Dickerson Oxton - January 2022

Dickerson Oxton - January 2022

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

JAN 2022

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Mother Knows Best

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

“My mom always saw something in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself. Since I was young, she thought I needed a challenge and asked teachers to give me one. She constantly nudged me in the right direction — even when I resisted.”

A Thank You and Farewell

January is National Thank You Month, and I want to use it as an opportunity to thank my mom, Mary. She recently passed away, so I’ve been thinking about how lucky I was to have her in my life. Mom always looked out for me, challenged me, and wanted the best for me. In fact, she’s the reason I’m a lawyer today. Like many teenagers, I liked to argue with my parents. I must have taken it a bit further than most, because Mom decided I was the perfect candidate for the high school’s debate class. I was into sports at that age, and in my mind, they were the only extracurricular activities I had any time for. I didn’t want to hang out with the debate nerds — I wanted to spend my time on the field. But she signed me up against my will. We had to participate in two debate tournaments to pass the course, and during my first attempt, I wasn’t very prepared. I lost most rounds, and since I’m a competitive person, I wasn’t happy about it. But I listened carefully to how the other kids made their arguments and why they won. I thought, “I can beat these guys.” For the next tournament, I practiced — and I won second place. Shortly after, I won second place again, and then I even won first! Winning got me hooked. I debated the remainder of my time in high school, and I placed in at least half my tournaments. From there, I realized law was the profession for me. My mom always saw something in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself. Since I was young, she thought I needed a challenge and asked teachers to give me one. She constantly nudged me in the right direction — even when I resisted. I’m thankful to have been raised by such a wonderful woman. She loved to have a good time riding roller coasters, watching movies with the family, and telling jokes. She was also an excellent swimmer. When I was

growing up, she was a lifeguard at the

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

YMCA, and she taught swimming classes. We spent a lot of vacations at the beach, particularly in Florida, and she loved to go in the ocean.

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

She was also deeply caring, and she was always willing to sacrifice for me. When I was in college, I landed the opportunity to work at a law firm. It was a great opportunity, but there was a problem. I was going to school in Lawrence, Kansas, and the job was in Kansas City — and I didn’t have a car. So, my mom decided it was time for her to buy a new vehicle, and she just gave me her old one. It was a big and generous gift, and she did it because she wanted me to get some experience and succeed. She always put me first. Not everyone has that type of parent, and I’m so thankful I had her in my life. Mom battled with health issues for a long time, and I knew when it was her time to go. Fortunately, all of her family got to come to town and say their goodbyes before she passed. I’m so sad she’s no longer here, but she struggled for a long time, and I’m glad she’s finally at peace. Thank you, Mom, for making me the person I am today. I’m lucky to have been raised by someone who loved me so much and supported me in so many ways. Though I’ll always miss you, I’ll also never forget everything you brought to my life. –Tom Dickerson

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

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PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one- time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism. Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it. SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS’ PETS The Street Vet

January is National Hobby Month, and having a hobby you enjoy has been linked to improved happiness, reduced stress, better sleep, and stronger social ties. Unfortunately, millions of adults are missing out on the fun. About 20% of Americans report having no hobby, and 24% say they only have one. Putting down the remote and finding a hobby can be difficult, so we’ve compiled some expert tips to help you get started. Unleash your inner child. Many adults struggle to play and may have even forgotten how to do so. Think back to what you enjoyed as a child. If you loved arts and crafts time, there are plenty of adult crafting activities for you to try your hand at. If you loved playing make-believe, you might consider writing or filmmaking. And if you spent most of your time outside and moving, sports and outdoor activities will likely be a good fit. Sometimes our interests change as we grow up, but other times, we just forget what we used to enjoy. Consider what makes you feel good. Some people like to be still, relax, and turn off their brains. For others, that sounds like torture. Consider when you’re happiest and take your cues from there. Do you feel best when you’re productive? If so, hobbies that allow you HOWTO FIND A HOBBYYOU LOVE 3 HELPFUL TIPS Rental Proper WHAT ARE THE HEALTH IMPACT Finding mold in your home can be a nightmare. It’s unsightly, difficult to clean up, and bad for your health, and it can cause extensive property damage. Luckily, if you rent, you’re probably not on the hook for the remediation bill. But unfortunately, you’ve got to wait for someone else to take action — and not all landlords move in a timely fashion. Studies have shown mold exposure has negative health impacts on adults, children, and pets. Children who are exposed to mold at a young age may be more likely to develop asthma. People of all ages can experience respiratory issues, shortness of breath, coughing, itching, sneezing, or skin irritation. The long-term effects of mold exposure are not entirely understood, but experts agree that you should avoid breathing in mold spores as much as possible. Signs of mold include water damage, a musty smell, and physical symptoms that only occur inside the property. State law does not address mold growth, so the cleanup responsibility will likely depend on your lease agreement and the cause of the mold. If a tenant creates the mold problem through an accident or lack of cleanliness, they may be responsible for performing the cleanup themselves. If,

