Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
MAY 2023
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
The Selfless Sacrifice of This Navy SEAL HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS ON MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day reminds me to be grateful for those serving our country and my health and safety. For this special day, I wanted to reflect on one of the countless lives lost during war. Lieutenant Michael Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007, the U.S. military’s highest honor. Murphy showed exceptional valor and complete selflessness in the face of danger. His awe-inspiring story has always stuck with me and continues to remind me of the strength of our soldiers.
An intense firefight lasted over two hours, leaving every SEAL shot and injured. The men were pushed back into a ravine and could not transmit a call for help. Murphy immediately knew what he had to do. He went out into open terrain to reach a signal, making him an available target to his enemies. Murphy heroically dialed for backup and shared his team’s location. But before he could end the call and scramble back to safety, shots rang out. A bullet slammed into his back. Murphy was gravely injured, but
vertebrae broken. He crawled his way to safety and was able to traverse 7 miles to a nearby village, where locals cared for him until U.S. forces rescued him. Murphy’s sacrifice directly led to the rescue of Luttrell and the return of the team’s remains to the United States. His surviving team member Luttrell shared, “Mikey was the best officer I ever knew, an iron-souled warrior of colossal and almost unbelievable courage in the face of the enemy.”
Born on May 7, 1976, Murphy was known to stand up to bullies even back in his school days. His family shared that he once got in a fight after defending a student with disabilities. Not only did he show courage, but also impressive intelligence and sportsmanship. On June 27, 2005, Michael Murphy made the ultimate
somehow he fought through the pain. He
snatched the transmitter back up, finished the call, and sent a volley of bullets back at his enemies. An aircraft swiftly bolted to their location with 16 armed soldiers but was tragically struck by a grenade. All those aboard lost their lives. The four SEALs were left to defend
ON JUNE 27, 2005, MICHAEL MURPHY MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR HIS BROTHERS AND HIS COUNTRY.
Despite their loss, this four-person team took down nearly 35 enemy fighters. Michael Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor and was the first to do so while fighting in Afghanistan. Murphy showed bravery, strength, and leadership amid imminent peril. I am incredibly grateful for this Navy SEAL team and all those who fight for our country. I’m so proud and grateful this Memorial Day, and I hope you all had a memorable day honoring our fallen soldiers.
sacrifice for his brothers and his country. The military appointed him leader of a special four-person Navy SEAL operation to find Ahmad Shah, who was part of a militant group supported by the Taliban. The team was heading up the mountainous terrain when locals spotted them and gave up their location to Shah. As a result, nearly 50 militia fighters bombarded the four men.
themselves under relentless fire, and after a gruesome battle, Murphy and two fellow brothers (Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson) succumbed to their severe injuries and were killed. The lone survivor, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell, regained consciousness to find his legs pierced by shrapnel, one leg shot, and three
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
Pulling Back the Curtain
5 INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT THURGOOD MARSHALL
Thurgood Marshall was the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court and was a powerful attorney, but did you know Thurgood wasn’t always his first name or that he held a second job while practicing law? Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing facts about this amazing lawyer! On July 2, 1908, Thoroughgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland. As a young child, friends often teased him about his long name — not to mention it was difficult to write and spell out! When he was just 6 years old, he had his name changed to Thurgood. THE REASON BEHIND THE NAME CHANGE THURGOOD, A DENTIST? When Marshall was attending Lincoln University, he first aspired to be a dentist
but went on to receive his degree in literature and philosophy. Then, he attended law school at Howard University.
struggled to pay the hefty tuition. It wasn’t uncommon for his family to be late on making payments to keep him enrolled. Once
he graduated law school, Marshall began seeking equal pay for African American teachers, and six years later, he won a big case that got rid of unequal teacher pay.
LAW BY DAY, HEALTH CARE BY NIGHT Early in his legal career, times were tough. So, Marshall took a second job working at Baltimore Health Clinic at night to make ends meet. Even while working large cases, he continued to put in long hours at the clinic.
NOT ONLY CIVIL
RIGHTS CASES While Marshall is commonly
recognized for monumental civil rights cases such as Brown v.
FIGHTING FOR EQUAL PAY Thurgood Marshall’s mom was an African American teacher, and while he attended Lincoln University for undergrad, she
Board of Education, which went on to shape our society, he also took on many other police brutality, death penalty, and women’s rights cases.
All Your Workers’ Comp Questions Answered NOT ALL STATES TREAT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION EQUALLY
Getting workers’ compensation can often feel like an impossible task, but you are entitled to payment if you experience an accident on the job. Payment is well- deserved for those whose on-the-clock injury left them unable to work or with considerable medical expenses. Understanding how workers’ compensation works can better help you receive the settlement you deserve. And not all workers’ compensation laws are the same in every state, so you need to know Georgia’s particular regulations. WHO QUALIFIES FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION? There are three main requirements for those seeking compensation in Georgia. First, the injury must have occurred on the job. The rule also clarifies that when experiencing an illness instead
of an injury, your occupation or work environment must have directly caused it.
time, and seasonal workers. Lastly, your company should have three or more regular employees to be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Second, you must be a regular employee (not temporary), including full-time, part-
WHAT BENEFITS DOES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INCLUDE?
