Kelly Law's online newsletter for September 2017
OFFICES IN NORTHWEST INDIANA AND SOUTH BEND
I 15 YEARS AND COUNTING Why I Love the Work I Do at Kelly Law started at Kelly Law back in 2002 as a law clerk still studying at law school. By the time I graduated in 2003, it was clear tome that this was a teamof passionate, driven people that I should stick with for as long as I could. So I stayed on, and 15 years later, I’d say it was the perfect decision. As a personal injury attorney, there are few things more gratifying than the feeling I get at the end of my client’s case, knowing that not only did I do the absolute best for the client I possibly could, but that I accomplishedmore for them than anyone else had. That feeling, that you’ve exhausted all possible avenues for recovery and achieved the greatest imaginable result for the client, can only come after thorough investigation and analysis. As a team, we ensure that we locate and consider all potential coverage available while working to get the client’s medical bills and liens reduced as much as we can. Most firms just force their clients to pay liens out of their settlement, reducing the amount of money the client receives. They either just pay the liens outright or leave the client to fend for themselves. I’m proud to be part of a firm that truly works to maximize the money our clients get in their pockets, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery. I make sure every decision during a case is in the best interest of nobody but the client. It’s funny; people always talk about how eager Americans seem to be to sue each
“I’m proud to be part of a firm that truly works to maximize the money our clients get in their pocket, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery.” other these days, taking one another to court at the drop of a hat. In my experience, this is simply untrue. Our clients are in pain and weighed down with exorbitant medical costs and missed work. All they want is the peace of mind that comes from knowing their bills will be covered so they can focus on the business of getting better. We file suit when the insurance companies force us to that point, but in reality, few of our clients want to end up in court.
1 In the cases that do end up in front of a jury, you can bet we’ll fight tooth and nail for the justice our clients deserve. I remember one particular case in which my client had slipped and fallen on government property, injuring her knee. Over the course of five long years, the case steadily escalated up the appellate court system, until we ended up in front of the state supreme court. In the end, we got her the justice she deserved. Though it wasn’t a huge million-dollar settlement or anything, it was incredibly satisfying having gone through that arduous process and end up with a win for her. Outside of work, I’m busy taking care of my new baby, my first child who I had just a few months ago. Though I’ve been back to work for two months now, it’s certainly been an adjustment not being by my baby’s side during the day.
That said, it was a welcome return. I love my work, and the team at Kelly Law is unparalleled in the field, both personally and professionally. I couldn’t ask for more.
Beth Brown Nowak
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THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
What to DoWhen the Insurance Adjuster Calls SERVICE HIGHLIGHT If you’ve been in an accident, you can bet the insurance adjuster will soon be giving you a call. They’ll tell you they’re just trying to gather information, but what they don’t tell you is that any information they gather will be used against you to reduce your rightful compensation. They typically call quickly, hoping they reach you before you’ve got a personal injury attorney on your side. With this in mind, it’s important to be prepared. “My hope is still to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.” –JimHenson September 24, 2017, would mark the 81st birthday of Jim Henson, a man who reinvented a 3,000-year-old art form and made the world fall in love with a singing frog. By replacing stiff wood with flexible rubber and developing precise hand motions and movements to convey emotion, Henson created a cast of characters he called The Muppets. Though he faced roadblocks on his journey to bring The Muppets to the world— including studios that claimed the characters would only appeal to children and writers who refused to“write for felt”—Henson persevered. A British TV station eventually picked up“The Muppet Show,”and the series went on to win four Primetime Emmys. While the general public still knows Henson best for his zany, beloved Muppets, the celebrated storyteller was involved in many groundbreaking TV shows and movies. Other fantastical productions beneath the Henson banner include the eerie and magical cult classic “Labyrinth,”starring music icon David Bowie,“The Dark Crystal,”and the TV series“The Storyteller.”Henson also founded Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, a special effects company that specializes in puppetry, animatronics, and creature suits.
Henson also helped create movie history when he was invited to the set of“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”to aid in the creation of an iconic character: Yoda. Prior to Henson’s involvement, director George Lucas intended to use a trained monkey in a mask to portray the Jedi Master. Henson encouraged Lucas to hire puppeteer Frank Oz instead. Oz has since voiced Yoda in five Star Wars films, with rumors he will return to the character for the upcoming“Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Today, almost 30 years after Henson’s sudden death in 1990, the legacy he left behind still creates joy around the world. The Muppets recently returned to the public spotlight with two feature films and a sitcom. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop continues to create fantastic designs, from the puppets on “Sesame Street” to characters that perform onstage beside singer Lady Gaga. This past summer, the Creature Shop announced they were teaming up with Netflix to
produce a 10-episode prequel series to “The Dark Crystal.”When it comes to people who left the world a better
place, it’s easy to see how Jim Henson’s unique brand of magic and creativity did just that.
