Take a look at our November newsletter!
12444 POWERSCOURT DR., SUITE 300 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63131 // FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222 // NOVEMBER 2024
SORTING IT ALL OUT Change Is Scary, but Necessary
I am starting to believe that a small business is one that is constantly changing and in motion. Chaos abounds. People wear so many different hats and handle varying roles. Defining who does what is more than just writing it down. I often ask myself, “When does this settle down?” Our marketing director, Melinda, recently resigned. She’s done a great job for us and truly got us started. She moved on to bigger and better things. We are happy for her. And she left in a professional manner — tasks assigned, things organized, timelines ready. It is very much appreciated. But with her gone, someone has to pick up the slack until we find a replacement. No single person can handle all of it so the product may suffer. I am way late on this column because I did not have the usual reminders from Melinda. But we are managing. We are getting by. People are stepping up. I am working hard to try to step back from these types of decisions. We are trying to hire an operations officer who will do all the finances as well. We have interviewed some serious candidates. It is a large investment in talent that we are making. It is scary. But I know this: If we continue to do things the same way we have the last seven years, we will not be better. We will be the same. That is not an option. We will improve, and we will make the commitment to talent in order to do so. It just doesn’t happen fast. We need to run like a business, not like something I am running out of my garage. We need to plan and prepare better. These are not my strengths — at least not for a business. I have no experience running any business but this one.
we improve. That is how we are happy. That is how everyone around us does better and is happier.
I am proud of what we have done so far. We have done some amazing things and helped a lot of people. But I know the talent of our people has not been fully accessed. They are pulled in too many directions to truly excel. They are scattered. This is my fault. I have to own it. And now I have to fix it. We are aiming to put people in the positions that are the best for them. That will be the best for our clients and, in turn, the best for the firm. It is basically growing up. Growing up is not cheap. Maturing requires leaving the safety net behind and making leaps. If we don’t make these leaps, we will not grow. I am not willing to do the same thing for the next 40 years. I am willing to take chances, to push the boundaries of effective advocacy and trial work. To stretch our creative muscles. It will be uncomfortable. As my uncle has said, get comfortable being uncomfortable. I’ve gotten too comfortable. As I read this over, it is basically a pep talk to myself. I am glad I put this in writing. My column usually captures what is going on in my head as I write it. It is a stream of consciousness and
sometimes does not make a lot of sense. My goal is to sort this all out. Soon. Stay tuned.
If we are going to truly practice law, then we cannot be running the business. Lawyers need to lawyer. That is how
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Score Big With Family-Friendly Touch Football GET IN THE GAME
Ready to tackle some family fun? Nothing beats a good old-fashioned game of touch football when the weather outside cools. It’s the perfect way to get everyone running, laughing, and scoring a few points — without needing to be a pro quarterback. So, grab some comfortable shoes, and let’s dive into the playbook for the MVP of family games! Make Balanced Teams To get started, create two teams among your family, with at least two players on each team. While letting kids choose their teams is fine in most cases, remember that the more balanced the teams are, the more fun everyone will have. If you have an uneven number of players, you can
follow an old playground rule and have one of the older players be the quarterback for both teams, ensuring everyone gets to play while the game remains balanced. Once you form teams, create the playing field by setting up small cones or beanbags to mark boundaries and end zones. Follow the Rules Before you start playing, ensure both teams agree on the rules. There are obvious ones, like where the end zones are, how many points a touchdown is worth, and how many downs each team has — either to get a touchdown or, space permitting, a first down. You also must determine what constitutes a player as “down” — when one or two hands touch the
player with the ball, whether they need to be touched on the torso or anywhere, etc. You also have to decide if a team doesn’t score, whether the opposing team takes over from where the ball ended up, or whether each team has a set starting point for each drive. Once you prepare everything, it’s time to hit the field. You can determine which team gets the ball first with a game of rock-paper-scissors and play until one team reaches a predetermined score … or it’s time to go inside and enjoy a family meal. Remember, the best part of family touch football isn’t just the touchdowns — the laughter, teamwork, and fun make every play memorable. screens should be secure and in good repair. Watch for loose cords, handrails in poor repair, or doors allowing access to driveways or parking lots. Ensure Your Child’s Safety in Daycare If your child suffers an injury in daycare or shows signs of trauma, such as losing weight, difficulty sleeping, changes in behavior, or unexplained injuries, investigate these issues further. Any wariness on the part of staff about discussing injuries or other problems should be cause for concern. If you have concerns about an injury your child has sustained in daycare, feel free to contact us to speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. Our firm has assisted many parents, grandparents, and guardians whose children have been harmed in daycare, and we will ensure your rights and your child’s rights are protected.
