Take a look at our May newsletter!
MAY 2022
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Got Fire? We’ll Bring the S’mores! CLAIM YOUR FREE S’MORES KIT TODAY
I’ve made an executive decision: From now on, May 26 is KPL Client Appreciation Day! To celebrate, we’re giving away s’mores kits to all of our newsletter readers. This Memorial Day weekend, you and your loved ones can get together, share the camaraderie of building a fire, and make delicious treats on us. My team and I chose s’mores because making them is a big event in my family. We love few things more than gathering around the fire in fine weather and stacking up our graham
can also say hello to the team, and we’ll have refreshments available. There’s nothing better than a cold Coke to combat Georgia’s spring heat! 3. Take a photo of your s’mores experience, share it on social media, and tag our firm (we’re at Facebook.com/ patricktriallaw/ on Facebook or @kpatricklaw on Instagram). You can also use the hashtag #kplappreciationday. We’d love to see you, your kids, and even your pets enjoying your time around the fire. Get creative with your s’mores and try my Reese’s swap or another variation! I truly can’t wait to see those photos. If you’re a KPL client, I probably met you under challenging circumstances. Maybe you were in a car accident and dealing with medical bills and doctor appointments. Either way, it was probably a negative time in your life — but I know that’s not all of who you are. By tagging us in these photos, you’re sharing the other, happier side of your life we don’t always get a glimpse of. That means a lot, because seeing our clients feeling better, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the little things reminds us of why we do what we do! After all, the little things in life are really the big things. FROM NOW ON, MAY 26 IS KPL CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY! TO CELEBRATE, WE’RE GIVING AWAY S’MORES KITS TO ALL OF OUR NEWSLETTER READERS. I hope to see your email in my inbox and to hand you your s’mores personally on May 26. Happy KPL Client Appreciation Day!
crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey’s. (My secret to the tastiest s’mores is swapping out the chocolate for a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. It’s an amazing signature twist.) We also chose this sweet treat because our clients have been sweet to us. We truly appreciate your referrals, word-of-mouth
recommendations, and the trust you’ve placed in us to handle your
cases. The least we can do is take a moment to say thank you. Our kits make 18 s’mores so you can share our gratitude with your friends and family. To claim your free s’mores kit just in time for Memorial Day weekend, follow these steps:
1. Email me at Kevin@patricktriallaw.com on or before Friday, May 20, to reserve your s’mores kit.
2. Stop by the office (2860 Piedmont Road, N.E., Suite 140, Atlanta, Georgia 30305) between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, to pick up your complimentary kit. You
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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A Timeless and Influential Book
IT’S TIME TO READ OR REREAD THIS CLASSIC
“How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie has stood the test of time. Published in 1936, this book has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Relating to the key relationships of humans, the book embodies self- improvement, communication, relationship building, and compassion. Every working professional or individual rubbing elbows in their social group needs it in their toolbox! If you haven’t already experienced the influential and game-changing words of Dale Carnegie, it’s time to pick up a copy. If you’ve already read it, it’s time to give it another read to review and remember because there is still much value to unfold. Embedded within each page of this easy-to-read book are recommendations for creating, building upon, and improving successful and positive relationships within your life, whether it be with friends, family members, coworkers, network professionals, or supervisors. Written and published more than 85 years ago, its life lessons and thought-
provoking suggestions still apply today because, while technology, education, and infrastructure have all advanced, our basic human tendencies and the way we interact remain the same.
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you,” Dale Carnegie states. In “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” he explores the importance of putting the needs, interests, and values of others before your own and how to handle situations for the best possible outcome. It takes a deep dive into getting to know yourself before learning how to bond with others on a personal and/or professional level. This book, a brilliant study on human nature, will have you wondering why you didn’t read it sooner while reflecting on situations and interactions you
could have handled differently. But most importantly, Carnegie’s pointers are sure to provide amazing insights while you learn to get along with just about anyone.
The Statute of Limitations, Explained HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A LAWSUIT?
There’s no doubt about it: The best time to pursue a personal injury lawsuit is immediately after you or your loved one is hurt. This is true for car accidents, truck wrecks, day care injuries, and more. But if you don’t do it right away, don’t give up hope. There’s still time to take action!
case! Your best bet is to contact a lawyer right away, even if you think you might qualify for the extension.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT RULES FOR MINORS? Yes! The two-year statute of limitations only applies to adults. For people under 18, the two-year clock doesn’t start ticking down until their 18th birthday. Basically, that means an injured child has until they turn 20 to file a claim and seek justice — but it’s not a good idea to wait that long. ARE THERE ANY OTHER EXCEPTIONS? As a matter of fact, there are! Some car accident cases can be more nuanced. For example, if a driver hit someone and the police gave them a citation, the two-year statute of limitations doesn’t start running until they take action on that citation. They have to pay a fine or plead guilty, for example, for the statute to kick in. If they sit on the citation, then the person injured has more time to file. Ultimately, the sooner you file suit, the better your odds are of winning your case, because witness accounts and other evidence will be fresh. Don’t wait.
HOW LONG AFTER AN ACCIDENT CAN I FILE MY SUIT? Here in Georgia, we have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means if you’re reading this in May 2022, you can still file a claim for an accident as far back as May 2020. Of course, there are some exceptions and modifications to this rule. HOW DID COVID-19 IMPACT THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS? COVID-19 disrupted our justice system along with everything else. As a result, the Supreme Court of Georgia issued a Judicial Emergency Order that increased the statute of limitations by 122 days for cases in a specific time frame. That said, you shouldn’t count on that extension applying to your
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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Good News: Your Settlement Is (Probably) Tax-Free! Know Your Rights Next Tax Season
This tax season, several clients reached out to our team at Kevin Patrick Law with the same question: “Do I have to pay taxes on the money I received in my settlement?” We’re so glad you asked! It’s important to know your rights as a taxpayer. To help you in future tax years, we put together this quick guide. THE TAX BASICS As a general rule, you do not have to pay taxes on your settlement if it was for physical injuries, physical sickness, emotional distress, or mental anguish. Most of the settlements we win for our clients fall into these categories and are entirely tax-free. However … THE EXCEPTIONS Depending on your circumstances, you may have to pay taxes on part of your settlement. If you took an itemized deduction for medical expenses related to your injury in a prior year, for example, you’ll need to include the amount
of that deduction as income. Specifically, you should report it as “Other Income” on line 21 of your Form 1040. Here’s an example. Imagine you were injured in a car crash in August 2019 and had to go to the hospital. When it was time to pay your 2019 taxes in April 2020, you deducted your hospital bills to get a tax break. Then, in 2021, you received a settlement covering your medical bills. You would have to count the portion of the settlement covering your 2019 hospital bills as “Other Income” on your Form 1040. This gets more complicated if you’ve deducted medical expenses related to your injury multiple times over several years. You might want to ask an accountant for help, as it can get a bit tricky! HELPFUL RESOURCES To learn more about these nuances, reference the IRS “Settlements — Taxability” report at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4345.pdf and the agency’s other resources at IRS. gov/government-entities/tax-implications-of-settlements-and-judgments. Hopefully, this guide was helpful! Hang on to it if you expect a settlement in 2022, or pass it on to a friend or family member who’s in the middle of a case so they can reference it next tax season.
Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad
Take A Break
This refreshing and seasonal salad will go great with whatever meat you throw on the grill this Memorial Day.
Ingredients • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup olive oil •
• 1/3 cup raw, sliced almonds • 5 oz organic spinach • 2 cups strawberries, halved • 1 large avocado, sliced • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta crumbles • 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 tbsp strawberry jam • Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, and strawberry jam. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. 2. In a pan, toast the almonds over medium heat until they are golden brown. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach. Then layer on strawberries, avocado, red onion,
Solution
feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios. 4. Toss dressing in salad or serve on the side.
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2860 Piedmont Road N.E. • Suite 140 Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Inside This Issue 1 Claim Your Free S’mores! 2 This Book Has Stood the Test of Time It’s Not Too Late for Your Lawsuit 3 The Tax Rules for Your Settlement Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad 4 Moms, Treat Yourselves This Mother’s Day
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
How Moms Should Celebrate This Mother’s Day Do It Your Way
Let’s face it: The kids probably aren’t going to get you what you really want for Mother’s Day. We know it’s the thought that counts, but you've still earned some pampering. It might be time to take matters into your own hands by celebrating yourself this year — no matter what your children and/or partner have planned. Here are some ideas to get you started.
manicures, or just a bottle of wine and a good laugh. Having the opportunity to catch up with the gals you love the most can be a great way to rejuvenate. Create a group text and get the party planning started! HAVE A DATE NIGHT — WITH THE PERSON OF YOUR CHOOSING. With whom would you most like to spend some alone time? If it’s your partner, arrange a romantic evening for adults only. If it’s your best friend, schedule a fun outing. Maybe your ideal
TAKE THE DAY OFF. It might be the greatest gift any mother can give herself. Let your partner, the grandparents, or a babysitter take care of the kids for the day and spend time doing what you want to do. Maybe that’s sleeping in late, finally going to see a grown-up movie in a theater, reading a juicy novel, or going on a shopping spree. It doesn't matter what you choose — not having to worry about temper tantrums, meals, or bedtime is the true gift here.
Mother’s Day involves the kids after all! If so, plan some one-on-one time with each of them, doing something special you know they’ll love. Whomever you choose as your date, you’ll feel more connected (and appreciated) than ever.
If your special Sunday is already booked with family activities, remember you can always pick another weekend to treat yourself. That way, you can still get your ideal day — and enjoy the kid-prepared breakfast you’ve come to expect and love.
ENJOY A GIRLS’ DAY OUT. You probably don't get to see your friends as much as you'd like, so take the time to get together for some kid-free fun. You can treat yourself to brunch,
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