Take a look at our April newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com APR 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
Revolutionary Rights Thoughts on Liberty and Legacy
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
I’ve been a self-proclaimed “history nerd” for a long time — and April is a great time to be one.
insurmountable odds to receive the justice they deserve. No two cases we handle are alike, but the heart behind every action is the same — just like every moment in history that has touched and strengthened our lives and liberties. The Revolutionary War’s remarkable history is also significant in my home life. According to family lore on my father’s side, Roger Sherman — one of the few patriots to sign all four founding documents of the United States — is my five-times-great-grandfather. Although we’ve yet to confirm this tidbit with outside documentation, it made my jaw drop when I heard about it 15 or so years ago!
This month marks the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, responsible for “the shot heard round the world” and the start of the Revolutionary War. Although the significance of these events is obvious — after all, they eventually led to the beginning of our great nation — they have a deep meaning for me in the present. It only takes a brief review of today’s headlines to know we are living in polarizing times, with the concepts of government and democracy taking completely different paths in ways I’m sure our Founding Fathers would never
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
As I write this article in my office, a copy of the book “The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans
NURSING HOME ABUSE
have imagined in a million years. Still, anyone who studies history — or works in law — recognizes we’re not just living in this singular point in time. Not only is history prone to repeat itself, but it also echoes through generations. The faces and circumstances
Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement” by Sharon McMahon is within arm’s reach. I highly recommend it, as it focuses on people throughout history who may not be widely remembered but were among those who shaped where America is today. I purchased it to have in my office as a reminder that “small” people can have an enormous impact on all our lives.
“You don’t need to be a revolutionary patriot to change the course of history, and you don’t need to be a CEO to change how a major corporation treats people.”
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
may change, but the ideas that drove our most significant events remain the same. During the Revolutionary War, a generation of ordinary people stood up to oppression and said, “Enough is enough.” It wasn’t easy for any of them to
BOATING ACCIDENTS
effect change, but they did the right thing anyway to create a freer and more just society. That spirit and drive will always move our country and world forward. I’m fortunate to witness this level of determination every day at our firm. We don’t represent big corporations and other entities with great power; we’re here to serve individuals whose rights have been affected. Just as our Founding Fathers put everything on the line to achieve a better life, our clients often push through seemingly
You don’t need to be a revolutionary patriot to change the course of history, and you don’t need to be a CEO to change how a major corporation treats people. All you need is the strength and willingness to stand up against the forces working against you. When that time comes, I — and the rest of our team at the firm — will be ready to fight alongside you. –Kahlie Hoffman
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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Nobody — not even the world’s most experienced and skilled doctor — is always perfect, but you or your loved ones shouldn't suffer the consequences of this fact. A GUIDE THROUGH THE WHEN DOCTOR
The U.S. market for soda is worth over $200 billion, fueled by the average American's annual consumption of nearly 40 gallons of soft drinks — including diet soda. While staying hydrated is good, sending lots of chemical sweeteners into our digestive tracts may not be. Concern for serious health issues started in the early 1970s when scientists linked cyclamate and saccharine, popular synthetic sweeteners, to cancer. Congress banned cyclamate but wouldn’t ban saccharine. More recent studies determined that obesity is related to many types of cancer, and obese people are more likely to consume lots of diet soda. Similarly, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes are more likely due to underlying health issues like excessive weight than consuming artificial sweeteners. In the last decade, more natural sugar alternatives have become available, like stevia, agave, monk fruit, and allulose. Diet soda manufacturers have yet to incorporate these into their soft drinks, but they are experimenting. The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia along with erythritol (another new sugar substitute) in its Vitamin Water Zero. Artificial sweeteners do provide some benefits, including fewer cavities, lower blood sugar, and less weight gain. However, some people still suffer side effects from drinking diet soda. The sugar alcohols in diet sodas are linked to intestinal distress, and one scientist points to a potential link between laboratory-created sweeteners and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The importance of our stomach’s microbiome is new to science, and all impacts are under intense scrutiny. ARE SUGAR SUBSTITUTES WORTH THE TRADEOFF? KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Representing clients in medical malpractice cases is among our most frequently requested services at Dickerson Oxton. Although we never want to see anyone experience a serious or fatal injury due to a medical professional’s negligence or mistake, malpractice is increasingly common in the United States — with approximately 20,000 cases filed annually nationwide. Additionally, researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland concluded that nearly 800,000 citizens have either died or sustained permanent disabilities as a result of incorrect medical diagnoses.
As experienced personal injury attorneys, the Dickerson Oxton team has the expertise to identify and pursue various options to ensure clients receive appropriate compensation for their medical negligence claims. Our process involves thoroughly
Vehicles and CLEVER TIPS FOR CORRECT COLL In addition to addressing medical and logistical concerns, the everyday frustrations surrounding a vehicle accident involve getting your automobile repaired. Here are two little-known but essential tips when selecting the best facility to get your damaged ride back on the road. WHERE TO GO When contacting your insurer to file an accident claim, that company might suggest repair shops in your area over the phone or refer you to an online shop locator, especially if you don’t have a specific shop in mind. These businesses partner with the insurer to get work by agreeing to charge the company less for repairs, provide policyholders with faster turnarounds, or perform other services. Although you have the right to go anywhere you’d like to have your vehicle returned to its pre-accident condition, you may need to pay out of pocket for specific repairs and procedures if that facility isn’t partnered with your insurer. It is wise to read online reviews and research whether the shop is trained and certified to work on your specific make or model before accepting your insurer’s preferred provider or selecting one independently.
