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JANUARY 2025
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship A Personal Tale of Giving Back Through Mentorship
Everyone needs a mentor in life. January is National Mentoring Month, a time to reflect on the mentors who’ve profoundly shaped my journey through law and life. This month always reminds me of the vital role mentorship plays — guiding young professionals and continually enriching the mentors themselves. My interest in law began in high school, thanks to the incredible professionals who spearheaded the Georgia High School Mock Trial program. There, seasoned judges and dedicated attorneys invested their time in us, nurturing our fledgling legal minds with real-world insights. I will always see this experience as not just an educational milestone, but as the point where I recognized law as my calling. In college, I dove deep into law’s philosophical and historical underpinnings, setting a solid groundwork for law school. Those years were vibrant with challenges and charged with the excitement of potential. I was surrounded by passionate professors who sculpted my aspirations, and as mentors, they were always eager to share their knowledge. For that, I will always be grateful! My professional path has been equally influenced by a host of incredible mentors. From internships to my time clerking for a wonderful judge before establishing my practice, each step was accompanied by sage advice and encouraging guidance. One of the highlights this time of year is returning to the Mercer Law School alumni dinner and reconnecting with
trial program that set me on my path, hoping to ignite similar sparks in others.
Additionally, I extend this mentorship into my professional community. At the Atlanta Bar Association, I help newcomers integrate and find their footing among seasoned practitioners, ensuring they receive a warm welcome and valuable connections. I always keep strong ties with other attorneys and judges in the community to exchange experiences, information, and whatever resources available to be the best professional I can be for my clients. Mentorship is a dialogue, not a monologue. While I offer my experience and insight, I also learn from those I mentor. Their fresh perspectives challenge me to rethink established norms and innovate new approaches, keeping my practice vibrant and informed. I believe true mentorship involves building relationships, understanding individual challenges, and tailoring guidance to help each mentee thrive — not just in their careers but as a whole, balanced person. To anyone stepping into the vast world of law or needing a guiding hand, know that my door is always open. Let’s chart a course for your future, learn from one
mentors, professors, and classmates. These experiences have instilled in me a diverse legal understanding and a profound appreciation that urges me to give back. Now, as a mentor myself, I embrace every chance to guide and support those who are where I once was. Whenever I hear someone is interested in studying law or entering the field in any capacity, my response is always the same: “Let’s get coffee and talk more about it.” Whether offering advice to a curious student or sharing my career path with a younger lawyer, I am committed to paying it forward. I not only have this open door policy when it comes to mentorship, but I am also deeply engaged in the same high school mock
another, and grow to build a stronger community together.
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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How Dashcams Can Protect Georgia Drivers This Winter Dash(cam) Through the Snow Georgia’s roads can become treacherous in the icy months ahead. State law, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180, mandates driving at a reasonable and prudent speed given the weather conditions. Except, we can’t exactly control the prudence of our fellow drivers. Hazards like ice and snow can make negligent driving behavior even more dangerous, so it’s best to be prepared. This is where a dashcam can come in handy and even save your case. THE POWER OF DASHCAMS IN PROVING YOUR CASE When icy roads lead to accidents, proving what really happened can be challenging, but a dashcam can be an indispensable tool. These devices continuously record footage of your drive, providing clear evidence that can be vital in the aftermath of an accident. Whether it’s a major collision or a minor scrape, a dashcam captures it all, offering an unbiased record that can help clarify instances of fault and protect you against wrongful claims. HOW DASHCAMS HELP IN INSURANCE DISPUTES After an accident, especially one on wintry roads, insurance companies may scrutinize claims closely. Dashcam footage is a reliable witness that can streamline the claims process, ensuring factual accounts of the incident prevail over subjective or conflicting reports. This footage is particularly useful when other evidence is inconclusive or when witness accounts vary. PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DASHCAM USE IN GEORGIA For those considering a dashcam, we recommend selecting a model with high-definition video capability, excellent night vision, and a wide-angle lens. These features ensure the footage captured is of the highest quality and offers clear evidence, even under poor winter conditions. A dashcam is a wise investment for any Georgia driver looking to enhance their vehicle’s safety features. If you ever find yourself in an accident, remember our law firm is here to help interpret the footage and provide the legal assistance you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out for our expert guidance on navigating the complexities of accident claims. We’re here to help you .
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. On a personal note, we always enjoy heading up to Athens to cheer on the Dawgs! It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable. WHAT DO YOU LOVE? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. PLAN IT. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you. Why Small Plans Can Make a Big Difference The Happiness Hack
By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
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 TO SAFEGUARD YOUR RIGHTS AFTER A WINTER WEATHER ACCIDENT Frosty Falls and Icy Roads
While the holidays may be over, the winter conditions remain and can worsen in the coming weeks. With Georgia roads slick with ice and walkways buried under snow, personal injury claims become more prevalent but trickier to prove. Understanding how to navigate these claims with the complexities of winter conditions can be crucial to protecting your rights. INCREASED INJURY RISKS IN WINTER Frozen streets and snow-covered paths create hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Cars struggle to
conditions, such as reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. If these precautions are not taken, the injured party may have a valid claim the opposition can’t discount due to the weather.
PROPERLY DOCUMENT YOUR CLAIM Documenting the weather conditions at the time of an accident is vital in building a robust personal injury claim. This documentation can help establish that the environment was critical in the incident and that the other party failed to mitigate those risks adequately. For example, if a property owner neglected to address an icy walkway in a timely manner, this documentation can support a claim of negligence. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS AND SUPPORT Handling personal injury claims during winter requires a nuanced approach, given the defensive arguments that might claim weather as an “unavoidable” factor. Legal expertise is vital in these cases to demonstrate the other party’s lack of precautions contributed to the injuries sustained. With the right legal support, you can navigate the heightened complexities winter conditions bring to personal injury cases.
stop on slick surfaces, and pedestrians face slippery sidewalks, where even the most cautious can face an injury. The shift to winter attire, often bulky and inflexible, can also contribute to trips and falls. Winter brings a host of risky factors to consider, and often, it’s no fault of our own when an accident strikes. THE CHALLENGE OF PROVING LIABILITY When a mishap happens due to winter conditions, determining liability involves understanding whether reasonable precautions were taken to prevent the incident. For property owners, this means regularly salting or clearing ice and snow from walkways. For drivers, it involves adjusting driving habits to suit road
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
TAKE A BREAK
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients •
2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
• • • • • • •
4 celery ribs, chopped
• • • • • •
1 tsp salt
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 10 cups chicken broth
3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions 1.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
Solution
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Inside This Issue 1 Why Mentors Matter and More From a Lifelong Learner in Law 2 The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To Dashcams as Your Digital Eyewitness in Winter Accidents 3 Don’t Let Winter Weather Ruin Your Personal Injury Claim
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup 4 Guide for Finding a Lost Pet
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Lost Your Pet? Tips to Find Your Animal Friend Our pets are one of the great constants in our lives. They are always ready to support us after a hard day with warm companionship and slobbery kisses. However, despite our best efforts to keep them corralled while we are away, they can go missing. Losing a pet is a stressful experience. However, not all is lost. After getting lost, over 90% of dogs are found alive, and nearly 20% return home of their own accord. And for cats, in about 90% of cases, they are lost an average of 5–7 days before being found or making their way home. Here are some simple steps you can take to help your animal companions return home safely. SEARCH YOUR LOCAL AREA It may seem obvious, but searching your immediate area is important when your pet goes missing. Make sure to thoroughly search every room and area of your house: your basement, crawl spaces, closets, cabinets, bedrooms, and garage. Failing that, check with your neighbors. In most cases, pets stay within a reasonable distance from home. CONTACT AUTHORITIES Your next step should be to call all relevant authorities in your area. If you are on vacation or traveling with your pets when they go missing, using Petfinder can help you locate local shelters. Call your local animal shelters, animal control
officers, and veterinarian offices to report your animal missing. Program their numbers into your phone to make the back-and-forth easier and stress-free.
LOST PET POSTER Lastly, you should create flyers and posters featuring a recent photo of your missing pet. These should feature the name, breed, and notable features of your missing pet and your contact information should anyone need to reach you concerning its whereabouts. If you are proactive, your chances of reuniting with your missing pet are high.
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