Take a look at our June newsletter!
THE GUARDIAN
216-222-2222 TITTLELAWFIRM.COM
JUNE 2024
DON’T FALL FOR THESE 7 INSURANCE ADJUSTER TRICKS From Recorded Statements to Quick Settlements
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and painful, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters whose primary goal is to save their company money. While they may seem helpful initially, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and avoid the pitfalls that could compromise your claim. At Tittle & Perlmuter, we commonly see seven insurance adjuster traps that could prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. PROVIDING A RECORDED STATEMENT After your accident, one of the first people you may hear from is an insurance adjuster. They are trained to be pushy and may press you to give a recorded statement about what happened during the accident. As harmless as it may seem, an adjuster may use a recorded statement against you later to deny your claim or reduce your payment. If you receive this request, politely decline and let them know you must speak with your lawyer first. ACCEPTING AN EARLY SETTLEMENT OFFER It may seem like a stroke of good luck when an insurer offers you money right after the accident. However, that early settlement offer will likely be much lower than you are entitled to. These types of settlements don’t account for the full extent of your medical costs as it’s too early — other injuries like pain and suffering may manifest later. As tempting as taking the check may be, don’t feel pressured to accept.
POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA As tempting as it is to take to social media to share your experiences, be aware that insurance adjusters can use your posts as ammo against your claim. Not only should you avoid sharing details of your accident on social media, but you should also lay low online in general. Even benign photos from events with you smiling or having a fun time can be used to paint your injuries as exaggerated. FAILING TO DOCUMENT YOUR DAMAGES When you have been in an accident, it’s important to gather evidence at the scene. Photograph any damage to your car and injuries to yourself. You should continue this practice throughout your entire recovery process. Always keep records of your medical costs, lost wages, or any other expenses you may claim. SETTLING WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING FUTURE EXPENSES The road to recovery is not without unknowns, and you may not know right away how long injuries from an accident may impact you and your finances. Don’t settle a claim too early because it could cause you hardships in handling future care. When you’ve been in an accident, remember this: Adjusters may appear helpful, but their main goal is to reduce your payout. If you are dealing with a pushy adjuster or unsure about any
trouble. Many adjusters use overly broad forms to see your lifelong medical history. They could use factors like a pre-existing condition as reasons to deny your claim. Your lawyer will know which release forms are appropriate for the case. MINIMIZING YOUR INJURIES Sometimes, in the shock of a car accident, you don’t realize the full extent of your injuries. We often try to downplay our feelings or physical pain, but it’s crucial to get medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident. Adjusters can use a gap between an accident and treatment against you by questioning why you waited so long to go to a hospital or doctor. As you speak to insurance representatives or your lawyer, be honest about your injuries, even if you don’t consider them significant.
aspect of your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance and support.
SIGNING MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS WITHOUT REVIEW
Adjusters must obtain a signed medical release form to access your medical records from the accident. If you sign a form before consulting with your attorney, you could be signing up for
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SPARK UP THE FUN, NOT THE DANGER June is National Safety Month
Summer is a great season for fun vacations, family time outdoors, and new activities, but it also brings a heightened chance of risks. From boating excursions to fireworks, it’s vital to take all the necessary safety precautions for the thrilling traditions of summer. June is National Safety Month, a time to promote awareness of safety risks and how to prepare for them. So, before you spark up the grill for a backyard barbeque, ensure you know these steps to keep everyone safe. BOATING SAFETY Boating is a common summer activity, but this popular pastime can also be dangerous. Make sure you have enough life jackets on board. Even experienced swimmers still need a life jacket to remain safe. Before you leave the dock, ensure everyone’s life jacket is fitted correctly.
