Dickerson Oxton Law Firm - November 2025

Check out our November newsletter!

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com NOV 2025

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

The Gifts of the Job HEART AND HARD WORK

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Being a personal injury attorney means striking a delicate balance between rewarding work and significant challenges. It also means occasionally receiving a delicious pie or an offer for a bathroom remodel. The most fulfilling part of my job is receiving clients’ gratitude. I love developing interpersonal relationships and knowing I help people navigate a difficult part of their lives and a very complex and confusing process they’re not typically acquainted with. It also means a lot to see my time and effort representing noble causes yield tangible results that can change a life. Early in my career, a client offered to remodel my bathroom as thanks. I didn’t take him up on the offer, but I’ll never forget it. I’ve also represented hairstylists who’ve offered to cut my hair as a thank-you. These individuals offering to use their passion and talents to show their appreciation for my work? It’s amazing.

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

BURN INJURIES

that one of the kids had drawn of the whole family in the new van. I can’t begin to tell you how deeply touched I was. Moments like those make all the hard work, anxiety, and challenges in moving forward with cases like that one absolutely worth it. This is everything I want to do with my life. My dad is a minister, my mom’s a schoolteacher, and both of them have always done things and pursued careers at the nexus between their talents and the benefits they could provide others. Being a personal injury attorney has always given me that same platform, and it’s one of many things I’ll be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Doing this work requires many long hours and a lot of fight . I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that some days are easier than others, but just writing this article reminds me I wouldn’t have it any other way. And when a tough case seems insurmountable, I can remember the gifts, kindness, and drawings I’ve received to help me through it.

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

And then, of course, there are all the pies and cookies people have baked for me.

When clients reach out to me, write a handwritten letter, bake something, or thank me in other ways, it affirms I made the right choice in my professional life. I could have chosen an entirely different profession (or pursued a less stressful and time-intensive area of law), but I doubt any alternate path would have given me everything I’ve seen, heard, and felt over the years. While I appreciate every expression of thanks I’ve received, I’d like to share one in particular. In 2023, I tried a wrongful death trucking case where my client had lost her father, who was a caregiver for her four children, including a boy with autism. It was a difficult case for several reasons, but my client ultimately prevailed. After using part of her settlement to purchase an accessible van, she sent me a video of her and her kids in it. She also took me to the place I had taken her to for dinner during the trial and gave me a picture

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

Thank you for believing in our firm, and thank you for believing in me.

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Daniel Kopp

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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PAWS AND PEACE

A Guide to Dog Bite-Free Gatherings

The holidays should always be a festive time with family and friends, but those joyful moments should never come at the expense of your pets’ comfort and sense of safety. That’s how dog bites happen. If you’re a pet owner who plans to host guests in your home this season, here are two essential tips to help prevent dog bites, promote animal safety, and ensure everyone has a great time without the threat of physical harm. Deck the halls slowly. Like humans, dogs embrace routine and are uncomfortable with disruption. Rearranging your furniture for an upcoming gathering, putting up a shiny Christmas tree, and hanging decorations everywhere can make your dog feel anxious or confused. Adding a roomful of people will only add to their imbalance. If you intend to turn your home into a holiday wonderland, it’s best to make your changes early and gradually to help your dog feel more comfortable with how the rearranged furniture and new things hanging from the walls look and feel to them. Allowing your dog time to adjust to this new environment can reduce their anxiety on the big day. The less nervous a dog is, the less likely they are to bite someone out of fear or a perceived need to defend their personal space. SLIP, FALL, AN TAKE CONTROL AF No one plans to have a slip-and-fall accident, but you can always plan to protect your physical and financial recovery if this unwelcome event ever occurs. As with all personal injuries, your decisions following a slip and fall are critical to ensuring your health, economic stability, and legal success. Here are three steps to take to make the aftermath of your Just as you would if you were involved in an automobile accident, make every effort to detail the conditions surrounding your slip-and- fall incident. Contact the property owner or manager to report the incident immediately. Additionally, use your phone to photograph and/or record the scene of your fall and any conditions that may have prompted your injury (such as broken flooring, improper lighting, or liquid on the ground or floor). Ask witnesses accident more secure and legally sound. Start a paper trail as soon as possible.

