Take a look at our January newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com JAN 2024
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
THE ‘DON’TS’ OF PERSONAL INJURY CASES The Top 4 Things You Should NEVER Do!
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Jan. 25 is Opposite Day, and I’d like to celebrate this fun occasion by doing things a little differently in this article. Typically, I like to use this space to share legal tips, advice, or recent developments. But, in honor of Opposite Day, I thought it would be just as valuable to share some of the things anyone dealing with an accident or injury should NOT do. So, here are the top 4 things you should avoid when dealing with a personal injury case. NO. 1: DO NOT POST ABOUT YOUR CASE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. In today’s world, much of our daily lives are shared online via social media pages, from the good to the bad and the ugly. However, as soon as you post about your injury case on social media, the insurance company or defense counsel for the other side can bring it up in your case later. And, not only can they use that post in court, but other posts you’ve made on social media as well, including pictures from vacations, parties, celebrations, and everything in between. Often, they’ll use these pictures to try to prove that you weren’t really that injured or that you’re doing things that aren’t consistent with the injuries or damages you’re claiming. Now, we all know that someone can be suffering and still go to their grandmother’s birthday party, and a good attorney knows how to combat those claims from the opposing counsel. However, it definitely makes a case harder when I find out a client has been posting frequently online. Hence, my advice is to avoid posting on social media altogether if you have a personal injury case pending. NO. 2: BE WARY OF CONVERSATIONS WITH THE AT-FAULT PARTY’S INSURANCE COMPANY. The best course of action if you’ve been injured in an accident and it was not your fault is to get a lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer and their office can then speak to any insurance companies for you to ensure the claim is handled correctly. This alleviates the burden on you as the injured party and ensures the other side is not tricking you into providing information that can be harmful to your claim. While providing some basic facts immediately after a collision may not be dire to your case, getting a lawyer and avoiding speaking to the other side’s insurance altogether is always the best-case scenario to avoid any pitfalls. Even the
answer you provide to a simple “How are you?” can be used against you later. Remember, insurance companies only care about one thing: their bottom line. NO. 3: AVOID COMMUNICATING WITH THE AT‑FAULT PERSON IN YOUR CASE. It’s not uncommon for parties to swap contact information after a collision, which isn’t a problem and something you should actually do. Ideally, this would be shared formally through any law enforcement personnel who respond to an accident. The issue is when victims and persons at fault begin to communicate directly after the incident. Even if the other side seems friendly or apologetic, let me tell you from experience that communicating with them at a minimum can be stressful, and at worst can actually do harm to your case, not good. NO. 4: NEVER WAIT TO BE EXAMINED BY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL AFTER A COLLISION. One of the biggest mistakes we see clients make in their injury cases is waiting before seeing a doctor after they’ve been injured. Sometimes, they think they’re uninjured since they feel completely fine or are only slightly sore. Other times, they try to wait until their car is fixed or until they get a day off from work. First, this is a bad idea because it’s entirely possible to have a severe injury without feeling intense pain immediately after the incident. Second, waiting to see a doctor will prevent you from receiving necessary care and could potentially worsen injuries. And finally, the longer you wait, the more doubt opposing counsel can sow in a jury. “If they were that injured, why did they wait so long to see a doctor?” they might ask. That’s why it’s always best to visit a doctor immediately after an injury. That way, you can receive the care you need to recover properly. So, while Opposite Day is a fun way to play a practical joke on your family, friends, or coworkers, you need to be very careful when it comes to personal injury cases. By avoiding the four things listed above, you can improve your chances of receiving the justice you deserve. And, of course, if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call us! –Chelsea Dickerson
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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As the winter season arrives in Kansas City, property owners and occupants need to take extra precautions to ensure their safety as well as the safety of anyone else who may be visiting their property. Slippery sidewalks, icy entryways, and insufficient lighting can create hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. At Dickerson Oxton Law, our goal is always to help make our community a safer place. That’s why we’re sharing some essential tips for winter safety any homeowner can use to reduce the risk of injury on their property. NO. 1: CLEAR WALKWAYS REGULARLY. It’s important for property owners to make sure walkways like sidewalks and driveways are safe during snowy or icy weather. Clearing snow and putting salt down regularly can help prevent people from slipping and getting hurt. And when it comes to sidewalks, clearing snow not only keeps everyone safe but is also required by law in Kansas City. According to Kansas City’s municipal code (Sec. 64-246), “individuals owning or occupying property on streets, boulevards and highways [must] remove snow and ice from the sidewalks in front or alongside their property.” NO. 2: ENSURE THERE IS PROPER LIGHTING. The days are shorter in the winter, and it can get dark very quickly. To avoid any accidents, it’s essential to make sure the areas around your OUR TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PROPER Winter Wonderland JANUARY’S KALEIDOSCOPE OF FUN IN KANSAS CITY! ART, MAGIC, AND MORE Let your creative side run wild this month with a few of Kansas City’s most exciting, fun-filled, educational experiences. These events are perfect for all ages and offer an excellent opportunity to make lasting memories with your loved ones, even when it’s cold outside! ‘MONET AND HIS MODERN LEGACY’ Until March 10, 2024 The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City Nelson-Atkins.org/exhibitions/monet-and-his-modern-legacy The Nelson-Atkins Museum is now showcasing an exciting exhibition called “Monet and His Modern Legacy” to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism. The exhibition features the works of Claude Monet and explores how his paintings influenced many American artists who came after him. The exhibition also includes some of Monet’s paintings borrowed from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris and additional works by Monet himself. “Monet and His Modern Legacy” is a great chance to explore the beauty of art and its influence on artists across generations. Plus, you’ll see a few of Monet’s works that are typically only available in Paris!