It’s vital to be prepared by maintaining your boat before use, creating a float plan that shares the details of your trip, and having the right gear and safety equipment on board. Always remain aware of your surroundings. GRILLING SAFETY Grilling is an excellent way to get outdoors and entertain loved ones, but you need to protect yourself and others anytime you are working with flames and food. To start, check your grill to ensure it’s working well and keep it in a location where it is far from the house or flammable objects. While cooking, never leave the grill unattended. Don’t wear any billowy or loose clothing that could fall into the fire; always wear gloves or oven mitts. Before the fun starts, stock the area with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
FIREWORKS SAFETY Nothing says summertime quite like an exciting fireworks display, but setting them off can be risky. You can take the family to a local event, where the professionals will handle the fireworks display. If you use sparklers or other legal fireworks, always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby. Never place your body directly over a firework or hold one in your hand to light it. Children should stay away from fireworks and should be supervised if they use sparklers. As you pack up your sunscreen and camera for all the exciting adventures this summer, remember to bring your precautions and safety gear. By being aware of dangers, you’ll be able to enjoy everything the season has to offer safely.
Visiting any popular indoor pool will reveal a diverse pool of swimmers — fitness buffs, sports watchers, swim teams, students in kiddie lessons and aerobics classes, and families playing. Few sports can meet diverse fitness goals like swimming. Swimming can provide benefits such as improving cardiovascular fitness, increasing muscle tone, trimming pounds, and getting a workout without hurting stiff, arthritic joints. No wonder it is the fourth-most popular activity in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Participation spikes every time a new swimming star bursts into the spotlight, as Michael Phelps did in 2008. Known for winning more Olympic medals than most countries , Phelps won gold in all eight of his events at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Public fascination with Phelps’ big feet, long arms, remarkable pain tolerance, and prodigious performance led to an influx of children and teens to school and community swim programs. Phelps has inspired double-digit growth in swim program participation for over a decade. Last year, champion swimmer Katie Ledecky surpassed Phelps in the total number of individual world titles. After competing in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics and winning 16 gold medals, the 26-year-old superstar became the first swimmer to win six consecutive world championships in the same event in Japan’s 2023 World Aquatic Championships. Ledecky defeated the second-place finisher in the 800-meter freestyle by an astonishing 4.44 seconds. The Unique Benefits of Swimming DIVE INTO HEALTH
Fans of swimming stress that it is more than a cardio exercise. “This is resistance training. It’s the same thing as lifting in a gym,” says Steve Cole, a swimming instructor, creator of a swim-instruction app, and former Division I college water polo player. “Water creates enough resistance to stop a speeding bullet within just a few feet. When you’re swimming, you have to pull yourself through that heavy resistance. That is going to build a lot of muscle,” Cole explained. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just 2 1/2 hours of swimming per week can reduce the risk of chronic illness. On average, people who swim regularly reduce their risk of death by half compared to non-swimmers and enjoy their workouts more than those who exercise on land. Water-based exercise has the added benefits of improving flexibility, coordination, balance, and posture. For post-menopausal women, swimming can improve bone health. According to the Better Health Channel, a publicly funded Australian health and medical information service, swimmers can exercise without impacting weak or arthritic hips, knees, or ankles. The sport also builds endurance by delivering an all-around, full-body workout. Swimming laps at a pool can target different muscle groups, according to Healthline.com, because of the variety of strokes, like the breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke. The water resistance works core, leg, and arm muscles simultaneously, while different strokes target specific muscles. Swimming has mental health benefits as well. Research shows swimming improves people’s mood and decreases anxiety in those with fibromyalgia and other painful conditions. And in one of the sport’s biggest draws, those who enjoy it can continue to swim for a lifetime. Any community pool is likely to attract swimmers from age 3 to 103! So, find that bathing suit and take a dip! You may decide to make it part of your regular exercise routine.
