Dickerson Oxton - January 2019

Dickerson Oxton - January 2019

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

JAN. 2019

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

NewBeginnings WHAT 2019 HOLDS IN STORE FOR OUR FAMILY AND FIRM

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Happy New Year from all of us at the firm! We hope 2019 is off to a bright and joyous start for you and your loved ones. While I have never been one for formal “New Year’s resolutions,” I do like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and prepare for the changes the next year will bring. Looking back, 2018 was full of challenges and exciting opportunities for our family and our firm. The big shift for Tom and I is that our daughter, Heidi, started kindergarten! Sometimes it feels like I blinked and suddenly my baby girl was walking and talking. Heidi and her little brother Ian also made the transition to being at the same school together, which means less driving around for Tom and I. Looking forward into the new year, we hope this will make a big impact in our children’s lives. Before this move to the same school, the commute to two schools meant there wasn’t any time for Heidi and Ian to stick around for after school activities. Now, we’re hoping they can pick up extracurricular activities and sports that interest them. Heidi is already starting piano lessons, and we’re hoping Ian will follow in his father’s footsteps and pick up soccer this spring. No matter what

extracurricular activities our kids get interested in, we’re excited to give them the opportunity to explore them! Having moved the kids to a new school, Tom and I are contemplating a move ourselves. We’d like to find a home closer to our kid’s school and the law office so we can make our commutes as quick as we can. Raising kids while serving our clients has always been Taking on more of these cases has been a challenge, which is why I find so much joy in it. It's exciting to get the chance to learn and grow in the field I love. a rewarding challenge, we just want to make sure we get the most out of the time we spend with Heidi and Ian rather than being stuck in traffic. The opportunity to pop into the office on the weekends too would be a welcome return to the days when we lived close to our old office. On a professional level, 2018 was a year of transition for myself as well. I’ve taken on more and more mass tort cases from all over the country, which has been quite the adjustment!

I’ll admit to being a bit of a control freak when it comes to my work, and there’s just no room for that on these national cases that require a ton of collaboration between firms and across jurisdictions. Taking on more of these cases has been a challenge, which is why I find so much joy in it. It’s exciting to get the chance to learn and grow in the field I love. been taking on more and more single event cases while I pour myself into these nationwide endeavors. And of course, we’re always discussing cases and helping one another inside and outside of work. Together, we’re helping folks here in the Kansas City area and beyond, which is an amazing feeling. While no one can predict the hurdles 2019 will bring, I know my family will leap over them together as a team. From watching our kids grow and thrive at their new school, to making our firm the absolute best it can be, I could not be more excited for what the future holds. 1 –Chelsea Dickerson Of course, I couldn’t have made this leap without my husband. Tom’s

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

TruckingAccidents GET THE REPRESENTATION YOU DESERVE There are around half a million trucking accidents that occur throughout the United States every year. Unlike getting in an accident with another small automobile, a collision that involves a commercial freight truck can have catastrophic consequences. The occupants of the smaller cars are usually left with severe injuries or even killed, while the truck drivers often walk away unscathed. LIABILITY FROM AN ACCIDENT When people are involved in a trucking accident, they usually try to take the claim against the company that the truck driver works for or whom the truck belongs to. However, other people or companies could be held responsible. This includes the shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo, the person or company who leased the truck from the owner, or the manufacturer of the truck’s parts if they contributed to the cause or severity of the accident. MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS Truck jackknifing or turning accidents are the most common causes of truck involved accidents, which usually happen when 3 Characteristics of A Good Personal Injury Firm

Listen to Something New THE BEST PODCASTS TO START IN 2019 Though podcasts have been around for over a decade, they have only recently found their stride in popular culture. And they don’t all feature nerds talking about “Game of Thrones.” In this form of audio entertainment, there really is something for everyone. A number of podcasts have broken into mainstream pop culture, like “My Favorite Murder,” “This American Life,” and NPR’s “Planet Money.” But these are only the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few lesser-known podcasts that are seriously worth your time. START SOMETHING FUN: ‘SPIRITS’ The title “Spirits” is a play on the stories told and drinks enjoyed on this podcast. Co-hosts Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifini offer a fresh take on myths, legends, and folklore. From Greek classics to the tale of the Javanese Mermaid Queen, these lifelong friends and mythology enthusiasts examine what the stories we tell say about our culture, traditions, and values. If you’re eager to fill your year with something kinda creepy and kinda cool, you can’t go wrong with “Spirits.” Start listening at SpiritsPodcast.com. GO ON AN ADVENTURE: ‘THE FAR MERIDIAN’ Audio dramas are back and thriving in the world of podcasts. “The Far Meridian” explores the story of Peri, a lighthouse keeper whose brother disappeared long ago. Peri is terrified of leaving her home, so she’s never discovered what happened to him. That changes when her lighthouse begins to appear in a new location every morning, initiating her search for her brother. Fantastically fun and painfully real, this is a story about the courage it takes to leave home behind. Join the girl in the lighthouse at TheFarMeridian.com. We all need some advice. Why not get it from someone who knows what they’re talking about? Marie Forleo is an entrepreneur, writer, and philanthropist. And according to Oprah, she’s a thought leader for the next generation. Her mission is to help you become the person you most want to be. On the podcast, Marie and her guests discuss business, relationships, fear, love, and so much more. Get inspired at MarieForleo.com/marietv. This list is just a start to the wealth of amazing, diverse podcasts out there. News recaps, sports history, true crime, pop-culture throwbacks, and plenty more fantastic audio entertainment awaits on your phone’s podcast app. Start listening to your new obsession today! TACKLE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS: ‘THE MARIE FORLEO PODCAST’

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a truck driver loses control due to an unforeseen circumstance. A jackknifing accident might occur if a driver makes an abrupt turn to avoid a stalled car or break suddenly on an unexpected patch of slippery road. Semi-trucks require two lanes to turn, which can lead to turning accidents. A driver could be found negligent for their actions in a turning accident if signaling wasn’t used or a warning sign isn’t on the truck. NEGLIGENT DRIVERS When a truck driver is negligent, it means that they are driving irresponsibly in a way that leads to severe or often fatal

litigation experience, giving our personal injury lawyers the knowledge and passion needed to help you with your case. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, we can help. Use the number below to call our offices and speak to one of our experienced accident attorneys today.

TAKE A BREAK

trucking accidents. A truck driver owes a duty to other motorists and pedestrians that share the road with them, and when they fail to be attentive, they are

negligent. This happens when a driver falls asleep at the wheel, excessively speeds, is driving under the influence, or they ignore posted signage.

PeanutButterand BerryFrenchToast

Inspired by Delish

Dickerson Oxton Law Firm has over a decade of combined

ingredients

• 8 slices brioche, 1/2-inch thick • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 2 large eggs • 1/8 cup heavy cream • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • 2 cups cornflakes

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 cups mixed berries • Powdered sugar, to sprinkle • Maple syrup, for serving

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOWTO ASK

HONESTY Straightforwardness, transparency, and honesty are all qualities you should seek from your attorneys. There are plenty of firms who will offer guaranteed settlements and other empty promises, but the best indication to getting results is finding a firm who has the same passion for seeking compensation as you do. COMPETENCY Your lawyer shouldn’t just give you the impression they care — they should instill confidence by being available and knowledgeable. An attorney who doesn’t communicate with you on a regular basis is one you want to avoid. Use a free consultation to discuss communication frequency and strategy with prospective lawyers and only choose the ones that are committed to keeping you in the loop. Stop by our offices today so we can show you how we exemplify these three ideals. At the Dickerson Oxton Law Firm, we dedicate ourselves to our client’s success.

When you’re faced with the reality of needing a lawyer, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty are all common emotions. Traversing the unknown is complex, and presents unique challenges. Add on the likelihood of medical bills and time off of work, and the physical trauma can almost be an afterthought. But you don’t have to do this alone. A good lawyer can help you through each step with competent representation and effective communication, rather than being another pain point for you to navigate. Those are just a couple of qualities you should look for. Here are three more. EXPERIENCE There are many firms to choose from, but when you’re hurt, finding personal injury experts is a must. These attorneys have experience in handling the nuanced challenges that come from cases of this nature. The best place to look for a firm’s expertise is from their testimonials.

directions

1. On a large baking sheet lined with wax paper, place 4 slices of brioche and spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each. Cover with remaining slices, creating sandwiches. 2. In a pie plate, beat eggs with cream and vanilla. In another, coarsely crush the cornflakes. 3. Lightly soak sandwiches in the egg mixture, then dredge in cornflakes, pressing to adhere. Return to baking sheet. 4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted and up to temperature, add sandwiches, cooking on one side until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. 5. Return sandwiches to baking sheet, add remaining butter, and repeat on other side. 6. Top sandwiches with berries, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup.

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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

Happy New Year From The Dickersons! My Favorite Podcast Kansas City Truck Accidents What Should You Look for in A Personal Injury Firm? Take a Break Peanut Butter and Berry French Toast 3 Wives’ Tales That Are True

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Mom Really Does Know Best

3 WIVES’ TALES PROVEN TRUE

“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of

show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet. HEARTBURN MEANS A HAIRY BABY It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd are legitimate. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. JOINT PAIN PREDICTS THE WEATHER Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.

wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back

faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. GARLIC CURES COLDS For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies

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