Take a look at our June newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com JUNE 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
THE PATIENT TRAIL TO TRIUMPH PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
I rarely need to check the forecast to know the weather, as the plate in my ankle already does a good job of that.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Before I was an attorney, I was a college football player. Like many people at that age, I had my whole life ahead of me and loved every second on the field. Then, one day in 2015, everything changed. I sustained a serious ankle injury that took me out of the game and placed me at the bottom of a steep mountain of recovery. The year that followed was filled with two reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and many home exercises. Those first 365 days and the ones that followed were often challenging, but every one allowed me to push through my obstacles and improve my condition. Slowly but surely, I started walking and running again with ease, and my life as a marathon runner began. One of my friends and I decided we wanted to run a full marathon by 30. I started running more regularly, which inspired my fiancée, Krista, to do it with me. Like me, running helped her considerably, as she had a history of knee and hip injuries. We’ve both since officially become marathon runners, and running in general is something we love doing together as a couple. With summer finally here, we’re finding any excuse to get outside. Living in South Kansas City, we love going to Loose Park and running on trails in our area. When I go on a great run these days, I often think about my personal injury clients. I know all too well how much of a slog the road to recovery can be, but I also know most obstacles in life get better over time. When you experience a twisted ankle or something more catastrophic, embrace the reality that time will heal. There will be moments when the odds against you feel insurmountable — and you’ll have just as many bad days as good ones — but never forget the journey is all about progression, not perfection. Stay
BURN INJURIES
as active and positive as you possibly can, accept the bad days for what they are, and never let the tough times defeat you. Hopefully, you receive this month’s newsletter on a beautiful summer day. After you read it, go outside and enjoy the weather. Staying active in the fresh air undoubtedly helped me heal my ankle and move forward in life, and I know it will have a similar effect on whatever troubles you may face. Our lives fly by faster than we would like, but we can always find ways to stay happy and healthy. Even five minutes of walking around your neighborhood is better than no minutes. If you’re reading this article while glued to a desk, know I’m right there with you. When you’re behind a computer anywhere from eight to 10 hours a day, it’s really easy not to move from that spot. That’s why you should force yourself to take breaks and at least go for a short walk. Those 10 minutes here and there keep you active and can also help improve your overall productivity level when you get back to the grind. Above all, just never give up — and that first small step you take is your biggest key to success. If I can become a marathon runner after a critical ankle injury, there’s no reason your achievements can’t be even greater.
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Daniel Kopp
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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Summertime is perfect for experiencing new things, but a pedestrian accident shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’re driving through your neighborhood or crossing a street on foot, being mindful of your surroundings can go a long way toward preventing a serious accident. Here are our tips for safer driving and walking this summer. SENSE AND SAFETY Before hitting the road this summer, ensure your ride is in proper post-winter working order. Check your tires, mirrors, and lights, and replace anything showing wear and tear. If your vehicle is new, ensure you’re aware of any blind spots caused by its design and familiarize yourself with any dashboard warnings and safety features not included in your previous car. Always pay close attention to walk signals, crosswalks, and intersections, and give yourself plenty of time to stop for pedestrians. Above all, never multitask; even a second of distracted driving can lead to fatal consequences. Naturally, pedestrians also need to do their part. When you jaywalk instead of using designated crosswalks, you make it difficult for drivers to understand or anticipate when to stop for you. When you do arrive at a proper crossing area, put away your phone and focus on what’s in front of you and at your sides — and never assume you’re safe to The Risk of Pedestrian A WALKING W In our work representing personal injury claims, we encounter individuals who live with chronic pain. Here are two tips that may assist anyone experiencing ongoing discomfort to feel better physically and emotionally. MENDING YOUR MIND The first step to alleviating pain is understanding why it exists. Our bodies are designed to make us feel pain to help us steer clear of danger and harm, triggering the classic “fight or flight” reaction that prompts us to, say, move our hand off the stove when our hand starts to burn. Unfortunately, in the case of chronic pain, this feeling rarely subsides, keeping victims’ stress levels in a perpetual state of high alert. Being in constant pain can lead to anxiety, isolation, depression, and other mental conditions beyond the injury’s physical impact. FROM SETBACK KEYS TO HANDLIN
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag! SNORKELING Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. CANOEING AND KAYAKING Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore. WATERSKIING While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years! WATER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Make a Splash!
