Dickerson Oxton - November 2020

Dickerson Oxton - November 2020

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

NOV 2020

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

The Things We’re Grateful For This Year From Health to the Kids Being Back in School

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

In previous newsletters, we’ve written about Thanksgiving and gratitude before, and I think it’s as important, if not more important, to focus on it this year. It’s been a tough year, but despite all the circumstances we’ve faced in 2020, there’s still a lot to be thankful for. With COVID-19 turning the world upside down, something I’m especially grateful for is the health of the people around me. We are fortunate in that we haven’t had anyone from our staff or immediate family who has gotten sick. For my wife and me, this is a huge relief, and we are so thankful we’ve been able to avoid it. However, at the same time, we’re well aware that many people in the world aren’t as fortunate. Over these past few months, we’ve heard about some of our clients, and even some of our readers, who became sick due to COVID-19. Yet, while we know it must be alarming to be tested positive for this virus, we also know these individuals made a full recovery. We’re very thankful they did. Something that has helped us keep our staff, clients, and ourselves safe is the attentiveness of our building owners. Our building has taken precautions to keep everyone as safe as possible and has, basically, shut the building down. This means that to enter it, a person must wear a mask. Additionally, many of the big businesses we shared the building with decided to work from home. It’s felt like the only people who are working in the building right now are lawyers while everyone else works remotely, which means there are far fewer people in the building, too. I’m thankful that, even though the circumstances have been what they are this year, our business is still going strong. We still have clients who are reaching out to us, and we’re more than happy to help in any way we can. Of course, we also appreciate all our clients and the people who’ve referred cases to us. It’s through their efforts we have kept going

strong. Many businesses aren’t doing well right now, and our clients have truly been good to us, even though the circumstances aren’t so great in the country right now. Outside of my professional gratitude, I’m also immensely thankful that school has started up again. The kids definitely needed school, even though they were having a great time with one of the longest summer vacations in their lives. From March up until September, they had all the time in the world where they had no school and weren’t doing anything. Once school started, I had to sit them down and let them know it was back and walk them through this new method of schooling. As I’m sure many kids will experience this year, everything is remote learning now. It’s been a bit of a struggle as they get used to using their iPads, but hopefully by the time this newsletter comes out, they’ll be doing both remote and in- school learning. From September to the middle of October, my kids’ school was fully remote, but from mid-October onward, the kids began doing a little of both. The next step is, hopefully, that the kids will go back to in-person schooling by the beginning of the next semester. Obviously, that all depends on the best way to keep the kids safe. For now, I’m just grateful they have school to occupy their time and be back with their friends. They really missed them. While my family, team members, and I have plenty to be thankful for this year, I know that many others weren’t so lucky. 2020 was and continues to be filled with hardships that people are struggling through. For anyone who finds themselves unemployed, or if you know someone who has struggled with COVID-19 or passed away, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Tom Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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Watch for the Sign Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that impacts a person’s behavior, thinking, and memory. It is an incurable disease that worsens over time. Eventually, Alzheimer’s can make even the smallest tasks seem impossible for the person suffering from this disease. This is why it is not uncommon for many senior citizens suffering from Alzheimer’s disease to be placed into a residential care facility. Usually, these individuals need daily supervision and assistance, and when a family member is unable to provide that care, a care facility is the next best option. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the disease, a resident suffering from Alzheimer’s is more likely to be abused in a nursing home or other residential assisted living facility. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s also make it harder for loved ones to recognize some of the signs that accompany abuse or neglect. WHYARE THEY TARGETED? Because Alzheimer’s impacts an individual’s mental capacity, it’s easier for the abuser to cover it or shift blame. A resident may not remember the moment the abuse or neglect happened, and even if they report the incident, they may not be believed. Additionally, as this disease impacts a person’s speech in its advanced stages, LOVED ONES WITH DEMENTIA

Why Is Spinach So Good for You?

If the reason you know spinach is good for you is because either your mother told you, or you saw Popeye the Sailor down a can before a fight and gain superhuman strength, you might not understand exactly why it’s so good for you. Rest assured, your mom wasn’t lying (although Popeye might have been stretching the truth). Spinach is actually one of the most nutritious and versatile foods you can add to your diet. Here’s why. INCREDIBLE NUTRIENT-PER-CALORIE COUNT Three cups of spinach contain about 20 calories. However, those 3 cups also contain almost no fat, 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fiber. On top of that, you get more than 300% of your daily dose of vitamin K, which supports bone growth; 160% of your daily dose of vitamin A; and around 25%–40% of your daily dose of vitamin C, both of which help the immune system function properly. POTENT PROTECTION AGAINST DISEASE The abundant antioxidants in spinach mitigate a staggering number of health problems. For starters, spinach has kaempferol, an antioxidant that can protect the body against cancer. Additionally, the antioxidant quercetin, also found in spinach, has been shown to have positive effects on brain health, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Other components of spinach can also improve blood pressure and protect eye health. VERSATILE IN MEAL PREPARATION Aside from the more scientific reasons that make spinach a superfood, you can prepare and consume spinach in so many creative ways. You can eat it raw as a part of a salad, throw a few leaves in a smoothie, cook it in stir fry, or bake it into some brownies. If you have a bag of spinach in your fridge, there’s no shortage of ways you can get some of those amazing health benefits. Just don’t expect to suddenly vanquish all your foes like Popeye did.

