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JUNE 2023
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Should You Post Online? WHY YOU SHOULDN’T TWEET DURING A CASE
Social media: You either love it or hate it! June 30 is Social Media Day, and although it can be a life-changing tool for communication and innovation, it can be a disaster for those involved in legal cases. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all platforms that have led to countless legal downfalls. While we all have opinions about social media, we can agree it’s here to stay (for better or worse). For that reason, I thought it was time to share how social media can affect your case and my tips on safe posting. Whether it’s a car accident or a personal injury case, an insurance company may try to downplay your injury. An effective way to disprove your case is by using your social media posts against you. What may seem like a normal tweet or family Facebook post can be the reason you lose your claim. Let’s say a person claims significant injuries after an accident. However, in court, the judge is shown Instagram posts showing them playing tennis just days after the
then decide if sharing online is safe. In addition to avoiding rambunctious photos or messages about “feeling fine,” avoid mentioning the case. Refrain from blowing off steam and venting online, as it can seriously hurt you in the long run. Sometimes it’s even best to let the legal process run its course before you log on.
accident. Clearly, the judge won’t decide in their favor. Playing sports, lying beachside, or even simply saying you’re okay is enough to discredit you in court. What you post online is there to stay. While I am fortunate my clients have all been cautious when posting online, it’s not uncommon to see the other driver acting in an unsafe manner through their own social
While you shouldn’t be slam-dunking basketballs on Instagram during an injury case, you can definitely follow our firm! Kevin Patrick Law has its own social media accounts filled with helpful information, legal advice, and more. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While you can search for Kevin Patrick
WHAT MAY SEEM LIKE A NORMAL TWEET OR FAMILY FACEBOOK POST CAN BE THE REASON YOU LOSE YOUR CLAIM.
media posts. For example, suppose someone was involved in a car accident. A post showing them partying with alcohol or drugs can verify they were driving irresponsibly and, therefore, responsible for the accident and even punitive damages. If you are in the midst of a legal case, ensure your post won’t be relevant in court before you post. Can you comfortably show the post to your judge or jury? Imagine their response first,
Law on Facebook, our username on Twitter and Instagram is @kpatricklaw . We love sharing helpful information (and fun photos) on social media and reaching out to our community. Be sure to follow us to learn more about our team and, of course, the do’s and don’ts of personal injury law!
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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Are Chickens Allowed in Your Neighborhood?
BEAT HIGH EGG PRICES BY TURNING FARMER
In some parts of the U.S. this past January, a carton of eggs cost over $8 — and the national average was a painfully high $4.82! “Eggflation” has settled down a bit, but you probably won’t forget that bird flu- induced chaos anytime soon. You may even be plotting a way to avoid it — like buying backyard chickens. Backyard birds are a great addition to most households. If you give them the space, food, and attention they need to thrive, they’ll pay you back with eggs, meat, garden compost, pest control, and endless entertainment. However, you can’t just bring chickens home on a whim. Before building a coop, you need to find out your city’s chicken-raising policies. CITY CRACKDOWNS ON CHICKENS You might think backyard birds would be beneath the notice of your city government. But in fact, many cities have ordinances
that ban chickens, limit the number you can own, lay out how to raise them, or require a permit within city limits. RURAL VS. URBAN RAISING If you live in a rural area, you can likely raise as many chickens as you please without worrying about lawsuits or grumpy city officials. According to The National Agricultural Law Center, right-to-farm statutes protect rural dwellers in all 50 states from litigious neighbors. However, if you live in a suburb or city, you should check at least two things before buying chickens.
Portland, Oregon, website (Portland. gov), “Up to four (4) chickens, ducks, pigeons, and/or other similarly sized domestic fowl may be kept on any lot.” If you’re not sure how to search your city’s laws, call or visit your local library and ask a librarian for help. 2. Homeowner Association (HOA) Rules: Regulations around chickens can also vary at the neighborhood level. If you have an HOA or neighborhood association, check
their rulebook for restrictions on backyard birds. You may need to submit an application, or the birds may be counted as pets and strictly limited. Buying chickens can be complicated, but if you use a bit of persistence now, you’ll avoid high egg prices later!
