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JULY 2025
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
More Than a Game What Baseball Legends Taught Me About Life, Law, and Legacy
There is something timeless about summertime and baseball. It’s the sound of the bat cracking, the cheers echoing through a warm stadium, and for me, a connection to life, legacy, and law. As an attorney and a human being, baseball has been more than a pastime; it has been a source of perspective. And three players, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Hank Aaron, have shaped how I think about my work, community, and the kind of lawyer I strive to be. Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, is a symbol of courage and dignity. While we sit back and enjoy today’s game, I often think about Jackie’s immense sacrifice. He endured abuse and isolation for the love of the game and the fight for equality. His legacy is a powerful reminder that progress is not always comfortable, but it is necessary. As a lawyer, I try to carry that respect forward. Every case we take deserves our best effort, even when it is tough.
Robinson taught me that hard work and integrity matter, especially under pressure.
legacy is a daily lesson in showing up and doing the work, day in and day out. Never flashy, always focused. He is a part of our city’s story, and he is a part of mine, too. I never played baseball growing up; I actually played soccer, but the lessons the sport offers are universal: Work hard. Respect the umpire’s call, even when you disagree. Leave the dugout cleaner than you found it. As an attorney, that translates into staying respectful of the judge and the courtroom, treating every case with care, and always leaving things better than they were. This summer, as the stadiums fill and the evenings stretch long, I find myself reflecting on those lessons — on Jackie Robinson’s grace, Roberto Clemente’s heart, and Hank Aaron’s resilience — and on how the real victories come from how we treat others, how we rise after setbacks, and how we show up when it matters most. Baseball, like law, is full of close calls and difficult innings. But it is also full of grace, redemption, and the opportunity to do good. In this season of sun and sports, I am reminded to keep showing
Roberto Clemente was a standout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and a humanitarian at heart. His dedication to helping others, even to the point of losing his life delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, will always move me. I think of Clemente when I reflect on how our firm tries to serve the community as best we can. His example inspires me to look beyond the courtroom. Whether it’s through charitable efforts or being present for those who need us, I hope to lead a firm that, like Clemente, puts people first. Then there’s Hank Aaron, the pride of Atlanta, and a true legend. “Hammerin’ Hank” taught us about quiet strength and consistency. Despite facing discrimination, he carried himself with grace and perseverance, becoming one of the greatest to ever play the game. For me, his
up, keep swinging, and always honor the game, both on the field and in the courtroom.
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 1
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Breaking Fireworks Rules Can Cost More Than You Think Before You Light the Fuse Nothing is quite like the Fourth of July in Georgia and the dazzling boom of fireworks lighting up the Southern sky. But behind the sparkle and celebration is a serious truth: Fireworks, while festive, can be dangerous when handled carelessly or illegally. So, before you strike a match, here is what you need to know to keep your celebration safe, legal, and injury-free. KNOW THE LAW BEFORE YOU LIGHT IT UP. Georgia loves fireworks, but the state has rules. You must be at least 18 to purchase them, and there are strict guidelines on when and where they can be used. Most days, fireworks are allowed between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., with extended hours on July 3 and 4. But think twice before lighting up just anywhere. Fireworks are not allowed on public roads, in parks, or near hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, gas stations, or power stations. And launching them under the influence? Not only illegal, but incredibly reckless. Also, ditch the dangerous idea of celebratory gunfire. What may seem like tradition is a life-threatening act that can (and does) cause permanent harm or death. A bullet fired into the sky does not disappear. It comes down, and it comes down hard. SPARK JOY, NOT EMERGENCIES. Fireworks send thousands to the ER annually, and most injuries happen around Independence Day. The good news? A few smart precautions go a long way.
Create Meaningful Holiday Memories With Your Kids Traditions Start Here Festive national holidays offer a great opportunity to strengthen family ties and traditions. While most people regard the end-of-year holidays as prime time for family get-togethers, you can make great memories in any season — including the Fourth of July! To foster traditions your loved ones will enjoy, start when your children are young. Repeat your chosen rituals year after year, but stay flexible enough to update them to suit your kids’ developmental stages. EMPHASIZE LIVE ACTION Activities that immerse your children in sights, sounds, smells, and live action can be the most memorable. Community Fourth of July parades offer a great opportunity to socialize with neighbors and friends of all ages. To make memories, don’t just watch the parade — encourage your kids to join it! Midsummer is a great time to participate in light-hearted three-legged races, an egg toss, and sack races. As kids age, consider holding a Fourth of July Family Bowl for an annual game of soccer, softball, or touch football. At day’s end, fireworks offer a chance to gather in a lawn chair or on a blanket in the grass and enjoy some favorite snacks. CAPITALIZE ON FAMILY FOIBLES Think about traditions that evoke some quirk or twist unique to your family. If your kids love water balloons, a red, white, and blue water balloon fight can leave them laughing. Your family’s favorite films about patriotism or national identity may include fantasy tales, such as the animated 1986 immigrants’ story “An American Tail,” or darker stories, such as “Born on the Fourth of July,” the 1989 film on a Vietnam vet’s struggles after the war. Whatever your preference, watching a beloved movie together as a family can reinforce shared values. For maximum fun, ban cellphones and make lots of popcorn. MAKE IT MATTER Decorating your house and yard with flags, red-white-and-blue bunting, and patriotic pinwheels can help children get into the spirit. To create a tangible memoir, take photos of the fun and print them for an album or deposit them in a “Fourth of July Memory Jar.” When you pull them out next year, those images will spark plenty of laughs!
•
Read every label before lighting
• Light fireworks outdoors, away from people and structures • Keep water nearby in case things go sideways • Never give fireworks to young children • Only light one at a time and never relight a dud
CELEBRATE THE RIGHT WAY. The Fourth is about freedom, family, and a little flash in the sky, not injury reports and 911 calls. Keep your celebration joyful by knowing the rules and respecting the risks. And if someone else’s negligence takes the spark out of your holiday, our firm is here to stand by your side.
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.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
When the Streets Heat Up, So Do the Risks YOUR SUMMER SAFETY GUIDE FOR SHARING THE ROAD IN ATLANTA
With longer days and warmer evenings, Atlanta’s streets, parks, and neighborhoods come alive during the summer. More people are out walking, jogging, and biking in the sunshine, but this also brings an unfortunate rise in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Knowing how to stay safe on the road is essential for everyone, whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot. UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicyclist fatalities are at their highest between June and September, with the vast majority occurring in urban settings like Atlanta. In 2023 alone, 1,166 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes. Staying alert is key to everyone’s safety, especially in intersections, parking lots, and crosswalks. SMART SAFETY HABITS FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS Cyclists should always wear helmets and use hand signals to communicate clearly with nearby
into the street. Additionally, avoiding distractions like texting or wearing headphones is vital for walkers and riders. HOW DRIVERS CAN HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS Motorists play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable road users. Defensive driving can prevent collisions, especially in high-traffic areas or near parks, trails, and event zones. Drivers should always check blind spots before backing up or turning, stop fully at red lights and look both ways before turning, yield to cyclists as you would to other vehicles, avoid passing too closely and always give space when overtaking cyclists, and stay aware of their surroundings in parking lots, intersections, and driveways. YOUR RIGHTS AFTER AN ACCIDENT Despite everyone’s best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Contact our firm to understand your rights and take the next steps toward recovery.
traffic. Heeding traffic signals, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians isn’t just common courtesy; it’s the law. Pedestrians can stay safe by using crosswalks, wearing reflective gear when walking at night, and making eye contact with drivers before stepping
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
TAKE A BREAK
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients •
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• • • • • •
2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• • • • •
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
Chili flakes, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided
Directions 1.
Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
Solution
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Inside This Issue
1
Summer, Baseball, and the Quiet Lessons That Shape Kevin Patrick Law
2
Create Holiday Traditions That Last
The Fireworks Laws Every Georgian Should Know
3
Stay Safe on 2 Feet or 2 Wheels This Summer
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
4
The Art of Quiet Kindness
Kindness That Lasts Being There for Someone Who’s Struggling
FOCUS ON SMALL GESTURES. Along with providing company, you can support your loved one with simple gestures — a phone call, handwritten note, or warm meal. These acts remind them that someone cares and that they are not alone. Continuing to show up for your friend even after the rest of the world has moved on can have an even greater impact. There’s no specific script to follow, but small efforts all add up and may matter more than you’ll ever know. If you have a friend or family member going through a hard time, validating their experience and being present for them can be all they need. While they may not remember what you said, they won’t forget you showed up and stayed when they needed you most.
We’ve all experienced bouts of bad mood and even occasional depression. While difficult to go through, it can be equally challenging to see someone we care about hurting and not know how to help. The main thing to remember is that providing support isn’t about fixing things; it’s about showing up in meaningful ways. SKIP THE PEP TALKS AND LISTEN. For many of us, our initial instinct is to rush to lift our loved one’s spirits and help them break out of a bad mood. However, offering them space and a calm ear is often the best thing we can do. Friendly company can be comforting even if they’re not ready to talk. Just be sure they don’t feel pressure to do or say anything. This might mean bingeing a favorite TV show together or just being with one another in the same room.
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