In working to better function in the presence of chronic pain, focusing on improving one’s mindset is often the most critical step.
“When we’re ill, we often tend to become fixated on what we aren’t able to do,” notes Dr. Ellen Slawsby, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School. “Retraining your focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t will give you a more accurate view of yourself and the world at large.”
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WOES
Accidents
cross simply because you have a green light. Always confirm all
vehicles have come to a complete stop before taking a step forward. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES If you’re the victim of a pedestrian hit, you may be entitled to
compensation for various economic and non- economic damages, including current and future
medical expenses, lost wages, disability, emotional stress, incidental costs, and disfigurement. Payout amounts are often based on the nature of your injuries, the length of your recovery, the clarity of liability, your possible negligence, and many other factors. Pursuing a pedestrian accident case can be confusing and frustrating if you’re unprepared to navigate the nuances required to ensure a legal victory. Please contact us today for professional guidance and assistance in protecting your rights and securing the conclusion you deserve. K TO COMEBACK NG CHRONIC PAIN PUTTING POSITIVE THOUGHTS INTO ACTION Of course, a positive attitude is only as meaningful as the tangible practices it manifests. Depending on the injury, light or moderate exercise will likely reduce the amount of pain you experience. Additionally, exercise is a great way to prompt the release of endorphins, our bodies’ natural feel-good hormones. Sometimes, the simplest lifestyle choices have the most significant impact. If you’re physically able to do so, limit the amount of time you spend in bed or on the couch, and follow a consistent sleep schedule as often as possible. Additionally, refrain from seemingly stress-relieving activities that ultimately make matters worse. Smoking restricts blood flow, making it even more difficult for your body to heal, while prolonged alcohol consumption has been shown to contribute to nerve damage. No two injuries are alike, and your road to recovery may look drastically different from someone else’s. While the suggestions in this article are good for anyone to consider, we recommend consulting your medical provider for your most appropriate path to physical and mental peace.
TAKE A BREAK
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1.
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium shallot, chopped 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided 1 14-oz can reduced- sodium chicken or vegetable broth
In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
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1/4 tsp salt
1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) 1 tsp lemon juice 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
The Small-Step Solution
PG1
New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun
PG2
Perils on the Pavement
PG2
Overcome the Hurt Hurdle
PG2
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup
PG3
What’s Really in Your Food?
PG4
Decode the Label Learn to Read Nutrition Facts Like a Pro
CALORIES Calories tell you how much energy you get from one serving. The trick is to balance what you eat with what your body burns. If you want to maintain or lose weight, keeping an eye on calorie intake is key. Want to know how many calories you should be consuming based on your age, height, and weight? Visit MyPlate.gov/myplate-plan to find out! PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE The Percent of Daily Value (% DV) helps you quickly determine whether a food is nutrient-rich or lacking. Want more fiber? Look for a high % DV. Trying to cut back on sodium? Choose products with a low % DV. WHAT TO CUT BACK ON Some nutrients are better in small doses. Keep an eye on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as too much can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. If the % DV is 20% or more, that’s high; if it’s 5% or less, that’s low — so aim low for these! WHAT TO LOAD UP ON Not all labeled components are harmful — some are essential for good health! The average diet often lacks fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These powerhouses support everything from strong bones to better digestion and heart health. The higher the % DV, the better!
Reading a nutrition label might seem like deciphering a secret code, but once you know what to look for, it’s a game-changer for healthier food choices. Let’s break it down so you can shop like a pro and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. SERVING SIZE Before diving into the details, start with the serving size. This tells you how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. For example, if a bag of chips says 150 calories per serving but contains three servings, eating the whole bag means you consume 450 calories.
With these tips, you’ll never look at a nutrition label the same way again. Empower yourself with knowledge, make smarter choices, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet!
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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