Check out our first newsletter of the new year!
The Must-Read, Change-Your-Life Newsletter helping seriously injured people for over 30 years
JANUARY 2018
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MARDI GRAS: OUR REAL NEW YEAR’S DAY
We may not get much of a winter in Louisiana, but there’s still a sense of a thaw this time of year. From New Year’s to mid-February, it’s like the whole countryside is holding its breath. Football has come to a close, spring baseball has yet to begin, and the crawfish are a bit on the small side. Maybe it’s this momentary pause that makes Mardi Gras such a release. In this state, at least, the new year doesn’t really start until that debaucherous carnival. From the elaborate floats, vibrant costumes, cheering crowds, and delicious Cajun cooking, there couldn’t be a better way to welcome in the springtime. There is truly nothing else like it. “IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THESE TRADITIONS ALMOST CEASED TO EXIST … THANKFULLY, COURIR DE MARDI GRAS PROVED AS RESILIENT AS THE FOLKS WHO CELEBRATE IT.” It’s hard to believe these traditions almost ceased to exist. While the greatest generation was off winning World War II, there weren’t a lot of young people to keep the spirit of Mardi Gras alive. Courir de Mardi Gras was hit especially hard. So many of our men had left to fight in distant lands, and our women had to fill the factories and munition plants to keep them fighting. Fields went fallow, and for those who were left, there didn’t seem like much reason for revelry.
Thankfully, Courir de Mardi Gras proved as resilient as the folks who celebrate it. The post-war years saw a Cajun renaissance, as families picked up and revitalized the traditions of their forefathers. They
came back to the small towns, the pastures, and the marshes.
They passed the pigskin, played ball, and boiled crawdads. But, perhaps most importantly, they brought new life to Mardi Gras. Now the holiday is more jubilant than ever.
Of course, it’s always best to celebrate responsibly. Here’s our free legal advice of the month: Leave poor decisions and indecent exposure charges to the tourists. The last place you want to spend Mardi Gras is in a cell. Of course, if you are injured by someone else’s negligence, you know who to call. Disclaimers aside, have a great time, whether you prefer to make your way down to Bourbon Street or watch the mummers romp through the countryside. There is a rhythm to life here in Louisiana. It’s found less in the weather, and more in the lives of the people and their traditions. Mardi Gras is a celebration of this, of the things that make us who we are. We hope this new year finds you jubilant and bright.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
–Cra ig Jon e s
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other pasta dishes. Zucchini noodles made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo. Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week. If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child some agency. For example, saying to your child, “You can have the cauliflower or the broccoli. It’s up to you!” empowers them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time! GET YOUR KIDS TO EAT HEALTHIER THAN EVER
Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for
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TIPS FOR LATE-SEASON BUCK HUNTING
lightly while getting set up in your tree or blind. Then as you lie in wait, gradually put on more layers. This will control your core temperature and keep your scent from alerting potential prey.
Deer season is winding down here in Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance! Whether you’ve had an unlucky year or your wall has room for just one more trophy, our Southern winters still provide the opportunity to make the most of your license. Hunting this time of year is not without its challenges. Here are some helpful tips to land that prize buck in the new year. Look for Young Does One advantage of late-season hunting is that younger does enter estrus this time of year. While older females tend to be very sedentary and secluded while in heat, young does will still be out strutting their stuff. Where they go, bucks will follow, often with their guard down. Males are almost nocturnal this time of year. The more young mates are in an area, the more likely you are to find a buck active during hunting hours. Layer Gradually Perspiration can be a hunter’s worst enemy any time of year. While the weather may be cooler, we tend to wear more layers. Fight this urge. Dress
Keep a Flexible Schedule Unlike up north, our winters are sporadic. Temperatures can vary wildly from week to week, or even day to day. More heat means less rutting during hunting hours. Rather than set a hard date for a hunting trip, give yourself a range of time. Pay close attention to weather reports, and be ready to leave when you think the temperature will be right.
Don’t talk yourself out of enjoying the season to its fullest. There are still plenty of opportunity out there in the woods. By adjusting to the conditions of this time of year, you can make the most of your time and energy. We hunt because we have fun doing it, don’t we? Get out there and enjoy the season while it lasts!
