Take a look at our November newsletter!
Serious Injuries. Strong Lawyer. 214-932-1288 | ARMSTRONGLAWYER.COM | NOVEMBER 2024
FROM COWBOYS TO CHORIZO A DALLAS THANKSGIVING WITH A TWIST
Thanksgiving has always been a beloved holiday at my house, even though we don’t have any strict traditions or do anything out of the norm. I’ve been in charge of the cooking for many years, and the warm blend of family time, delicious food, and football makes this a day I look forward to. Here in Dallas, Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing; we’re all Cowboys fans (kind of a curse lately), and we love to get together to watch their annual Thanksgiving game. Whether they’re winning or losing, we cheer or lament together. When it comes to food, I like to mix it up. We do the classic roasted turkey and staple dishes like green bean casserole, but sometimes, I go for a unique theme. I’ve done a Mexican-themed Thanksgiving meal several times, and it’s become a fan favorite in my household. I’ll add some quintessential Mexican spices to the turkey and flavorful chorizo stuffing to bring in a spicy twist. I’ve even prepared chayote squash as a side, which is nice and crisp. From Tex-Mex
gratitude and reflecting on what we have in life. As cliche as it may sound, it rings true: I’m incredibly thankful for my family daily. My wife has supported me every step of my journey, and my kids have brought so much joy into my life. I also appreciate and feel thankful for all the clients who have trusted me to help them and the talented lawyers I work with. My staff are wonderful people with passion and talent. Our success at the firm is largely because of the people around me who have supported and helped me grow. Gratitude is important, and it’s not something I only focus on one day of the year. I don’t keep a gratitude list or anything formal, but I try to make sure the people in my life and the firm feel appreciated and valued. We have numerous social events at the firm throughout the year so people can get together, socialize, and have fun. Sometimes, little things, like sending gifts during the holiday season or treating the team to lunch, let people know how thankful we are for all their hard work.
to the favored fare of the holiday, it’s always fun to balance classic and new dishes. Variety keeps life and the spread on the table interesting. Football reigns supreme in Dallas during this time, and it’s such a big part of Texas’ culture. Football has been associated with Thanksgiving since 1876, when the Intercollegiate Football Association started hosting its championship game. It took off in the mid-1890s and has remained a popular post-turkey event. Along with the Cowboys, I like to cheer on my alma mater, the
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m truly thankful for my loved ones, the firm, and the little moments that make life enjoyable. Traditions new and old — like watching the Cowboys (even though they haven’t given me much to get excited about since I was in high school) or trying out new flavors on the turkey — make this holiday special. I’m looking forward to
another fantastic year at Armstrong Law and am excited for the future.
University of Texas. They’re doing pretty well this year, so I’m pleased about that.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Though food and football are some of our favorite activities, Thanksgiving is really about
–Warren Armstrong
1
ARMSTRONGLAWYER.COM
ALEC BALDWIN WALKS FREE AFTER CASE DISMISSED Hollywood Ending
Hollywood Ending When the third day of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico began, it became apparent that something was amiss. The defense attorneys had something important to bring to the court’s attention. Assistant District Attorney Erlinda Johnson was absent. As it turned out, she had resigned from the case after allegations that Santa Fe police, in conjunction with Special Prosecutor Kari Morrisey, had conspired to hide evidence from the defense. The evidence in question was a case of ammunition matching those retrieved from the set of “Rust.” The ammunition was given to Santa Fe police before the trial, but it was filed under a separate case number — even though the witness who handed in the evidence claimed it was relevant to the “Rust” trial. In light of these revelations, Santa Fe County District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice. Throughout the day, as the camera centered on Hollywood star- turned-defendant Alec Baldwin, viewers were treated to his wide range of emotions: first, annoyance, then sadness, and, finally, tearful relief. This was his Hollywood ending.
About three years ago, on Oct. 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a live round fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust.” You might believe this would be an open-and-shut manslaughter case. However, just like the scenes Hutchins brilliantly captured on film, this scene was more complex and layered than you may expect. Baldwin’s trial was dismissed just three days after it began, on July 13, 2024. Ironically, but perhaps fittingly, Baldwin’s criminal case came to a dramatic, Hollywood-esque conclusion. Is the armorer to blame? Previously, in May, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The jury deliberated for just three hours before passing judgment; evidence revealing Gutierrez-Reed loaded the gun that killed Hutchins likely contributed to the swift decision. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has appealed, and what happened in July in Alec Baldwin’s trial may affect the outcome of that appeal.
No Workers’ Comp?
Here’s How to Check Your Company’s Status
Getting injured on the job can be stressful enough without wondering if your employer will have your back. Unlike most states, Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which benefits workers hurt or injured due to their jobs. Companies, often big box names like Walmart or Amazon, can opt-out, making them “nonsubscribers.” Knowing which your company is will help you determine if you need to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Check HR or the Break Room Bulletin Companies must legally inform their employees about their workers’ compensation status. Your workplace has to post a notice somewhere on site, typically in a break room, where you may find other important information like the Fair Labor Standards Act (minimum wage) and the
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your company’s Human Resources Department should also be able to provide you with that information. If they don’t have workers’ compensation, you will not automatically receive any benefits for your injuries. Contact the Texas Department of Insurance Nonsubscriber companies must register with the state through the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, and notify employees. The department shares monthly reports of all the companies that have opted out of worker’s compensation. You can also search for your workplace on the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation’s website at tdi.texas.gov/wc/employer/ coverage . If you can’t determine if your employer has workers’ compensation,
you can email the department at Coverage.Verfication@tdi.texas.gov . Consult an Experienced Lawyer If you need help understanding what kind of injury coverage your employer provides, contacting a Texas lawyer with experience with non-subscriber cases is beneficial. Though workers’ comp is often viewed as a safety net for employees, providing benefits like lost wages and medical treatment, you could reach a higher settlement by filing a personal injury claim. If you win your lawsuit, you could also receive additional compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress, and you have the right to fight for punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence.
