Holland & Usry, PA - May 2024

Check out our May newsletter!

Embrace the Weird With Quirky Holidays MAY MADNESS:

Welcome to May Madness, where too much sunshine after a long winter generates a whirlwind of strange celebrations and offbeat festivities! As spring blooms in full swing, May offers us the unique opportunity to embrace the weird with a lineup of quirky holidays. From geeky gatherings to cultural commemorations, here’s your guide to some sun-soaked chaos. 1. ‘Star Wars’ Day (May 4) Full disclosure, this isn’t weird. “Star Wars” was the first live-action movie I ever saw. I will never get over that star destroyer plowing through the galaxy right over my head, as 4-year-old me sat on a stack of phone books so I could see over the seat in front of me. Originating from a pun on the iconic line “May the Force be with you,” this

day sees fans of the beloved space saga donning Jedi robes, wielding lightsabers, and indulging in “Star Wars” marathons. You can join in the galactic fun and spread the “Star Wars” joy to the younger generation by hosting a movie night under the stars, cooking up “Star Wars”-themed treats like Wookiee cookies and Yoda soda, and letting them stage an epic lightsaber duel. While I don’t do dress-up parties, whatever you do to celebrate it, May the 4th be with you! 2. Cinco de Mayo (May 5) ¡Viva México! Fun fact: This is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It’s become a global fiesta of Mexican culture, music, and cuisine. Celebrating is almost a no-brainer: Get the party started with traditional dishes like tacos, guacamole, and margaritas. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, slide over to our friends at Willy Taco in Spartanburg and order a Mexican ashtray. It sounds so bad, but it’s too good to be true. It’s a Tecate beer with the top encrusted with margarita salt, black pepper, and a generous few shakes of hot sauce, crowned by the lime you can’t drink a Mexican beer without. You open the can, the pepper and hot sauce spill in, squeeze the lime, and shove it in there (Don’t cut your thumb; the lime juice really makes it sting). It’s a life- changer. Try it and tell me I’m wrong.

3. International Towel Day (May 25) When you live in a house with two teenagers, you take this day really seriously because you know how easy it is for towels to disappear. At least until you roll into said teenagers’ bedroom, where spent towels litter the floor like roadkill on the back roads. International Towel Day pays tribute to the late Douglas Adams, author of the science fiction blockbuster, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” The book deems a towel the most useful item for intergalactic travelers, making this day a celebration of geeky friendship and absurdity. I never read the book, but I will say the most precious commodity in the Usry household might just be a clean towel. So, there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the delightful mayhem that is May Madness. Whether you’re battling the Dark Side of the Force, slurping a beer filled with hot sauce and black pepper, or hitchhiking across the galaxy with a fresh towel, May offers something for everyone to celebrate. So, embrace the weird and have some fun in the sun!

Do a good deed! Be part of a solution! We’re here for you and your family and friends to answer questions about these cases:

• Wrongful death • Serious accident injuries • Work injuries

• Family law —

consultation fee required, we’ll explain when you call.

Give the gift of peace of mind, and make sure callers tell us you sent them so we can thank you! Call 864.898.6458.

864.582.0416

PARENTING WITH EMPATHY The Gentle Parenting Philosophy

Parenthood is the greatest challenge many people will ever face, and raising children today is tougher than ever before in the technology-laden and constantly shifting state of the world. There are many parenting methods, and the latest viral one, gentle parenting, deserves a closer look. This parenting philosophy focuses on a strong parent-child relationship, offering a compassionate alternative to traditional physical disciplinary methods. Gentle parenting emphasizes building a deep, intentional understanding of a child’s needs and the emotions that stem from them. Rather than punishing a child for acting out, gentle parents encourage their children to voice their concerns so they can get to the root of challenging emotions. They view behavioral challenges as opportunities for connection and growth instead of corrections to be made. Active listening, open communication, and constructive problem-solving foster a

positive environment where children feel valued and understood.

This empathy doesn’t mean that children can mistreat parents, either. It’s still important to set boundaries. Instead of strict rules supported by physical punishment, gentle parenting invites parents to collaborate with their children on decision-making. Involving children in discussions about expectations and consequences will ensure they understand the reasoning behind your rules and what breaking them means. This can encourage children to feel empowered and respected in the discipline process. At its core, the most important aspect of gentle parenting is rejecting traditional punishments. Gentle parenting is about teaching children appropriate behaviors through positive reinforcement and intentional understanding of emotions — inspiring good behavior by acting as a positive example rather than by fear of punishment.

By prioritizing empathy, open communication, and nonviolent discipline, you can raise children who are able to recognize, inspect, and voice their emotions in a peaceful manner. As parents embrace these principles, they contribute to the development of emotionally secure, confident, and well-adjusted children who will grow into great global citizens.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“OVER THE TOP!!! First encounter with the team was very welcoming. Mr. Usry, Rose, and Pam were amazing. They were always very helpful and a pleasure to talk with. Great listeners, caring, and very informative. I am very, very thankful to have found them. I HIGHLY recommend Holland and Usry!!!!” -Letitia L.

