November 2019
(205) 327-8311
www.petrolawfirm.com
Helping Injured Alabamians Make Great Decisions Regarding Their Legal Issues
Knowledge Is Power Three Resources Available for Everyone
An interesting holiday is taking place this month: National Novel Writing Month. This is a time when thousands of people across the world challenge themselves to write a full novel in 30 days. While I’ve never thought about writing a novel, let alone in one month, I have written and published three books in the past. The first book I wrote is called “Secrets Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know”; the second is “Alabama Workers’ Compensation: Insider Secrets Your Employer Doesn’t Want You to Know”; and the third is “Your Legal Guide to Motorcycle Injury Compensation.” I also recently wrote a chapter in another book called “Fighting for Justice: Insights From America’s Premier Personal Injury Attorneys.” I’m very excited to have my chapter on “Fighting Nursing Home Negligence” featured in such an informative book. “Secrets Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know” is one of the more general injury books that I’ve written. This book goes over
how claims are handled, the do’s and don’ts of handling a claim, the steps of a personal injury claim, and what someone can expect when going into this process. For example, one of the chapters I have is called “Truth About Personal Injury,” and in it, I write about why people in certain instances need to take legal action to take care of the problems they’re facing. My goal in writing this book and the others is to provide people with useful information. Ultimately, I want my books to answer any common questions claimants or their loved ones might have after they have been injured in an accident. I’ve often found that when people are thrust into the world of injury claims, they don’t know as much as they assumed they would, which makes things overwhelming. People always have a lot of questions and concerns about the lawsuit process that they weren’t aware they’d come across. When a person enters a lawsuit, knowing the basics of the steps involved puts them at a greater advantage when tackling their case. I like to provide people with helpful information, and my books serve the purpose of providing the details they need. These three books aim to equip people with enough knowledge to help them overcome the fear and anxiety that comes about after an injury. It helps give people a direction to move in and an understanding of what is to come when they file a claim. There have been situations where my books have come in handy for many people, especially those who don’t need to hire an attorney. I’m not afraid to tell someone with a smaller case that they can and should handle it on their own. Whenever someone comes into my office
REFERRALS WELCOME
We thank you so much for referring clients to us over the years. We are grateful that you have trusted us with taking care of those who need our services. For any referrals, please contact us at (205) 327-8311 or fill out our online contact form at petrolawfirm.com.
with a case I know they can work on their own, I give them one of my books to refer to. The language I use in them makes it easy for anyone to understand. In many circumstances, I know how valuable these books can be for some people, which is why I don’t charge for them. I hand them out for free to potential clients or anyone who is seeking knowledge. You can call my office to receive a free copy of one or more of the books or visit my website at PetroLawFirm.com to download a free copy, as well. It’s my desire to equip you with the information you need to understand the process of filing an injury claim, from the time of injury to the moment the claim is resolved.
www.petrolawfirm.com | 1 -Mark Petro
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The Sport That United a Country THE 1995 RUGBY WORLD CUP
In early November, the 2019 Rugby World Cup will wrap up in Japan. The international competition brings out world-class athletes and entertainment. While matches are certainly intense, respect for the competition and for referees is a core tenet of rugby culture. After going head-to-head with an opponent, you’ll still shake hands, and maybe have a beer together, at the end of a match. This principle was on full display nearly 25 years ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in South Africa. The South African Springboks were up against the New Zealand All Blacks, and a number of factors made this an exceptional match. Just a few years earlier in 1991, apartheid legislation had been repealed in South Africa. The policy had left a deep cut, and the country still had a long journey toward healing and reparation. Nelson Mandela, who had been elected in 1994, was set on championing a “rainbow nation” in this new post-apartheid era.
game. It was controversial because of its connection to the architects of apartheid, but Mandela saw rugby’s potential as a symbol of hope and unity for a country that desperately needed it. Springboks captain Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon in “Invictus,” the film adaptation of this event) thought the president’s support of the team was a brilliant act. “During those six weeks, what happened in this country was incredible,” Pienaar said. Just before the final game that would decide the 1995 World Cup winners, Mandela sported a Springboks jersey and stood behind the team. Through a hard-fought match, South Africa came out on top, and, after receiving the trophy from President Mandela, Pienaar explained the atmosphere of the event: “When the final whistle blew, this country changed forever.” If the 1995 World Cup was any indication, the camaraderie inherent to rugby can transcend all kinds of barriers. Meet a fellow rugby player or fan in any part of the world, and you’ll likely forge an instant kinship. In 2021, you can look forward to cheering on the women’s teams during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Rugby started in England in the late 1800s, and colonizers took it to South Africa, where South Africans of every color embraced the
Legend of the Pirate Queen CHING SHIH: HISTORY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PIRATE
From Blackbeard to Jack Sparrow, pop culture teems with pirates who frequented the ports of the Caribbean. And while these pirates are well-known for their (sometimes fictional) accomplishments, the most successful pirate in history terrorized the seas of China instead. Her name was Ching Shih. Ching Shih, who was born Shih Yang, was working in a Cantonese brothel when she met the pirate Zheng Yi. He came from a long family of notorious pirates and was impressed by Ching Shih’s cunning. They married in 1801 and built a pirate empire known as the Red Flag Fleet. When Zheng Yi passed away suddenly in 1807, Ching Shih strategically maneuvered her way into leadership, taking control of over 60,000 pirates. Historians describe Ching Shih as a brilliant military strategist, a skilled businesswoman, and a harsh disciplinarian. After taking control of the fleet, Ching Shih implemented a strict code of conduct. The code included rules for distributing booty, protecting female captives, and beheading anyone who disobeyed Ching Shih. Under her rule, the bloody crimes of piracy became a profitable business. The Red Flag Fleet would eventually clash with the British Empire, the Portuguese Empire, and the Qing dynasty of China, but no one could topple the pirate queen.
