Kevin Patrick Law - May 2021

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MAY 2021

Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death

Congratulations, Class of 2021! HOW THE UGA GRADUATION INSPIRED A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

When I heard the University of Georgia was going ahead with a modified in-person graduation this month, my first thought was how fantastic it is for the students. They won’t be able to actually cross the stage for safety reasons, but they will have the opportunity to sit in Center Parc Stadium with their families and enjoy the euphoria of the moment together. It’s a far cry from last December’s virtual ceremony. My second thought was, “Wait, is Hormonie graduating this year?” Hormonie Tucker is the daughter of Oblique Tucker, the very first client I took on after graduating from law school. At the time, I was working as an insurance defense attorney at a large Georgia defense firm. We spent the majority of our time defending corporations and insurance companies, but Oblique’s case was special. She came in with a plaintiff’s case, which meant she needed me to bring a lawsuit against another party. Even though I was new to the firm, they graciously allowed me to represent Oblique. When I sat down with Oblique for our first consultation, I knew we would get along. Oblique is an all-around wonderful person and one of the most caring, considerate clients I’ve had to this day. She introduced me to her mother and told me all about her 11-year-old daughter Hormonie, who was a brilliant student. Oblique’s love for her family was apparent in everything she did, and by the end of our months working together, I felt like I knew Hormonie myself, even though I had never met her. I was able to resolve Oblique’s case, and what started as an attorney-client relationship blossomed into a friendship. Over the years, we kept in touch.

I’ve never forgotten her thoughtfulness or her family. Since I first met Oblique, her daughter Hormonie has grown from a preteen into a hardworking, intelligent young woman. After seeing the graduation news, I reached out to Oblique to see if Hormonie was indeed graduating this year. As it turns out, I was a year early! Hormonie is a dual-enrollment

Sometimes I called to check in with her; at other times, she sent a friend or family member to me for legal help. When I left the defense firm to start Kevin Patrick Law and pursue my true passion of helping injured people, not companies, Oblique sent me the most beautiful note I’ve ever received. Blessings for your new opportunity of running your own business. I trust in [your] wisdom as you seek to work hard to make it secure and prosperous. May good practice be the cornerstone of everything you do. And [may] you reveal new openings and areas for expansion and development. May your business grow and flourish, creating great opportunity and provision for all those involved. In His name I pray. –Oblique Tucker Reading her note, I almost felt as though Oblique had consecrated my new firm. Blessings for your new opportunity of running your own business. I trust in [your] wisdom as you seek to work hard to make it secure and prosperous. May good practice be the cornerstone of everything you do. And [may] you reveal new openings and areas for expansion and development. May your business grow and flourish, creating great opportunity and provision for all those involved. In His name I pray. –Oblique Tucker

student at Riverwood International Charter School and Georgia Military College, class of 2022. She’s currently holding a 3.8 GPA and aspires to become a defense attorney. I don’t know if the case I handled for her mother back in 2015 influenced

her decision, but I hope it did! I would be honored to play even a small part in inspiring the next generation of lawyers. I’m already looking forward to Hormonie’s graduation next year, along with giving her some helpful advice that has helped me over the years: As you go off into the world, work hard, stay humble, and be kind. In the meantime, I would love it if you could pass on that same advice to any high school or college graduates in your life.

This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.

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Happy Anniversary, Kevin and Tracy! KEVIN AND HIS WIFE CELEBRATE 8 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

It’s hard to believe it has already been eight years since Tracy and I said “I do” in The Catholic Center at UGA. It was May 25, 2013. The day was sunny, but my new wife was even more beautiful than the weather outside! After we said our vows, we headed to The Foundry in Athens to celebrate with our friends and family. That night was the start of an amazing life together. It sounds cheesy, but since then, things have only gotten better each year. Tracy and I met for the first time through my law school roommate at Mercer University. She was studying accounting, and although we got along, we remained tangential acquaintances throughout my time in law school. But that all changed when I graduated and started working at a local insurance defense firm. My old roommate reintroduced us — this time in a more romantic way. He set us up on a date at Fadó Irish Pub in Midtown.

