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JANUARY 2026
“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” Oscar Wilde wrote that more than a century ago, but it still rings true today. Our memories shape our identity, our relationships, and the stories we tell about our lives. That’s why Jan. 19, Good Memory Day, is a reminder of how precious memory really is, and how fragile it can become when the brain suffers an injury. The truth is that brain injuries are far more common than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. sees about 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) every year, and more than 5 million Americans live with long-term disability because of one. Those numbers represent people whose “diaries” have missing pages, blurry chapters, or entries they’ll never get back. That’s why, when we’re fielding calls about potential injury cases, the very first thing we look at is memory. More specifically, we’re looking for signs of retrograde or anterograde amnesia. These are indicators that the brain may have been impacted severely enough to stop recording the way it should. Retrograde amnesia means the person can’t remember what happened immediately before the incident. Anterograde means they can’t form new memories afterward. And here’s what surprises a lot of people: You don’t have to lose consciousness for this to happen. You can be awake, talking, and functioning, but your brain just isn’t recording the moment. It’s like the “record” button jammed at the exact time you needed it most. The length of that missing memory matters. Generally, the longer the amnesia lasts, the higher the likelihood of a brain injury that won’t fully resolve. That’s why asking the client if they remember the incident is one of the baseline indicators in the cases we handle. It’s a crucial diagnostic clue. Understanding memory loss goes beyond diagnosing injury and involves telling the story, which is everything. When we’re building a case, we ask clients to journal what happened before and after the incident, how their daily life changed, and which meaningful moments MISSING PAGES The Real Impact of Memory Loss After an Injury
they’ve had to miss. This is the foundation of how we demonstrate pain, suffering, and real human impact.
I often tell clients a simple analogy: Put two pianos in a room. Strike a chord on one, and the same chord in the second piano will vibrate. That’s how stories work. Facts inform us, but stories resonate. It’s one thing to say, “I’ve had headaches every day since the accident.” It’s another thing to say, “I couldn’t attend my daughter’s soccer game last week because the noise and lights made my head spin.” That’s the chord that vibrates. Good Memory Day reminds us how valuable those moments are: the graduations, conversations, and tiny daily joys we often take for granted. When a brain injury disrupts our ability to form or recall those memories, the loss is profound and deserves recognition, documentation, and when appropriate, compensation. So, any time you reflect on your own good memories by reminiscing with family, flipping through old photos, or laughing at a long- forgotten story, take a moment to appreciate the brain behind the memories. If you or someone you know has experienced an incident with memory loss, even brief, don’t brush it off. It may be a sign that the “diary” suffered a critical interruption.
Protect your memories, honor them, and pay attention when something feels off. Memories are the anchors that keep our stories grounded!
–Case Barnett
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TURN YOUR CHILDREN INTO VACATION PLANNERS Junior Jetsetters
Have you ever wondered what your family vacation would look like if you let your kids be the travel agents? If you let your children plan the itinerary, your next trip could be filled with whimsical detours, playful stops, and unexpected destinations. Getting your little adventurers in on the fun not only takes tasks off your to-do list, but it also ensures everyone gets to leave their mark on these cherished memories. From assigning them vacation jobs to letting each child run the show for a day, you have many fun ways to give your kiddos an active role on your next big trip. Bon Voyage to Boredom When your kids plan portions of your trips, it ensures you visit unique places you may not have ever thought of as an adult. Not only does it keep your adventure interesting, but it also gives everyone in your family a chance to feel seen and valued. Parents and teen children usually have the bulk of responsibilities and decision-making on a trip, and this is a way to get the little ones involved. Everyone gets a say and an equal chance to do the activities they want to. Beyond the trip, it will help your children learn to travel in a group, compromise, prioritize, and make hard decisions.
Destination Detectives Obviously, your 4-year-old can’t run the entire trip on their own, and the adults should also have some fun. So, get the kids involved in planning age-appropriate activities, and keep things equal in several ways. Let them play destination detective by researching where you’re going through books, videos, and kid-friendly websites. This will help them pick places they want to see and encourage them to learn about new destinations. If they are younger or have too many ideas, help them narrow the options. You could also assign everyone a vacation job, like having one child responsible for choosing restaurants and another for picking out photo ops.
