Dickerson Oxton August 2018

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com

AUG. 2018

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

Finding My Calling FROM JOURNALISM TO LAW Last month, Tom shared his story of what led him to become a lawyer. So as his partner in marriage and in law, I’d like to complete the picture by sharing with you my own journey into the legal world. After all, the last thing Tom and I want to be to our clients is strangers! public defender’s office, helping to defend the rights of people accused of crimes. While I didn’t see myself going into criminal law, I was inspired by the selflessness of those public defenders and found

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

the work of standing up for the little guy against federal prosecutors extremely rewarding. I was finally doing what I’d wanted with my journalism degree: I was helping give voice to people in need. Then graduation came, and Tom and I found ourselves starting our lives together. We moved to Kansas City after Tom got a position at a big firm, and life felt like it was going to be pretty straightforward for a while. But it soon became clear that we needed to be our own bosses. Tom and I share a passion for doing the right thing, and that sort of attitude doesn’t always agree with the structure of those big, one-size-fits-all firms. So long story short, Tom quit his job in less than three weeks, and we found ourselves creating this firm together. It was like jumping into the deep end. Both of us were fresh out of law school and had no management experience, but we somehow made it work. I still remember one of the first clients we had back when we were at our first location in a strip mall. We were approached by a young man and his family after a motorcycle accident had left him with a traumatic brain injury. He would live with the disabilities for the rest of his life, yet the insurance company didn’t want to give him a cent. The family had already been turned down by another attorney, and we could see why. It was far from a clear-cut case, and establishing fault was going to be an uphill battle. But we didn’t start this firm to turn away people because helping them would be hard. We fought tooth and nail with the insurance adjusters and finally got the results our client wanted. Seeing the look of sheer relief on that young man’s face when he came in with his father to pick up his check was deeply moving. I knew then that I’d found my calling. Eight years later, Tom and I still love what we do. We may have a larger office and a bigger team around us now, but at the end of the day, we get to help give a voice to the voiceless.

What surprises many people when I tell this story is that I didn’t initially want to be a lawyer at all. Throughout my undergraduate years, I had my heart set on becoming a journalist. I wrote for the school paper, secured internships, and jumped through all the hoops the industry expects a young reporter to go through. But the further I got into the industry, the less I liked it. Local journalism just wasn’t very intellectually stimulating. I wanted to be out in the world, telling real people’s stories and making a difference for them. Instead, I was largely stranded behind a desk. I began thinking of other careers that could play to my strengths, where my talents for writing and research could be leveraged to help people. I brought this up with my parents, and my dad was quick to remind me that I had one other talent I was overlooking. He said, “Well, you’ve always been good at arguing,” and suggested I look into law school. For those of you who remember Tom’s story from last month — yes, both he and I decided to study law thanks to our parents who thought we were a little too good at talking back. What can I say? My dad had a good point. So I took a marketing job to save up some money while I studied for the LSAT. A year later, I started classes at Creighton University School of Law. On my very first day of class and in an auditorium full of people, I happened to sit next to a charming student named Thomas Dickerson. It’s amazing how little serendipitous moments like this can have an impact on the rest of your life. While my friendship with Tom blossomed, I was faced with trying to decide what area of law I wanted to go into. Growing up, Tom knew a personal injury lawyer who served as his role model, but I didn’t know any attorneys before starting law school. I would be the first attorney in my family. I took a torts class my first year with an amazing professor who presented the subject matter in new and exciting ways. As time wore on, I was lucky enough to clerk with the Kansas federal

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Our business is a family business built on referrals, and we invite and appreciate referrals from you. Referring a family member or friend to us on an injury or other legal matter is the best compliment we can receive. We practice personal injury law, but if you ever have any type of legal problem, we would be happy to see how we can help you. 1 Chelsea Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

Kansas Drivers UNDERSTAND YOUR PIP BENEFITS Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits is a program set in place to take the pressure off Kansas drivers who have been injured in an auto accident. If your auto insurance is based in Kansas, you pay into this program and should know the options that are available to you in the event of a car wreck. As a “no fault” state, Kansas requires your insurance company to pay your medical bills up to the PIP limit, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This ensures that everyone involved in the crash can get access to care before sorting out who’s to blame for the accident. This is important because personal injury claims, even with the assistance of a dedicated team of attorneys, can take time to go through. PIP bridges this gap, allowing you to get the care you need without the risk of going into default while pursuing your claim. FAULT DOESN’T MATTER

With the school year fast approaching, families are in preparation mode. Parents are busy buying new clothes and school supplies and thinking about the best way to get their kids safely to school. Keeping your child safe on their commute starts with knowing the transportation method that works best for you and the rules that accompany that method. TAKING THE SCHOOL BUS According to the United States Department of Transportation, the school bus is the safest means of transportation to and from school. Buses are built to withstand a hit and distribute the damage throughout the vehicle, keeping its passengers safe and sound. Knowing basic bus safety will help kids be mindful when taking the bus. Before the school year starts, take your children to the bus stop and show them where they should stand when the bus approaches — a minimum of three large steps or 6 feet from the street. Tell your kids about the importance of sitting still and not standing in the bus while it’s in motion. YOUNG PEDESTRIANS ON THE ROAD Whether your child is biking, walking, or even skateboarding, it’s vital that they know and follow the rules of the road. All children should practice road safety behavior, such as riding on the right side of the road, wearing helmets, stopping at stop signs, and watching out for cars. Internalizing these habits will help them stay aware of their surroundings when traveling to and from school. SHARING THE ROAD When school starts, the roads become even more cluttered than usual. On top of people heading to work, there are large buses making frequent stops, parents rushing to drop their kids off, and young kids biking or walking to school. With the added tension on the road, it’s important to be alert and move cautiously. Slowing down in school zones or around young pedestrians will keep you vigilant and could potentially save lives. Teach your kids to be prepared and safe on the road to ensure that they have a healthy and safe school year. Transportation Safety Tips PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN DURING THEIR COMMUTE

YOUR PREMIUMS WON’T INCREASE

Under PIP, you do not have to worry about your premiums increasing because you sought treatment after an accident. Again,

Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye. Traumatic events, from car crashes to dog bites, can leave you with emotional wounds that may never fully heal. To make matters worse, these damages are pernicious. Despite the real harm they do, emotional trauma can be hard to identify — even within ourselves. IDENTIFYING EMOTIONAL TRAUMA

Make no mistake, these invisible injuries do leave lasting effects on

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TAKE A BREAK

recovery rather than their bank accounts. If you have any questions about PIP or how it might apply to Missouri residents involved in an accident while driving in Kansas, give our firm a call at 816-268-1960. We’re happy to answer your questions!

regardless of fault, the medical treatment you receive while covered by PIP will not make your insurance more expensive. You will not be financially punished for seeking treatment after a crash.

YOUR FAMILY IS PROTECTED

Some drivers may be unaware that PIP’s medical coverage also extends to any family members who may have been in the vehicle with you. This can greatly alleviate the financial stress of having a loved one involved in an accident.

Operating in Kansas City for over eight years, our firm is deeply familiar

with the ins and outs of

PIP benefits. It’s a great tool that allows our Kansas clients to focus on

GreenBean and Sesame Salad

a friend or loved one about what you feel can be a great salve, but if the emotional pain persists, you should seek help from a medical professional.

our health, relationships, and professional lives. Counseling and other medical solutions can help you overcome emotional damage, but you first need to be able to identify it within yourself. If you have been injured, keep an eye out for the following symptoms.

ingredients

• • • • • • • •

3 cups green beans, ends trimmed 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

PHYSICAL MANIFESTATIONS

LINGERING ANXIETY

Your mind isn’t the only thing responding to this trauma. Anxiety may cause you to startle easy or have sore muscles from tensing up. Depression may cause you to lose your appetite and feel fatigued throughout the day. These emotional struggles can have severe effects on your life and often require professional help to overcome. If your trauma was caused by the negligence of another, you can be compensated for the emotional damages they have caused. A team of personal injury experts, like those at Dickerson Oxton Law Firm, can help you understand the legalities of pursuing this compensation. We’d also be happy to point you in the direction of medical or counseling resources if you are looking for recommendations.

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted 1 small red onion, finely chopped Small bunch of fresh mint Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley

It’s normal to feel anxious in the aftermath of a severe injury. But when those feelings of fear and doubt persist, they may be signs of a deeper issue. Sometimes this anxiety will be nearly constant, though it will more frequently arise when you’re confronted with elements related to your trauma. Those involved in a bad motorcycle crash may find it nerve-wracking to get on the bike again. Those who have been bit by a dog may feel unsafe around other dogs.

Salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil; cook green beans for 4–5 minutes; drain well. 2. In a blender, mix finely chopped mint and parsley with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined. 3. Add dressing, onion, and sesame

HOPELESSNESS

Physical trauma, especially when it leaves you physically disabled, often leads to depression. Depression comes in many forms and manifests in different ways. If you feel listless, irritable, or just plain hopeless, please reach out to someone. Talking with

seeds to beans. Toss together. Cool dish, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Inspired by Delicious magazine.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1200 Main St. Ste. 2120 Kansas City, MO 64105

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com

inside

THIS ISSUE

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Chelsea’s Journey Keep Your Kids Safe on the Way to School What Is PIP? Warning Signs of Emotional Damage Take a Break Green Bean and Sesame Salad The Worst Poet Ever Known

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In Celebration of Bad Poetry Day

WILLIAM TOPAZ MCGONAGALL

tone, but McGonagall was not a man of humor and took it very seriously. It solidified his need to write poetry for the next 25 years. His most known poem is called “The Tay Bridge Disaster.” Some lines include vivid imagery such as, “and the rain came pouring down / and the dark clouds seem to frown / and the Demon of the air seem’d to say — / ‘I’ll blow down the Bridge of Tay.’” McGonagall published over 200 poems in his life, each written with the same simple rhyme scheme, disregard for meter, and rudimentary diction. McGonagall strived for fame as a poet, but what he received in response to his poems was mockery. His complete works along with his autobiography continue to sell today. Though he is known as the worst poet in history, people continue to enjoy his verse, one way or another.

There have been multitudes of great poets throughout history who have gained admiration for their work. However, for every great poet, there many more poor poets. William Topaz McGonagall happens to be one of the latter and is considered to be the worst in history. McGonagall was born in Edinburgh and began writing poetry in 1877 after a voice told him to “Write! Write!” The first poem he wrote was in regard to a Reverend George Gilfillan, which he sent to the weekly news to publish with only his initials. The editor did in fact publish the poem, though with an added note, which McGonagall quotes in his autobiography — “W. McG., Dundee, has sent us a poem in praise of the Rev. George Gilfillan, and he sung his praises truly and well, but he modestly seeks to hide his light under a bushel.” The comment was meant to have a humorous

Although it is not as well-known as the major holidays throughout the year, on August 18, Bad Poetry Day catches the attention of literature enthusiasts throughout the nation.

Our business is a family business built on referrals, and we invite and appreciate referrals from you. Referring a family member or friend to us on an injury or other legal matter is the best compliment we can receive. We practice personal injury law, but if you ever have any type of legal problem, we would be happy to see how we can help you.

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