Take a look at our May newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com MAY 2023
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
TAKE A RIDE ON THE SAFE SIDE PROTECT YOURSELF WITH THESE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR. You may want to feel the wind in your hair or the sun on your skin, but riding a motorcycle involves different responsibilities than driving a car. With 100% certainty, a motorcycle rider will be more injured in an accident than someone inside a car wearing a seat belt. There is nothing between a motorcycle rider and the asphalt on the road. That’s why riders should always wear long pants, a biking jacket, and a helmet. Typically, biking apparel is thicker than the average article of clothing, offering the rider increased protection against anything their body may come into contact with in a collision. You can always pack your flip- flops, shorts, and T-shirt in a backpack for after your ride. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE DRIVING. Whether behind the wheel of a car or a motorcycle’s handlebars, it’s important to be as vigilant as possible. Everyone has a right to be on the road and is responsible for watching out for others before turning, merging, and stopping. For those driving a four-wheel vehicle, just remember that motorcycles are so small that they may not always appear in your side mirror. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check over your shoulder and in your blind spot before switching on that blinker and making a turn. No one can control what other people do on the road, which should encourage us to be extra cautious. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle collision, call us at 816-268-1960 . Our personal injury attorneys are here to fight for your claim while you focus on the most essential thing: recovery.
In 2014, Missouri had about 363,000 licensed motorcycle drivers, making up roughly 17% of all registered vehicles in the state. However, while riding a motorcycle is enjoyable for those who choose to ride, it can also be incredibly hazardous. According to the Missouri Coalition for Highway Safety, in 2021 alone, “There were 159 motorcyclist fatalities on Missouri roadways, accounting for 16% of all traffic fatalities in the state.” May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, so we want to share a few things both motorcycle riders and other four-wheeled drivers can do to avoid becoming motorcycle crash statistics. AVOID WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC. When you drive a motorcycle, it may be an appealing thought to squeeze between two cars on a two-lane road to get ahead, riding the white line in the middle. This is called lane splitting, and it’s extremely dangerous for the motorcycle rider. Even if you’re running late, avoid squeezing between two cars because that space in the middle often falls within their blind spots — meaning that they have no idea you’re next to them, so if they try to merge or turn unexpectedly, you’ll be right in their path. SLOW IT DOWN! Part of the appeal of driving a motorcycle is the feeling of liberation. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that going fast on a motorcycle may be fun, but it’s still illegal and dangerous. This is especially important in the outside lanes when cars slow down to make a turn. If a rider isn’t paying attention, their fast speed may not leave them enough time to stop safely, resulting in a collision that can injure everyone involved.
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Chelsea Dickerson
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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May 26 is the last day of school for Kansas City Public Schools, which means many families will begin some of their favorite summertime activities, like swimming! And while not everyone has a pool of their own, Kansas City has many incredible pools families can use to make a splash. INJURED AT A POO KNOW YOUR LEGAL
But what happens when a child or adult suffers an injury at a pool, like a slip and fall?
On the night of New Year’s Eve in 2014, a group of burglars experienced the fright of a lifetime. Expecting to rob a quiet home in Derby, England, the intruders instead came face to snout with Ludwig, a 240-pound potbellied pig. Abandoning all thoughts of crime once they spotted the pig, the burglars instantly fled the scene and ran for their lives. The “hero ham” had already become a popular figure in his town and was well-loved for his gentle demeanor. In fact, Michael Maughan, Ludwig’s owner, is confident that Ludwig wouldn’t have harmed the intruders, even if he does look quite intimidating. Local officers believe the robbers must have heard Ludwig’s Rottweiler- like “growl” and immediately hit the road, leaving the door wide open behind them. The story of this heroic potbellied pig became a sensation throughout Europe. Countless fans have applauded the Canadian- born hog for his loyalty to his owners. But the owners want to ensure people understand that Ludwig would never hurt anyone. Some fabricated web stories made Ludwig sound more dangerous than he is, so Maughan spoke to the Toronto Star to dispute any defamations against Ludwig’s kindness. “He’s being painted as a vicious creature when he’s actually quite a sweet animal,” he explained. “He didn’t exactly bare his tusks and charge, I don’t think. I think he got absolutely, ‘Arrgh,’ and they just ran for it.” In fact, Maughan detailed that after a two-month separation during their move to England, the pig shed tears during their reunion. Adorable and affectionate, Ludwig would have probably become friends with the intruders in no time. Even if his “bark” is worse than his bite, Ludwig succeeded in keeping his owners safe while also protecting their home. This 240-pound potbellied pig continues to enjoy his comfortable home in Derby and is considered a town hero. Anyone looking for a guard dog may want to consider a hefty hog instead! INTRUDERS FLEE FROM LUDWIG THE PIG A Ham-Fisted Attempt at Robbery
A slip-and-fall accident can happen at a pool for many different reasons, but often, they are due to negligence of the pool’s owner, whatever entity that may be. The owner of a pool is responsible for maintaining the pool and its surrounding area as a safe place for both children and adults to swim without the risk of injury. Pool accidents often occur for the following reasons: • Lack of safety signage, such as warnings not to run on the pool deck • Inappropriate or dangerous pool deck materials • Failure to fix excessively wet or slippery floors • Slippery pool deck caused by wax or grease cleaning product • Debris on the pool deck, such as food waste • Lack of child supervision by lifeguards or supervisors • Poor lighting Celebrate Memorial Day With Your Community
ATTEND THE BLUE SPRINGS 2023 PARADE
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Managing Partner Tom Dickerson obtained a $4.481 million verdict in a personal injury product liability case in the United States District Court, District of Kansas, in March 2023 with co-counsel. The case took seven years to complete and was re-tried after losing the first trial. Tom and his co- counsel were persistent in continuing the case for so long and fought to obtain justice for the client. Congrats to him and the entire trial team for their hard work and a great recovery! A major victory!
