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Justice MONTHLY
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MARCH 2022
Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire LET’S MAKE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BETTER
This month, 101 years ago, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory went up in flames, igniting a crusade for safer working conditions and compensation for injuries. This event and the harrowing stories that came from it are among numerous devastating moments in history that led to workers’ compensation rights and safer working conditions. As a workers’ compensation attorney, I have witnessed how life-changing these rights can be, but even 101 years after that historic, tragic factory fire, I also know we have a long way to go. Prior to this event, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was lauded for its efficiency, but as History.com explains, it was “a true sweatshop.” Its employees, most of whom were young immigrant women and girls, were only paid $15 per week and expected to work 12 hours each day. The factory was located on three upper floors in a New York City building, a fact that would later cause problems for rescue efforts. The fire began just as the day was ending. A bin full of scrap material on the ninth floor of the building caught on fire, and the workers couldn’t put out the blaze because the hose was rotted and rusted shut. There weren’t any sprinklers, either. As panic grew, employees began rushing out of the building. The only way outside was to take the elevator, stairs, or fire escape. However, after a few trips, the elevator stopped working. This caused desperation for those waiting for the elevator, and some plunged down the shaft in hopes of escaping. Employees who ran to the stairs discovered the stairwell was locked, and those who tried the back fire escape found it destroyed from heat. And when the fire department arrived, their ladder only reached the sixth floor — a heartbreaking discovery for those trying to escape the fire on the ninth floor. All told, 146 workers died that day. Some were trapped in the stairwell, others perished in the flames, and some jumped from the windows in an attempt to escape.
We would later learn the factory’s owners profited off shady practices. Max Blanck and Isaac Harris would purposely set fire to some of their businesses to collect insurance money, and they regularly ignored safety regulations. This continued after this tragedy. Blanck and Harris were paid $400 per casualty, but only gave $75 to the families of the workers who died.
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As public outcry and anger increased, labor rights protests across the country grew. A few months later, Wisconsin published the first known workers’ compensation law in the U.S., and other states followed suit. Today, we have rights that employees at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and their families did not. It’s a comfort for many employees, but it’s not a perfect system. In fact, it seems like workers’ compensation in Georgia is stripped of more rights with every legislative session. For instance, the length of time it takes for a workers’ compensation case to travel through the court system is detrimental. As people wait years for proper compensation for treatment, they are left with tremendous stress and continued damage. Furthermore, I struggle with some of the decisions judges make regarding day-to-day work. I recently read about a case in which a telephone highline worker was paralyzed after a fall, but because he didn’t use one device and instead relied on a technique every worker used to rappel off the pole, the court determined he was not owed additional compensation. That’s not right in my opinion. This man PASSENGERS HAVE RIGHTS What You Need to Know After an Accident as a Passenger You probably don’t think about the potential risks or dangers of riding as the passenger in someone else’s car — that is, until an accident occurs. The fact is, as a passenger, you are more vulnerable. You not only have to trust that other drivers will act safely and responsibly, but you also have to trust your friend or relative as they drive. However, when an accident does occur and a passenger sustains injuries as a result, they are almost always entitled to some form of compensation for their injuries. (Complications can arise when someone who is not covered by your insurance drives your vehicle and is in an accident.)
did his job, and he did so in a way that was common. He deserves payment for his injuries.
Imagine if employers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory or other shoddy employers were held to that same standard? Imagine if we made it easier for injured Georgia workers to get the compensation they deserve? That’s what our workers’ compensation laws need, and after nearly 100 years and countless adaptations to these laws, it’s time we protected more workers.
pause. After all, most people don’t want to sue their friends, parents, or siblings. Luckily, that’s not exactly how it works!
When you’re in an accident as a driver, and the other driver is at fault, your attorney will seek damages from the other driver’s insurance company, not the driver personally. This works the same way for passengers. So, while your friend or relative may be at-fault for the accident, they won’t be on the hook for your bills. Instead, this will be footed by the insurance company. The only impact a driver may experience is an increase in car insurance payments as a result of the accident. This would happen regardless of whether you were in the vehicle or not. There is a stipulation, though. In Georgia, there are some restrictions with family members. For instance, a passenger may be restricted in seeking compensation for damages from a closely related family member’s insurance company after an accident. The standard for this can vary; we have represented a client in a case where compensation was sought from their sibling’s insurance company.
