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JANUARY 2026
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | Wrongful death
MEET RICK VALVERDE, WHO HELPS OUR CLIENTS FEEL SUPPORTED FROM DAY ONE The Helping Hand Every Client Deserves
When I first opened my doors, it was just me and a single office chair that squeaked every time someone sat in it. I answered every phone call myself, met every client face-to-face, and stayed up late many nights thinking about how to help the people who trusted me. Those early days were simple, but they taught me what mattered most: showing up for people with genuine care. Today, we’ve grown into a team of seven, and although our office looks a little different, the heart of our work remains unchanged. We still believe every person who turns to us deserves to feel supported, heard, and cared for. That’s why I’m grateful to introduce the newest member of our team, Richard Valverde, our Client Care Coordinator. Rick brings years of experience working alongside attorneys on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, along with an impressive background in both administration and operations. But what struck me from the very beginning wasn’t his skill set; it was his heart. He knows what clients go through after an accident because he has spent years walking alongside people during some of their toughest moments. He understands that the legal case is only one part of what someone is dealing with. Family routines still need to run, jobs don’t stop, rides need to be arranged, and worries pile up
fast. Rick steps into that space with patience, kindness, and solutions.
I often describe his role as part guide, part problem-solver, and part concierge. When a client’s car is in the shop after an accident, and they don’t know what to do next, Rick works tirelessly to arrange transportation and ensure the insurance company responds. When someone needs to get in with a specialist or coordinate physical therapy, Rick helps make the process smoother and less stressful. And for clients who feel more comfortable communicating in Spanish, Rick, a certified English-Spanish legal interpreter, offers a level of clarity and comfort that makes the entire experience more human. His ability to connect with families in their own language is truly a gift. What I appreciate most is how deeply Rick understands the little things that can make or break a personal injury case. A missed appointment or a confusing form shouldn’t jeopardize someone’s claim, but insurance companies often thrive on those details. By helping clients stay organized and on schedule and get the care they need, Rick strengthens their healing and the case that protects their future.
that’s exactly what makes our firm who we are. When someone hires us, I want them to feel like they’ve gained a team of people who truly care about their well-being, not just attorneys, but helpers, listeners, and advocates. Welcoming Rick has reminded me how far we’ve come from those early squeaky-chair days. It’s humbling to look back and see our growth, and even more meaningful to know that every step has been rooted in serving people better. I’m proud to have him with us and grateful to know our clients will feel even more supported with Rick by their side.
Rick often tells me that his goal is to ensure no client ever feels alone in the process. To me,
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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One Jar, Countless Smiles KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH GRATITUDE The start of a new year always feels like a blank page full of possibilities. While many families dive into resolutions and goal-setting, try another tradition just as powerful (and a lot more fun): creating a family gratitude jar. Instead of focusing on what to change, this little project helps you notice and celebrate what’s already good in your life. With nothing more than a jar, scraps of paper, and a few minutes daily, you can build a collection of joyful moments your family will treasure all year. GETTING STARTED Pick a container. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A mason jar, decorated tin, or clear plastic container all work as long as they can sit where you’ll see them daily. Prepare the supplies. Cut paper into squares (3-by-3 inches works nicely) and have pens, crayons, or markers nearby. If someone doesn’t love writing, they can draw, circle options, or dictate for an adult to write. Have extras ready so you’re never scrambling. Set a daily ritual. Decide together when you’ll pause to think and share. It could be after dinner, tucked into bedtime routines, or first thing in the morning. What matters is consistency. Stick with it long enough that it becomes part of your rhythm. Use a simple prompt. Here’s an easy method: Ask each person, “What was a bright moment today?” Encourage them to name something specific, even if it’s small, like “the puppy barking” or “a funny joke.” Give them space. Then have them write or draw it, slip it into the jar, and (if you like) share aloud. Make it meaningful later. Open the jar together once a month or at the end of the year and read through the notes. You’ll be surprised how small moments you may have forgotten feel powerful all over again. Use them to spark intention for the coming year: “I want more of that,” or “Let’s do more kind acts like this.” Starting a gratitude jar is about building a modest, consistent habit that opens your eyes to abundance. Over time, the jar becomes a treasure chest of your family’s stories, reminders, and unseen miracles. That collective memory anchors your family in kindness, wonder, and connection as each new year unfolds!
