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OCTOBER 2024
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Lending a Hand Our Team’s Commitment to Atlanta’s Future
Every quarter, my team and I make it a point to step away from our desks, roll up our sleeves, and give back to the community that has given us so much. Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily work is easy. People see lawyers as distant or detached, focusing solely on cases and legal matters. But the truth is that our work is very much a part of the community, and I will always believe in using my resources, time, and energy to make a positive impact. That’s why our team has committed to a quarterly service project, and this past quarter, we had the privilege of volunteering with Hands On Atlanta. Hands On Atlanta is an incredible organization that mobilizes the community to tackle some of the city’s most pressing needs, including
food insecurity, education, and environmental challenges. This time, we focused on food insecurity, which affects many families in our city. We spent the day collecting and donating food from local bakeries, ensuring fresh bread and other essentials reached the hands of those who needed it most. It was a beautiful, crisp morning when we started our work. By 11 a.m., people were arriving to collect bags filled with bread, apples, and other nutritious food. Witnessing firsthand the impact of a simple meal on someone’s day is humbling. Volunteering with Hands On Atlanta reminded us of the privileges we often take for granted
sipping on an orange Creamsicle, pure nostalgia in a cup. It was fun to unwind, share a few laughs, and reflect on the day’s work. As we look ahead to our next service project, I can’t help but feel excited about the opportunities to continue giving back. This winter, we’re considering picking up trash at Piedmont Park — a cause near and dear to my heart. I’ve always hated littering, and nothing bothers me more than seeing trash in our beautiful parks. So, I’m eager to rally the team, bundle up, and spend a day making sure our parks stay clean and welcoming for everyone. Volunteering has become a cornerstone of our work culture, and I’m incredibly proud of it. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and remember that we’re all part of a larger community. We look forward to each quarter, not just for the work
— having access to fresh food, a supportive community, and the ability to give back.
One of the things I love most about these quarterly service projects is that they give us a chance to bond as a team in a different setting. We’re not just coworkers; we’re friends who care deeply about our city and its people. This time, our team of five brought along our kids, adding an extra layer of meaning to the experience. Seeing our children get involved and learn the importance of community service at such a young age was heartwarming. After we finished our volunteer work, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved lunch at The Varsity, an iconic hot dog joint that’s been a staple in Atlanta for decades. There’s nothing quite like biting into a chili dog or a crispy onion ring after a morning of hard work. And, of course, we couldn’t resist the Varsity Orange — it’s like
we do but also for the connections we make and the lessons we learn along the way.
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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Enjoy Halloween Without a Scare Steer Clear of Spooky Mishaps Halloween is a time for ghoulish fun, creative costumes, and buckets of candy. But amidst all the excitement, it’s easy to forget about the potential hazards that can turn a night of trick-or-treating into a real fright. We’re here to help you keep the scares where they belong — with the haunted houses and ghost stories. Let’s discuss how to stay safe and avoid common Halloween-related accidents. WATCH OUT FOR PEDESTRIAN HAZARDS One of the biggest risks during Halloween is pedestrian injuries. With so many little ghosts and goblins running around, the chances of an accident increase. According to the National Safety Council, kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. So, how can you avoid turning into a skeleton due to an unfortunate accident? Be Bright, Be Seen: Incorporate reflective tape into your child’s costume or hand out glow sticks for them to carry. It’s important to make sure your child is visible and always makes eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. • Stick to the Sidewalk: Always walk on the sidewalk and use crosswalks. Remind your little monsters to look both ways before crossing the street. • Travel in Groups: There’s safety in numbers. Stick together as a group, and ensure an adult always accompanies younger children. DRIVERS, BEWARE! Drivers, this one’s for you. Halloween is not the night to zoom through neighborhoods like a bat out of hell. Here’s how you can ensure the safety of all those candy-hungry witches and wizards: • Slow Down: Drive slowly through residential areas, especially where trick-or-treaters are present. Watch for sugar-filled kids who may dart into the road unexpectedly. • No Booze Behind the Wheel: As fun as Halloween parties can be, they aren’t worth the risk of driving under the influence. If you plan on drinking, have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. • Stay Alert: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is peak trick-or-treating time, so watch for children walking on roads and curbs. Be especially cautious at driveways and intersections. FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS • We love Halloween as much as anyone else, but we want to ensure you’re safe while enjoying the spooky festivities. Stay safe, enjoy the candy, and don’t let your Halloween become a real horror story.