We often think dogs live the good life, as they seem to do nothing but play, eat, and sleep. Yet, some dogs are busy at work, some without being asked to do so! Take Kupata, the stray dog in Georgia, for example. This street-roaming pup takes it upon himself to guard a crosswalk all day, every day. In the town of Batumi, this stray stays by a single crosswalk and forces traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. He’s especially protective of children! If Kupata sees a car isn’t slowing down, he’ll bark at the driver as they drive away and run to protect the person crossing the street. One local even shared that Kupata will cross the road with children and stay at the park to protect the youngsters. Kupata, which in English means “sausage,” has become a staple in the community due to his hard work, and locals all pitch in to care for and feed the stray dog. His consistently round belly shows just how loved he is. You’ll even see a massive painting of the beloved animal on a nearby building. Now, after tireless days of guarding his street, Kupata has his own doghouse provided by the city with an accompanying star on the road with his name on it. Kupata’s dedication made him go viral on social media, and now travelers from all over the world come to see Kupata. Don’t distract him, though. He’s busy at work! Sadly, even though Kupata remains cherished by his community, thousands of stray dogs in the country need shelter, food, and companionship. According to activists, around 500,000 stray dogs and cats roam the streets of Georgia. While stray animals may get a bad reputation for being dangerous or unfriendly, Kupata proves that even these furry friends deserve love and recognition. The Stray Dog Who Captured the World’s Heart KUPATA’S ROAD TO FAME
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You can visit the link above to purchase your tickets!
property are well-lit. Check that all the outdoor lights are working properly, and think about adding new lights where needed. This can help reduce the risk of any mishaps and keep you, your loved ones, and visitors safe. NO. 3: IMPLEMENT A SNOW REMOVAL PLAN. It’s important to have a plan for removing RTY SAFE THIS SNOWY SEASON d or Slippery Slope?
snow, whether you own a house or a business. This means getting rid of snow as soon as possible after a snowstorm so dangerous icy spots don’t form.
However, given people’s busy schedules, we understand that fitting in a few hours to shovel snow isn’t always possible. In that case, we highly recommend hiring a local company to remove the snow from your property FOR you. It saves you time and ensures your property remains safe.
TAKE A BREAK
For your reference, here are a few Kansas City snow removal companies you can contact:
• • •
Horizon Lawn & Landscape — (816) 347-8873 Escobar Tree and Lawn Service — (913) 223-2107 Quality Lawn & Landscape Bros. — (816) 516-2633
DREAM TIME PRINCESS BALL — KANSAS CITY Jan. 27, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Loretto, 1111 W. 39th St., Kansas City DreamTimePrincessEvents.TicketSpice.com/dream-time-princess-ball-kc Looking for a magical experience for your little ones? This January, the Dream Time Princess Ball is coming to Kansas City! Kids will meet over 10 real-life fairy tale princesses in one enchanted afternoon and enjoy live performances, one-on-one meet-and-greet sessions, and personal photo opportunities.
WORLD’S BEST BROWNIES
INGREDIENTS
• 2/3 cup butter • 2 oz unsweetened chocolate • 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Tickets sell out quickly, so visit the link above to secure your spot.
BRICKTIONARY: THE ULTIMATE LEGO A-Z Until Feb. 4, 2024 Union Station Kansas City, 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City UnionStation.org/event/bricktionary Bricktionary features over 150 custom-built LEGO models and is all about using simple letters and endless imagination to bring your wildest dreams to life. Attendees will get to explore multiple galleries and have a hands-on experience like no other, including plenty of amazing selfie opportunities alongside these stunning LEGO brick creations. And if you’re feeling inspired, you can let your imagination run wild and create something extraordinary of your own!
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. 2. Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then add melted chocolate mixture and blend well. 4. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. 5. Gradually add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until blended, then stir in nuts if desired. 6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tickets are available at the link above!
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Main St. Ste. 2120 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
What NOT to Do in a Personal Injury Claim! Meet Kupata, Georgia’s Street-Roaming Pup Hero 3 Tips to Avoid Winter Slips and Falls on Your Property Kansas City’s Must-Attend January Events World’s Best Brownies Create Your Own Science Fun With Your Kids
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DISCOVER FUN AT HOME AN EASY EXPERIMENT YOU CAN DO WITH THE KIDS
What do you do when a snowy day cancels that soccer match, day at the zoo, or walk you had planned with the kids? Never fear! You can make your own fun at home by creating a compass using a few items you probably already have on hand.
are using just one side of the magnet and sliding the magnet in one direction only.
Step 2: Get the cork ready. Cut the cork so it’s about 2 centimeters tall.
Step 3: Join the needle and cork. Grab the needle with a pair of pliers and stick it through the cork so it’s centered within the cork, with the needle sticking out on both ends of the cork.
The power of polarity is amazing. Its principles have helped explorers find their way to new destinations and back home again for
thousands of years. The key through all of those journeys was being able to determine where the earth’s magnetic north pole was, and with this project, kids can see it at work on their own kitchen table! First, you’ll need a few items: a large sewing needle, a strong magnet, a cork, a medium to large bowl, water, and pliers. Step 1: Make the needle magnetic. To do this, rub your magnet down along the length of the needle about 50 times. Make sure you
Step 4: Fill your bowl with water. For best results, you’ll want a few inches of water.
Step 5: Put your compass to work. Just set the cork and needle on top of the water. Watch how it moves. Within a few seconds, you should see it pointing straight toward the magnetic north.
This homemade compass is just one example of the kind of fun you can find in your free time at home!
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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