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TAKE A BREAK
THE ALARMING REALITY OF ELDER ABUSE How to Protect Seniors From Physical and Emotional Harm Elder abuse is a pervasive yet often hidden issue affecting millions of older adults worldwide. Within a nursing home, seniors can face a range of harmful behaviors like physical, emotional, and even financial exploitation. This month is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and as our loved ones age, it is essential to understand the signs of elder abuse and what to do if someone in your family has experienced inappropriate behavior. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, or concerned community member, recognizing these threats is a step in creating a safer environment for older people. PHYSICAL ABUSE Physical abuse or neglect at a care facility includes anything that deprives residents of their primary needs or causes them bodily harm. Sadly, because our bodies weaken as we age, even one instance of physical abuse can lead to more long-term health issues or even be fatal. Some signs to look out for include bruises, broken bones, hair or tooth loss, sprains, or burns. It can also negatively impact seniors when they don’t have proper food, sanitary living settings, or adequate shelter. Bed sores, infection, or dehydration are all possible side effects of physical neglect. EMOTIONAL ABUSE Emotional abuse is the most common form of elderly mistreatment at nursing homes, according to a 2020 survey by the World Health Organization. Almost a third of all nursing home employees have admitted to emotionally abusing a patient. Typically, this involves yelling, harassing, insulting, or humiliating an older adult. It can also happen when a patient is deprived of their dignity, such as not being permitted to change out of soiled clothes or not having the right to make choices about their care. FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION Older adults, especially those with cognitive disorders like dementia or memory loss, can be susceptible to financial exploitation. This is when a patient’s money and property have been concealed or stolen. Signals of this form of abuse include unusual activity on a person’s bank account, new names added to accounts, or unpaid bills. If you suspect an elderly loved one has experienced any form of abuse at their living facility, it’s crucial to take action. Report the suspected abuse to the nursing home and the state agency responsible for nursing homes. At Tittle & Perlmuter, we have extensive experience with nursing care malpractice cases. Call us at 216-222-2222 for a free consultation.
ADVENTURE CAMPING
HIKING JUNETEENTH PARK PICNIC
PRIDE SANDALS SUNBURN SWIMMING
FATHER GEMINI
OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH HONEY-YOGURT CREAM AND STRAWBERRIES
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • •
1 1/2 cups almond flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• • •
3 1/2 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 qts fresh strawberries, quartered 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
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1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp lime zest
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 8-inch springform pan. Line with parchment paper and lightly grease. 2. In medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, and baking soda. 3. In a stand mixer, whisk sugar and eggs on medium-high, about 3 minutes. Add oil, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla. On low, gradually add flour mixture until just incorporated. 4. Pour batter into pan. Bake until golden brown and toothpick comes out with crumbs, 40–45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Invert cake out of pan onto wire rack and let cool completely. 5. Whisk yogurt, cream, and honey. Top each cake slice with spoonfuls of yogurt mixture and strawberries.
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INSIDE
1. Traps Insurance Adjusters Don’t Want You to Know
2. National Safety Month
Swimmers Score Health and Fitness Gains
3. Ensure Your Loved Ones Get Quality Nursing Home Care
Olive Oil Cake With Honey- Yogurt Cream and Strawberries
4. Highlights From Ohio Association for Justice Convention
TITTLE & PERLMUTER PRESENTS AT OHIO JUSTICE CONVENTION
Allen Tittle Named New VP of OAJ
At Tittle & Perlmuter, protecting Ohioans’ rights to a fair and impartial civil justice system is the cornerstone of everything we do. The Ohio Association for Justice echoes this mission, the only statewide organization that actively lobbies in favor of the injured and against the insurance companies. We are proud to have attended their annual convention in May, where they presented networking opportunities, multiple workshops, and presentations from attorneys working across the state. Our very own Allen Tittle attended the event this year and presented a workshop titled “How to Win Your Direct Hospital Negligence Claim” as part of the conference’s offerings on medical malpractice. Allen said it was wonderful to share his expertise on the subject with other attorneys in
Ohio. He was especially excited to include clips of a recent trial victory related to the topic. Other presentations covered topics like professional conduct, technology, trucking safety, and workers’ compensation. In even more exciting news, Allen was elected to the position of vice president of the Ohio Association for Justice during
the convention. Allen said he’s proud to step into this role and grateful for the opportunity. “This is something really important and very near and dear to my heart,” he said. We are so proud of Allen’s accomplishments, a testament to his hard work over the years. He formerly served as the organization’s treasurer and has participated in various panel discussions and presentations for the group. One of the best ways we can improve as attorneys is to learn from one another. The Ohio Association for Justice Convention was another excellent networking experience, and we are thrilled to see Allen’s work as vice president of this hard-working organization.
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