office of a local governor-general, completely unarmed, and requested full pardons and government jobs for her entire crew— along with permission to keep all their stolen goods. In exchange, she promised to give up piracy for good. Thankful to be free of the Red Flag Fleet, the Chinese government agreed to her terms. Ching Shih’s second husband was even made an officer in the Chinese navy. Ching Shih returned to Canton with her vast wealth and spent the next 34 years living a life of comfort with her family and running a gambling den. In 1844, the legendary pirate queen passed away of old age at 69, a rare feat for pirates of her era.
After almost a decade of pillaging the high seas, Ching Shih decided piracy wasn’t the best retirement plan. In 1810, she walked into the
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TAKE A BREAK
GET MORE BANK FOR YOUR BUCK Take Full Advantage of Your Financial Institution
Whether you’re banking with a credit union or a national giant, your financial institution likely offers more resources, account options, and saving plans than you’re using — or even aware of. As one NerdWallet article puts it, “Banks and credit unions continue to find new ways to both delight and confound customers.” If you focus on the delights, you can get more bang for your buck out of the financial institution you’re already using. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up new ways to stretch your retirement fund, grow your investments, and pass nest eggs to your grandkids along the way. Take these two easy steps to get started. 1. Get Clicking Even for someone with plenty of internet savvy, bank websites can be intimidating. Most are filled with tabs and portals that overwhelm customers, causing them to limit their interactions to plugging in a username and password to check their balance. Don’t fall into that trap! If you want to get a complete picture of what your bank has to offer, its website is the place to start. Next time you log in, set aside an hour or two to explore the site tab by tab. Take note of products and services you might not be using, like mobile banking apps, 24-hour hotlines, continuing education, and additional account options and their interest rates. Schwab, for example, offers a free online learning center complete with seminars, one-on-one financial advice, and more than 300 informative articles and videos. 2. Schedule a Sit-Down If your bank has a brick-and-mortar location near you, make a point to visit it. While there, take the time to learn about the latest updates from the reading materials on offer, make an appointment with a financial analyst, or speak with a bank teller. It’s in your bank’s interest to see your accounts grow, so representatives are happy to help. If you’ve already explored your bank’s website, this is the time to ask follow-up questions on what you found or make a financial move in a new direction. Whether you’ve decided on a 529 plan or a high-interest checking account, your banking representative can make it happen.
THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICH
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
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2 slices sourdough bread
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1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp leftover gravy
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2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp butter, room temperature Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
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1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey
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3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce
Directions
1. Coat inside of each bread slice withmustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.
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(205) 327-8311 www.petrolawfirm.com 2323 2nd Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
An Understanding of the Lawsuit Process
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The 1995 Rugby World Cup History’s Most Successful Pirate
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The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich How to Get More From Your Bank
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The Legend of Sergeant Reckless
THE GREATEST AMERICAN WAR HORSE THE LEGEND OF SERGEANT RECKLESS
Animals have acted as companions to humankind for thousands of years. They’re a near-constant source of companionship, comfort, and aid. Unfortunately, military animals don’t often get the recognition they deserve. One horse, in particular, was essential to the success of her regiment during the Korean War. Meet Sergeant Reckless. Bought for $250 in 1952 by a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant at a Seoul racetrack, Sergeant Reckless was trained to carry ammunition for the 5th Marine Regiment. Her name was a play on the“recoilless”rifle ammunition she carried and a nod to the daredevil attitude of the soldiers who used them. Reckless was pivotal for her regiment inmore ways than one. As Robin Hutton notes in her book“Sgt. Reckless: America’sWar Horse,” “Because horses are‘herd’animals, the Marines became her herd. She bonded so deeply with them that Reckless would go anywhere and do anything to help her adopted family.”
Sergeant Reckless’ greatest achievement occurred during the final stages of the Battle of Outpost Vegas. During the bloody five-day campaign, Reckless made 51 trips to resupply guns over the course of a single day. By the end of the battle, she had carried 386 rounds of ammunition by walking 35 miles through rice paddies and mountain trails. After dropping off the ammunition, Reckless would then bring wounded soldiers back to safety. Reckless was trained to lie down when under fire and avoid barbed wire, and her ability to do so without needing human command saved many lives during the battle. Reckless would close out her war career with two Purple Hearts and the rank of staff sergeant. She spent the rest of her years at Camp Pendleton in California. To learn more about this legendary mare, be sure to check out “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse” by Robin Hutton.
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