suggested a link between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of conditions
like depression and anxiety. While the exact mechanisms are still being understood, this highlights another dimension of vitamin D’s importance in overall health and well-being. Vitamin D’s role in the immune system highlights its importance beyond just bone health. Its impact on preventing infections, possibly managing autoimmune diseases, and impacting mental health places it at the forefront of nutrients essential for maintaining optimal health. Given its broad scope of benefits, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of preventive health care.
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POLARISINJURYLAW.COM | 425.637.1300
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS
How DIY Boxes Are Reinventing Family Time
In an era increasingly dominated by digital screens, DIY subscription boxes have emerged as a refreshing medium for family bonding, offering more than just educational content but fostering memorable, shared experiences between parents and kids. Here are a few to consider! CircuitMess STEM Box: A Technological Bonding Experience At the forefront of this trend is the CircuitMess STEM Box, an excellent choice for kids ages 11 and older. This box includes projects like assembling a “Clockstar” smartwatch or crafting a “Wheelson” self-driving car. It’s a gateway to the complex world of AI and machine learning and a platform for parents to engage in these emerging technologies alongside their children. Petros, a father from the U.S., reports: “Building the Ringo kit was an enriching experience, providing quality time and valuable learning for my son.” Such activities emphasize the role of parents as partners in learning, jointly navigating the exhilarating path of technological discovery. CircuitMess Wacky Robots: Introducing Engineering to Young Minds For the younger demographic (ages 9 and older), Wacky Robots is an excellent initiation into the world of robotics. Designed for simplicity, it allows younger children to participate. Vladimir from Croatia shares, “Assembling the robots with my daughter was a joy; it sparked her curiosity in ways I hadn’t seen before.” This box simplifies the complex world of robotics into a playful and accessible format, perfectly suited for parents and children to explore together.
project, whether it’s building a robot or solving a technological puzzle, forges a unique bond. This shared journey through challenges and triumphs cultivates technical skills and deepens emotional connections. DIY subscription boxes like CircuitMess STEM Box and Wacky Robots can serve as portals to new realms of knowledge and collaborative experiences, turning parents into co-adventurers in their kids’ world of discovery. Families don’t just create projects; they craft lasting memories and strengthen relationships.
Ultimately, what distinguishes these subscription boxes is their ability to transform an ordinary evening into an adventure of cooperation and discovery. Working together on a
CLASSIC CHEESECAKE This classic cheesecake recipe is simple yet decadent and will leave your mouth watering!
PUZZLE BREAK
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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24 graham crackers, crushed
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. 3. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended. 5. Add vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream; mix until blended. 6. Pour into prepared pan. 7. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center is almost set. 8. Cool completely before serving.
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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3 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup sour cream
(SOLUTION ON PG. 4)
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Be the Owner Your Pet Deserves
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3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap Avert Health Hazards Naturally Family Fun With DIY Boxes Classic Cheesecake The Crucial Role of Evidence in Personal Injury Cases
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SUDOKU SOLUTION FROM PG. 3
FROM PHOTOS TO TESTIMONIES HOW EVIDENCE SHAPES PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
Eyewitnesses and Expert Testimony Eyewitnesses can provide crucial insights into how the accident occurred, lending credibility to the plaintiff’s account of events. In addition, expert testimonies, often from medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, can
The judicial system often conjures images of dramatic courtroom confrontations, but the reality is that most cases hinge on something far less theatrical: evidence. In personal injury claims, evidence plays a crucial role, serving as the backbone of the entire case. Understanding the nuances of how evidence impacts these claims can shed light on the intricacies of the legal process. In any personal injury claim, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff — the one who has suffered the injury. To establish a successful claim, evidence must be presented to prove two key elements: liability and damages. Liability evidence demonstrates who was at fault, while damage evidence shows the extent of the harm suffered. This evidence can include photographs of the accident scene, medical reports detailing the injuries, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimonies. Medical Records Medical records are often considered the cornerstone of a personal injury claim. They provide an objective account of the injuries, treatments, and prognosis. This documentation is vital in quantifying the damages and linking them directly to the incident. These records need to be comprehensive and accurately reflect the severity and scope of the injuries.
help clarify complex issues related to the injury or the circumstances of the accident. Experts can be pivotal in swaying the judgment in favor of the plaintiff. Impact of Photographic and Video Evidence In the digital age, photographic and video evidence have become increasingly significant. They can vividly capture the accident’s circumstances, providing undeniable proof of liability and the injury’s severity. However, this evidence must be presented correctly to be deemed admissible and effective. Evidence in a personal injury claim is the foundation upon which the case is built and argued. Each piece plays a vital role in painting a comprehensive picture of the incident and its aftermath. Understanding the critical role of evidence not only demystifies the legal process but also highlights the importance of meticulous and thorough preparation in personal injury cases.
STEVE’S CORNER Steve Lingenbrink is the founding partner of Polaris Injury Law, formerly Lingenbrink Law and Lingenbrink Cazares Injury Lawyers.
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