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JANUARY 2026
What Not to Do After an Accident
The Worst Advice You Could Ever Take After You Experience an Injury
Every year on Jan. 25, we get to celebrate a quirky, not-so-well-known holiday: Opposite Day. And as an injury attorney, trust me, there are plenty of things I would never tell you to do after an accident. In fact, if I practiced law by Opposite Day rules, half of my clients’ cases would disappear overnight. So, today, I’m flipping the script and walking you through the biggest “please don’t do this” moments I see in both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. These are the mistakes that quietly sabotage good people and good claims, and they’re all avoidable. The Personal Injury ‘Opposite Day’ Don’ts Let’s start with personal injury, because I could fill a book with what not to do. 1. Delay medical care and downplay your pain. If Opposite Day were real life, I’d tell you: “Hey, don’t go to the doctor. Just wait it out. Maybe it’ll magically get better.” Of course, the real advice is the opposite. Delaying medical care or “toughing it out” creates gaps that insurance companies love to point at. If you’re hurt, get checked out, and when you do, tell your doctor everything that hurts.
2. Give risky recorded statements to adjusters. Look, most people are polite. They try to be fair. And sometimes they end up apologizing for things that weren’t their fault, or worse, suggesting they might share blame. An adjuster’s job is to minimize claims, not help you. So, when they ask for a recorded statement, expect a minefield of questions aiming to make you admit fault. That is why you should never give recorded statements before talking to an attorney. 3. Post about your case on social media. You’d be amazed at how many people document their entire situation online. Photos, jokes about “hitting the jackpot,” videos playing with their kids are all up for grabs, and insurance companies will happily use all of it against you. If there’s one place to stay quiet, it’s the internet. 4. Sign anything without a legal review. Insurance paperwork is not friendly reading. Some folks sign away their rights for a few hundred dollars, only to discover later they need surgery. Once you sign that release, there’s nothing I can do, even if the settlement doesn’t cover the medical bills. The Workers’ Comp ‘Opposite Day’ Traps Workers’ comp has its own flavor of avoidable disasters. 1. Delay reporting your injury. Some folks try to “tough it out” at work and hope the pain goes away in hopes of not rocking the boat at work. Weeks later,
when the injury gets worse, they finally say something, only to hear, “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Your employer needs to be notified to investigate and prevent further injuries. Report it quickly. 2. Skip getting work status reports. These little papers are the key to receiving wage benefits. Without them, you won’t get paid for missed time. And trust me, tracking them down later is a nightmare. 3. Sign medical liens blindly. Some medical providers triple their prices under lien agreements. I’ve seen generic prescriptions mailed out for $700. Always know what you’re signing. On Opposite Day, it’s fun to joke about all the terrible legal advice I could give. But in the real world, these little missteps can ruin a case that should’ve helped you get back on your feet. My actual advice? Be cautious. Ask questions. Don’t assume everyone involved is looking out for you. And if you’re unsure about paperwork, coverage, statements, or next steps, I’ll happily look things over, even if I’m not representing you. A little guidance upfront can save you a lot of
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pain later. And that’s one lesson that doesn’t need an Opposite Day twist. –Ty Wilson
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Ooh La La Luxe Lifestyle
TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A PARISIAN EVERY DAY
Ooh la la! While we can’t all wake up to the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower or stroll past a boulangerie on the way to work, we can bring a little touch of Parisian flair to our everyday lives. From savoring the simple things (like delicious croissants) to adding some je ne sais quoi to your home, you can bring the best of French lifestyle trends into your world, no matter how many miles are between you and the City of Lights. Cherish your cozy chez-soi . Most Parisian apartments are small but feel like elegant chateaus. Embrace the maximalist style and add your own unique touches to your space. Parisian home design is about developing something uniquely you and filling your space with your favorite things and comforts. Pops of color and pleasant fragrances are French staples, so add fresh flowers to your table or find candles with delightful aromas.