yet! Tracy arrived right on time (which I truly appreciated as I’m a stickler for punctuality), and we hit it off right away. In fact, the night went so well that I never went on another date with anyone else! Funnily enough, the soon-to-be Patricks had their first date in an Irish pub. Today, Tracy works as an accountant, and I like to say it’s because she has more “cents” than I do. She’s also a very patient, kind mom to our two kids, 5-year-old Michael and 2-year-old Catherine. And I couldn’t ask for a more supportive wife. When I started my firm, it was truly a leap of faith. I didn’t have any cases or clients, but Tracy was there for me. I’ll never forget the day when she told me, “If that’s your dream, I’ll support you unconditionally.” Those words meant a lot. Tracy is so pure of heart that sometimes I think she’s more than I deserve!

would love to go back to The Foundry in Athens where we had our rehearsal dinner and reception. It would be nice to get away for a while and spend a few days strolling down memory lane. Since our anniversary falls on Memorial Day weekend (my favorite holiday), the weather will probably be perfect. I’m looking forward to many more years together!

Looking back, my roommate must have seen a spark we didn't know was there

We haven’t quite decided how to celebrate our eighth anniversary, but I

How to Live to 99

Betty White’s Secrets of Longevity

Beloved “Golden Girls” actress Betty White is still enjoying her golden years. The famed actress celebrated her 99th birthday this January. While she told People magazine that she’s “blessed with good health, so turning 99 is no different than turning 98,” she also had a few tips for folks looking to make it to their centennial birthday. KEEP LAUGHING “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” White says. “You can lie to others — not that I would — but you cannot lie to yourself.” White has undoubtedly provided many laughs to viewers over the years, but she’s not just playing it up for the camera. Laughter is part of what keeps her young. BE OPTIMISTIC White says a good sense of humor also helps her keep a good attitude and look for the positive rather than “dwelling on the downside.” Avoiding negativity also gives her energy. “It takes up too much energy being negative,” she told People magazine. STAY BUSY With nearly eight decades of acting under her belt, six Emmys on her shelf, and over 120 screen credits to her name, White is no stranger to hard work. As she told

Parade in 2018, “I just love to work, so I’ll keep working until they stop asking.” EXERCISE YOUR MIND In addition to her busy work schedule, what keeps Betty White sharp? Crossword puzzles! She told Katie Couric in an interview, “I’m addicted. An admitted addict. I just can’t put ’em down.”

FIND A CAUSE White is a lifelong animal lover. She calls her golden retriever, Pontiac, “the star of the house.” While pet ownership itself comes with proven health benefits, White has channeled her love for animals in bigger causes. She’s been a trustee and board member of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for over 40 years and has done work to help protect endangered species in the wild. Funds raised from White’s official fan club, Bet’s Pets, all go to support animal charities.

EMBRACE YOUR VICES White told Parade she loves vodka and hot dogs “probably in that order,” which just goes to show that you don’t have to forgo your treats to live to 99.

You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cell phone is 404.409.3160.)

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The Bet That Spawned the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich Inside the McDonald’s History Books

Every day, 68 million people dine under the iconic golden arches of McDonald’s. If you’re one of them, then you’re probably intimately familiar with one of the most famous offerings on the menu after the McRib and the Big Mac: the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich. This bestselling entree looks simple enough. It features a fried square of wild-caught fish nestled under a slice of American cheese and a smear of tartar sauce. But it has a contentious history. In fact, Ray Kroc, the owner of McDonald’s who was immortalized in the 2016 movie “The Founder,” didn’t want the fishy offering on the menu. It ended up there anyway for one of the oldest reasons in the world: Kroc lost a bet. The story starts back in 1962 in Cincinnati, Ohio. That year, an enterprising McDonald's franchisee named Lou Groen had a problem. His customer base was largely Catholic and abstained from eating meat on Fridays (not to mention during Lent!), and they weren’t buying enough burgers to keep his restaurant afloat. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, on Fridays, Groen pulled in just $75 per day. To combat that lack of sales, he masterminded a beef-free option, and the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich was born. The problem came when Groen pitched the entree to Ray Kroc. The founder didn't approve. In a 2006 interview with Business Courier, Groen recalled Kroc’s reaction: “You’re always coming up here with a bunch of crap!” he said. “I don’t want my stores stunk up with