Sugar-free beverages may be a better choice than sugar-infused drinks because they don’t cause insulin spikes, but the Mayo Clinic warns that frequent consumption of any type of sweetened
drink can become habit- forming, making it hard to return to drinking plain water, which is the optimal choice for health. As with most food trends, we should be informed, listen to our bodies, and make wise choices about what we drink and eat.
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investigating your specific medical treatment and the resulting injury, including an extensive analysis of relevant lab results, charts, provider notes, and other critical documentation. We also depose members of the medical team involved in your care and consult with independent experts in the E MALPRACTICE MAZE RS DO WRONG
medical field to verify the medical malpractice and testify in support of your case. Perhaps most significantly, we work to reject lowball offers and fight for the highest settlement possible from hospitals, providers, or insurers. Dickerson Oxton has successfully won more than $100 million in settlements for clients in cases involving personal injury, vehicle accidents, mass tort, and more.
TAKE A BREAK
Medical patients in Missouri deserve to receive safe and reliable service from properly trained providers who must be held to their profession’s highest standards — and an affected party is entitled to justice and compensation when critical health care errors or negligence occur. Please contact us to discuss how we can help your journey after a medical mishap reach a positive conclusion.
GINGER VEGGIE STIR FRY
Value LISION REPAIR
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
WHAT TO USE Depending on your auto policy’s specific provisions, it’s possible your insurer may recommend the auto body shop use replacement crash parts other than those created for or by the company that manufactured your car. Often called “aftermarket parts,” these third- party products are a less expensive option preferred by insurers and commonly used by their aforementioned referral partners. However, these items are widely produced without the same testing and quality verification as automaker parts, leading automotive industry experts to raise concerns over quality and safety. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), a national auto body trade group of which the Missouri Auto Body Association is a member, has gone on record encouraging repair facilities to only use parts that perform at the same level as those that come directly from the automaker via an approved supplier— which is difficult to prove when a part hasn’t been tested to the vehicle manufacturer’s stringent standards. We recommend that you review your current auto policy carefully for any stipulations regarding the use of aftermarket parts and contact your insurer immediately if you have questions or concerns.
INGREDIENTS • 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided • 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger root, divided • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup julienned carrots • 1/2 cup snow peas • 1/2 cup halved green beans • 3 tbsp water • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1/4 cup chopped onions • 1/2 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. 2. Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and green beans, and toss lightly. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Stir in water and soy sauce. Add onion, salt, and the remaining ginger; cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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1100 Main St. Ste. 2550 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Founding Fathers and Fundamental Truths
PG1
How Much Do You Know About Diet Soda?
PG2
Rise Above Medical Mishaps
PG2
Keys to a Safe Ride
PG2
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
PG3
Heroic Goldendoodle Saves Baby Deer in Heartwarming Rescue
PG4
RESCUE, COMFORT, AND REUNION
How Harley Became a Real-Life Hero
Everyone likes to believe their canine companions would jump into action if they noticed someone or something in danger. However, most dogs will never be in a position to save a life or avert a catastrophe. That’s probably a good thing, as watching one of your best friends risk their life for others would be incredibly stressful. In 2021, a Virginia family experienced precisely that as they witnessed their goldendoodle attempt a heroic rescue with a heartwarming aftermath. During an early summer evening, Ralph Dorn’s dog, Harley, was gone. He started surveying the lake behind his Culpepper, Virginia, home when he spotted the goldendoodle about 200 feet from shore. At first, he wondered what his dog was doing in the water, but he
Harley helped the fawn to shore, where Dorn greeted the animals and helped them climb back onto dry land. Once the deer was out of the water, Harley immediately started licking the fawn to comfort and calm it down. Harley didn’t want to leave the fawn, but after spotting the deer’s mother, Dorn escorted his heroic canine indoors. The fawn and mother walked away, seemingly never to be seen again. That was, until the next morning. Harley appeared restless that morning, running from window to window. Dorn opened the front door to see what was happening when he heard the fawn bleating. The deer had returned, eager to thank its rescuer! The two ran toward each other, touching noses and sniffing one another before Harley returned indoors. The brief reunion was enough to calm the fawn and Harley down, and Dorn has not seen either deer since that day.
soon realized his trusty pup was not alone. Harley was swimming alongside a tiny baby deer. "Not sure how the fawn got out there, but Harley obviously didn't ask why. He just jumped into action," Dorn, 62, wrote in a Facebook post.
But that’s not Harley’s only heroic feat. The proud pup has also spent time as a certified therapy dog, providing comfort and companionship to seniors in care facilities and children reading at the local library. We can all hope our dogs
would take the same actions as Harley if presented with a similar opportunity!
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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