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JULY 2019
150 E. PONCE DE LEON AVENUE, SUITE 200, DECATUR, GEORGIA 30030 // WWW.MARKSLAWGROUP.COM // 678-210-3954 ON THE MARK 24/7
THERE AT THE BEGINNING AND THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE PROCESS
A s the intake paralegal and administrative assistant, I am often the first point of contact clients have with Marks Law Group. When someone comes into our office, it might be during one of the worst seasons of their life. I enjoy getting to work with them through that season and making the experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. While I’m not always their main point of contact, I let clients know that if they ever need anything, they can call me. I’m a paralegal by trade and have done paralegal work for almost 20 years, but I’ve worked in other fields as well. Looking back, I can see bits and pieces of each of my previous work experiences in my current job. After I graduated from high school, I didn’t know exactly what career path I wanted to follow, but I knew I wanted to help people. I even thought about becoming a teacher, but I chose to be a paralegal because I didn’t think I had the patience. It's ironic because being patient with others is a large part of my job today, on top of having to be patient as a parent too. I found that I have a talent for helping people as a paralegal, and I did that for many years. After my mother suffered from a stroke and a heart attack, I resigned from my job and became her care giver once she was released from the hospital. During one of my mother’s doctor visits, her physician asked if I would be interested in working for her nonprofit organization, Triumph Over Diabetes. I’ve always had a desire to help the underdog, and working for a nonprofit seemed like a good way to live that out. I worked at Triumph Over Diabetes for a few years until a lack of funding had me seeking work elsewhere. Working
for a nonprofit had reinstilled in me a desire to help people, and I wanted to find a workplace where I felt like I was making a difference. I had a good feeling about Marks Law Group when I interviewed here. Aaron does a lot to support the community and other organizations as well. Knowing that I’m helping in such a tangible way makes my job feel fulfilling and less like work. As I said before, clients come to our firm at a difficult time in their lives. They’re frustrated, so I let them vent and explain their situation, then I offer them comfort and kind words to reassure them that Marks Law Group has their best interest in mind. Above everything, I want our clients to know that I’m there for them, even after the intake process is finished and they start working with attorneys and other paralegals. Every day isn’t just about doing my job. It’s about doing my job well and taking pride in my work. Outside of work, my daughter and I own a dessert company, I’m the secretary at my church, and I am the co-owner of my husband’s production company. That, along with being a mother and a grandmother, certainly keeps me busy. I’ve learned how to prioritize and rest well when I can, and the
patience and pride in a job well-done that I’ve garnered as a paralegal are evident in my life outside the firm. If ever you find yourself at Marks Law Group in need of an attorney, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you feel appreciated. –Tunica Coats
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GET MORE OUT OF YOUR GRILL THIS SUMMER 3 FOODS MADE FOR GRILLING
WHAT IS NEMT? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CLAIMS AGAINST THE NEMT INDUSTRY
Many people might be unfamiliar with the concept of nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT), but it is an industry that has seen rapid growth. When the elderly, sick, or disabled have a doctor’s appointment or some sort of scheduled physical therapy, they often require specialized transportation services to get there. Unfortunately, just like with any vehicle, accidents can occur, injuring a passenger who may already be sick or infirm. What’s worse, some accidents are the result of preventable causes. NEMT drivers need to be experts in operating complex medical equipment. They must know how to operate a wheelchair lift, properly secure a passenger in a gurney, and perform a number of other medical procedures. However, many of the injury claims against NEMT providers are the result of improperly trained drivers. discovered discrepancies between accidents reported by families and health care providers and those reported by NEMT providers. The providers left several accidents, including two deaths, unaccounted for in their records. Investigators also found that drivers with no proper training, poor driving records, or previous criminal convictions were operating NEMT vehicles. Because of the unique nature of NEMT vehicles, accidents involving them can be tough to litigate. They cannot be classified simply as auto accidents, nor can they be classified as medical malpractice. Successfully pursuing a claim against NEMT providers requires an understanding of Georgia laws and regulations for NEMT; the relationship between brokers, governing bodies, and the providers themselves; and the medical issues of the plaintiff. The NEMT industry’s growth means that these types of accidents and cases will only become more likely. If you or a loved one has been injured by an inexperienced or negligent NEMT driver, give Marks Law Group a call. Aaron Marks can make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Problems with the NEMT industry in Georgia have come to light in recent years. In 2017, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During the summer, the backyard grill becomes the place to be. It’s the best site for sharing grilled meat and memories. But as you grill this summer, why not take a step out of your “meat comfort zone?” Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, just about any backyard grill can be transformed into an all-purpose, high-temperature oven. Get ready to kick some of your favorite foods up a notch! Here are three foods that are great for grilling. PIZZA Making your own pizza at home is incredibly easy. You can make your own dough or buy it at the grocery store. Roll it out, add all your favorite toppings, then toss it on the grill. Just make sure your pizza will fit on the grill first! You may need to make smaller personal pizzas if you have a smaller grill. Pro Tip : The hotter you can get your grill, the better. At 500–600 F, it may only take a few minutes to completely cook the pizza, so don’t leave the grill. This is the best time to use a pizza stone (if you have one) to ensure a golden-brown crust, but you can place the pizza directly on the grill. BREAD There’s nothing like making your own artisan bread at home, and you can do it right in the grill. You can create your own flatbread, rolls, or full loaves with just about any bread recipe. It all comes down to time and temperature control. 500 F tends to be a safe bet. If it’s too hot, you’ll overbake the outside while the inside remains raw. SALSA You can kick up the flavor of any homemade salsa by first grilling each ingredient you want in your salsa, such as tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, or garlic. This includes salsa with fruit, such as mangoes or peaches. Allow each ingredient to get a light char, but be sure to remove the charred skin of the tomatoes after grilling. Leaving it on can result in a burnt flavor rather than a smoky one.