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to fix or create something might be a good fit. If you like to research or organize, a collecting hobby might ignite your passion. And if you hate to sit still, fitness hobbies are a great path to pursue. Do some research. Once you start looking, you’ll find plenty of hobbies you don’t know existed. Have you ever considered blacksmithing, lock-picking, juggling, or soap-carving? Probably not! There’s nothing wrong with common hobbies like running, knitting, or baking, but if what everyone else is doing doesn’t spark your interest, there are plenty more out there to explore. Ask friends, get online, and figure out what you might be missing. Who knows what you’ll find — or what ideas it will spark. Above all, don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t give up if the first hobby you explore doesn’t click. Some people need to try many things before eventually finding the activity that brings them joy. You can’t bake a cake without breaking a few eggs — keep going until you find the hobby that’s right for you. rties and Mold TS, AND WHO’S RESPONSIBLE? however, the mold problem results from leaks, poor ventilation, or improper building maintenance, the landlord is likely responsible for repairs and mold remediation. If you find mold, you should act as quickly as possible. Block off the area and immediately report the problem to the landlord. You may need to provide photographic evidence, and the landlord may need to inspect the property to determine the extent of the damage. If the landlord believes you are at fault for the mold, they likely won’t hesitate to let you know, and you may need to dispute their assessment with legal action. Ideally, the landlord will offer a fast resolution, including reimbursing you for any illness or personal property damage that occurred. Most landlords try to do the right thing, but not all keep their properties in top condition. If you’ve reported mold issues in Kansas City and your landlord has been unresponsive, a premises liability lawyer may be able to assist. Dickerson Oxton’s attorneys have the expertise necessary to uphold your rights and ensure landlords do their job. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by MennoniteGirlsCanCook.ca DEEP-FRIED NEW YEAR’S ‘COOKIES’

What do you get when you mix a cookie and a doughnut? A portzelky! This traditional Mennonite “New Year’s cookie” is perfect for sharing.

INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp yeast

• 1/4 cup butter, softened • 2 1/2 cups milk, warmed

• 1/2 cup water, warmed • 1/2 cup and 1 tsp sugar, divided • 5 eggs, beaten

• 1 1/2 tsp salt • 4 cups raisins • 7 cups flour • 4 cups canola oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, water, and 1 tsp sugar. Wait 10 minutes. 2. Stir in remaining sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and salt. 3. Fold in the raisins and flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for an hour. 4. In a high-sided pot or deep fryer, heat canola oil to 340 F. Line a plate with paper towels. 5. Drop a rounded tablespoon of dough into the oil. Fry until golden brown, then set aside on the plate. Poke the cookie with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s cooked through! 6. Repeat until the batter is gone.

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Advertising Material

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

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Tom Honors His Mother

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The Street Vet

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How to Find a Hobby You Love

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Handling Mold in a Rental Property

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Deep-Fried New Year’s ‘Cookies’

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The Lost Art of the Thank-You Note

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Your Guide to Writing a Thank-You Note A 2019 survey by Ask Your Target Market showed 80% of respondents appreciate receiving thank-you notes — but only 22% of respondents report regularly sending them. That’s a pretty big discrepancy. respondents thought handwritten notes were more meaningful BRINGING BACK A LOST ART

than electronic ones. Even if your handwriting is messy, your recipients will appreciate the personal touch. Exceptions apply for thank-you notes sent after job interviews — due to time sensitivity, these are best sent via email. Be specific. Especially when you

During the holiday season, you probably received several gifts and may have been hosted at a family member’s house, so now is the perfect time to revive the dying art of the thank-you note. If it’s been a while since you last wrote one, fear not. Here’s everything you need to know to get started. Know when a note is needed. You should strongly consider sending a thank-you note any time you receive a gift, but they are particularly expected after big events like weddings or showers. It’s also good form to send a note whenever someone has done you a big favor or hosted you at their house. Professionally, thank-you notes should always be sent after job interviews. Notes should be sent as soon as possible, ideally within one month of the gift or event. Use paper. It may seem old-fashioned, but that’s exactly what makes it special. In fact, the Ask Your Target Market survey found that 72% of

have a large stack to get through, it’s pretty tempting to write the same note over and over again, changing only the salutation. Don’t give in! While it’s fine to have a template, recipients will recognize when the note you sent them is generic. Be sure to mention exactly what you’re thankful for (not just “the gift”) or how you plan to use the gift. Now, you’re ready to let people know how much you appreciate them in a way that’s both simple and classic. Your family, friends, and colleagues will be impressed, and who knows? You just might start a trend.

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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