When you receive workers’ compensation, you are eligible to obtain benefits such as: • Medical: This is the reimbursement of medical bills, including prescriptions, doctor visits, operations, future treatments, and more. • Lost wages: If your injury causes
you to miss more than seven days of work, you can receive two-thirds of your regular weekly wage as compensation for missed wages.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...
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
How the Supreme Court Inspires Me Today Justice and Tradition Since 1845
In my line of work, justice is a concept I take pride in. Fighting for those who need to be heard is what I do best. Long before I was an attorney, I was a law student looking to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. What better place to learn law and order than the Georgia Supreme Court? Fifteen years ago, I was a fresh-faced law student working at the Supreme Court to get a firsthand look at the state’s highest court. When I think of the Georgia Supreme Court, I feel nostalgic for those days and still look at this court with the same sense of awe for both its history and innovation. The history of Georgia’s Supreme Court is fascinating since it was one of the last states ever to form its own Supreme Court. Several decades had passed after the American Revolution (1775-1783), and Georgia still used different local courts to review past cases or errors. It wasn’t until 1845 that our state founded and recognized the Georgia Supreme Court as the court of last resort, the state’s highest court. Joseph Henry Lumpkin, Hiram Warner, and Eugenius Nisbet were the first three justices. Each had an annual salary of $2,500 and had to travel throughout the state to hold court
hearings. Now, Georgia’s Supreme Court is in Atlanta with nine judges of varying backgrounds.
The Georgia Supreme Court is known for its diverse bench and demonstrates that different perspectives and identities are involved in the state’s most important decisions. The first African American justice on Georgia’s Supreme Court was Robert Benham, appointed in 1989 and the Chief Justice from 1995–2001. Benham remained on the bench until his retirement in 2020. Meanwhile, Leah Ward Sears was not only African American but also the first woman and youngest justice ever to be appointed to Georgia’s Supreme Court. Sears served as a justice from 2005–2009. Georgia’s bench is diverse, and each justice honors a shared belief in equality and fairness. As a law student, watching the dignity of the Supreme Court and its lasting tradition reminded me why the law was my passion. The law goes beyond politics and partisan issues to create and preserve equality and stability. Fifteen years later, I am still proud to be in such a rewarding field.
... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Salmon Croquettes With Dill Sauce
• Vocational rehabilitation: If your injury has left you physically or mentally impaired, it covers rehabilitation to help you reenter the workplace. CAN I RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING? In Georgia, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering. Georgia has a “limited benefit system” regarding workers’ compensation. Even if you receive workers’ compensation, it does not mean every damage is covered. If an attorney in Georgia promises to win you pain and suffering damages, know they cannot do so. DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY? While you can attempt to file for workers’ compensation independently, the process is complex and challenging. When a legal expert is working on your case, you have a greater chance of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Our legal team can help you compile all the evidence and documents you need to prove your case. If you have any friends or family who’ve experienced a workplace injury, let them know we can help. Call us at (404) 566-5880 to get the settlement you deserve.
This dish is light and refreshing, making it perfect for spring! The crispy salmon patties pair perfectly with the cool dill sauce dolloped on top. Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard • 6 sprigs fresh dill, chopped • 2 14.75-oz cans salmon packed in water • 4 celery stalks, finely chopped • 1 large white onion, finely chopped • 4 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 tbsp salt • 1 tbsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil Directions 1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, Dijon mustard, and dill to make the dill sauce. Set aside. 2. Drain the salmon, then remove and discard the bones and skin. In a large bowl, mix the salmon, celery, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 patties. Coat a medium skillet with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. 3. Put a dollop of the dill sauce on top of each patty and serve.
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2860 Piedmont Road N.E. • Suite 140 Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Inside This Issue 1 In Memory of Michael Murphy 2 Did You Know? 5 Facts About Thurgood Marshall
Workers’ Compensation Demystified
3 The Evolution of Georgia’s Supreme Court Salmon Croquettes With Dill Sauce 4 Healthy Aging Through Yoga
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
The Ageless Benefits of Yoga
How Seniors Are Finding New Vitality
For many seniors, maintaining an active lifestyle can be a challenge. Your body might not be as flexible as it once was, and new pains or discomforts seem to appear out of nowhere as time passes. This change can be problematic and will require some adjustment on your part, especially if you’ve lived an active lifestyle. Thankfully, there are some activities you can do to help you stay active, like yoga!
the range of motion and reducing stiffness. You’ll also build muscle strength, particularly in your core. Your balance and posture will improve, which will help lessen physical discomfort and reduce your risk of falls. In addition to physical benefits, yoga is also mentally stimulating. The practice of yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating breathing techniques into their practice, seniors can improve cognitive function and memory. There’s also a social aspect involved. Many yoga studios offer classes specifically for seniors, which can provide a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone to practice together. It’s a great way to meet new people and have fun while staying active. There are advantages for people of all ages to practice yoga. If you’ve been interested in trying this activity for a while, now is the time to get out and get involved. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
You might think that yoga is just for young people, but that’s not the case at all! Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can be modified to suit a wide range of abilities, making it accessible to people of all ages. There is no expectation of perfection, as each individual is encouraged to listen to their own body and move at a comfortable pace. So even if you have health limitations or concerns, yoga is a safe and pleasant activity. Plus, you’ll gain a host of benefits from participating. By holding poses and moving through sequences, yoga helps to lengthen and stretch muscles, increasing
4 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator