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THE GUARDIAN
216-208-5072 TITTLELAWFIRM.COM
JANUARY 2024
GIVING VOICES TO THE VOICELESS The Essential Role of Advocacy Against Malpractice
the health care system, work with families to heal after hospital visits, and assert patient rights.
and powerful essay on patient advocacy. The juris doctoral candidate at Temple University dedicated her career and education to fighting for those without a voice. In her winning essay, she writes about her grandfather, who was a victim of neglect and malpractice. In an understaffed hospital, his doctors and nurses were unresponsive and unhelpful. While unmonitored and ignored by hospital staff, he died from a stroke 10 days after admission. Cassar’s grandmother knew this was a grave injustice and pursued her options. Doctors read through his medical files and found his treatment to be neglectful, tragic, and insufficient. However, after lawyers reviewed the case, they
The stats support their efficacy. Ninety-two percent of patients report that advocates positively impact their treatment, while 98% felt that advocates helped them navigate the complexities of health care systems. These efforts help protect patients from malpractice. While they can’t save them from all medical errors — they are not doctors — they work to ensure patients are heard. This can save patients from improper or inadequate treatment, which can lead to one of the largest contributors to death in America: malpractice.
The third-leading cause of death is from malpractice, while 10% of all deaths in the U.S. are from medical errors. Negligence, improper medication, and a plethora of other factors contribute to the malpractice epidemic. In 2017, over 644 cases were filed and won in Ohio alone.
To get the best health care, patients must speak for themselves. Only they can hold their doctors accountable for malpractice, as only they can tell their stories. But not all patients have a voice. They can be unconscious or in pain or suffer from afflictions that cloud their judgment. When patients can’t speak for themselves, they need someone to protect them. The patient advocate’s role is to defend their right to the best health care possible. Patient advocacy is an essential part of getting adequate health care. You must have someone to defend your wishes, voice your concerns, and push for your right to treatment. Patient advocates specialize in giving the support and information families need to get the best health care they can. They’re either provided by hospitals or hired privately, but they have the same goal: to ensure a patient has the best health care. They educate families on the nuances of
noted that a lawsuit would be dismissed because of his old age. Unfortunately, Kacie Cassar’s family is one of many victims affected by malpractice. Had Kacie Cassar’s grandfather had an advocate to defend him, he may not have become another
“WHEN PATIENTS CAN’T SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, THEY NEED SOMEONE TO PROTECT THEM. THE PATIENT ADVOCATE’S ROLE IS TO DEFEND THEIR RIGHT TO THE BEST HEALTH CARE POSSIBLE.”
We created the Allen Tittle Medical Malpractice Scholarship to promote awareness about preventable deaths. Participants send us personal essays, college transcripts, and a resume to be eligible for a $1,000 contribution to their tuition. One reason we fund this scholarship is to retrieve the stories of malpractice victims. This year’s winner is Kacie Cassar, who wrote a poignant
statistic. Those without voices should be able to speak and defend their right to adequate health care, especially if they don’t have a support
system. The best way to fight malpractice is to inform and educate others.
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Most people make New Year’s resolutions but don’t complete them. We focus too much on the goal and not the journey. Behind every successful resolution is a commitment. As 2024 rolls in, dedicate yourself to using positive habits like these to keep your commitments and achieve your goals GET A PARTNER It’s more fun to do things with friends. If you’re making a commitment, find someone to do it with. A gym partner interrupts the monotony, and a fellow nondrinker can attend sober events with you. Doing so will keep you accountable and steer you in the right direction. Alone, the only person who holds you accountable is yourself, and you are heavily biased. ACTIVELY ENGAGE Commitments don’t stick if you don’t stay engaged. Always work toward your pledge, whether joining a group, watching tutorials, or reading a book. It should become part of your identity, sense of purpose, and what you think about in the shower. Talk about it (but not too much) with your coworkers or join an online community. MODERATION Like all things, commit in moderation. Don’t break off more than you can chew — you can learn to resent your lifestyle changes. Many people grow to hate their diet if it completely forbids them from enjoying things they COMMIT, DON’T RESOLVE Make New Year’s Commitments, Not New Year’s Resolutions KUPATA’S ROAD TO FAME
love. Instead of resenting, they could incorporate a cheat day into their schedule to enjoy their favorite foods while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
BREAK IT INTO BITS Milestones make it easier to commit. While getting fit may be a lofty goal, finishing a 5K is not. Limiting social media could be difficult, but not logging in today isn’t as hard. Along the way, celebrate these milestones and acknowledge your accomplishments. It’s important to get perspective on the journey and see the impact. CHECK IN WEEKLY Every week, sit down and think about your progress. What are you doing to keep your commitment? What can you do better? If you’re heading in the right direction, celebrate your wins but stay focused. If you’re getting off track, find a way to rectify your mistakes. New Year’s commitments lead to good habits. Invest in the journey and build the person you want to be through hard work and dedication. Doing so is itself a victory, something you can rely on to push next year’s ambitions.