The best way to protect yourself after an accident — whether you are the driver or the passenger — is to seek legal assistance. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our team has experience managing these complex cases. Please contact us today for a free consultation or for more information.
The thought of seeking compensation after a friend
is in an accident with you in the passenger
seat can give some people
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GEORGIA IS BETTER BECAUSE OF THESE WOMEN
MEET 3 TRAILBLAZERS
Georgia’s history starts before the founding of our nation and includes pivotal events in various arenas, including the Civil War, civil rights, and agriculture. In the spirit of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8, we would like to commemorate three Georgia women who have enriched our great state. From Novelist to Activist: Margaret Mitchell Perhaps one of the most famous books set in Georgia, “Gone With The Wind,” was written by Georgia’s own Margaret Mitchell. The book became an instant
Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, in 1911, she decided to introduce the idea to America. Low started a chapter of Girl Guides — then an off-shoot of the Boy Scouts — in Savannah, Georgia, her hometown. Just two years later, the Girl Scouts national headquarters was founded in Washington, D.C., and Low had
established a legacy. Today, the Girl Scouts continue to teach leadership, life skills, and civic engagement to girls across the globe. The ‘First Lady’ of the State Bar: Madrid Williams Born in Aragon, Georgia, Madrid Loyd Williams worked her way up the Georgia Bar Association ranks from executive secretary to
success, earning Mitchell the National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize in fiction. While “Gone With The Wind” would remain Mitchell’s only book published during her lifetime, many Georgians also knew Mitchell for her activism. She sewed and wrote letters to soldiers as part of the World War II effort, and Georgia Public Radio reports she helped integrate the Atlanta Police Department and supported Black medical students through school. Encouraging Young Girls: Juliette Gordon Low Girl Scout cookies have raving fans today, but 112 years ago, the world sorely lacked them. When Juliette Gordon Low befriended Sir
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 January newsletter: executive director. And she did it all without a high school diploma or higher education. Still, Williams’ work included incredible growth for the bar association, and she was often the only woman in the room. Williams also served on a number of boards for education and disciplinary action in the legal community. And as if trailblazing throughout her career wasn’t enough, Williams also went on to serve as the first female deacon at her Presbyterian church.
Ingredients • 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe! EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI
Shaquawna Madison Roderick Weaver
Melissa Larkins
Your recommendations are greatly 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 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.
• 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
Directions 1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
Inspired by MyRecipes.com
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We Can Improve Workers’ Compensation PAGE 1
What Are My Rights as a Passenger After a Collision? PAGE 2
3 Georgia Women Who Changed History PAGE 3
Easy March Madness Chili PAGE 3
Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning! PAGE 4
up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones. It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses. Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better . Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn't the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. It keeps you more active. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body. This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning
Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring-cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here's how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling
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HAVE YOU OR A LOVED ONE USED ZANTAC? PLUS, AN UPDATE ON CANCERS INCLUDED IN THIS CASE!
Do you or a loved one now suffer from cancer, nervous system disorders, liver failure, and other debilitating or deadly diseases?
If so, you may have a claim against the pharmaceutical manufacturers of Zantac.
In September 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zantac — the over-the-counter name of the heartburn medication ranitidine — contained elevated and unsafe levels of the carcinogenic contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Experts claim that when the medication comes in contact with water, its production of NDMA increases. The FDA is continuing to investigate the cause of the elevated levels of the carcinogen. As a result, thousands of mass tort lawsuits have been filed on behalf of those who have been diagnosed with cancer and other dangerous illnesses after the continued use of Zantac. Evidence suggests that the manufacturers of Zantac were aware of the potentially deadly qualities of NDMAs and its presence in ranitidine when they mass-marketed the product. The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. are your south Georgia mass tort case experts, so call us at 229-888-0888 today. Our attorneys will be there with you through every step in the process and work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
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If you or a loved one was diagnosed with one of the following cancers after taking Zantac, you may be entitled to compensation and justice for your suffering. Cancers included in the Zantac mass tort case: • Liver • Stomach • Bladder • Colorectal • Prostate • Breast • Kidney (or kidney replacement)
The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. are your south Georgia mass tort case experts, so call us at 229-888-0888 today. Our attorneys will be there with you through every step in the process and work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
We will continue to update you as this investigation progresses and more details are released.
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