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MAY 2024
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Why Mental Health Deserves Equal Attention We Will Always Support the Full Spectrum of Recovery
When it comes to my line of work, much of my focus gravitates toward the tangible aftermath of an accident — medical bills, lost wages, and the physical rehabilitation needed to mend severe injuries. As crucial as these aspects are, there’s an equally important yet often overshadowed side of recovery: The mental health consequences and the pursuit of justice for non-economic damages. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s vital to spotlight accidents’ profound impact on victims’ mental well-being. The trauma from a car wreck extends far beyond physical injuries, and I’ve witnessed it first-hand. Beyond the orthopedic treatments, MRIs, and physical therapy sessions lies a battle against invisible wounds. After an accident, mental health struggles can manifest in multiple ways, including post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or even a pervasive fear of driving. Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry revealed that one-third of traffic accident victims suffer from PTSD, ongoing anxiety, depression, and phobias one year after the incident. These conditions can profoundly alter a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to return to work, engage in social activities, or simply enjoy their peace of mind once taken for granted. But despite their significance, these non-economic damages often don’t receive the attention they deserve.
Why is it crucial to acknowledge and pursue justice for these non-economic damages? Because mental health is an integral part of overall well- being. Just as a victim would seek compensation for a broken leg or a back injury, the mental and emotional turmoil following an accident is deserving of recognition and restitution. It’s about acknowledging the full spectrum of pain and suffering endured by the victim and ensuring they receive comprehensive justice. Securing compensation for non-economic damages isn’t merely a legal victory; it’s a validation of your experiences. It sends a message that your mental health matters, that your emotional pain is real and warrants acknowledgment. This recognition is a critical step towards healing, offering a sense of closure and the financial means to access necessary mental health support. Our team won’t just stop at economic damages. We advocate for a holistic view of recovery, encompassing the physical and psychological factors. It involves working diligently to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard, that their mental health struggles are taken seriously, and that they are compensated for all facets of their suffering. In the pursuit of justice for accident victims, we must not overlook the importance of mental health. It’s a reminder that behind every case
file and claim number is someone grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Our commitment to their recovery should be unwavering, advocating for compensation that reflects the full extent of their pain and suffering. Let Mental Health Awareness Month serve as a call to action for all legal professionals, victims, and society. Let’s shed light on the mental health consequences of accidents and champion the cause for comprehensive justice. By doing so, we honor the resilience of those we represent and underscore the fundamental
principle that in the quest for justice, mental health cannot — and should not — be ignored.
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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Let’s Celebrate Springtime and a Legacy of MLB Triumphs Swing Into Spring! We’re not just excited about spring’s arrival; we’ve also been counting down the days until MLB Opening Day! Finally, we get to dive into the magical time when baseball fans’ warm cheers replace winter’s cold breeze. It’s when “spring” means more baseball caps than flower caps, and “Play Ball!” becomes everyone’s favorite wake-up call. PLAY BALL AND PEANUTS GALORE Opening Day is like hitting the refresh button. Whether your team ended last season with a trophy or a wish for a better next season, everyone’s on the same starting line. It’s the promise of new home runs, the smell of ballpark hot dogs, and the feeling of camaraderie as you high-five fellow fans. ALL ABOARD THE BRAVES BANDWAGON! Speaking of fans, let’s tip our hats to the Atlanta Braves, a team with stories richer than their ballpark snacks. Here’s a tidbit to drop at your next trivia night: The Braves are the only MLB team to win World Series titles in three different cities. That’s right, from Boston to Milwaukee to finally making Atlanta proud in 1995 and 2021. Talk about a team that knows how to make history! And here’s something for the mascot enthusiasts: Blooper, the Braves’ beloved mascot since 2018, has been stealing more than just bases. He’s known for his antics and ability to turn any game into a laugh riot. Who says baseball doesn’t have its jesters? COUNTDOWN TO THE FIRST PITCH For Braves fans, it’s not just about watching the game; it’s about being part of a legacy. Did you know Hank Aaron, the Braves legend, hit his 715th home run in 1974, breaking Babe Ruth’s record right here in Atlanta? These are not just stats but testaments to the Braves’ enduring spirit and talent. Here’s to a season filled with unforgettable moments, to the Braves and their quest for greatness, and to the fans who make every game feel like a home game. Let’s make this Opening Day one for the books!