Bonus points if the candle is a French classic like the popular Diptyque brand.
Savor life’s little luxuries. In Paris, the pace moves fast, but the people live in the present, slowing down to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as people- watching at a café, taking a break to read, or simply enjoying a light breeze. Savor the little things and give yourself technology breaks to enjoy the moment you are in. Luxury is synonymous with Paris, but you don’t need a huge budget to treat yourself. Instead of buying a designer handbag or Chanel suit, splurge on nicer sheets or a tasty pastry. Learn, explore, repeat often. Parisians appreciate imperfections and lead authentic lives, prioritizing joy over self-criticism. Acculturate yourself by visiting museums, enjoying art often, and staying up to date on current affairs. You
want to ensure you always have something interesting to discuss at a party or gathering. In conversation, develop your own witty style, expressing your opinions clearly and inviting others to join in. You can never have too many books on the shelf because they will grow your knowledge base and are excellent conversation starters. Don your best beret, pour yourself a café au lait, and get ready to add a little Parisian elegance to your routines.
The Cameras Don’t Lie Why One Video Clip Can Be Worth More Than a Thousand-Page Report
Today, cameras catch more than just everyday moments. They capture the truth. From parking lots and storefronts to busy intersections and even cellphones in people’s pockets, video is everywhere. For anyone hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, that footage can be a game-changer. Why Video Matters in Injury Cases When an accident happens, everyone remembers things a little differently. But video? It doesn’t forget. That’s why insurance adjusters and attorneys search for any available recordings right away. Whether an incident involves a fall in a workplace, a pedestrian accident, or a serious car crash, footage can help show exactly what happened in the moments leading up to an injury, and
prove who caused the harm. However, this works vice versa if you try to mislead with false information, so never think a lie won’t come back to haunt you (and ruin your claim). 3. Supports or Clarifies Witness Testimony People see things from different angles, literally and figuratively. Footage verifies what witnesses recall, fills in gaps, and corrects misunderstandings. It turns “I think this is what happened” into “This is exactly what happened.” 4. Shows the Immediate Impact of the Injury Some of the most compelling footage is what happens after the accident itself. A video can reveal visible pain, disorientation, difficulty walking, or the chaotic aftermath of a serious crash. This helps demonstrate the true severity of your injuries, something
that can affect multiple parts of your case. 1. Proves How the Accident Happened
insurance companies often try to minimize. Build a Better Case With Stronger Evidence
Police dashcams, security cameras, and even doorbell cameras can capture the moment an injury occurs. Footage might show a driver speeding through a red light or a pedestrian being hit in a crosswalk. Instead of relying on fuzzy memories or conflicting stories, video lays out the sequence of events clearly and objectively. 2. Confirms Fault and Liability Surveillance can reveal unsafe conditions, reckless behavior, or rule violations. These details help your attorney connect the dots and
Whether you’re seeking help with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care, surveillance footage adds undeniable weight to your story. If you’ve been hurt, our team can investigate and determine which cameras were rolling at the time. The right footage may be the key to proving your truth and securing the justice you deserve.