PEACE OF MIND A noted author once said that choosing to have a child is to decide forever to have your heart walking around outside your body. That vulnerable feeling can run especially deep when parents entrust the care of their small children to others. structures age-appropriate for your child and well-maintained, with no loose screws, bolts, nails, or sharp edges? Climbing structures should be positioned on rubber matting or loose wood
chips, mulch, or sand to cushion falls. Play equipment should be surrounded by at least 6 feet of open space in all directions, and platforms higher than 30 inches should have barriers or guardrails. Falling objects inside daycare facilities are another common cause of injuries. Make sure bookcases and shelves are attached securely to the wall and heavy objects are placed on bottom shelves. If bottle warmers or slow cookers are used to heat babies’ formula, these items should be well out of reach of children. Stairs must be protected by a sturdy gate tall enough to prevent children from trying to climb it. Windows and door
In recognition of November as Child Safety and Prevention Month, this is a good time to review steps parents can take to ensure their children’s safety in daycare. Most parents are aware of safety standards for the home, and daycare facilities should be at least as vigilant about enforcing those standards, if not more so. The adults caring for your child should have undergone background checks and be trained in first aid, CPR, and child development. Take a look at the playground equipment, a common source of injury to children. Are the play
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Quell Your Cough With Hot Tea
Soothing, Lubricating Teas While mucilage may sound like the name of an old-fashioned glue, it is actually a viscous, gelatinous plant substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues. Mucilage is found in teas containing licorice root, marshmallow root, and mullein. Expectorant Effects An expectorant can lubricate your airways and thin the mucus in your respiratory system. This, in turn, makes your cough more productive, easing discomfort, expelling bacteria, and helping heal your airways more quickly. Teas containing ginger and mullein offer this benefit.
The rattle of coughing is the soundtrack of winter, and about 1 in 5 adults suffer from coughs during the peak cold and flu season. While coughing can signify serious illness, sufferers need short-term relief more often. You should always ask a health care professional for advice when you are ill. But simpler, natural treatments for an irritating cough may be as close as your kitchen cupboard: A steaming cup of hot tea can soothe irritation in your throat and chest. As winter draws near, consider stocking your shelves with teas offering these therapeutic effects. Anti-Inflammatory Properties Licorice root, chamomile, elderberry, and green tea are all linked to reducing inflammation in airways. Licorice root also has anti-spasmodic properties that
Opening Airways
Some of the most popular herbal teas also help ease cold symptoms. Eucalyptus teas
can help calm irritated tissues, and it is an ingredient in many leading tea brands, including Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, and Pukka. However, it’s best to consume licorice root tea in moderation. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems licorice root safe, consuming
YOUR REFERRALS MEAN THE WORLD TO US There is no greater compliment we can receive than a client telling a friend or loved one about us. If you know somebody who has been injured and needs an attorney who will fight on their behalf and give their case the attention it deserves, please pass along this newsletter and have them call us at 314-293-4222. Thank you for spreading the word about Finney Injury Law. can help open up constricted airways, and teas containing peppermint and thyme also relieve sinus and cold symptoms. In all cases, you can amplify tea’s therapeutic benefits by adding a spoonful of honey! Honey’s throat-coating consistency soothes irritated tissues.
large amounts can cause side effects, including high blood pressure.
GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • 2 cups chicken broth
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
12444 POWERSCOURT DR., SUITE 300 ST. LOUIS, MO 63131
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FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
It’s Time to Invest in the Business
2
How to Turn Your Backyard Into a Touchdown Zone
2
Protect Your Child: Do a Daycare Safety Check
2
Curb Your Cough: Discover the Soothing Power of Hot Tea
3
Greek Chicken and Rice
4
Thousands Expected to View Holiday Lights
LIGHT THE NIGHT Dazzling Display Planned for Plaza Lighting Event
Thousands of people are expected to flood Country Club Plaza on Thanksgiving night to witness the 95th annual Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony. This cherished Missouri tradition began when a store owner hung a single strand of lights over his entrance in 1925 and has since grown into one of the nation’s most remarkable holiday lighting displays. The festivities are set to begin at 5 p.m. Nov. 28, when a Kansas City- born celebrity will throw the master switch to illuminate an 80-mile string of more than 200,000 bulbs outlining every tower, dome, and window of the Plaza’s 15 blocks. Fireworks and festivities will follow, including main stage musical performances and other entertainment.
The history of Country Club Plaza is remarkable in many ways. Developer J.C. Nichols planned it to serve residents of homes he built around the former Kansas City Country Club, which occupied land that has since been converted into a park. The Plaza was the first planned outdoor shopping center in the nation when it opened in 1923, and one of the first set up with gasoline stations to welcome visitors traveling by automobile. It also was the first marked by a single architectural style, which was inspired by the Moorish Revival architecture popular in America at the time. The design of the Plaza’s Geralda Tower, for example, resembles the Cathedral of Seville.
The domes and towers of those Moorish structures pose challenges to the electricians who string the lights, requiring them to use ropes and climber’s shoes to scale their heights. The electricians’ work begins in late summer. As the ceremony approaches, they quietly test the lights around midnight for a few days, to fix any malfunctions. The Plaza, home to more than 120 shops and restaurants, will be open every day from Thanksgiving night through New Year’s Day, and the lights will continue to shine through mid-January. Eight hotels at or near the Plaza can accommodate those who want to stay overnight, and all parking garages on the Plaza will be free.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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