Getting an experienced attorney on board will give you a massive head start in any ensuing compensation case. It will allow your lawyer to investigate your case, talk to witnesses, photograph the scene, and take measurements, even going so far as to have the crash reconstructed by experts if necessary, before the evidence disappears. Not only that, but it will take the burden of the back-and-forth with the insurance company off your shoulders and eliminate the risk of you making a mistake. But if the adjuster gets to you before a call to your lawyer, it’s vital that you never give a statement without a personal injury attorney present. If the insurance company claims that you have a legal obligation to give them a statement, don’t believe them— you have the right to have an attorney present. They may even tell you that you will not receive a settlement or compensation for your medical bills if you fail to give a statement, but don’t believe
The best way to avoid any problems with an adjuster is simply to contact your
attorney as soon as possible after a crash . Really, it’s a good idea to have a personal injury lawyer in mind to act as your representative in case something ever happens.
that either. You have absolutely no legal obligation to speak to the insurance company without a lawyer. In fact, talking to them can only hurt you in the long run.
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Selecting the Best Lawyer for Your Case THE RIGHT ATTORNEY FORTHE JOB
Luckily, most, if not all, personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. After doing your research, make an office appointment and bring all your documentation with you. This will give you the opportunity to get acquainted and get a feel for how the attorney will handle your case. Make sure the attorney is willing to handle the collection of all your paperwork, including having your vehicle fixed or replaced, and handling your injury case on a “no fee unless you win” basis. Look for an attorney who responds promptly to your calls. If they’re not willing to answer your inquiries, even without an appointment, maybe they’re not worth doing business with. After weighing all the factors, your decision will likely come down to your gut feeling. If they inspire confidence and make you feel comfortable from the beginning, they’re likely the right attorney for you.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your injuries, repairs to your vehicle, and mounting medical bills — not to mention the time you’re missing from work. Get an experienced attorney on your side. Let them to do the worrying for you. They can take care of your vehicle and handle the labyrinth of paperwork, leaving you to focus on your recovery. Choosing the right attorney can be difficult. There are so many out there, and each one claims to be the best. The most important part is to talk to an attorney who has experience in your area of personal injury and can understand the intricacies of your case. After all, you wouldn’t go to a dentist to treat your heart problems. Online ratings and comments can be helpful for getting an idea of an attorney’s standing. Check out Avvo or Martindale Hubbell. Personal referrals from your friends and family members are also great resources.
CHICKEN Apple Cider
INGREDIENTS
With cool fall weather comes the desire for hot, comforting meals. Take advantage of fall’s abundance of apples to make this savory dish.
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1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced into ¼-inch wedges
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2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons dried thyme
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) Salt and freshly ground black pepper ½Vidalia onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups apple cider
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DIRECTIONS
to get color and onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add flour and stir for 2–3 minutes. 4. Nestle chicken back into pan, add cider, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes.
1. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to pan and sear until golden, about 4 minutes each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. 3. Add remaining butter, onion, apple, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Sauté until apple begins
(Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com.)
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THIS ISSUE Inside
15 Years and Counting Page 1
Celebrate a Muppet of a Man What to Do When Your Adjuster Calls Page 2 How to Select the Best Lawyer for Your Case Apple Cider Chicken Page 3
The Museum of What? Page 4
Advertising Material
The World’s Strangest Museums TheMuseumofWhat? Museums are a staple of vacations nomatter where you travel. Everyone has heard of the Louvre and the Smithsonian, but youmight be surprised to learn about some of the stranger museums around the world. For nearly every passion, there is a building somewhere dedicated to it. Take a look at some of the weirdest. A functioning toilet is something everyone takes for granted until they don’t have access to one. In India’s capital, you can explore the fascinating history of commodes. Fromprimitive examples you would never use today to gold-plated bathroom thrones frompalaces across the world, the variety of toilets on display is staggering. Divided into three sections—ancient, medieval, andmodern—you’ll be shocked at howmuch you can learn about history and culture through an examination of the ways a society flushes (or doesn’t). Sulabh International Museumof Toilets Delhi, India
little better about the fact that you’re not Picasso.
MomofukuAndo Instant RamenMuseum Osaka, Japan
It’s not just college students and video gamers who love ramen. Since the invention of the instant noodles by Momofuku Ando in 1958, ramen has evolved into a beloved dietary staple from Japan to Jamaica. The museumnamed after its creator offers you the chance to look at some of the strangest versions from around the world. As an added bonus, you can even design your own packaging. Bring along some chopsticks, as there are plenty of samples to slurp up.
The Kansas BarbedWireMuseum Rush County, Kansas
TheMuseumof BadArt Dedham, Massachusetts
Plenty of museums are hands-off, but that’s usually to protect the precious objects held within. At the Kansas BarbedWire Museum, not touching the exhibits is just sound advice. The development of barbed wire was instrumental in settling the AmericanWest, and this museumpays tribute to the ingenuity of those farmers who wanted tomake sure their cattle stayed on their property and thieves stayed out.
There are plenty of museums dedicated to exceptional artwork fromhistory, but only one dedicated to less-than-successful artistic endeavors. The Museumof Bad Art, or MOBA, promotes itself as the home of“art too bad to be ignored.”A trip to MOBA will leave you smiling, laughing, and feeling a
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