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Three Steps to Take After a
or ROPS. This includes safety elements like roll cages, roll bars, and seatbelts. While these won’t prevent a rollover, they are designed to mitigate the types of injury that can occur. If the tractor involved in the accident lacked or had a poorly maintained ROPS, the manufacturer or owner of the vehicle may be at fault. Take pictures of the rollover site, and be sure to get the tractor’s make and model. Talk to Witnesses Contemporary accounts are an important factor in determining fault in any accident. After a rollover, collect the names and phone numbers of those present. Their testimony can help determine if driver error factored into the rollover. It is important that you do not admit fault at the time of the rollover. Simply exchange information with those present. Finally, seek legal help. Insurance companies know injury law inside and out and may seek to mitigate your claim. A personal injury lawyer with experience in agriculture accidents will fight for your rights, allowing you to focus on recovery. We at Jones & Hill have years of experience working with victims of tractor rollovers and other farm injuries. Please reach out if you or a loved one has been injured in such an event. We are here to help. Ways to Strengthen Your Claim Tractor Rollover
Farm accidents are all too common in this country. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control found that an average of 243 agricultural
workers were injured on the job every single day, with 5 percent of these injuries leaving the victim
permanently impaired. We at Jones & Hill have worked agriculture injury cases
from Rapides down to Cameron, and we can tell you the most common and deadly form of accident is a tractor rollover. If you or a loved one are involved in one of these accidents, there are some steps you should take. Document Recovery The injuries caused by tractor rollovers can be severe. Recovery often requires prolonged medical treatment and expensive medicine. Document every step of this recovery process. Keep a log of all doctors visits and therapy sessions, and be sure to hold onto the receipts of any medication involved in your treatment. Identify Equipment Rollover injuries can be caused by outdated or defective equipment. Modern tractors should be outfitted with a Rollover Protective Structure,
TAKE A BREAK
Crawfish Fricassee
Ingredients
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1 quart chicken stock
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2/3 cup dry white wine
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup diced yellow onion
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2 dried bay leaves
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1/2 cup diced carrots
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
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1/2 cup diced celery
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped tomato 4 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
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Ground white pepper, to taste
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2 pounds cooked crawfish tails
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Hot, cooked rice, as much as you’d like
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Garnish: finely chopped fresh thyme
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
Directions
1. In a large saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking frequently, until a blond roux forms. 2. Add onion, carrot, celery, tomato, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes. Add stock, wine, bay leaves, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Add crawfish and cook for 5 minutes. Check seasoning and add salt and white pepper to taste. Serve with a scoop of hot, cooked rice. Garnish with thyme, if desired.
Recipe courtesy of www.louisianacookin.com
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Phone: (888) 481-1333 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. www.joneshilllaw.com
Jones & Hill Injury Lawyers 131 Highway 165 South Oakdale, LA 71463
THE IMPORTANCE OF A GO BAG
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
Natural disasters happen all the time. From hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes, our homes
of the essentials. You may want to include baby wipes and a multi-tool in the kit as well. Medications When it comes to go bags, medications can be tricky, but they are necessary. Include a supply of any medications you take (anywhere from a week’s to a month’s supply) and be sure to rotate them out on a regular basis. This ensures that any prescription medications are up-to- date and that there is no risk of potential expirations. Documentation Make a photocopy of any and all critical documents you have and store the copies in a watertight container (such as a freezer bag) in the go bag. Include your birth certificate, driver’s license, and Social Security card. You may also want to include a copy of any Medicare cards, insurance information, your will (along with any powers of attorney), and some proof of address. Some people even include marriage, adoption, and naturalization certificates. Cash Store enough small bills to get yourself through five to seven days. On top of the small bills, coins are just as important, particularly quarters.
are never entirely safe from potential hazards. While natural disasters aren’t an everyday worry — and the 2017 hurricane and fire season is finally behind us — nothing is better than being prepared. You need a go bag! A go bag is something you can keep by the door in case of any kind of emergency. With essentials at the ready, you eliminate the possibility of a last-minute scramble. Here are the most critical items to include. Batteries and Flashlights Not only do you want a selection of standard batteries for your devices, but you also want portable lithium-ion batteries to charge your cellphones and other mobile devices. Additionally, after you’ve packed these items, be sure to check them every three months. You want to ensure they are functioning and at full capacity so you can rely on them if the time comes. First-Aid Kit You can find well-stocked first-aid kits online (including on Amazon.com) that are packed to the brim with most or all
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