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MARCH 2025
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Why Luck Is What You Make of It What My Irish Heritage Taught Me About Creating Opportunities
St. Patrick’s Day is, without a doubt, one of my favorite holidays. Something about the lively spirit, the sea of green, and the stories of Irish resilience and luck puts an extra pep in my step! But for me, St. Patrick’s Day is not only a celebration of Irish culture but a reminder of the lessons my Irish roots have taught me — particularly about hard work, determination, and what people like to call “ luck .” I have always loved the phrase “Luck of the Irish,” but over the years, I have realized that Irish luck is not a magical phenomenon. It is the product of grit, perseverance, and showing up every day. I learned this valuable lesson early in my career while interning for a judge who said, “The harder you work, the luckier you are.” As the years have passed, I have seen how
you demonstrate all come together to create those moments when fortune seems to smile on you.
This lesson is one I carry close to my heart, in no small part because of my great-grandfather. He came to this country as an Irish immigrant and worked as a streetcar conductor. His beginnings were far from easy, but his unwavering work ethic improved his life and laid the groundwork for the opportunities our family has had ever since in this country. His story reminds me that what may look like luck to the outside world is often the result of tireless effort and a refusal to give up. In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in the allure of quick fixes and shortcuts. We are bombarded with advertisements promising effortless success and “how to never work again.” But the truth is, there is no gimmick or substitute for rolling up your sleeves and putting in the effort. Hard work may not always guarantee immediate success, but it creates the conditions for opportunities to arise. When they do, you’re ready to seize them . As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I like to think about how the so-called “Luck of the Irish” is a testament to the resilience and determination that Irish immigrants brought with them. It’s about finding strength in tough times, keeping your head up, and believing that the effort you put in today will pay off tomorrow.
getting up early, staying meaningfully engaged, and putting in the work create opportunities
that others might mistake for luck.
It’s not always easy, of course. When you’re in the middle of a challenging case or grinding through a long deposition, it rarely feels like luck is on your side. But I’ve learned that those hard days are often when the foundation for future luck is laid. The connections you build, the skills you sharpen, and the perseverance
So, whether you’re working toward a career goal, a personal dream, or just trying to get through a tough season, remember that you can create your
own luck. Keep showing up. Keep putting in the work. And when the time is right, you’ll see how all those small efforts add up to something big.
Circa 1925
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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Prevent and Handle Rideshare Accidents on Vacation Spring Break Travel Made Safe Spring break is about making memories, but safety should always come first. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are excellent options for getting around, especially if your plans include a bit of celebrating. However, staying aware and prepared can ensure your rideshare experience is as safe as it is convenient. MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY FROM THE START If you plan on consuming alcohol, rideshare apps are a must. But even as a passenger, you should never forget to stay aware of your surroundings. When traveling with friends, keep the energy fun but respectful — disruptive behavior can distract the driver and lead to accidents. Groups can get rowdy, especially when everyone is letting loose, so be the one to keep things grounded. Encourage responsible behavior to keep the ride safe for everyone. Of course, accidents can still happen, even when you are on your best behavior. WHAT TO DO IF A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT HAPPENS No one expects an accident, but being prepared can make all the difference if one occurs. Here are the essential steps to follow: 1. Check for Injuries and Call 911: Confirm everyone’s safety and report injuries to emergency responders immediately. 2. Capture the Scene: If it is safe, take pictures of the accident site, vehicle damage, and surrounding area. These can serve as critical evidence later. 3. Exchange Details: Gather contact information from both drivers and any witnesses. 4. Save Trip Info: Screenshot your trip details from the rideshare app, including the driver’s name and route. 5. File Reports: Notify the police and the rideshare company about the accident. Timely reporting is vital. 6. Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, schedule a check-up to rule out hidden injuries. 7. Call an Attorney: Consulting an attorney, like Kevin, can help you navigate the intricacies of insurance claims and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. YOUR RIGHTS AS A PASSENGER As a rideshare passenger, you are protected by multiple insurance policies. The driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage may come into play to ensure you are compensated for any damages. An experienced attorney can help untangle these policies and advocate for your best interests. WE ARE HERE TO HELP If you are in a rideshare accident, contact the team at Kevin Patrick Law. We will help you navigate your claim and get back to enjoying life. Stay safe, be mindful, and have an unforgettable spring break!
DIY Organization Tips to Bring Order to Your Living Spaces Get It Together! Is there really such a thing as “organized chaos”? It depends on whom you ask! If you thrive in clutter, this article isn’t for you. Creating an organized space is simply a matter of ensuring household items have a place to be stored — and not in the one drawer filled with everything from ketchup packets and paper clips to a random Cheeto! Whether you’re preparing for house guests or diving into a spring-cleaning marathon, these organizing tips will bless your cluttered mess! TENSION RODS FOR SHOE STORAGE Need more shoe space? Not a problem — just grab a few tension rods! If you have two sturdy objects — dressers, a wall and nightstand, etc. — you can place two tension rods between them and create a “shelf” to place your shoes on. Add multiple rows of tension rods for extra storage. CLOTHES PINS FOR CABINET DOOR STORAGE Kitchen cleaning supplies, especially lightweight items, don’t always have to be placed on the floor inside the under-sink cabinet. Putting double-sided tape onto clothes pins and sticking them inside the cabinet doors creates an excellent place to hang rags/sponges, kitchen gloves, and sink stoppers. NAPKIN HOLDERS FOR POT LIDS Using zip ties and upright wire napkin holders, you can create a lid organizer for your pots and pans. Rather than flipping the lid upside down on top of the pot, you can create a designated space for all the lids to reside. You can even organize your lids from smallest to largest! POOL NOODLES AS HANGER SPACERS BETWEEN CLOTHES Pool noodles work as spacers to keep your clothes hanging neatly. Just take a pool noodle and make one cut length-wise to open the noodle, and then cut it horizontally into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces on the bar in your closet and hang your clothes according to how many hangers you want between each spacer! HONEYCOMB ORGANIZER FOR SOCKS AND UNDERGARMENTS Drawers that house undergarments and socks tend to get disorganized quickly. Honeycomb organizers are the perfect addition to ensure all items fit in the drawer, making it easier to grab what you need. These organizers are also adjustable, so they’ll fit any drawer size!