Before you hit the road for your next family vacation, let your kids make the map and set a course for giggles and magical memories.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING "I was so terrified, and just seeing Case and finally talking to him I felt this huge sense of relief. I felt like I could trust him right away because when you talk to him, you can tell he's a very genuine person. Case told me just to focus on healing, and he would take care of everything regarding my case. The settlement was amazing. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better outcome. They're just such a big part of my recovery. I don't know where I'd be right now if it weren't for them. If you've been hurt in an accident, I recommend you call Case Barnett Law right away. They helped me so much throughout my accident, and I honestly believe they can help any one of you guys as well.” –Diana L.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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RUSTIC FRENCH PISTACHIO CAKE
INSIDE THE TRIAL FIGHTING FOR A TEEN’S HIDDEN BRAIN INJURY Brain injury cases are never simple, and they’re never abstract. They involve real people, families, and futures that can change in an instant. One of the trials we have coming up is a powerful example of just how quickly life can shift. It involves a boy who was only 14 at the time of a violent car crash. He was sitting in the passenger seat when another vehicle T-boned his family’s car on the driver’s side. Even though the impact wasn’t directly on his side, the force of the collision whipped him hard enough that he struck his head. With kids, that’s especially concerning. A developing brain is far more vulnerable, and any head strike dramatically increases the chances of a traumatic brain injury. That’s why, in cases like this, we dig deep. Accident reconstruction, biomechanical analysis, and other points all matter. Jurors often picture the brain as something solid, but it’s really more like Jell-O in a Tupperware container. In a crash, that “Jell-O” slams into the walls, or skull, again and again, within fractions of a second. That’s how damage happens. Inside the brain, axons function like tiny electrical wires, carrying signals that let us think, move, and process the world. In a violent crash, those delicate fibers can stretch, twist, or even tear, and the extent of that microscopic damage often shapes a person’s ability to recover. Some heal, others don’t, and some, like this boy, may look “fine” on the outside while quietly losing abilities that once defined them. Before the crash, he was a standout baseball player, and after, he couldn’t hit a baseball anymore. Not because he didn’t want to, but because the part of his brain that allowed him to track, process, and respond to a fast-moving ball doesn't work the same way. His grades also slipped, and not in the usual “teenage slump” way. These were abrupt, significant declines. Predictably, the defense is trying to paint all of this as normal high school behavior, but the timing, symptoms, biomechanics, and testimony all point to the crash as the true cause. While every case matters, this one feels especially important. It’s about making sure this young man’s story is heard and ensuring the science behind his injury isn’t ignored.
Ingredients
• 2 cups heavy cream, cold • 1 1/2 cups (minus 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 3 large eggs • 1 1/4 cups sugar • 1 tbsp vanilla paste • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped, plus extra for topping • Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F, then butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Whip cold cream until it forms firm peaks, then refrigerate. 3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 4. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 5. Fold pistachios and flour mixture into egg mixture. 6. Gently fold cream into the batter until no streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com
LAUGH LAWS
–Case Barnett
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 Memory Loss Matters More Than We Realize
Page 2 Let the Kids Steer Your Next Trip
What Our Clients Are Saying
Page 3 When a Split-Second Crash Changes a Child’s Life Forever
Rustic French Pistachio Cake
Page 4 Bite-Size Family Activities That Fit Your Schedule
Creative Ways to Break Up the Daily Grind NO MORE ‘RINSE AND REPEAT’
uninterrupted conversations, taking a walk, playing a favorite sport outside, or enjoying each other's company without digital distractions. You can even create a “screen bucket/basket” for everyone’s phone or tablet during this designated time. Ongoing Dinner Board Games Extend the dinner table experience by introducing a board game that spans multiple nights. You can pause and resume games like Monopoly or Clue over several evenings. It’s a great way to stay connected all week long! Dance Party Snack Break Inject some energy into your evening by turning snack time into a mini dance party. Play your family's favorite tunes and let loose together, creating joyful memories and a fun atmosphere. Living Room Obstacle Course Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to transform your living room into an
obstacle course. This activity encourages physical activity and teamwork, all within the comfort of your home. Family Storytelling Circle Gather the family in a circle and take turns adding sentences to a story. This collaborative activity sparks creativity and often results in hilarious and imaginative tales. Talk about memory-making! Impromptu Craft Sessions Keep a box of craft supplies handy for on- the-spot art sessions. Even 15 minutes of drawing, coloring, or simple DIY projects can provide a satisfying creative outlet for both kids and adults. Pajama Walks Under the Moon On clear nights, consider a short walk around the neighborhood in your pajamas. This simple activity offers fresh air, a change of scenery, and a unique way to end the day together.
Breakfast, school, work, dinner, rinse, and repeat.
Busy weeknights often leave little room for quality family time. However, with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can transform even the most hectic evenings into memorable bonding moments. Here are seven engaging, low-prep activities that fit seamlessly into your evening routine. Screen-Free Time After Dinner Designate a window of 30–45 minutes after dinner as a screen-free time for the entire family. This intentional time allows for
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