DON’T LET BLACK ICE CATCH YOU OFF GUARD STAY SAFE BEHIND THE WHEEL THIS WINTER Even a short winter in Georgia can create unexpected hazards on the road, and black ice is one of the most dangerous. Unlike snow or frost, black ice is nearly invisible. This thin, glassy layer blends seamlessly with asphalt. It often forms when temperatures drop below freezing, from rain, mist, fog, or melting snow that refreezes overnight. Black ice can appear without warning, so it’s vital that drivers remain alert whenever temperatures hover around freezing. HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD Bridges, overpasses, shaded roads, and quiet backstreets are especially prone to icy patches because they don’t receive much warmth from the sun or friction from passing vehicles. But no matter where you drive, avoid cruise control and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead. When navigating potentially icy roads, always reduce your speed, avoid sudden lane changes, and plan for extra time on your journey. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HIT BLACK ICE If your car starts to slide, the key is to stay calm. Ease off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want your car to travel. Overcorrecting can make a skid worse. For vehicles with antilock brakes, hold steady rather than pumping the brakes. In cars without antilock brakes, maintain firm brake pressure while keeping your heel on the floor. Slowing gradually and steering smoothly is safer than sudden maneuvers. THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR WINTER EMERGENCIES Winter in Georgia may be brief, but it can be unpredictable. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can create road hazards and power outages. If you’re stranded in your vehicle, stay inside for warmth and safety. Run the engine occasionally and keep your hazard lights on. Recognize early warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia and seek help immediately. Local warming centers provide safe spaces and transportation during extreme cold. If you need to find a nearby shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 .
Stay alert, plan ahead, and respect the road. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones depend on it.
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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WHEN CELEBRATION BECOMES LIABILITY Your Guide to Hosting Smart, Safe, and Stress-Free Celebrations
What happens if your New Year’s fun took a dangerous turn? In Georgia, a private party that includes alcohol can carry unexpected risks. If a guest drinks too much and causes an accident, the host may be held legally responsible, just as a venue or bar could. This is especially true if a host knowingly provided alcohol to someone who would soon be driving. Understanding your responsibilities can help you keep the celebration safe and maintain a clear conscience. YOUR ROLE AS A HOST MATTERS Hosting is more than just picking the right food and decorations. It’s about looking out for the people who walk through your door. Providing alcohol comes with a responsibility to ensure guests aren’t over-served, that minors don’t gain access, and that everyone has a safe way home. Even playful late-night drinking games can quickly turn risky if guests become overly intoxicated. A host who plans ahead can be the reason everyone goes home unharmed. SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE Being proactive doesn’t mean killing the party; it just means thinking ahead. Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and hearty snacks, check in on guests
throughout the night, and make arrangements for safe rides home. A spare couch or guest room can be the difference between a memory of laughter and a nightmare on the road. Encouraging designated drivers or rideshare options is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect both guests and yourself. WHEN THINGS GO WRONG If a guest causes injury after drinking at your party, victims may seek compensation not only from the driver but potentially from the host as well. This can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in extreme cases, punitive damages. Georgia law recognizes that hosts have a duty to prevent foreseeable harm, so planning ahead is the best safeguard. HURT BY A DRUNK DRIVER THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE? Accidents involving intoxicated drivers can be overwhelming and frightening, especially after a holiday celebration. If you or someone you care about was injured on New Year’s Eve, you may have a legal claim. Reach out to our team. We’ll listen, guide you, and help you understand your options every step of the way.
TAKE A BREAK
SLOW COOKER BIRRIA TACOS Ingredients • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
Directions 1.
Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
529 Pharr Road N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Inside This Issue
1
A Client Care Coordinator to Support You When You Need It Most
2
End the Year With a Jar Full of Joyful Memories
What Every Driver Needs to Know About Black Ice
3
Drinks to Driveways: Keeping Guests Safe After the Party
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
4
How to Spot Real White Chocolate
What’s your favorite type of chocolate? Some prefer dark or bitter dark chocolate, while others prefer the deliciously sweet milk chocolate variety. However, another type of chocolate is usually greeted with raised eyebrows from chocolate aficionados. White chocolate is a creamy, milder treat that many argue is not actually chocolate. Here are the facts: Not all chocolate is created equal, especially regarding different types and brands of white chocolate. The Food and Drug Administration states that for something to be considered white chocolate, it must have a cocoa solids content of at least 20% and a milk content of at least 14%. People get confused over the classification of white chocolate because it doesn’t contain any pure liquid derived from cocoa beans. Instead, it must contain at least 20% cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is a fat extracted from cocoa beans by a high-pressure press. This is a time-consuming and expensive process, which is why so many brands skip it and replace the cocoa butter with sugar and other filler ingredients. If you’re curious whether you’re buying real white chocolate, look for a couple of things. If you see white chocolate as white as snow, understand that the cocoa butter has been deodorized and bleached to give it that appearance. This removes the flavor and some of the health benefits. Furthermore, look at the ingredient list for the amount of cocoa butter. If it doesn’t have 20%, it’s not real.
Is It Chocolate Or a Sweet Impostor?
THE TRUTH ABOUT WHITE CHOCOLATE
The next time someone tells you white chocolate isn’t really chocolate, hit them with the facts!
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