the smell of fish.” But at the end of the day, Kroc’s motivation was profit. So the two men made a bet. On Good Friday in 1962, select McDonald's would put both the Filet-O-Fish and a different meatless option, the pineapple-centric Hula Burger, on their menus. The entree that sold the best would stick around. Since you’ve probably dined on a Filet-O-Fish and never heard of the Hula Burger, you can guess what happened. Groen sold 350 Filet- O-Fish sandwiches. And Kroc? Well, he moved just six Hula Burgers. Fishy smell or not, the filet was there to stay. Want to read up on more fast-food capers? Pick up the book “Drive- Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America's Fast-Food Kingdom” by Adam Chandler. His KFC stories will blow your mind.

sudoku

Shaved Asparagus Salad

Tangy citrus and salty Parmesan cheese complement earthy, fresh asparagus, a favorite spring vegetable with a short growing season.

Ingredients • 1 lb asparagus spears

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Directions 1. With a vegetable peeler, shave each asparagus spear from tip to base. This is easiest to do if the asparagus is on a flat surface. 2. Place shaved asparagus in a bowl and blot off excess moisture with a paper towel.

3. In a separate bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. 4. Pour vinaigrette over shaved asparagus and add Parmesan cheese, salt, red pepper flakes,

Solution

and black pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.

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2860 Piedmont Road N.E. • Suite 140 Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Could Vaccine Passports Open Doors for Travel? Inside This Issue 1 Meet Kevin’s First Client (and Her Soon-to-Be Graduate) 2 Kevin and Tracy Celebrate 8 Years Together 99-Year-Old Betty White’s Secrets of Longevity 3 The Bet That Spawned the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich Shaved Asparagus Salad 4 Could Vaccine Passports Open Doors for Travel?

Follow Us @KPatricklaw

Are you hoping to travel this summer? Not like how you “traveled” from your bedroom to your living room couch all this past year, but really travel — get out and see the world beyond your hometown. With the COVID-19 vaccines finally available, millions of people are becoming immune to the virus that has ravaged the global economy, especially in the areas of tourism and hospitality. Industry leaders in these sectors are understandably eager for the vaccine to bring back tourism. Some are hoping vaccine passports will play a part in jump-starting tourism around the world. Vaccine passports are a means by which someone can prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and are, therefore, free to travel internationally. Some countries are eager for the sort of verification these passports could bring, should they exist. The Seychelles, Cyprus, Romania, and other countries have all said they would welcome tourists who could prove they were vaccinated. Now, you might be sitting on the same couch you’ve sat on for the past year, thinking, “Well, I would like to travel internationally after I get vaccinated!” However, this proposal is not without concerns.

Firstly, health care officials still don’t know if vaccinated people can transmit the virus. So, even if they’re vaccinated, they could still spread it to unvaccinated people around the world. Another concern is a vaccine passport’s potential to create classes of “haves” and “have nots” among travelers. Many developing countries won’t receive the vaccine for another few years. Should they be barred from returning to normal? Similarly, could the vaccine passport be abused domestically, enabling private businesses to bar customers from their spaces without proof of vaccination? Finally, what form would these passports take if they were to exist? Would they be on a smartphone app? A laminated card? A verified doctor’s note? So, while the prospect of traveling far and wide this summer after getting vaccinated is exciting, it might be better to temper your expectations for now and hope for clearer guidelines in the near future.

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