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When Trauma Isn’t ‘Injury’ in Georgia’s Eyes The Surprising Line Georgia Draws on Stress-Related Work Injuries
When people think of “stress-related injuries,” they often picture emotional trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or physical strain such as carpal tunnel. While both can be very real and very serious, Georgia workers’ compensation laws draw a clear line between what qualifies and what doesn’t. Understanding that difference can save injured workers a lot of frustration and disappointment down the road. Physical Stress Injuries Count (Emotional Stress? Well …) Some stress-related injuries are treated just like any other work injury. Repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel, tendinitis, or other joint and nerve issues absolutely qualify. If the body has been physically worn down or harmed by work duties, Georgia law recognizes it. But emotional trauma on its own, no matter how real or overwhelming, is not recognized as a work-related injury in Georgia. PTSD, anxiety, fear, or emotional distress must be linked to a physical injury sustained on the job. Without that physical component, the law does not classify it as a compensable workers’ comp claim. A Real Example: Traumatized, but Not ‘Injured’ Under Georgia Law
was horrified, panicked, and physically sick afterward. Emotionally, she was deeply shaken, and understandably so. But because she didn’t suffer a physical injury in the incident, Georgia law did not recognize it as a compensable workers’ comp claim. Had she slipped afterward and injured her knee or back, the outcome would have been different. In some states, emotional trauma alone may be enough. In Georgia, it is not. When Emotional Trauma Is Covered Even when physical injuries lead to genuine psychological difficulties, like depression from chronic pain or anxiety after a severe accident, workers’ comp will only cover those emotional conditions if the underlying physical injury is extremely serious. The bar is high, and many claims still fall short. If You’re Unsure, Get Trusted Guidance Georgia’s rules around stress-related injuries can feel confusing and, at times, unfair. If you’ve
been injured or experienced a traumatic event at work and aren’t sure what may qualify, we’re here to help. A brief conversation can provide clarity and potentially protect your right to benefits. If you have questions about a potential claim, reach out any time. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
One worker cleaning a nursing home bathroom faced a situation nobody should ever experience: a toilet unexpectedly exploded, splashing contaminated water and waste onto her face. She
JALAPEÑO POPPER SOUP
"I have never met another attorney who, through his actions, was more honest or exhibited a character that left no doubt of his integrity and doing the right thing for his clients with transparency and professionalism. I don't know if you could find another like him. And I've had reason to talk with quite a few." -Kelly S.
Ingredients
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4 bacon slices, chopped into 1/2- inch pieces 5–6 large jalapeño peppers, minced with stems and seeds removed
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1/2 tsp cumin 1 1/2 tsp salt
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1 lb gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
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1/2 small onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz full-fat cream cheese
1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, then remove to a plate. 2. Add jalapeños and onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute. 4. Stir in chicken broth, cumin, salt, and potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add 1 ladle of hot broth before mixing. 6. Add cream cheese mixture to the pot and stir. 7. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts. 8. Pour into serving bowls, topping with bacon and more shredded cheese.
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Inspired by TheRecipeCritic.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Want to Keep Your Claim Alive? Avoid These Opposite Day Moves
2
Elevate Your Routine With a Touch of Paris
What Really Happened? Surveillance Footage Has the Answers The Hidden Rule Workers Don’t Know About Stress and Workers’ Comp
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Jalapeño Popper Soup
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When the Church Declared War on Cats … or Not
The Medieval Cat-astrophe That Invited the Plague OR DID IT?
While we often imagine war between rival nations fighting over an ideological difference or disputed borders, this is not always the case. Throughout history, wars have started for strange reasons, but one example that stands out occurred in the 13th century. Pope Gregory IX was the highest-ranking official in the Catholic Church from 1227 until 1241. During this period, the church had a group of agents called papal inquisitors who would “investigate” and prosecute instances of heresy. Conrad of Marburg was an inquisitor under Pope Gregory IX who strongly believed cats had ties to Satan. Many of the confessions he presented to the Pope contained evidence that cats were evil, which led the Pope to declare war on cats. As you can imagine, this was completely one-sided. The cats couldn’t possibly fight back, and between 1233 and 1234, those loyal to the church and the Pope committed a mass extermination of cats. While this likely sends shivers down any cat-lover’s spine, it also had unfortunate unintended effects.
In the medieval age, cats were primarily responsible for hunting and killing the local rat population. Without cats, rat populations grew unchecked, which could have helped spread the plague throughout Europe and started the Black Death in 1346. However, take this story with a grain of salt. Documents from that
time show the Pope never ordered anyone to kill cats or even that cats were satanic. There is no evidence of mass cat exterminations; if it did happen, we have no proof they played any role in the Black Death. It’s another story where the fictitious elements are simply more exciting than the truth.
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