OL? L RIGHTS
And while the pool’s owner is responsible for ensuring the above things don’t happen, it’s still important for families to remain vigilant and do their due diligence to keep themselves safe. So, what can you do to remain safe despite the risks?
Always read the pool rules!
When you arrive at a pool, make sure your family (including children) understands the pool’s rules, like no running or jumping. This will not only help keep your family safe (the rules are there for a reason!) but will also ensure you don’t do anything that the pool’s owner can use against you later if an injury does occur. But if your family obeyed the rules and suffered injury after the swimming pool owner reasonably failed to take better care to prevent the slip-and-fall accident, the owner could be liable for the damages. If you or someone in your family suffers a severe injury at a pool this summer, and you want to discuss your options, contact our slip-and- fall attorneys for a free consultation by calling 816-268-1960. May 29 is Memorial Day this year, and it’s a time to honor and mourn the U.S. military members who have lost their lives while serving. Many families have their own ways of observing the holiday, but if you’re looking for opportunities to get out in your community this Memorial Day, Blue Springs is hosting their annual parade for all to attend. Since World War II, Blue Springs has hosted this parade every year, and military members and civilians participate. The parade begins at Main Street and proceeds to Blue Springs Cemetery, where the Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a ceremony for the fallen. Then, the parade will continue to the Meyers Funeral Home, where military members will take a parade rest (a formal position for soldiers that includes being silent and motionless) and a moment of silence. The parade begins at 10 a.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. However, parade organizers are also looking for more military service members to participate in the parade. “There is currently a special need for more service men and women in uniform to escort the flag to the cemetery. Scouts, ROTC, and civilians follow the military color guard,” organizers said. If you or someone you know is a service member interested in participating in the parade to escort the flag, call the city of Blue Springs at 816-228-0110. For everyone else looking for a way to honor our fallen service members with their community, come on out to the Memorial Day parade in Blue Springs at West Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015.
GINGER PORK STIR-FRY
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Looking for a healthy stir-fry that has all of the delicious flavors and none of the heavy ingredients? This one might be perfect for you!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 cup orange juice • 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 small onion, sliced • 1/4 lb fresh snow peas • 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned • Cooked rice • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Don’t Just Ride — Survive
PG1
Potbellied Pig Terrifies Burglars
PG2
Public Pool Dangers, Beware
PG2
The 2023 Memorial Day Parade
PG2
Ginger Pork Stir-Fry
PG3
The Mysteriously Missing Metric System
PG4
PIRATES STOLE OUR METRIC SYSTEM Why America Never Changed to Kilos and Grams
Pirates, that’s right, pirates stopped America from changing to the metric system. While they can’t take all the blame, they steal a good chunk of it. There was a specific time in history when America did consider taking up the metric system. But pirates intercepted the standards, and America has refused to change its measuring system ever since. Way back when America was still a new country, there was no regulated measuring system throughout the states. Each territory was using some bizarre system that stayed only within state lines. For example, people were using Roman measurements, Dutch systems, and British systems dating back to King Henry VII. In 1789, Thomas Jefferson decided that some order needed to be in place. A lover of all things French, Jefferson admired the metric system’s logic and principle. He asked the French to help the U.S. transition to the metric system, and they were kind enough to send scientist Joseph Dombey. Dombey boarded a ship and set sail for America with two items pivotal to our measuring system change. The first gadget was a copper cylinder 3 inches in height and width, weighing precisely 1 kilogram.
The second was another copper object, but this time a rod estimated to be a meter in length. These simple trinkets would have eased us into the metric system. Except, we never received them. In fact, Dombey never set foot in America. Unfortunately, storm winds blew his ship off course and into the pirate-filled Caribbean. The pirates hijacked his boat and held him captive, hoping to use him for ransom. In a tragic turn of events, Dombey died in that pirate prison
before any ransom money could be sent. The pirates then auctioned off everything Dombey had on his boat, metric measuring tools included. So, you can thank the pirates for all the painstaking work we have to go through when using metric-based recipes. Why Americans never swapped systems after 1789 is still a mystery!
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