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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Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks
HOW TO FIND SILVER LININGS DURING A DIFFICULT TIME
Most people don’t know that March is Optimism Month, and for those recovering from an accident, staying optimistic can feel impossible. But embracing positivity can make all the difference in your recovery and moving forward. Optimism is not about ignoring hardships, but recognizing them and choosing to
focus on the opportunities for growth and gratitude that can emerge from challenging times.
If you are navigating the aftermath of an accident, optimism might feel unreachable. Here are some strategies to help promote a positive outlook: Surround Yourself With Positive People: Spend time with uplifting people who inspire hope and optimism. Their energy can help improve your own outlook. 2. Focus on Gratitude: Reflect on what you are thankful for each day. Even small moments of appreciation can shift your mindset. 3. Practice Encouraging Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with empowering ones. Remind yourself of your progress and potential. 4. Turn Challenges into Opportunities: Look for lessons in setbacks. Each hurdle can help you grow and discover new strengths. 1. Optimism does not erase the pain or difficulty of an accident, but it can illuminate the path forward. With the right mindset, healing is a chance to grow stronger, wiser, and more grateful for the journey ahead.
At our firm, we have the privilege of walking alongside clients during some of their most difficult moments. Time and again, we are inspired by the resilience and optimism they show, even in the face of adversity. One client, after enduring a terrible car accident, surprised everyone with his outlook. When asked how he was doing, he replied with a smile, “The hospital bed is so comfortable, the food is great, and I am just happy my family is here with me.” What an incredible reminder that even when life seems to have turned upside down, there are always things to be grateful for. Many clients have shared how, over time, their perspective shifted. A year or so after their accidents, they reflected on the doors that closed and the unexpected opportunities that opened. They talked about how surviving their experiences gave them a deeper sense of gratitude and an appreciation for life that they might not have had otherwise.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
TAKE A BREAK
Homemade Shamrock Shakes
No need to make a McDonald’s run for this refreshingly minty treat. Make your own St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shakes at home (They’re even better than Mickey D’s!) Ingredients Milkshake • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 2/3 cup whole milk • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract • 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring Toppings • Whipped cream • Green sprinkles • 2 maraschino cherries Directions 1. Put 2 tall drinking glasses into the freezer to chill. 2. Allow ice cream to slightly soften for 10–15 minutes. 3. In a blender, add milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, and softened vanilla ice cream. 4. Blend on lowest setting and work up to medium speed for 1 minute or until smooth and pourable. 5. Pour evenly into frosted glasses, and top with garnish of your choice. Serve immediately.
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Inside This Issue
1
‘Luck of the Irish’ and How to Create Your Own Fortune
2
Decluttering Hacks Made Easy
Rideshare Do’s and Don’ts During Spring Break
3 Simple Tips for Staying Positive After an Accident
Homemade Shamrock Shakes
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
4 The History of College Basketball’s Rise to Riches
Start Your Brackets! It’s March Madness
How the NCAA Evolved Into a Basketball Powerhouse
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS March Madness originated in Illinois as an annual high school tournament sponsored by the Illinois High School Association. It went from a small invitational in 1908 to over 900 schools participating by the late 1930s. It wasn’t until 1939 that high school official Henry V. Porter called the tournament “March Madness.” THE EMERGENCE OF MARCH MADNESS FOR COLLEGES March Madness wasn’t nationally known or associated with the NCAA until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used the term while covering the 1982 spring tournament. Since then, the term has been synonymous with the event, and college basketball has never been the same. THE FIRST MARCH MADNESS CHAMPIONS Before UConn, Kansas, Baylor, and Virginia became NCAA men’s basketball champions, the University of Oregon paved the way. On March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeated Ohio
Many say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. However, if you’re a college basketball fan, it’s safe to say that March Madness is your favorite season! Millions of fans come out to support their favorite teams and fill out brackets to guess the national champion. But the history of college basketball’s biggest tournament might surprise you.
State University, 46–33. Ohio State’s star forward, Jimmy Hull, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — not bad for a 2007 Ohio Basketball Hall of Famer. EVOLUTION OF TOURNAMENT EXPANSIONS Only eight teams played in the 1939 tournament; by 1951, the number of teams doubled to 16. It wasn’t until 1985 that the 64-team tournament emerged. Further tournament expansion concluded in 2011, with 68 teams participating in college basketball’s big dance. MARCH MADNESS TODAY March Madness isn’t exactly what it used to be 40 years ago, from the hoopla and controversy of Selection Sunday (March 16 this year) to the chaos and parity caused by NIL (athletes’ pay for “name, image, and likeness”). Nonetheless, the tournament’s foundational values of camaraderie mixed with a bit of friendly competition and, of course, the love of watching basketball remain as prominent as ever.
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