Check out our January newsletter!
JANUARY 2019
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Catastrophic injury | wrongful death
Unsung Heroes
The 3 Michaels Who Changed My Life
A s people prepare for 2019, they may find themselves evaluating the previous year — the highs, lows, successes, and failures — and coming up with resolutions to improve themselves in various ways. They might set ambitions to spend more time focusing on their health, their job, or their family and assiduously work to achieve them as the year goes on. As I hear about others’ New Year’s goals for their personal betterment, I can’t help but think about three of the greatest men I know who have and continue to inspired me in their own unique ways every single day. Interestingly, all three of them were given the name Michael.
infiltrated the mountain range along the Pakistan border. The team was conducting a sensitive mission to capture or kill a high-value Taliban target when they were ambushed by overwhelming Taliban forces. For about 45 minutes, the men fought as their ammunition ran low. The SEALs were wounded by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, which led Lt. Murphy to climb to higher ground and into the open to make an electronic call for help. Despite his severe wounds, he completed the call and continued fighting, but he ultimately succumbed to his own wounds. His final words were "Thank you." After his heroic death, Lt. Murphy was given the Medal of Honor, and the 2013 film “Lone Survivor” featured his squad’s story of true bravery.
Michael Sheridan Perhaps the most inspirational man in my family, this Michael was my maternal great- grandfather and a World War I veteran. Shortly after President Wilson’s declaration of the U.S. entry into the Great War in 1917 and through the formal end of the war in 1919,
Michael Patrick The last Michael I want to highlight is my wonderful son who was named after the two valiant Michaels who came before him. Not long before my son was born, my wife and I were visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii. We stood on the USS Missouri staring
my great-grandfather served in the U.S. Army to help maintain the safety of the millions of families residing in the allied countries. Just as his military sacrifices preserved the freedom of our great country, his selfless nature as a parent preserved the happiness of our family for generations. After he returned from serving overseas, my great-grandfather lost his wife to scarlet fever. In addition to grieving for my great-grandmother, he was left with five children to care for and raise while working as a street car conductor.
out at the poignant scene before us when our eyes landed on one ship in particular. We inquired about the ship’s name, and the tour guide told us it was the USS Michael Murphy. When we were trying to decide on a name for our son, we remembered the two unsung heroes and found inspiration for his name. In fact, a photo of his great-great-grandpa Michael Sheridan hangs on the wall in his room to this day. I hope and pray that my son will live up to his namesakes, and I’m excited to watch that happen in the years to come.
Michael Murphy Lt. Murphy was deployed to Afghanistan in April of 2005. He was the leader of a four-man Navy SEAL squad that secretly
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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3 Wives’ Tales Proven True MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST “Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. Garlic Cures Colds For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet. Heartburn Means a Hairy Baby It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd have proven to be true. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. Joint Pain Predicts the Weather Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.
How You Can Help Protect Your Home
Meet Cliff, Owner of Flood Medics
To continue this month’s theme of illuminating the lives and work of some of the greatest men I know, I want to highlight a company owned and operated by another great person. This man enjoys the process of helping others so much that he created a business where he could provide assistance to those in need as often as possible. In 2015, Cliff Ingram built Flood Medics, a restoration company with the mission of helping families restore their homes after they’ve suffered severe damage due to water, mold, wind, fire, or smoke. While this was the first company he started on his own, Cliff had spent over 14 years working in restoration. So when a friend encouraged him to go into business for himself, he already had a keen knowledge of the process. What’s more, Cliff was a firefighter before he started working in restoration. In addition to the heroic sacrifices he made and selfless experience he gained every time he entered a burning building, the architectural and structural education Cliff acquired during these years helps him still today. damage to the surrounding structures was insurmountable. It was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since Katrina and Wilma in 2005. In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches of rain, causing unprecedented floods that inundated hundreds of thousands of homes — which displaced more than 30,000 people. Once the water receded, Flood Medics began their work of making the affected families’ homes livable again. Regarding the experience, Cliff explains, “Even though I’ve been doing this work for years, the projects we took on after Hurricane Harvey changed my perspective. Talking to all these people who felt helpless and that they had nowhere to go because their homes were damaged made me more passionate about my job than ever before.” As rain and snow storms become more commonplace this winter season, keep an eye on your home to protect it against damage. If you or someone you know needs any restoration work done, don’t hesitate to give Cliff at Flood Medics a call at 404-713-5762. He and his team can make your house feel like a home again. In recent years, Cliff’s passion for this line of work has only continued to grow. When Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, the
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Stay Safe This Season Tips to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents During Winter
1. Walk on Sidewalks If the roads are covered in ice and snow, drivers can more easily lose control of their vehicle and slide into traffic. Try to stay on the sidewalks as much as you can, but if you have to walk on the roadway, be sure you face traffic and stay close to the curb. Tread carefully and slowly, and keep an eye out for ice.
3. Put the Phone Down While bright clothing will help drivers see you, it’s equally as important that you can see where you are going. Many pedestrians get distracted by their phones and step off the curb or walk through stop signs, which results in many dangerous accidents. Try to keep your phone in your pocket as often as you can while walking. All of us here at Kevin Patrick Law understand that even if you take the proper precautions, accidents are sometimes inevitable. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a pedestrian accident this winter, give our office a call at 404-566- 5880 for a complimentary consultation.
Walking across the street is more dangerous than it’s been for a quarter century. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, there were approximately 92 pedestrian deaths between January and June in the state of Georgia. In fact, Atlanta is rated one of the top-10 most dangerous cities for people on foot in the entire country. While both pedestrians and drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, during these colder months, perhaps more than any other time of the year, they should be even more vigilant. Winter weather poses more hazards, such as icy roads, slippery sidewalks, and earlier sunsets — all of which result in an increased number of pedestrian- related accidents. For this reason, my team and I want offer some preventative tips to help reduce the number of accidents in Georgia this winter.
2. Wear Bright Clothing
A vast majority of all pedestrian-related accidents occur once the sun sets. If you have to walk in the evening, wear bright, reflective outer clothing. For example, you can purchase reflective vests, jackets, and hats for a decent price.
sudoku
Citrus and Avocado Salad Inspired by Bon Appétit Ingredients • 1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 bunch arugula • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves • 1 avocado, cut into wedges • Salt and pepper, to taste 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, Directions 1. Heat oven to 425 F.
Solution
season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.
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Inside This Issue 1 Unsung Heroes 2 3 Wives’ Tales That Are True How Flood Medics Can Help You Protect Your Home 3 Stay Safe This Season Citrus and Avocado Salad 4 The Best Skiing Destinations in the World
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3 of the World’s Greatest Winter Sport Destinations Who’s Ready for Some Powder?
The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year. Breckenridge, Colorado John Denver's “Rocky Mountain high” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow, and at the pinnacle are the jagged peaks of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. If you’ve ever seen the groomed trails of Breckenridge, you’ll understand why. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities,
and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. St. Anton, Austria If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships.
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