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APRIL 2026
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | Wrongful death
Speaking Up for Child Safety Sometimes the Spotlight Finds You for a Reason
April 8 is Step Into the Spotlight Day, and until recently, I would have told you that the spotlight is not where I belong. I have always preferred the quiet work: listening, researching, and standing beside people and their families when life suddenly turns upside down. But this past week reminded me that sometimes the spotlight is not about attention at all. Sometimes, it’s about shining a light onto something bigger than yourself.
These parents didn’t speak up for attention. They spoke up for accountability. They spoke up so no other parent would ever feel the same shock and fear. Their goal was simple and powerful: Make sure this never happens again. When the opportunity to speak publicly arose, I hesitated. I’m not someone who chases cameras or headlines. But I realized this wasn’t about stepping into the spotlight for myself, but about stepping into it
for them . For their voices. For their children. For every family that wants to believe that the places they trust are worthy of that trust.
I recently had the unexpected experience of speaking on the news about a daycare injury case our firm is handling. It is the type of moment that feels surreal when it happens. Not because it feels glamorous (far from it), but because you realize you’re being given a chance to draw attention to something that matters. Many people think of personal injury law as car accidents and insurance claims. But some of the most meaningful work we do involves representing families
I will admit, there was a moment of humor in the middle of it all. For years,
I have joked that I never wanted to be one of those “TV attorneys.” You know, the ones with big personalities and catchy jingles. But after appearing in an actual news segment, I guess I may have officially crossed into that territory. Tongue firmly in cheek, of course. If being a “TV attorney” means using the platform to advocate for families and child safety, I suppose I can live with the title. I may never feel entirely comfortable in the spotlight, and that’s okay. Because when the light helps protect families, raise awareness, and encourage accountability, it becomes something beautiful and less about being seen and more about helping others feel safe enough to step forward and be heard.
whose children have been hurt in places meant to keep them safe. Daycares are supposed to feel like an extension of home. They are places where parents leave the most precious parts of their world every morning, trusting they will return safe and smiling in the afternoon. In this case, families came forward after discovering their children had allegedly been given Benadryl without their knowledge and that the truth had been hidden from them. In this case, I have the opportunity to work alongside my former Mercer Law classmate, colleague, and friend, Bill Arnold, of Ayerbe & Arnold, LLC. The case is still unfolding, and a long journey lies ahead. But what struck me most was not the legal battle waiting in the distance but the courage standing right in front of me.
Thank you to 13WMAZ in Macon for giving us a platform to make the world a little safer for the little ones who depend on us.
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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Science Explains the Pain You Can’t See The Myth of the ‘Harmless’ Fender Bender After a fender bender, most people think: tiny crash, tiny problem. Maybe you exchange insurance info, laugh it off, and head to lunch as if nothing happened. After all, the car barely has a scuff, so how bad could it be?
Backyard Fun Made Easy Take Game Night Outdoors
But the fact of the matter is, your bumper might be fine, but your body didn’t sign up for the same crash test.
YOUR CAR IS BUILT FOR IMPACT (YOUR BODY ISN’T) Modern vehicles are designed to absorb low-speed impacts. Many bumpers can take hits up to around 15 mph without showing major damage. That’s fantastic engineering, but physics doesn’t just disappear into your bumper. All that crash energy still has to go somewhere. And it goes into the softest, least crash-tested thing in the equation: you . Research shows neck and soft-tissue injuries can happen at speeds as low as 5–8 mph. Some studies even show injuries at 2.5 mph . Meanwhile, your car may not show damage until 12–15 mph. Translation? Your body hits its breaking point long before your bumper does. THE 300-MILLISECOND SCIENCE EXPERIMENT A crash happens faster than a blink, less than 300 milliseconds. In that tiny slice of time, your body becomes an unwilling physics demo. Here’s the sequence:
If your backyard could talk, it would probably say, “Use me more.”
An outdoor game night is a fun way to do just that. It’s easy to prep, and you don’t need a huge space or a Pinterest-perfect setup. You just need a loose plan and a few games that everyone will enjoy. Start by thinking about the people before the games. For an all-adult crowd, you might want more competitive activities. If kids are in the mix, consider options that let them run around without wiping out your flower beds. Around 2–4 games is ideal, and the best mix is a combo of active, competitive, and casual options. Cornhole and ladder toss are great because you can explain the rules in under a minute and rotate players in and out. BucketBall and yard pong are also fun and easy to learn. Higher-energy options like Spikeball or capture the flag are perfect for a more active crowd. For something a little quieter, set up a table with a Jenga stack, cards, or a dice game that people can play while chatting. Once you have games in mind, think about the layout. Pick a main “anchor” spot, and put your most social game there. Set up a couple of chairs nearby where people can sit and snack when they’re not playing. Keep your “quiet” table in a corner near the food and drinks, and arrange things so people can drift between areas without crossing live throwing zones. Some simple lighting (think string lights, stake lights, and lanterns) will keep the fun going after sundown, and a Bluetooth speaker with a shared playlist keeps everything lively. Food and drinks can also stay simple. A spread of easy-to-grab finger foods and a cooler with ice, water, and a couple of drink options keep you from running in and out of the kitchen. You can add special touches like a selfie station or prizes for the winners, but the goal is to do something different and fun without stressing about the planning. If people leave with some grass in their shoes and a good story, you did game night right.
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Your torso gets shoved forward by the seat.
2. Your head (basically a 10- to 12-pound bowling ball) decides to stay put thanks to inertia. 3. Your neck stretches backward, then snaps forward in a whip-like motion before your muscles even realize what’s happening. Muscles can’t brace fast enough. Ligaments and tendons take the hit. Tiny tears begin instantly. Meanwhile, your brain floats in fluid inside your skull. Sudden deceleration makes it bounce against the inside of your head. No head impact required. That’s how concussions can happen in “minor” crashes. Immediately after a crash, your body floods itself with adrenaline and stress hormones. Pain signals get muted. You feel fine. Maybe even energized. Hours later? Different story. Days later? Even more different story. THE REAL TAKEAWAY No matter how minor you think the collision was, you are still at risk of experiencing whiplash, herniated discs, and much more. Getting checked by a medical professional not only protects your health but also ensures any injuries are properly documented.
A small crash can still have big consequences. Taking it seriously from the start can make all the difference in your recovery.
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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Panda Selfies, Park Festivals, and Movie Magic ATLANTA’S BIGGEST APRIL FESTIVALS ARE CALLING!
Spring in Atlanta is officially in full bloom, and the city’s event calendar is bursting with reasons to get out and celebrate. From panda-themed foodie adventures and beloved park traditions to red-carpet-worthy movie moments, April is packed with can’t-miss fun. Get ready to fill your weekends, explore the city, and make the most of the season as we round up three of the most exciting spring happenings you won’t want to miss in Atlanta.
on cultural demos like sugar painting and paper cutting. Grab your tickets and join the panda party!
live performances on the Coca-Cola Main Stage and the vibrant International Stage. Kids can dive into crafts and puppet shows at Kids Village, while runners kick things off with the Mimosa 5K. With food trucks, drinks, and activities around every corner, it’s a can’t-miss Atlanta tradition!
ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL April 23–May 3, 2026 AtlantaFilmFestival.com
PANDA FEST April 3–5, 2026 PandaFests.com
Lights, camera, Atlanta! The 50th annual Atlanta Film Festival returns April 23–May 3, bringing 10 days of cinematic magic to the city. Discover hundreds of bold, independent, international, animated, and documentary films selected from thousands of global submissions. Meet filmmakers, join lively Q&As, and connect with fellow movie lovers as you celebrate fresh voices shaping the future of film. With star-studded past guests and an Academy Award- qualifying reputation, this beloved festival is your ticket to unforgettable stories, creative inspiration, and nonstop movie magic right here in Atlanta.
90TH ANNUAL ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL April 10–12, 2026 Dogwood.org Celebrate spring at one of Atlanta’s most beloved traditions: the 90th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival! Held in the heart of Piedmont Park, this free, family-friendly weekend blends art, music, food, and nonstop fun. Wander the nationally renowned Fine Artist Market featuring everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and photography, then catch
Get ready to eat, shop, dance, and snap selfies with giant pandas because Panda Fest is back in Atlanta! From April 3–5, Atlantic Station transforms into a lively celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. Taste your way through over 200 dishes from across Asia, browse a buzzing market filled with unique finds, and enjoy live performances from lion dances to K-pop. Don’t miss the massive inflatable panda, panda-shaped treats, and hands-
TAKE A BREAK
Cheesy Asparagus Orzotto
Ingredients •
2 tbsp plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and peeled
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1/2 tsp salt
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Black pepper, to taste
1 leek, halved and sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups orzo
1 oz Parmesan, grated 1/4 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp butter
3 cups broth
1/4 cup basil leaves
Directions 1. In a pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add asparagus, cover, and cook 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool, then cut into 1-inch pieces. 2. Heat remaining oil. Add leek, season with salt, and cook 3 minutes. 3. Stir in orzo and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. 4. Add wine and cook 2–3 minutes. 5. Stir in broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper, then simmer, covered, on low heat for 12–15 minutes. 6. Add peas to orzo, cover, and cook 2 minutes. 7. Remove from heat, add Parmesan, cream, and butter, and stir until butter melts. Stir in asparagus and basil. Inspired by Delish.com
Solution
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Finding Breathing Room in the Grind
Small Tweaks for Better Workdays
Some nights, you get home, drop your keys on the counter, and feel like the day just happened to you instead of one you had an active role in. Your shoulders feel tight, your eyes are sore from all the screens, and dinner turns into whatever you can put together most quickly. Technically, you made it through, but the ordeal left you drained. Most of us can’t rewrite our job descriptions, but we can do things to improve our days. Instead of hunting for a perfect routine, it’s best to start with a couple of small changes that can make tomorrow feel a little more manageable. First, look at your commute. If traffic leaves you on edge, try adjusting your departure time by a few minutes, or search for a quieter route to work. Is public transportation an option? If so, taking a bus or train once or twice a week can be a nice change from driving. It may take longer, but it gives you time to read or listen to something you actually enjoy. A calmer arrival at work can make everything else easier. It’s also worth looking at how you take breaks throughout the day. First of all, are you actually taking them? A moment or two of staring off into the distance doesn’t count. A real break pulls your eyes, mind, and body away from work. That might mean taking a quick walk outside or simply moving to another part of the building and looking out a window. And have your lunch somewhere
other than your desk. Eating in front of the same screen you use to answer emails isn’t going to give your brain the reset it needs.
Finally, pick a stopping point and protect it. Once the workday is over, close the laptop and leave the office. Resist the temptation to log back in after work or check your emails before bed. Tomorrow’s workday usually feels better if the previous day had a clear, conclusive ending.
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