When you plan to file a claim against a person or persons whose neglect was directly related to your injuries, it’s up to you to prove they are at fault. To do this, you must have evidence that supports your claim and injuries, and to what extent the accident caused your injuries. COLLECTING EVIDENCE FOR YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASES 2 Biggest Moments

You can provide many types of evidence to support your case. The attorney and investigator you hire collect most of the evidence, which is why it’s so important to talk to a lawyer if you are planning to file a claim. Professional lawyers have resources and connections you may not have on your own. However, you can aid in this task even before you call an attorney’s office. Here are two of the biggest moments you should start collecting evidence.

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ns of Abuse

A ARE AT RISK

they might not even be able to communicate what they’re experiencing. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS TO LOOK FOR?

When a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of abuse. Even if your loved one cannot verbalize what may be happening to them, look for any signs of physical, emotional, and financial abuse. This can include:

TAKE A BREAK

• Bedsores • Fractures or concussions • Unwashed clothes, body, or hair

• Bed rail or restraint bruises or injuries • Sudden withdrawal from normal activities • Violence toward others or self • Changes in sleeping or eating • Missing valuables • Suspicious credit card purchases • Refusal to supply care without extra payment

Luxurious Vegan Chocolate Mousse Making chocolate mousse with avocados may sound strange, but we promise it’s a match made in heaven! This sinfully delicious recipe is a great holiday treat.

If you notice any of these signs, your No. 1 priority should be to protect your loved one. Hold the facility accountable and don’t be afraid to speak up. Inform the administrator and report the incident to law enforcement as soon as you possibly can.

INGREDIENTS

AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT

• 4 oz vegan dark chocolate, chopped • 2 large avocados, pitted and skinned • 3 tbsp cocoa powder • 1/4 cup almond milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1–3 tsp maple syrup (to taste) • Fresh berries (for garnish)

If you are well and able at the scene of the accident, collect as much information as you can. In addition to taking all the information from the other people involved, take plenty of photos and videos of the damage and any injuries you have. Talk to eye witnesses and get their names and information so you can contact them at a later time. You should also call the police so the accident is reported, and be sure to take the police report number once the report is filed. AT YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Even if you don’t believe you’re injured after an accident, it’s essential to go to your doctor to get a physical exam as soon after the accident as possible. At times, injuries may not start to show symptoms until days or weeks later, causing you more problems later on. Not

DIRECTIONS

only this, but the other party may use this as evidence that your injuries were not serious, or that you contributed to the severity of the injury by not seeing a doctor right away. This can diminish the value of your claim. Be sure all tests, treatments, diagnoses, and medical bills are documented and that you hang on to them. By beginning to document your claim at the earliest stages possible, you give your claim a better chance of succeeding. If you need help collecting evidence and guidance through the claim process, call Dickerson Oxton Law Firm today.

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate. Heat in 15-second intervals, then stir and repeat until melted. Set aside to cool. 2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooled chocolate and other ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding additional sweetener as desired. 3. Scoop into glasses and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top with berries and serve! Inspired by WellPlated.com

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THIS ISSUE

Being Grateful: Even in Times of Hardship What Makes Spinach a Superfood? Watch for the Signs of Abuse The Evidence You Need Take a Break Luxurious Vegan Chocolate Mousse A Number of Importance

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THE 11TH HOUR OF THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH WHY VETERANS DAY AND THE NUMBER 11 GO HAND IN HAND

Veterans Day comes every Nov. 11. It’s a national holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces and honors those both living and deceased. Historically, the day marks Armistice Day and the end of the Great War: World War I. But what is the significance of the number 11?

The change was made in order to recognize all veterans who had honorably served their country. By 1954, the U.S. had fought in more wars — specifically World War II and the Korean War — and hundreds of thousands more Americans had served. Unsurprisingly, there was some political drama surrounding the day. In 1968, Congress made Veterans Day a federal holiday under the Uniform Holiday Bill. The idea was to increase the number of three-day weekends in the year. Veterans Day became a holiday that would fall on the fourth Monday of October, a far cry from Nov. 11.

The armistice was signed at 5:45 a.m. in France, but it took effect at 11 a.m. that same morning — which happened to be Nov. 11, 1918. The armistice originally lasted 36 days but was extended month after month. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, when peace was officially declared. Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought in the Great War. This lasted until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation turning Armistice Day into Veterans Day.

However, in 1978, Veterans Day was restored to its original Nov. 11 date. But why?

The answer is simple. It’s a number that sticks with you. When the clock strikes 11:11, you always take notice. By that same notion, we all remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, we’ll never forget the end of the Great War, nor will we forget those who served.

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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