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Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton
January 2021
The Fight for Justice IN THE WRONGFUL DEATH OF A FATHER
seemed to take forever, or we didn’t seem to be getting anywhere, but they didn’t give up. They did not stop. The momentum they kept up with the case was just remarkable.” Lindsay says that though there were many obstacles, the firm always found a way around them. Often, those very obstacles become critical turning points of the case. That is what Matt and Brittany told her from the beginning, and that is exactly what happened. “Matt was certain there had been negligence and he was determined to prove it. He would just not back down and he was relentless,” Lindsay said. “Because of that, we were miraculously able to get key witnesses and physicians that provided care for my dad in the emergency room to come forward and tell the truth about what occurred, even though those witnesses were affiliated with the group that provided care at the nursing home. The case turned completely in our favor because of this.” Lindsay believes the only reason the nursing home and its attorneys took this case seriously, and that she was able to receive the settlement she did, was because of Hare Wynn’s reputation, experience, and dedication to her father’s case. “Matt again was very realistic and upfront with me in the weeks prior to mediation. He walked me through every step and what to expect,” Lindsay said. “He gave me peace of mind that he would be there and that he would handle it all for me — he was a wonderful counselor. I think his name and the firm’s name just holds so much weight with the other attorneys that it made the whole experience easy. Matt, Brittany, and the firm
law partners recommended that Lindsay speak to our team at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton. She told Lindsay we had considerable expertise in handling nursing home neglect lawsuits and that we had established a niche in dealing with similar types of situations. Her friend said we’d be the very best firm to handle her case. Lindsay explains, “I wanted the very best. I didn’t want a run-of-the-mill firm that would just take my case and do whatever they wanted with it. I had worked in nursing homes before, so I knew that there are firms that will just go through the motions of filing something, but their heart is not in it, so the nursing homes just don’t take them seriously. I knew that it was going to take a big name for people to take this case seriously. Once I heard their name and had researched them, I could quickly see that these were the only people who could take on this case and find the answers for me that I needed.” When Hare Wynn decided to take the case, Lindsay had a glimmer of hope and felt comforted and encouraged for the first time. She worked directly with Brittany Wilson and Matt Minner, who handle many of the firm’s nursing home neglect cases. Lindsay explains, “Brittany, Matt, and the firm really welcomed me into the entire process; they did not shut me out. I knew everything that was going on at all times. They were upfront, realistic, and honest with me and told me that this could end up being quite a long process — and it would not be easy. They knew Dad — every aspect of his life — and they cared about him. He was never a number to them, and I was never a number to them. They were just amazing. There is just no other way to put it. Sometimes the information we needed just
“They knew Dad — every aspect of his life — and they cared about him. He was never a number to them, and I was never a number to them.”
When Lindsay Matthews saw her father on Jan. 21, 2015, she was shocked, horrified, and heartbroken. Within a few short weeks of entering the long-term healthcare facility, he had lost 40 pounds and developed aspiration pneumonia. He had entered the nursing home in November 2014 with dementia, but he was physically in very good shape — a healthy 69-year- old man who required very little assistance. Within weeks, his health deteriorated to the point where he was feverish, severely dehydrated, and malnourished. When found unresponsive and incoherent on Jan. 21, he was admitted to the hospital where he passed away two days later. Consumed with grief, Lindsay was determined to find answers, but neither the nursing home nor the hospital had any to give. In Lindsay’s words, “I felt like something was very, very wrong. I saw my dad one week, and then I saw him again just weeks later, and he was emaciated and on death’s door. This should not have happened. No one should have ever been treated in this way. I walked away from this thinking that my dad had just fallen off the cliff, and no one could tell me why.”
One of Lindsay’s best friends was an attorney, so she turned to her for help. This friend and her
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exceeded any expectation I could ever have had going into this. When I try to describe how many ways they helped me, I am almost speechless.”
Lindsay stresses the critical importance of selecting the right firm — one you can trust — with these words: “I trusted Hare Wynn from the moment I first spoke with them. I don’t think you could go into this process and not trust the people who are fighting for you. You really only have one chance to get it right, or you are finished before you even start. You have to have somebody who says, ‘We are going to fight for you, and we will not give up, no matter how long it takes.’ I consider Brittany and Matt not only my advocates throughout the process but also lifelong friends who made sure they gave me peace that no one else could. They never let me down. They will always hold a very special place within my heart.”
To more fully express her gratitude, Lindsay recently sent an email to Matt and Brittany which read:
“All I ever wanted was justice for my dad and peace knowing I fought hard for him. I know that without the weight that the firm’s name carries, and without Matt’s reputation, the settlement I received would not have been possible. I am so thankful to both of you for helping me get to a point of peace — something I haven’t felt since he passed away. I believe God calls people to certain jobs and you both are doing what He called you to do. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for not giving up, for always being honest and being realistic with me. I am forever grateful.”
TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD THIS WINTER
Prepare Your Vehicle Follow this checklist to ensure everything is working properly. • Battery is full • Lights are working • Tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread • Gas tank is more than half full • Windshield wipers are in working condition Additionally, be sure to never warm up your vehicle in enclosed spaces and never drive with frosted windows. In the event you are injured in a winter driving accident and you were not at fault, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton can help. Call our office at 855-997-9319 to set up an appointment today.
time to slow down as you come to a stop. When going downhill, proceed slowly. When going uphill, don’t ever slam on the breaks or stop moving. Increase Following Distance During winter weather, it’s best to add 5–6 seconds to your following distance. This provides the space needed should you have to stop abruptly — especially on icy roads. It’s also essential to recognize and understand how your brakes work. Do not slam on your brakes, as they will be much more likely to lock up, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. Clear the Exhaust Pipe Clear your exhaust pipe before driving your vehicle by removing any snow, dirt, or mud that may have accumulated and clogged it. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause toxic carbon monoxide gas to leak into the car’s cabin while the engine runs.
In last month’s newsletter, we featured some safety tips for those who were traveling over the holidays. While the holidays are over, winter is not, and there are still plenty of people on the roads. Here’s a list of four driving safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. Drive Slowly This is a good reminder and a critical factor to stay safe on the roadways. When driving in snowy or icy conditions, always decrease your speed to account for decreased traction — even if you can’t see any snow or ice on the road. Don’t accelerate too quickly and be sure to give yourself plenty of
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SUDOKU
Victims Deserve Compensation Defective Hernia Mesh Implants If you or someone you know has had hernia surgery, odds are you received a hernia mesh implant as part of the hernia repair. Hernia or surgical mesh is used to support damaged tissue surrounding a hernia while the hernia heals. Unfortunately, because of the way this mesh was designed and because of the materials used, sometimes it fails and damages a person’s body. Over the years, there have been many reports of people suffering injuries caused by defective hernia meshes. These injuries range from perforation and damage of body tissue to severe infections that can cause life-threatening complications and which often require extensive hospitalization. Currently, there are several hernia mesh manufacturers under investigation by law firms across the country including Bard, Atrium, and Ethicon. Many victims affected by defective mesh implants are taking action against these manufacturers in an effort to receive compensation for the pain and suffering they have endured as a result of these faulty products. Regrettably, there are hundreds of thousands of people throughout the U.S. who have had these mesh products implanted into their bodies. This means new cases involving mesh complications continue to crop up daily. If you have suffered from complications because of your hernia mesh, it is time to act. Seeking legal counsel and help from a professional and qualified personal attorney is the vital first step to help yourself or any loved ones who have had these devices implanted and may be at risk. These manufacturers need to be held accountable for their actions. The defective medical device attorneys at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton are currently taking cases related to defective hernia meshes and are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, reach out to our office at 800-568-5330 or visit our website at HWNN.com.
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Inspired by ItsTaylerMarie.org
Birthday Cake Baked Oatmeal for One (Yes, Really)
Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? If you tend to think of oatmeal as boring, this fun dessert-themed recipe just might change your mind. To go all out, top with a candle and a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
• 1 tsp baking powder • Splash of vanilla extract • 1 tsp brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup • 2 tsp sprinkles
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats • 1 browning banana, mashed • 1/2 cup milk • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and prepare a small oven-safe dish. 2. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the sprinkles. 3. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. 4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the oatmeal is golden brown. 5. Let the oatmeal cool slightly, top with sprinkles, and dig in!
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SOLUTION
Inside
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A Fresh Start for The Matthews Family
4 Tips for Driving During the Winter
Birthday Cake Baked Oatmeal for One (Yes, Really)
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
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Give Yourself the Boost of Getting Outside
Let That Fresh Air Fuel You 4 Tips to Make Getting Outside Easier
1. Make it a priority. Getting outside means making the conscious effort to do so. If you want to reap its benefits, you have to decide to make it a priority in your day-to-day schedule. If you make the act important to you, you have more motivation to actually do it. 2. Use mornings effectively. Waking up and getting the day started can be hard. But studies have shown that natural light helps decrease your melatonin production, which means you feel ready to face the day sooner. So, set yourself a second alarm to head outside and take a quick walk around the block just after waking. Don’t even wash your face or grab coffee. Just get out there. 3. Take your work outside. If you’re working from home, take some work outdoors. Phone and virtual meetings are a great outdoor
option, especially if you’ll just be an active listener and aren’t required to do any work simultaneously. Attach a note to your meeting reminders to get yourself set up outside five minutes before you start. 4. Create a schedule. It might feel strange to set reminders throughout the day to step outside, but you easily get wrapped up in activities and overlook breaks, and these reminders are exactly what you need. Start with 10-minute blocks three times a day. If you stick to them, soon you won’t need a schedule to get outside anymore. Winter weather may be cold, but even when you’re bundled up under a jacket and scarf, just 5–10 minutes outside can do wonders for your mood and energy for hours.
Hunkering down and waiting for the dark and chilly winter season to pass sounds pretty nice. But the reality is, if we deprive ourselves of time outside, we do ourselves a big disservice both mentally and physically. Staying indoors all day affects your energy and mood, which makes it hard to get anything done, so here are four easy tips to make it easier to get a little fresh air. 4 • www.hwnn.com
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