Less Scrolling, More Strolling

The Case for a Daily Walk

As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp. Fall and winter are nature’s underrated workout months. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next. The science of seasonal movement is real. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day. Create a cozy routine you look forward to. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. Make it social, rewarding, or both. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.

to describe what they saw, and contact medical personnel promptly if you have sustained an injury. Avoid sharing on social media. Considering that more than 70% of the U.S. population uses some form of social media, it’s common for people who experience a negative personal event to detail it

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Monitor your dog’s mindset. Before opening your door to your fellow revelers, help ensure your dog is physically and mentally prepared. Take them out for a long walk earlier in the day to help them relax, and consider setting up a separate room or area in your home just for them, away from the main party. Include their favorite treats and toys. As you enjoy your time with guests, ensure your dog isn’t anxiously hoping for it to end. If your dog is pacing, panting, licking their lips, or tucking their tail, it’s a sign the scene is too much for them, and they could potentially lash out at a guest. No two dogs’ personalities and temperaments are alike, so it’s always wise to consult your veterinary professional for additional tips and specific suggestions on making the holiday season wonderful for humans and pets alike. ND FIGHT BACK FTER AN ACCIDENT

TAKE A BREAK

BAKED PINEAPPLE SALMON

A sweet and savory entree that the whole family will keep asking you to make!

online. Unfortunately, statements made in the heat of the moment, including telling your friends or followers that you’re physically fine despite the fall, may come back to haunt you if you later pursue legal action for the recovery of medical bills related to an accident- related condition that doesn’t reveal itself until later. (For example, symptoms of some head injuries may not fully appear until days or even weeks after an accident.) Even if your social media accounts are “private,” it’s always wise to consider that anything you post about your slip and fall could be seen by the at-fault party’s insurer and used against you. Seek seasoned legal support. Most importantly, contact legal counsel as quickly as

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. reserving 1/4 cup of juice • 2 1/2 lb side of salmon • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted INGREDIENTS • 1 can pineapple slices, drained,

• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped • Lime slices

possible, even before you communicate with the at-fault party’s insurer in any way. Our firm offers free initial consultations for slip-and- fall accidents. We can also thoroughly analyze your case, help gather evidence and information (including medical records, video footage, and witness statements), negotiate settlements with insurers, and represent you in court. Please contact us to discuss your case or receive additional information on anything discussed in this article.

2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet. 4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon.

6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.

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Inspired by ChefJar.com

ADVERTISING MATERIAL

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1100 Main St. Ste. 2550 Kansas City, MO 64105

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

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

A Personal Note of Thanks

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Bundle Up and Step Out

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Good Dogs and Safe Guests

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Slip-and-Fall Follow-Ups

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Baked Pineapple Salmon

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Gum-Healing Foods That Work

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GUM HEALTH STARTS ON YOUR PLATE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS THAT HEAL

When most people think of healthy eating, they imagine benefits like better heart health, glowing skin, or weight control. But your gums deserve some love, too! An anti-inflammatory diet can do wonders for your mouth by helping to prevent gum disease, fight bacteria, and soothe irritation. Gum inflammation is a huge red flag, and if chronic, it fuels conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even serious health issues. The good news is that certain foods can naturally help reduce inflammation and promote healing in your mouth. Crunchy Veggies: Nature’s Toothbrush Vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers are perfect for your gums. Their crunchy texture

scrubs away plaque, and the chewing action stimulates saliva, which helps wash away harmful bacteria. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish gum tissue. Leafy Greens: Vitamin C Powerhouses Spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens are rich in vitamin C, a key nutrient for maintaining healthy connective tissues and supporting your immune system. Just one serving a day can give your gums the extra strength they need to fight off infection. Berries: Tiny But Mighty Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Their natural sweetness is an excellent alternative to sugary snacks, which feed gum-damaging bacteria.

Omega-3s: Fat That Fights Inflammation Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce gum inflammation and even slow the progression of periodontal disease. These fish are a delicious, heart-healthy addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. Green Tea and Spices: Soothe and Protect Green tea contains catechins, natural compounds with antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties, while spices like turmeric and ginger offer gentle healing benefits for sore or swollen gums. A healthy mouth starts in the kitchen. By adding these foods to your daily meals, you’ll be taking a decisive step toward stronger gums, healthier teeth, and a shining smile.

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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