Dickerson Oxton - June 2022

Dickerson Oxton - June 2022

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

JUNE 2022

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Fatherly Guidance WHAT DAD TAUGHT ME THROUGHWORDS AND ACTIONS

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

A good father teaches you many things in life. Mine taught me life skills, like how to drive and shoot a gun. He also taught me more profound lessons about the difference between right and wrong and the importance of honesty and integrity. This Father’s Day, I want to take a moment to tell you about the man who raised me. Dad was always very supportive when I was growing up. If I was interested in an activity, he wanted me to be able to participate to the fullest extent. When I played soccer, he always drove me to games, practiced with me in the backyard, and ensured I had the proper shoes. Later, in high school, I was into the debate club. He’d loan me his car to drive to my tournaments and gave up his ability to get around for about eight weekends out of the year. He has always been an outdoorsman, so he started taking me hunting with him at a young age. It began when we’d go on hikes to scout for turkeys when I was only about 4 years old. I remember finding this weird stick on one of those walks in the shape of a T. I thought it was really special since we are both named Thomas. (At the time, he was Tom, and I was TJ.) I kept that stick for many years because it made me think of our time together. We unexpectedly got even more quality time together when I was in college. As I said, Dad was always supportive, and if it was important to me, it was important to him. So when I got my first job at a law office while still attending school, he knew how much it meant to me. The only problem was that the job was in Kansas City, and I was at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. And I didn’t have a car.

job. Then, he’d go back

BURN INJURIES

to his own job and finish his shift. After work,

Dad would pick me up, drive me back to Lawrence, and then

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

return to KC. I can’t help but be touched by how much he sacrificed to help me get where I am today.

NURSING HOME ABUSE

Funnily enough, Dad worked in the insurance industry for more than 40 years, starting when he was only 22 years old and retiring at 64. The irony, of course, is that I’m a personal injury attorney and spend all of my time fighting insurance companies. It has become a running joke. I was hard-headed as a teenager and constantly argued with my dad. So, everyone thinks it’s fitting that I ended up doing the exact opposite of what he did. But these days, we get along fine, and sometimes I even run cases by him to get ideas and opinions on how the other side is thinking. It’s actually fun to talk shop with him, and it has become something we have in common rather than a point of contention. As an adult, I appreciate the ways he helped me even more. I now understand the love and dedication needed to make those sacrifices as I make similar ones for my children. They say “like father, like son.” I’m doing my best to live up to mine. –Tom Dickerson

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

So, Dad pitched in. He would drive from Kansas City to Lawrence on his lunch break, pick me up, and take me to my

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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June is one of the best months to spend time outside, so it makes perfect sense that it’s National Camping Month. Whether you prefer the comfort of an RV or the rugged experience of a tent, camping is a low-key and relatively inexpensive way to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors. You don’t even have to go far. Here are some local spots you and your family might visit for your next weekend getaway. ENCHANTED OAKS Do you and your family prefer to be secluded with nature or socialize with big groups? Would you rather go swimming or hike through local trails? Whatever makes you happiest, you’ll find it at Enchanted Oaks in Basehor, Kansas. The owners offer eight unique campsites so you can create your ideal experience, and both tent and RV campers are welcome. Just don’t bring firewood — to protect the native trees from disease, the owners will provide their own onsite. MILO FARM SACRED LAND Located in nearby Jackson County, Missouri, this site offers plenty of tent campsites for traditional types, plus an open camping option for those who like to rough it. But if “glamping” is more your style, check out the Hippie Trailer or Funky Bunkhouse for unique experiences that will let you relax with a bit of flair. The owners tout their land as the perfect place for meditation and boast ponds, trails, a pool, and a zen garden. If your goal is to unwind, this might be your place. Back to Nature Thousands of car crashes happen every day in the United States alone. Not all are serious, but virtually all are avoidable. Driving safely and responsibly can reduce your risk of a collision. But what are the specific behaviors you need to avoid? It’s helpful to look at the top accident causes here in Kansas City. Distracted driving is an epidemic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,100 died due to distracted driving in 2019, amounting to more than eight deaths per day. Distractions can take many forms. Often, they involve the use of a cellphone. But distractions can also include an interesting sight outside of the car, multitasking while driving, a compelling The Top Causes of Car

Dad is a very important person in your life! Every year when Father’s Day rolls around, it can be tough to come up with the perfect gift, whether it be for your dad, a new father, your grandfather, or a father figure. Getting creative can be tricky, but this list is sure to help you with an idea or two for all different price ranges! WALLET Why not go really classic and opt for a thoughtful and practical gift? Most men’s wallets see a lot of wear and tear. After all, they’re sat on, toted around in pockets all day long, and sometimes forgotten about and sent through the wash. A new one just may be in order! MASSAGE GUN Massage guns are rising in popularity. To help Dad recover from soreness and injury or just a tough workout, a massage gun will do the trick! The best part is that they range in price, and you can even purchase one on Amazon! APPLE WATCH STRAP Does the dad you’re celebrating own an Apple Watch? If so, help him customize it with a new Apple Watch strap. You can choose from many materials, colors, and designs so he can blend in or stand out as much as he wants. A NEW COOLER Men love their coolers — it’s a foolproof Father’s Day gift! Whether Dad loves to camp, fish, tailgate, go to the beach, or barbecue in the backyard, he’s sure to appreciate a newway to store ice, drinks, food, or bait! TOOL BUCKET ORGANIZER Is your dad a bit of a handyman? Help him get organized and never lose track of his tools again. Tool bucket organizers come in many forms and, again, can be purchased right online, making your shopping easy! BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES OR SPEAKERS If your father doesn’t have Bluetooth headphones or speakers yet, he’s missing out. The opportunity to jam out wirelessly while working out, cutting the grass, doing hobby work, or just relaxing is effortless with this thoughtful gift. 6 Gifts Dad Is Sure to Love It’s Dad’s Day!

conversation with a passenger, or even daydreaming. If you can’t keep your focus on the road, you shouldn’t be on it.