1. City Ordinances: Visit your city’s website and search local laws for “chicken” or “domestic fowl.” You may be
surprised by what you find! For example, according to the
What to Do When They Flee YOU DESERVE JUSTICE AFTER ANY ACCIDENT
Hit-and-run accidents can leave you frustrated, confused, and seriously injured. With medical bills and car repairs piling up, you deserve justice for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Just because an irresponsible driver flees the scene doesn’t mean their crime won’t catch up to them. Unfortunately, our firm has witnessed an uptick in these problematic cases. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there is more than one hit-and-run accident every minute. We’ve worked with countless hit-and-run victims, and while these
cases are more complicated, it doesn’t mean they’re hopeless. We’ll do everything possible to find those at fault and secure compensation for your expenses. WHAT IS GEORGIA’S HIT-AND-RUN LAW? When a driver hits someone else, be it another car or pedestrian, they are required by law to stop. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270 requires that the driver must pull over after an accident if it results in an injury, damaged vehicle, or death. But pulling over isn’t enough. This law also states that after the accident, the driver needs to complete the following steps: 1. Give their name, number, address, and vehicle registration number. 2. Present their driver’s license to those involved. 3. Assist anyone injured, whether calling for an ambulance or transporting them to a hospital. 4. If a person is unconscious or appears deceased, the driver should still call for emergency medical assistance and the police to report the accident.
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You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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How I Help Vet Potential Judges The Committee Convenes Once Again! Staying active in the legal community is important to me, and I’m excited to assist the Atlanta Bar Association again this year! As a co-chairperson of the Judicial Selection & Tenure Committee, we will work together to review the applications of those running for the judicial office. That may not sound like fun to some. Still, this process is gratifying for committee members like myself as we help vet prospective judges and take an active role in Georgia’s judicial system. Co-chairing this committee involves various meetings where each member solicits feedback regarding different applicants and makes recommendations based on our unique insights. Each member has experience and a skill set that allows them to provide different perspectives on what makes a strong judicial candidate. It’s no easy feat to become a judge. That’s why we take our time and utilize our legal experience to determine which candidates have the best qualifications to serve the profession and, most importantly, the public.
factor but provides recommendations for judicial selection. Our professional suggestions on behalf of the Atlanta Bar Association are sent to the Judicial Nominating Commission, which then performs a similar selection process. The commission then interviews various candidates before listing the most qualified. Finally, this list of recommendations will be sent to the governor, who makes the final decision. It doesn’t sound easy. That’s why I always respect every judge I work with, as they have immense knowledge, experience, and responsibility. These judges work diligently to uphold justice and promote equality, fairness, and stability in the community.
The Judicial Selection & Tenure Committee is only one step in the judicial selection process! The list we create is not a deciding
I look forward to serving on the Judicial Selection & Tenure Committee this year and in the future.
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Doing anything less is against the law, and the guilty driver will be apprehended. Although they may have fled the scene, the authorities can still track the driver down to keep them accountable. HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP? Hit-and-run cases are complex, but our team works hard to ensure the guilty party is held responsible and secure your compensation. You should always contact us as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident so we can collect evidence, such as police reports and video evidence. Our firm always works closely with law enforcement to find the responsible party. Then, we will handle all aspects of settlement negotiations. If you or someone you know has recently been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, reach out to our legal team with experience handling cases like yours. Contact 404.566.5880 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how Kevin Patrick Law can help.
Homemade Dole Whip The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert: the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the creamy taste of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients • 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple
• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt
Directions 1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)
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Inside This Issue 1 Social Media Do’s and Don’ts 2 The Workaround for High Egg Prices What Happens After a Hit-and-Run? 3 The Judicial Selection Process Begins Homemade Dole Whip 4 You’re Legally Obligated to Walk Your Dog?
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
A Peculiar Roman Requirement:
Walk Your Furry Friend or Get Fined
If you live in Rome and feel too lazy to walk your dog, you better think twice before breaking the law. Wait, the law? Yes! In 2005, the city of Rome passed a law requiring every dog owner to walk their furry friend at least once a day if they wanted to avoid a fine.
love, fill our existence with their attention.” She also told the Roman newspaper Il Messaggero that “the civilization of a city can also be measured by this.”
feeding and caring for the countless stray cats roaming the stone-paved streets. And last but not least, round fishbowls are also illegal, as the circular shape forces the fish to swim in circles, which is disorienting and can affect the fish’s mood and behavior. But Rome isn’t the only city in Italy with animal-friendly laws. In Turin, for example, dog owners are required to walk their pets at least three times a day or face a fine of $650. Meanwhile, in Reggio Emilia, it is illegal to boil live lobsters. The city officials considered this cooking method “useless torture.” Even though Italy is known for stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine, it can also take credit for holding pet owners accountable and ensuring they take proper care of their animal companions.
How authorities in Rome can enforce this law is still unclear, but the
city also passed other less- ambiguous animal welfare
This was one of the multiple laws protecting the safety and well-being of Roman animals. The city had been dealing with ongoing problems due to dogs being cooped up in small apartments or abandoned in the streets.
laws. Aside from the mandatory daily dog walk, docking an animal’s ears or tails and selling animals at fairgrounds are also illegal acts.
While Rome may seem dog- biased, cat people will be happy to learn the Italian city didn’t forget
Monica Cirinna, who created the law, explained, “It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little 4 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
felines. They passed another law to make declawing a cat for aesthetic reasons illegal. Additionally, the city will recognize those
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