Any bank robber knows you have to hurry through a heist to escape. A crook in Connecticut tried a novel time-saving technique: calling ahead. Wannabe Bank Robber Calls Ahead, Orders Cash to Go Taking a cue from the take-out food craze, the wannabe bank robber called a bank in Fairfield, Connecticut, and demanded that $100,000 in large bills be prepared for him with no dye packs in the bag. If the orders were not carried out, the caller told the employee, “there will be a bloodbath.” Fairfield cops, who thought they’d seen it all, were dumbfounded. “You can’t make this stuff up,” said a spokesman for the Fairfield Police Department. Robbers have tried many routes when attempting to rob a bank, including entering the drive-through lane and terrorizing tellers through the window. But, “I’ve never had somebody call ahead and say, ‘Get the money, we’re coming,’” said a detective in the Fairfield case. In taking advantage of the telephone warning, the police were already at the scene when the robbers arrived. “I would classify these individuals as ‘not too bright,’” the police spokesman said. The employee who answered the robber’s call immediately hung up and called 9-1-1. The thief’s accomplice, a minor, was already inside the bank when the managers initiated a lockdown. The accomplice passed the teller a note and collected about $900, but police stopped him as he left the bank. The fleeing accomplice was undoubtedly disappointed when the bag exploded in dye after throwing it on the ground. (Bank employees had disregarded the robbers’ phone order that no dye packs be tucked in with the cash. You just can’t get good service these days.) The accomplice and the robber who placed the call, who had been sitting in a car nearby, were both arrested at the scene without incident. The adult suspect was on probation for a different bank hold-up several years earlier. Both were charged with first-degree robbery and threatening in the first degree. Dialing for Dollars
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.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
KEY MEDICAL TERMS EVERY INJURY VICTIM SHOULD KNOW Demystify Medical Jargon for a Stronger Case
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain injuries caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting cognitive and neurological functions. • Fracture: A break in the continuity of a bone. These can range from small cracks to complete breaks, significantly impacting mobility and pain levels. • Contusion: A bruise created by a direct impact that leads to bleeding under the skin, resulting in discoloration and pain. • Laceration: A deep cut in the skin or flesh. Unlike a simple cut, lacerations often require medical attention to clean the wound and possibly stitches to close it. WHY KNOWING THESE TERMS MATTERS Understanding the specifics of your injuries and their classifications can significantly influence the direction and outcome of your personal injury claim. Injuries like herniations, TBIs, or fractures are not just medical issues but pivotal elements that underscore the severity of your case. We strive to ensure our clients are legally represented, educated, and supported throughout their recovery journey. If you’re navigating the aftermath of an accident, remember you’re not alone. We’re here to help guide you through both the legal and medical landscapes every step of the way.
At our firm, we believe in demystifying medical terminology and empowering our clients to better understand their injuries and the implications for their cases. Let’s explore essential medical terms, including the commonly confused difference between herniations and bulges. HERNIATION VS. BULGE: UNDERSTAND SPINAL INJURIES Damage to the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, is a common accident injury. This can manifest as either a disc bulge or herniation. While both conditions affect the discs, they have distinct differences. • Disc Bulge: This condition is characterized by a swell of the disc beyond its normal limits, often without breaking the outer layer. Bulges can be part of aging and might not always cause pain unless they impact nearby nerves. • Disc Herniation: Herniation describes a tear in the disc’s outer layer, allowing the inner material to escape and potentially press on spinal nerves. This can lead to more intense pain, numbness, or weakness.
OTHER ESSENTIAL MEDICAL TERMS •
Whiplash: A neck injury due to intense, rapid back-and-forth neck movement, commonly occurring in rear-end car accidents. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
TAKE A BREAK
Olive Oil Cake With Honey-Yogurt Cream and Strawberries
Ingredients •
1 1/2 cups almond flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• • • • • • •
1 tsp lime zest
• • • • • •
3 1/2 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 qts fresh strawberries, quartered 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup honey
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 8-inch springform pan. Line with parchment paper and lightly grease. 2. In medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, and baking soda. 3. In a stand mixer, whisk sugar and eggs on medium-high, about 3 minutes. Add oil, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla. On low, gradually add flour mixture until just incorporated. 4. Pour batter into pan. Bake until golden brown and toothpick comes out with crumbs, 40–45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Invert cake out of pan onto wire rack and let cool completely. 5. Whisk yogurt, cream, and honey. Top each cake slice with spoonfuls of yogurt mixture and strawberries.
Solution
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Inside This Issue 1 Advocating for Mental Health in Legal Battles 2 Dumb Crimes: Wannabe Bank Robber Places Phone Order for Cash Braves Fans, Get Ready for Another Season of Historic Baseball 3 Master Medical Terms for Better Injury Advocacy
Olive Oil Cake With Honey-Yogurt Cream and Strawberries
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4 Cook Like a Seasoned Veteran
Effortless Eating Upgrade Your Culinary Skills With 3 Kitchen Hacks
Navigating the kitchen can often feel like a juggling act, but with a few clever hacks, you can transform mundane tasks into efficient and enjoyable activities. Here are three game-changing tips that will make your time in the kitchen a breeze. NO. 1 EASY SHREDDING Shredding meats for soups, lunches, or snacks can be a time-consuming affair, but a simple hack can turn it into a hassle-free endeavor. Using a stand or hand mixer will get this job done quickly as it shreds meat for you, saving you time and effort. This hack is particularly handy for recipes that call for pulled pork, chicken, or beef, allowing you to enjoy deliciously shredded proteins without manual labor. NO. 2 DELI CONTAINER STORAGE Say goodbye to mismatched Tupperware containers or losing the lid that goes with them. Say hello to an organized and cost-effective solution. Buying deli containers in bulk saves you money and time. The lids are
interchangeable, making a harmonious storage system that’s easy to organize. You’ll be able to find and fit them easily, cutting out a chunk of time in your kitchen. NO. 3 PARCHMENT PAPER CLEANING Cooking can be a joy, but nobody enjoys cleaning up. Before starting a messy task, lay down a sheet of parchment paper on your cutting board or countertop. This simple trick not only protects your surfaces but also streamlines the post-cooking cleanup process. Any spills, shreds, or crumbs can be easily gathered and discarded in the paper, leaving your kitchen looking as good as new as soon as it’s thrown away. It’s a small adjustment that can make a significant difference in your overall experience. By implementing these simple hacks, you’re not just streamlining your tasks; you’re elevating the joy of cooking. Armed with these new tricks, step into your kitchen with new confidence and mastery to turn everyday cooking into an efficient yet imaginative experience.
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