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FIGHTING FOR GERALD A SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS’ COMP VICTORY STORY

In a recent case for a client, Gerald, we had a persistent battle with a South Carolina workers’ compensation insurance company over necessary medical care, which ultimately proved more costly for the insurer due to our relentless advocacy.

Armed with this new evidence, we approached the insurance company with an offer for a cash settlement to cover the surgery cost, potentially saving the insurer money in the long run. The company declined the offer. Determined to secure

Gerald’s necessary medical care, we prepared for a contested hearing. During the deposition, the independent orthopedist emphatically stated his support for surgery by declaring the insurance company’s doctors were wrong. Finally swayed by the compelling testimony and the clear demonstration of Gerald’s need through our meticulous presentation of his medical records, the insurance company agreed to cover the surgery and associated treatments!

While employed at a Greenville warehouse, Gerald suffered a severe injury to his right knee as he and a coworker attempted to maneuver two large, heavy trash cans up a flight of stairs using a hand-truck. During the process, the coworker abruptly yanked the hand-truck upward, causing Gerald to lose his grip and strike his knee against the steps. Despite months of treatment with the insurance company’s doctors, Gerald’s knee failed to improve. He experienced persistent

After his recovery, we negotiated a settlement nearly equivalent to our initial proposal. Ultimately,

severe pain, particularly when squatting, kneeling, twisting, or turning. However, the insurance-appointed medical professionals refused to recommend surgery despite the ineffectiveness of their treatments. Even more frustratingly, the insurance defense questioned Gerald’s integrity, accusing him of exaggerating his injury. Out of desperation, Gerald sought an independent evaluation using his personal health insurance. This consultation and MRI revealed tears in both the lateral and medial meniscus, with the independent orthopedist confirming the urgent need for surgery.

the insurance company’s refusal to provide timely medical intervention led to greater overall expenses and a substantial settlement for Gerald!

*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.

Good News

Spring Herb Soup With Orzo and Pancetta

Ingredients

Inspired by FoodAndWine.com

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 4 oz pancetta, diced • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 1 cup uncooked orzo • 2 large garlic cloves, minced • 1 tsp fennel seeds • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

• 8 cups chicken broth •

“May you be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” –Colossians 1:11 “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will

1 15-oz can cannellini beans, drained

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives • 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon • 1 1/2 cups chopped parsley • Pecorino Romano cheese, grated (for garnish) • Lemon wedges

Directions 1. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook 4–6 minutes. Add onion, salt, and pepper; cook until softened, 8–12 minutes. 2. Add wine and cook 4–5 minutes. Add orzo, garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, 2–4 minutes. 3. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until orzo is al dente, 8–10 minutes. 4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cannellini beans; cook about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in chives, tarragon, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Top with cheese and lemon.

never be shaken.” –Psalm 62:1-2

864.582.0416

* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306

INSIDE this issue

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1.

Embrace May With Quirky Holidays!

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2.

The Art of Gentle Parenting

2.

Testimonial

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3.

Gerald’s Struggle for Justice Against Workers’ Comp Insurer

3.

Spring Herb Soup With Orzo and Pancetta

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4.

When a Shark Became a Lifesaver

If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . THE UNBELIEVABLE SHARK ENCOUNTER

THAT SAVED A MAN’S LIFE

Apparently, some sharks are different. One shark even saved a man’s life.

Not surprisingly, blunt force trauma was causing his pain, befitting a large shark ramming him in the back. However, this wasn’t the only diagnosis he received that day, nor was it the most severe. While examining Eugene, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on his right kidney. They quickly rolled him into the operating room and removed the cancerous tumor before it could progress. Whether the shark intended it or not, it may have saved Eugene’s life. Undetected, the tumor might have metastasized and spread to the rest of his body. Without that attack, he may not have known about the cancer before it was too late. Because of that fact, we are confident the shark is a hero, whether it knows it or not.

Eugene and his family were enjoying a warm summer day in Huntington Beach, California. As he swam in the ocean, enjoying the cool waters of the Pacific, he was struck by a sudden tremendous force, pushing his neck backward. He later described the sensation as “instant whiplash.” After a difficult and painful swim, he reached the shore. Eugene’s daughter asked why his back was so bloody. He was shocked to find a giant gash across the center of his back, as well as several teeth marks on one side. The family headed home as lifeguards closed the beach, fearing more attacks. That evening, Eugene was in severe pain from the injury and was rushed to the hospital.

Sharks are powerful, violent creatures. They can have thousands of razor-sharp teeth. They swim about 12 mph when attacking — twice the speed of a (very fast) human swimmer. The mere presence of a shark is enough to close down a beach and frighten movie audiences.

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