Impaired driving claims even more lives. According to the NHTSA, driving while intoxicated kills around 28 people every day. Fewer people understand that drowsy driving

can be just as risky. Official NHTSA statistics show that 700 people died in 2019 due to drowsy driving . But since there is no objective test for sleepiness, this figure is almost certainly an underestimate.

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HARMONY LAKE RETREAT This Wellington, Missouri, site grants you access to a 12-acre lake the owners describe as perfect for fishing, swimming, and paddle boating. There’s even a private island! If you prefer smaller bodies of water, streams and creeks also run through the property’s meadow area. RV and tent camping options are both available, and guests have the opportunity to interact with farm animals during their stay. Good news for Fido — pets are welcome at all of these sites. So, get out there, enjoy the fresh air, and make the most of nature while the weather is nice. And if you’re the type of person who prefers the outdoors in only small spurts, you can stay even closer to home — most kids will jump at the chance to have a good old-fashioned campout in the backyard. ENJOY NATIONAL CAMPING MONTH CLOSE TO HOME!

TAKE A BREAK

Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip

Speeding killed more than 9,000 people in 2019, proving that it’s not as safe as it often feels. Slow down, particularly around cross streets, traffic, and stopping and starting conditions. But speeding isn’t the only form of aggressive driving . Running red lights, making illegal turns, completing hazardous lane changes, and other dangerous behaviors account for many collisions every day. Finally, road conditions are the cause of many crashes. Sometimes, the weather is the cause — snow, sleet, rain, or strong wind can lead to collisions. But so can road maintenance or design problems. Sometimes an intersection contains a blind spot. Potholes, debris, poor lighting, or missing signs can also create hazards. That’s just one more reason to stay constantly alert. Crashes in Kansas City

Inspired by Saveur.com

This dip tastes great with bread, crostini, or crackers and will be a hit at any summer gathering.

INGREDIENTS

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced • Chives and scallions, finely chopped

• 6 ears of corn • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream • 1 1/2 cups ricotta • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp thyme, finely chopped

Multiple factors can play a role in a single collision. A driver may behave aggressively while intoxicated, a speeding driver can

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. 2. In a large grill pan on high heat, cook the corn until charred on all sides. Let cool, then cut the kernels from the cob. 3. In a food processor or blender, purée two-thirds of the kernels with the cream, ricotta, flour, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in remaining whole kernels. 4. Pour into an 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and dot with butter. Bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, until bubbly. 5. Garnish with chives and scallions before serving.

become distracted, and a drowsy driver may fall victim to poor road conditions. Unfortunately, you cannot control other drivers, but you can improve your own driving habits to reduce the chances of a collision. And if one occurs due to another driver’s negligence, Dickerson Oxton will fight for the justice you deserve.

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Giving Back

Advertising Material

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

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Tom Reflects on His Father’s Lessons

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Father’s Day Gift Guide

PG2

Camping in Kansas City

PG2

4 Common Reasons for Car Crashes

PG2

Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip

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The Bull This Small Town Needed

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BE LIKE BUSTER THE BULL Finding Kindness in the Pasture

Nothing compares to a good friend. They’re someone who will listen and provide support when you need it most. For everyone in Spartanburg, South Carolina — and eventually the whole world — that was Buster the Bull. Buster’s talent for companionship wasn’t discovered until Wynne Smith moved into the farm next to Buster’s. After he appeared in her barn one day, Wynne was a little scared, but soon, as Wynne told Reader’s Digest in August 2021, Buster became a confidant. “Somehow, he knew when I was home and would come to stand next to my house, and we’d talk over the fence,” Wynne said. “If I had a hard day at work, he heard about it. If something exciting was going on at home, he heard about it. He would stand or lie beside the fence and keep me company, give a knowing glance or breath, and I would feel better. When it was time to end the conversation, he’d turn and walk away.” As Wynne’s connection to Buster grew, she began posting about him on Facebook, and soon enough, the bull had a huge following. People from across the nation and the globe knew that Buster was

special, with an uncanny ability to listen and offer knowledge in a way only cows can. And he provided comfort to all who knew him. One time, a fan of Buster’s asked if he could meet the bull. The man was dying, and one of the last things he wanted to do was meet the cow

who had given him some solace during his final days. With permission from his doctor, the man drove two hours to meet Buster, hauling a basket of apples along the way. Although kind, Buster was never one to eat apples that didn’t come from his tree. But that day, Buster knew those apples were special, and he ate them. Buster did that for a friend. In November 2020, Buster walked into the woods and laid down to pass away. He had been sick, and despite some treatment, the all- knowing bull just knew it was time. He had done what he came here to do: spread kindness.

Today, his friendship still lives on for the residents of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and all the fans of Buster the Bull.

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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