I would like to start by apologizing to super fans of the 1995 crime drama “Se7en,” who thought they had their baby’s name all picked out. While it’s fine to include a number in a movie’s title, putting a number in a baby’s name is usually illegal. Depending on your state, some rules apply to the length, letters, and symbols that may be legally included in a name. Here are three specific restrictions some states impose for naming your child. DEROGATORY, OBSCENE, OR OFFENSIVE Some of the most common naming rules are to prevent someone from giving their baby a particularly heinous name. A baby’s name cannot be offensive, obscene, or include derogatory terms. Additionally, some monikers, like “King,” “Queen,” and “Santa Claus,” might not seem offensive but are still considered illegal. Other banned names include “Jesus Christ,” “Adolf Hitler,” “Messiah,” and “Nutella.” SAY NO TO MATH If you have ever wondered why you’ve never met someone from Canton or Cleveland named R2-D2 or 42069, there is a legal reason for that. Some states, including Ohio, New Jersey, and Virginia, forbid using numbers in baby names. However, this is not true across the board. States like Illinois, California, and Florida have no specific rules against including numbers in names. New York, however, forbids using numbers and mandates the maximum length of all first names to be 30 characters long or less. SYMBOLS AND NON-ENGLISH LETTERS In 2020, Elon Musk made waves when he and his girlfriend Grimes named their baby boy X Æ A-Xii. If you are struggling to pronounce that name, you are not alone. However, depending on the baby’s birth state, that name may run afoul of the law. In New York, for instance, symbols like hyphens, asterisks, and apostrophes are not allowed. California law prohibits pictographs and non-English characters. These rules are often due to the software used to keep records of people’s names and are common across many states. If you must name your baby something numerical or inappropriate, I recommend moving to Kentucky. It is one of the few states with no significant rules regarding naming children. Why Some Baby Names Are Forbidden Naming No-Nos
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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THE SPOOKY SURGE IN DUI ACCIDENTS DURING OCTOBER Beware of Boozy Brooms
As the crisp October air sets in and Halloween draws near, many of us look forward to enjoying the festivities — whether it’s donning a costume, trick-or-treating with the kids, or attending a haunted house. However, while ghouls and goblins may be harmless fun, there’s a real danger lurking in the shadows — the spike in DUI accidents during Halloween. A HAUNTING INCREASE IN DUI ACCIDENTS It’s no secret that Halloween is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time when DUI accidents surge. The combination of alcohol, nighttime festivities, and the influx of pedestrians on the streets can turn Halloween into a nightmare for drivers and pedestrians alike. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween consistently ranks among the top holidays for drunk driving incidents. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities on
Halloween involve a drunk driver. Meanwhile, the NHTSA has also confirmed that fatal drunk driving crashes are more likely on Halloween than on New Year’s Eve. These chilling statistics should be enough to make anyone think twice before getting behind the wheel after a night of partying. STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD Whether you’re driving, walking, or even flying on a broomstick, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and prioritize safety. Here are three tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe: 1. Plan Ahead: If you’re planning to drink, arrange for a sober ride home. Use a rideshare service, designate a sober driver, or take public transportation. Don’t let your Halloween night turn into a horror story. 2. Be Cautious of Other Drivers: Even if you’re
for erratic driving behavior. If you believe another driver is under the influence, contact your local police. 3. Victims of DUI Accidents: If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident, it’s essential to know your rights. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Halloween should be a time for fun and celebration, not a night of tragedy. By staying vigilant, planning ahead, and making smart decisions, you can help ensure that Halloween is filled with treats rather than tricks.
sober, others on the road might not be. Drive defensively, and be on the lookout
TAKE A BREAK
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a family favorite perfect for any occasion. Ingredients • 1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Solution
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Inside This Issue 1 Our Firm’s Dedication to Uplifting the Community 2 Forbidden Baby Names
Avoid Halloween Hazards and Have a Ghoulishly Good Time
3 Tips to Dodge Halloween’s DUI Dangers
Ultimate Baked Ziti
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4 The NFL’s Massive Antitrust Fine
NFL’s Recent Antitrust Ruling What Led to the Historic Fine Over Sunday Ticket
THE TRIAL The Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco initially filed the suit in 2015; an appeals court dismissed then reinstated the case in 2017 before it became a class- action lawsuit. The lawsuit now covers about 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 business subscribers. The plaintiffs alleged that the NFL’s agreement with DirecTV, and now YouTube TV, violated antitrust laws. Not only did the NFL allegedly overcharge both residential and commercial subscribers, but it also removed competition. It forced fans to purchase access to all games rather than offering the ability to purchase only the games they were interested in. For instance, if you are a Philadelphia Eagles fan but live in Florida, your local on-air broadcasts are unlikely to show Eagles games. In that case, if you wanted to watch all the Eagles’ games, you’d have to shell out a good chunk of change to access those games. As of 2024, a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket costs $449 per year. After five hours of deliberation, the jury agreed with the plaintiffs and awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential subscribers and $96 million to the business subscribers. Due to federal antitrust laws, those damages can be tripled. That means the NFL may be liable for up to $14.39 billion in damages. The NFL has appealed the decision, but if upheld, each NFL team could be forced to pay nearly $450 million in damages.
NFL Sunday Ticket, also known as Sunday Ticket, is a sports package allowing purchasers to view regular season NFL games not carried by local broadcasts in their area. Sunday Ticket has been around since 1994, with DirecTV offering it exclusively until 2022 when the NFL signed a seven-year, $14 billion deal with Google’s YouTube TV. However, the NFL’s exclusive deals for Sunday Ticket have come at a cost. After a trial in June that lasted just three weeks, a jury in Los Angeles awarded over $4.7 billion in damages to the plaintiffs in an antitrust class-action lawsuit against the NFL.
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