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WHETHER UBER OR LYFT EXERCISE CAUTION
With one touch of your thumb to the screen of your smartphone, you can use the Uber or Lyft apps to hail your own personal driver. But with that convenience comes a few risks that shouldn’t be ignored. In January, a Louisiana woman was kidnapped and raped by her Lyft driver, and one CNN report found that 103 Uber drivers had faced accusations of sexual assault. These stories should be a powerful warning to everyone who uses ride- share apps to take precautions before stepping into an unknown vehicle. WAIT INSIDE Standing outside by yourself with your phone in hand is a good way to let suspicious drivers know that you are looking for an Uber or a Lyft. To prevent yourself from accidentally getting a ride with one of these
drivers, wait inside until your app lets you know that your driver has arrived. When the driver does arrive, if you’re using the Lyft app, ask the driver who they’re there to pick up. Lyft gives your driver your name, so they should be able to answer that question. While your driver may have a glowing beacon or sign on their dashboard that indicates that they are an Uber or Lyft driver, these signs are not definitive proof that they are your driver. Anyone can buy one of those signs on Amazon for less than $20. Instead, make sure that the make, model, and license plate match the information provided on your app, as well as the driver’s name and photo. CHECK THE MAKE, MODEL, AND LICENSE PLATE
LET A FRIEND KNOW The Uber app has a “share status” option, which allows you to let a friend or family member know your driver's name, photo, license plate, and location. If you’re using Lyft, you can still share your driver’s info with a friend via text or direct message. The ride-share industry has grown exponentially, and laws and regulations associated with it are struggling to keep up. Until those regulations are firmly in place, and even after that, you should exercise sound judgment and take personal responsibility for your safety.
LAUGH A LITTLE
WATERMELON CUCUMBER SKEWERS
Inspired by CookingLight.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed • 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 block feta cheese, cubed • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves • Salt, to taste
EQUIPMENT
• 1 packet of bamboo skewers
DIRECTIONS
1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.
2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
150 E. PONCE DE LEON AVENUE, SUITE 200 DECATUR, GEORGIA 30030
WWW.247LAW.COM 678-210-3954
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Getting to Know Tunica Coats
2
Get Even More Out of Your Grill This Grilling Season!
2
Navigating Claims Against NEMT Providers
3
Overcoming the Dangers of Ride-sharing
3
Watermelon Cucumber Skewers
4
Perfect Your Pushup With This Guide
THE PERFECT PUSHUP TIPS TO STEP UP YOUR GAME
Have you ever noticed how military personnel can drop to the floor and crank out 30 pushups effortlessly? Believe it or not, so can you! All it takes is a little practice. Follow these tips to perfect your pushup. FOCUS ON FORM There’s a variety of pushup forms, and they vary both in difficulty and in which muscles they target. However, there is one pushup form that sets the foundation for the more technical and challenging moves. For the standard, military-style pushup, keep your torso lengthened in a straight line and your hands directly underneath your shoulders. When you drop to the ground, keep your body rigid and drop in
one fluid motion, with the bend of your elbow pushing outward. ( Pro tip : While form should be your main focus, the faster you go, the easier pushups will be.) Once you master this style of pushup, you can begin to increase the difficulty. GET ON THE FLOOR After a quick stretch and warmup, start your pursuit of the perfect pushup by limiting the distance your elbows have to drop. Try doing pushups with your hands placed on the seat of a stable chair and your legs stretched into a pushup position behind you to train your body for the form you need on the ground. Next, get into a standard pushup position with two yoga blocks underneath your chest.
As you drop to the ground, watch your body for proper form and remove the blocks as you progress. PRACTICE Rest days are essential to any fitness routine, but when your rest days are more frequent than your fitness days, your body isn’t going to adapt and grow. Keep practicing and tweaking your pushup technique. Set small goals, such as not dropping your hips, and make plans to meet them. Asking a friend to monitor your form is a helpful way to improve too. With a little patience and plenty of practice, you’ll be doing pushups like a pro in no time!
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