Canine Helps Pedestrians Safely Cross the Street
We often think dogs live the good life, as they seem to do nothing but play, eat, and sleep. Yet, some dogs are busy at work, some without being asked to do so! Take Kupata, the stray dog in Georgia, for example. This street-roaming pup takes it upon himself to guard a crosswalk all day, every day . In the town of Batumi, this stray stays by a single crosswalk and forces traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. He’s especially protective of children! If Kupata sees a car isn’t slowing down, he’ll bark at the driver as they drive away and run to protect the person crossing the street. One local even shared that Kupata will cross the road with children and stay at the park to protect the youngsters. Kupata, which in English means “sausage,” has become a staple in the community due to his hard work, and locals all pitch in to care for and feed the stray dog. His consistently round belly shows just how loved he is. You’ll even see a massive painting of the beloved animal on a nearby building. Now, after tireless days of guarding his street, Kupata has his own doghouse provided by the city with an accompanying star on the road with his name on it. Kupata’s dedication made him go viral on social media, and now travelers from all over the world come to see Kupata. Don’t distract him, though. He’s busy at work!
Sadly, even though Kupata remains cherished by his community, thousands of stray dogs in the country need shelter, food, and companionship. According to activists, around 500,000 stray dogs and cats roam the streets of Georgia. We need a Kapata protecting the streets of Cleveland!
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TAKE A BREAK
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY WANTED Here’s Your Chance to Join Our Top-Notch Team
Are you a trial attorney searching for an opportunity to work for the best? We’re looking for a new addition to our team! If you’re interested, see how to apply below. WHAT OUR ATTORNEYS DO We expect our associate attorneys to be passionate, ambitious, and uncompromising. They aren’t afraid to work hard and get things done. Their responsibilities include:
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Applicant must be an active member of the State Bar of Ohio in good standing. We prefer people with a cooperative mindset. Our office
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is all about working together to achieve a common goal, so everyone needs to have a team- centric approach. We know we expect a lot, but it’s vital for everyone to excel. If you’re the kind of person who wants to work for an innovative and creative firm that invests in every member of the team, you’ll do well here. WHAT YOU GET FROM US To build the best team, every person must be compensated accordingly. We also provide the expansive benefits package our attorneys deserve. These benefits include:
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Assisting with pre-trial and trial work while managing ongoing cases Attending hearings and taking depositions Preparing memoranda, demands, complaints, pleadings, motions, and jury instructions Reviewing medical records, employee benefit plans, pay stubs, and collective bargaining agreements Interviewing and speaking with clients, witnesses, and experts Willing to take over cases with little supervision.
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE
GARNET HOCKEY INSULATE JANUS
OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
SKATING SWEATER
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BAKED SALMON WITH GARLIC AND LEMON
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Competitive salary Health, disability, and life insurance
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Paid time off 401(k) with a company match
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Going to trial.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon!
Besides these pluses, you also get to work at one of Cleveland’s premier law firms. We’re always looking to expand while providing our clients with the highest level of representation. Interested in the role? Send your cover letter and resume to NewHire78189@gmail.com with the title “Superstar Attorney Applicant.” In your cover letter, make sure to answer these questions:
We’re the best firm in Ohio, and we owe that to our highly capable team. Every attorney at our firm strives to take action and maintain the firm’s premier reputation. WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU We want our team staffed with the best people. As such, applicants need to fulfill some basic requirements to be considered.
INGREDIENTS
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2 lbs salmon fillets
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1 tsp dried oregano
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Juice of 2 lemons
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
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You must have at least two years of experience as a trial attorney with a firm knowledge of every aspect of litigation. If necessary, we can provide extensive training for the right person. While not necessary, experience in personal injury and medical malpractice is a plus.
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
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What is your passion in life outside of faith and/or family? What is one of the greatest challenges you have overcome? What will you bring to our team, and why should we create a new position specifically for you?
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
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We look forward to hearing from you.
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INSIDE
1. Scholarship Winner’s Story 2. Keep Your Resolutions Through Commitment Meet the Canine Who Helps Pedestrians Cross the Street 3. An Exciting Opportunity for Associate Attorneys Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon 4. Allen Tittle Named Trial Lawyer of the Year
ALLEN TITTLE NAMED TRIAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR I’m very, very proud to have received the Trial Lawyer of the Year Award from the Keenan Institute. While there are many awards given to attorneys, this one is particularly special to me, both on a personal and professional level. I attended the institute and graduated in 2012 as a master graduate. on the results of their legal victories. Social connections and people-pleasing aren’t part of the selection process. To be recognized as Trial Lawyer of the Year, one needs only to be a great lawyer who incorporates Don Keenen’s work into their legal strategy.
The Trial Lawyer of the Year award is a victory for myself and the entire firm. While my name is on the trophy, I could never have achieved this honor alone. It is only through the tireless work of the great people who make up Tittle & Perlmuter that I could even dream of receiving the award. The paralegals, assistants, and other staff at the firm deserve an award just as much as I do. My fellow attorneys have helped bolster my resolve through counsel and friendship.
The founder of the institute, Don Keenen, is an inspiration to all trial lawyers. He’s served as president of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Keenan has won 389 settlements with high-dollar verdicts. He has been overseas and oversaw the first civil trials in new democracies. Keenan devised a myriad of innovative legal strategies and wrote multiple books. He also ensured that his school taught a high-quality curriculum, with every course conducted by experienced lawyers. Merely being acknowledged by his institute is one thing, but being given an award is a tremendous honor. Not only is the award given by an organization I respect, but it is also given only to quality attorneys. There are no nominees — winners are chosen solely based
Thank you, Keenan Institute and my coworkers, for the past, present, and future of Tittle & Perlmuter.
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