Contact Armstrong Law for a free initial consultation if you have been hurt on the job.
2
214-932-1288
Drowsy Driving Dangers WHY FATIGUE BEHIND THE WHEEL IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER When we get behind the wheel, we must be aware and focus on our surroundings. But long days at the office, late-night study sessions, and even highway hypnosis can lead to us fighting off sleep as we navigate the open road. Driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence and can lead to devastating accidents. From a slowed reaction time to impaired judgment, there are many dangers in driving while fatigued. Slowed Reaction Time Fatigue causes the brain to process information and react to the unexpected much slower, hindering our ability to respond quickly to other drivers and road conditions. Delayed reaction times can cause a drowsy driver to not brake in time or hit obstructions in the road that they didn’t see quickly enough. It’s essential to act swiftly and rationally while behind the wheel. Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making When we are sleepy, we may struggle to make sound decisions, and our judgment isn’t at its full potential. Tired drivers may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic as they prepare to make a turn or fail to notice essential road signs or traffic signals. They may get into accidents due to miscalculating the distance between other vehicles or making dangerous maneuvers. When any driver’s judgment and decision- making skills are impaired, it creates a more dangerous environment for everyone.
Decreased Awareness of Surroundings Drowsiness dulls your senses and reduces your spatial awareness. Exhausted drivers often have tunnel vision, making it difficult to see their surroundings fully or notice potential hazards in their peripheral vision. Being tired on the road can lead to forgetting to check your blind spots when you change lanes or missing visual cues like brake lights and turn signals on vehicles around you. Driving while tired is a serious hazard to yourself and others. When you are fatigued, your senses and reaction times are off balance, which could lead to harmful accidents. If you are feeling drowsy on the road, pull over to a safe location to take a break or step outside for a short walk to refresh your alertness. If you have been injured on the road by a drowsy driver, contact Armstrong Law so we can help you get the compensation you need to heal.
Armstrong Law specializes in workplace accident cases for employees of businesses in Texas that do not have workers’ comp insurance. We understand the nuances of these cases and have the resources to take on large “nonsubscriber” employers. To refer an injury case involving a nonsubscriber employer to our practice, call us at 214-932-1288 . WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS
EXQUISITE LEMON BARS
INGREDIENTS •
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter, softened
• • • • •
2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp grated lemon zest 1/4 tsp baking powder
• • •
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. 3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pour over crust. 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
3
ARMSTRONGLAWYER.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
12720 HILLCREST RD. STE. 615 | DALLAS, TX 75230 214-932-1288 | ARMSTRONGLAWYER.COM
INSIDE
1
How Thanksgiving Brings My Family Together
2
Hollywood Ending in the ‘Rust’ Trial
Is Your Employer a Texas Nonsubscriber?
3
Stay Awake, Stay Safe
We Value Your Referrals
Exquisite Lemon Bars
4
Why Museums Are the Perfect Indoor Family Adventure
Discover the Benefits of Visiting Museums With Your Kids EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURES AWAIT
With the weather cooling down as we approach winter, our opportunities to get out of the house and have fun with the family become more limited. Going to the zoo or visiting a local park isn’t the same when you have to layer up with coats, sweatshirts, and fuzzy hats. We must find indoor alternatives to keep our kids entertained and excited, which can be a bit more challenging, especially if you’re looking for an educational excursion. While you could go to the movies or visit your local library, consider visiting a museum if you want something unique and fun. You can find museums dedicated to all topics, from natural history to modern art and everything in between. You simply have to find one in your area that appeals to your children’s interests. Your kids will benefit greatly by exploring and learning about a museum’s exhibits, and you may walk away with additional knowledge, too! Here are three benefits you’ll experience by visiting a museum. Enhanced Curiosity Museums are full of mysteries and discoveries that will be entirely new to you and your children. You’ll love exploring the meaning behind beautiful works of art or determining the historical
significance of unique artifacts. This curiosity may inspire your child to learn more about a specific period or explore a future career path when they’re older. Stronger Critical Thinking Skills Whether you’re looking at dinosaur fossils in a Natural History Museum or military artifacts in an American History
Museum, there’s always something new to learn or discover. Your kids will love pondering what happened to the dinosaurs or what caused some of history’s most significant conflicts. Family Bonding One of the main goals of a family outing is to spend time with and learn more about your loved ones. Your kids will share their interests as they explore different exhibits, and you can ask questions to encourage their curiosity and love for specific topics. It’s a great way to learn about your kid’s likes and dislikes while having fun at the same time!
4
Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator