Dickerson Oxton - August 2022

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com AUG 2022

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Practice Makes Perfect Comfort With Public Speaking Takes Time

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Experts believe that around 75% of the population fears public speaking. Even lawyers are not immune. Some attorneys choose contract law or do briefings to avoid going to trial or getting up in front of a crowd. But personal injury law isn’t a field where you can hide behind a desk. Aug. 7 is Professional Speakers Day, and talking in front of others is a significant part of my job. Most of my public speaking is in front of juries at trial. It used to make me more nervous than it does now, but I’ve learned to avoid being overwhelmed by focusing on what matters. I remember that while I could put on a show and make it all about me (a lot of attorneys do), that’s not why the jury is there. I focus on telling 12 people what the client I’m representing has experienced. Sure, they’re judging me a bit, but more than that, they’re evaluating the case I put in front of them. I could be the best public speaker in the world, but confidence and rhetoric won’t make up for weak evidence. Trials are the ultimate test of your skills as an attorney, and I enjoy the challenge.

impress our peers, and no one wants to worry that someone in the audience is thinking, “I could do this better.” I think the best way to overcome a fear is by facing it head-on. Wise people say you should do the thing that scares you, and it has worked for me. When I was a very young lawyer, only practicing for a year or less, I volunteered to speak at a continuing legal education seminar. I chose to do an ethics portion that was only an hour-long segment, and Tom took an additional hour. That type of opportunity doesn’t come up very often, so I didn’t want to let it pass. We drove to Wisconsin to attend the seminar, and I remember spending a long time looking over materials and preparing for my segment. It was a really big deal for us at the time, and when the talk went well, I felt proud and accomplished. I’d proven to myself that

I still sometimes get nervous speaking in front of other attorneys, but I’ve found my greatest weapon is being prepared. The more you practice, the better off you’ll be. And in the end, the butterflies in my stomach help keep me on my toes, and they show I care about my work. If public speaking fills you with dread and terror, I recommend a program like Toastmasters or checking out Brian Tracy’s presentation tips. But in my experience, a little nervous energy will do you good. As long as they’re not debilitating, the jitters will help you rise to the occasion and be your best. –Chelsea Dickerson

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

WE WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH!

BOATING ACCIDENTS

I could do it, and it instilled in me early that practice makes perfect.

Keeping up with our past clients is important to us, so when your contact information changes, we want to know about it. If you have a new mailing address, phone number, or email address, please call us at (816) 268-1960 so we can update your file. We look forward to hearing from you!

Another time, I did a half-day session on new developments in personal injury law. Preparing for that was even more work. But whenever possible, I like to break outside my comfort zone. A little bit of pressure keeps you sharp.

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

But speaking in front of colleagues is a whole different matter. We all want to

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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Kansas City is blessed with dozens of parks, and there’s no better time of year to check out what they have to offer. Whether you’re looking to splash around, fly a kite, have a picnic, blow off some energy, or simply enjoy nature, there are plenty of destinations only a short drive away. Isn’t it time you tried something new? Our top picks are below! FOR THE KIDS: MEADOWBROOK PARK If you have children who need to burn off energy — or if you want to give them an experience they’ll never forget — head over to Meadowbrook Park. Playgrounds are available for younger and older kids, with recommended ages listed on the equipment. Depending on their ages, your children can navigate a ropes course, rock climb, play musical instruments, or use traditional playground equipment. There’s still plenty for adults, A DAY IN THE

Lulu captured the hearts of the Altsmans when their daughter asked them to pet-sit her overweight pot-bellied pig. The pair quickly fell in love with Lulu, and their bond got stronger each day. This relationship was literally life-saving when the wife suffered a heart attack one August afternoon. Jo Ann Altsman was home alone with Lulu and their dog, Bear, when the incident occurred. Her husband was off on a fishing trip, and the pair didn’t have any neighbors nearby. Bear began to bark to try and get someone’s attention, but Lulu knew she had to do something before it was too late. So, she made her way out of the doggie door, which badly scraped her belly as she exited. Lulu had never left the yard, but today was different. To get some attention, she decided to lie down in the middle of the road and play dead until a car stopped to check on her. After several minutes of lying on the street, several cars passed by but didn’t stop. So, she checked on her owner, then squeezed through the doggie door and lay down on the road again. After 45 minutes, a gentleman on a motorcycle pulled over to check on Lulu. She immediately perked up and began walking toward the house, leaving a trail of blood behind her as she walked. The man followed Lulu and found Altsman unconscious on the ground. He quickly dialed 911 and asked for assistance. When the medics put her owner in the ambulance, Lulu attempted to get in with them. Of course, she couldn’t come, so she began to squeal as she watched the medics take her mom away. Thankfully, Lulu’s wounds were attended to, and Altsman received life-saving open-heart surgery at the Beaver Medical Center. Because of her loyalty and creative thinking, this pot-bellied pig became a celebrity overnight! She was a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and the “Late Show With David Letterman.” Everyone fell in love with Lulu and her heroism. She Saved Her Owner From a Heart Attack LULU THE PIG IS A HERO!

including playing pickleball, using the outdoor exercise equipment, or just admiring the trails and fish-filled ponds. You can learn more about what to expect at IFamilyKC.com/blog/guide/meadowbrook-park .

Everyone hates paying for insurance, and countless commercials promise us ways to make coverage cost less. When everything is going well in life, paying for insurance can feel like throwing money into a black hole. But when things go wrong, it can act as a life preserver. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize their low-cost coverage won’t protect them until a time of crisis. If you have only minimum car insurance coverage, you’re underinsured. Unfortunately, we must break that news to many people at the worst possible time. They come to us for help after an injury, but due to low coverage amounts, we sadly have to tell them there’s nothing we can do. It’s a tragic situation we want to prevent other people from experiencing. So, now is the time to look at your coverage and confirm whether you have what you need. But how can you know what’s enough? One of the most critical parts of your car insurance policy is your Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. The liability coverage in your policy will protect other people if you harm them through negligence. But the UM/UIM portion of the policy protects you if you’re ever the victim of a hit-and-run, unlicensed, or underinsured driver. We encourage everyone to have a minimum of The Coverage You Don ARE YOU UND

Thank you, Lulu, for being a loyal and brave pet!

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DESTINATIONS PARK

KC’S TOP OUTDOOR

FOR WATER LOVERS: LONGVIEW LAKE PARK Longview Lake Park is one of your best destinations to beat the heat this summer. Visitors have their pick of water-based fun. Those who prefer a calmer experience can kick back and relax on the sand or wade in the water, while those looking for an adrenaline rush can rent a boat and try their hand at water-skiing. Other activities include biking, hiking, and fishing, and the excitement on display at the Longview Horse Park is sure to keep you entertained. Get more details to plan your trip by visiting MakeYourDayHere.com/facilities/longview-lake-park . FOR A LAZY DAY: LOOSE PARK Sometimes, you just want to enjoy nature with a friend, and Loose Park provides a great opportunity. The park has a playground to keep kids busy and a tennis court for those who want to sneak in their daily cardio. But this park is best suited to those who want to take a leisurely stroll through the miles of winding pathways. Visitors can check out the on-site pond, the 1.5-acre rose garden, and the garden center. And those who book in advance can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony at the Japanese Tea Room and Garden! Get all the details you need in advance by visiting KCParks.org/places/loose-park .

TAKE A BREAK

TASTY BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN

Inspired by Delish.com

n’t Have Can Hurt You DERINSURED?

Fresh tomatoes and basil abound in August, practically begging to become bruschetta! This recipe turns that appetizer into a main dish.

$100,000 coverage per person and $300,000 per incident. Any less than that and you’re putting your future and your family’s future at risk.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness • 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided • 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 3 tomatoes, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste • 4 slices mozzarella cheese • Parmesan cheese, grated

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Kansas and Med-Pay coverage in Missouri — depending on which side of the state line you’re on — are another crucial part of your auto insurance policy. These benefits help pay for medical bills for the insured person and any passengers injured in a car accident. Kansas requires a minimum of $4,500 in PIP coverage, but we recommend purchasing higher limits if you can. Med- Pay in Missouri is not required and is optional, meaning you may not get those benefits at all unless you ask your agent or make a note to opt into the coverage if you buy a policy online. Most people do not, so it is important to make sure this is included in your coverage. Finally, consider an umbrella policy. It will cover damages over what your other insurance will pay, and it’s less expensive than you think. In the event of an accident, it could make or break your family’s future. No one likes paying for insurance, but a tragedy due to improper planning is far worse. Don’t risk it — a few extra dollars today can make all the difference tomorrow.

DIRECTIONS

1. Add chicken to a large resealable bag. 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Turn a grill to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Discard the marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. 4. Combine the remaining lemon juice, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 5. Before taking the chicken off the grill, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes, then serve topped with the tomato mixture and grated Parmesan cheese.

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

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

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Chelsea’s Public Speaking Tips

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Pigs Are Brave and Loyal Pets, Too!

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Highlighting KC’s Best Parks

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Don’t Get Caught With Inadequate Insurance

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Tasty Bruschetta Chicken

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4 Reasons to Start Golfing This Summer

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Tee Off This Summer 4 GREAT BENEFITS OF GOLF

IT’LL DRAW YOU OUTSIDE. Most of us can use some additional time outdoors, and golf provides the perfect opportunity. Between rolling hills, picturesque ponds, and lush trees, the golf course is a beautiful setting. Even if you’re playing poorly, you can still enjoy being outside for a few hours out of your day. IT’S FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. Golf isn’t just for businessmen. Anyone can find

Golf is an enjoyable sport that anyone can participate in regardless of experience, ability, and age. There’s nothing quite like teeing off on the first hole after a difficult week of work. Though it can certainly be frustrating at times, golf is a fun sport with many amazing perks. Reading the following benefits will make you want to head to your local course, even if you’re not a regular golfer. IT’S GREAT EXERCISE. Playing a full 18 holes of golf can be exhausting and for good reason. Swinging a golf club works your forearms, core, shoulders, and back muscles. If you choose to walk the course, you’ll be getting in a great workout as the average course length is about 4 miles. You can also carry your golf bag for an even better workout. IT BUILDS CHARACTER. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned golfer or on the course for the first time, you are not going to have a perfect round. You may miss a putt or end up in the sand trap, but you decide how you react to the situation. You can get mad and potentially play worse or understand that everything is not always going to work out in golf. That lesson can even be applied to your everyday life.

enjoyment in the game. It can be a great weekend activity for the entire family or the perfect bonding experience between relatives. There are par 3 courses across the country that offer an easier experience for new golfers, and you can always play nine holes instead of 18 to cut down on time and conserve energy.

ADVERTISING MATERIAL: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. This newsletter is provided to former clients, individuals who have contacted the firm regarding representation, and individuals who have requested to be on the newsletter mailing list. This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or direct solicitation for employment of the firm on any particular legal matter.

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