August, 2022

Message from Lisa

With August upon us the temperatures are high but the early Indian Summer winds are starting to blow. The contrast starts to grow between lower night time temperatures and high daytime temperatures. And that wind blows stronger every day as we creep closer to the true end of summer and the first frost.

Where did the term Indian Summer come from? Growing up in a family with a revered tradition of our Cherokee ancestors, I just took for granted that the term had its origins in my people somehow, without questioning it further. Some social scientists say the term comes from the Algonquian people located in what is now the northeastern United States, who believed that the condition was caused by a warm wind sent from their god, Cautantowwit (“great spirit”). Similarly, another origin story states that Native American indigenous people would routinely use the brief period of warm late summer/early fall weather to gather a final round of supplies before winter’s hold set in. British colonists documented this behavior and described the time as Indian Summer. When their writings made it back to Great Brittan, many people mistakenly thought the origin was India.

With Indian Summer upon us, as we try to squeeze in one last vacation, kids attend the last of summer camps and count the days until school starts, I wish everyone a happy and safe end to summer.

~Lisa

Lanier Law Group Connects with Local Veterans

Last month, Lanier Law Group's Disability Specialist, Michael Modahl, spoke with veterans attending the Irreverent Warriors Inc. "Silkies Hike" at the Elks Lodge in Greensboro.

Thank you, to everyone, who stopped by and visited our tent to learn more about how we help clients navigate the complicated process of obtaining disability benefits and receive the compensation they are entitled to.

To learn more about how we can help, click here.

Our Areas of Practice

Personal Injury

Car Accident Injuries

Sex Abuse

Medical Malpractice

Social Security Disability

Workers Compensation

Wrongful Death

Products Liability

Direct Examination

NC SAFE Child Act Progresses Thanks to Appeal by Lanier Law Group

When the North Carolina SAFE Child Act was passed in 2019, it extended the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases. It also created a two-year “lookback window” that would allow new claims to be filed for sexual assaults that occurred outside the typical statute of limitations in the state. Despite the state legislature passing the SAFE Child Act unanimously, it was met with legal opponents who tried to argue it was unconstitutional.

Now, in the summer of 2022 and after dozens of sex abuse lawsuits were filed during the lookback window that closed on December 31st, 2021, Attorney Bobby Jenkins , Attorney Don Higley, and Attorney Lisa Lanier of Lanier Law Group, P.A. are fighting to keep the SAFE Child Act standing—and they have made remarkable headway. The North Carolina Supreme Court agreed to hear a child sexual assault case handled by the attorneys and that was filed by using the act’s lookback window. The order bypasses a lower Court of Appeals decision, allowing the state’s highest court to give a final say over the legal validity of the act.

The sexual assault case in question was filed against Gary “Scott” Goins, a former board of education member, teacher, and coach in Gaston County. He was convicted of a multitude of sex crimes against minors and sentenced to 34 years in prison in 2014. Survivors of his abuse decided to speak up and take legal action after the lookback window gave them more time to make that sensitive decision. But the case hit obstacles when SAFE Child Act challengers sued and said the act was not constitutional.

Attorneys Higley, Jenkins, and Lanier have worked diligently since the challenge to show that the act was created on solid legal grounds, had been reviewed numerous times before SB 199 was finalized, and was voted on correctly. The Attorney General’s Office of North Carolina joined the effort, too, defending the SAFE Child Act and citing how important it has been for child sex abuse survivors who previously felt like they had no avenue to seek justice.

At this point, it is expected that the North Carolina Supreme Court will uphold the SAFE Child Act. In turn, it will allow Lanier Law Group’s lawsuit and many others – like those filed against the Boy Scouts of America in Asheville – to proceed.

To learn more about this important development and Lanier Law Group’s involvement, you can click here to read a full article from the Citizen Times, which features Attorney Higley. For more information about Lanier Law Group in North Carolina and the types of cases we accept, please feel free to fill out an online contact form at any time.

Radio Spotlight with Lisa Lanier

Boy Suffered Eardrum Damage From Amber Alert Noise Through AirPods

A 12-year old suffered eardrum damage which resulted in tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo. The parents are looking to sue Apple as a result of what happened to their child.

Listen Here

A Woman is Fired for Sharing her Salary on TikTok

She's a woman in tech, a field dominated by men. When she scored a new job taking her from $70,000 per year to $90,000 per year, she was ecstatic. She shared the good news on TikTok.

Listen Here

Bartaco Gazpacho Recipe

One of my favorite summer treats is gazpacho. It is a labor of love and only takes about 30 minutes total hands on time.

This is a really delicious recipe shared by the Culinary Director for Bartaco, Chef Jonathan Rohland.

The croutons are optional and can also be done with gluten free bread. They are a nice touch. But some people prefer to sip their gazpacho from a glass or cup (no croutons). Others prefer to eat gazpacho with a nice toasted slice of miche sourdough.

INGREDIENTS

Group 1: Base Puree and Croutons

• 6 cups vine-ripened tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 1/3 cup Spanish onion, roughly chopped

• 1/3 cup poblano pepper, stems and seeds removed, roughly chopped

• 1/3 cup red bell pepper, roughly chopped

• 1/3 cup English cucumber, roughly chopped

• 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt

• 1 cup crusty bread, crust removed, cubed

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/3 cup sherry vinegar

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Group 2: Vegetables to fold into Base Puree

• 1/2 cup vine-ripened tomatoes, 1/4-inch dice, seeds removed

• 1/4 cup poblano pepper, 1/4-inch dice, seeds removed

• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, 1/4-inch dice, seeds removed

• 1/4 cup English cucumber, 1/4-inch dice, seeds removed

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a medium bowl, toss to combine 'Group 1' tomatoes, onions, poblanos, bell peppers, and cucumbers with kosher salt. Cover and keep at room temperature for a minimum of 3 hours and up to 6 hours, to allow the vegetables to macerate in the salt.

• Spread bread cubes out on a sheet pan and toast at 350°F for 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

• Combine all 'Group 2' diced vegetables in a medium bowl; set aside.

• In another small bowl, combine olive oil and vinegar. Add toasted bread, coat well, and let soak for 10 minutes.

• Pour the vinegar-oil mixture (with soaked bread) over the macerated 'Group 1' vegetables. Add garlic and cayenne. Use a blender to puree until smooth.

• Strain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer or China cap into the bowl, using a ladle to work the liquid through. Discard pulp that is left behind. Fold in the 'Group 2' small diced vegetables into the soup and mix well to combine. Store in refrigerator until chilled. Can be made the night before serving.

• When ready to serve, stir gazpacho to remix and ladle into chilled soup bowls. Drizzle olive oil on top and garnish with croutons for texture.

Lanier Law Group, P.A. | Visit Our Website

Give us a call for a free consultation:

888-675-8115