HALLOWEEN COSTUMES TO THINK TWICE ABOUT
HOW TO STEER CLEAR OF LOOKS THAT MIGHT OFFEND
While some costumes have their time and place, others are off- putting in any setting, and it’s never too early to explain that to your kids. Consider the case of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who came under fire earlier this year for a 1981 yearbook photo that appeared under his name and showed two costumed figures, one wearing a KKK uniform and the other in blackface. Northam’s role in the photo was never clarified, but it caused permanent damage to his reputation and friendships. Make sure your family avoids similar strife this Halloween by steering clear of costumes associated with racist, sexist, or politically divisive groups. Teach your kids that it’s best to rule out costumes imitating another race or culture, particularly if they promote stereotypes, to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings — famous sports teams facing criticism for their Native American mascots are canaries in the coal mine on that point. Finally, encourage your kids to avoid hamming up symptoms of mental illness or addiction in their costumes. Dressing like a “mental patient” can hit too close to home for real-life sufferers, some of whom you likely know and love.
We can all agree that if you’re injured, you must get treatment. In fact, most insurance companies teach their claim adjusters that if a “plaintiff” (that’s someone hurt by the other driver) doesn’t get treatment on a regular basis, they’re not injured. Often, people involved in car accidents don’t even know they have been injured. The reason behind this is that people’s bodies respond to pain signals and the stress of the accidents in different ways; sometimes we’re in shock. In these situations, our bodies produce endorphins that tend to cover or mask an injury for several days or even weeks. Our team at Travis G. Black & Associates recommends receiving a medical consultation as soon as possible, and if you start to feel any discomfort or pain, seek medical attention immediately. You must explain to your medical provider in detail how you were injured. The doctor will record this and start a treatment program for you. Be sure to ask for a copy of this initial report and review it to ensure your doctor has all the correct facts. IF YOU’RE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT YOU MUST GET TREATMENT If you’ve ever taken your kids trick-or-treating for Halloween, then there’s a good chance you’ve seen a costume that made you feel a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps it was something too sexual or gory for your 4-year-old’s eyes or a satirization of a political figure you admire. Odds are you didn’t say anything, but such encounters can be unsettling, even for the most laid-back among us. This Halloween, help others avoid that discomfort by thinking twice about the costumes you and your family choose. When dressing for Halloween, remember that it’s important to consider your audience. A skimpy Jessica Rabbit or Poison Ivy costume might be fun for an adults-only party, but it’s inappropriate for a family gathering. Similarly, you might not want to go the political route for an office party, where putting your opinions front and center could cause friction with your coworkers or boss. Instead, opt for a fictional character or a classic Halloween monster. No one is going to argue with you about your support or disdain for werewolves.
physical therapy. Doing so will help you heal faster, as well as help your insurance claim. If your doctor creates a treatment plan, don’t procrastinate; when you’re injured, you need treatment. In addition to treatment, you should also seek advice from an attorney that specializes in injury cases. They will know how to help you make the correct choices for medical treatment, but remember, you have the right to pick your own medical treatment. Don’t shy away from seeking medical treatment if you don’t have medical insurance. Your attorney can help you find a doctor who will put your treatment on lien, so you can pay it back at the end of your case. The person that caused the crash and injured you is ultimately responsible for your medical costs. Travis G. Black & Associates always offer free initial consultations for personal injury cases, so there’s no risk in speaking with us and receiving an honest and informed evaluation of your case. Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in auto collision cases and for other personal injury claims. We’re prepared to fight aggressively in court to defend your rights.
It’s essential that you follow the treatment plan your doctor has prescribed to you, whether it calls for prescription medication or
2 • WWW.TRAVISBLACKLAW.COM • PROUDLY SERVING CALIFORNIA’S PEOPLE
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online