Take a look at our December newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com DEC 2022
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Dedicated to Improving Lives Through Laying the Groundwork for Safer Products
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
In addition to our commitment to helping our clients, the attorneys at Dickerson Oxton are dedicated to improving the lives of others more broadly. Not only does this mean formulating litigation strategies that benefit our clients, but also simultaneously pressuring defendants to behave more responsibly to create better and safer products for everyone. One current example is that we are spearheading a litigation effort to create accountability for manufacturers of implanted injection port devices. An injection port, sometimes referred to as a “port-a-cath,” is an implanted device that makes it easier for a medical professional to access your bloodstream to conveniently inject or extract fluids without needing to install an IV into the vein every time. While these devices are helpful in treating various illnesses, they also entail risks of serious injuries — risks that can be significantly reduced if the manufacturers would make simple changes to the product design. Those risks include the following: FRACTURES In some cases, all or part of the catheter breaks off and migrates to other parts of the body, causing severe complications. It is most commonly due to a reduction in durability due to constant flexing, also known as flex fatigue. When this happens, the catheter typically breaks into multiple pieces and is swept throughout the circulatory system. Emergency heart surgery may be required to remove fragments swept into the heart. Additionally, this puts patients at a higher risk of a pulmonary embolism — a blockage in lung arteries that can cause significant permanent damage to a patient’s lungs. INFECTIONS Over time, as the catheter has reduced durability, bacteria and other pathogens can permeate through the catheter.
Often, these holes and cracks allow pathogens to slip through but are often too small for the body’s immune cells to pass through. This can result in severe infections the body cannot fight. Catheter-related bloodstream infections are one of the leading causes of hospital deaths in this country and account for the majority of health care treatment expenditures. CATHETER MIGRATION/DISLODGEMENT Similar to catheter fracture, a catheter has the potential to simply dislodge from the implanted port device and migrate to other parts of the body. Although this still has the potential for serious injury, dislodged catheters often remain whole, so operations to remove them are less intensive and serious than catheter fractures. These complications can be substantially reduced if manufacturers were to adopt certain design modifications to the catheters in the injection port devices. Dickerson Oxton’s Mass Tort Team is dedicated to helping those affected by or who have suffered from an injury associated with an implanted port device. Our litigation efforts in product liability cases always involve the investigation and promotion of safer alternative designs that would prevent a large number of these catastrophic health outcomes. Thus, as we help our clients on an individual basis, we are also working to lay the groundwork for safer products. If we can push for a better design, manufacture, and distribution, we can continue to pursue the goal of saving people and their families from the injuries and complications that have befallen our clients. –Adam Evans
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
1
The holiday season is about giving, gathering with loved ones, and spending quality time together. However, during these times, we should also think about those who don’t have the means to give gifts or aren’t as fortunate as others. We wanted to spotlight a few nonprofit organizations you can support and maybe even make this holiday one to remember for someone who needs it most. GREENLIGHT FUND Make a Difference in THROUGH GIVING BAC
This organization helps transform the lives of children and families in high-poverty urban areas by creating local infrastructure and a consistent annual process to identify critical needs and import innovative, entrepreneurial programs that can have a significant impact. They also galvanize local support to help programs reach and sustain impact in Kansas City. Communities are at the center of their purpose, and they work together to attract the solutions they need when they need them most. With your help, we can accelerate the spread of proven programs that make lasting changes for children and families. For more information or to donate, check out GreenLightFund.org .
Hundreds of years after you die and decompose, the Styrofoam takeout containers you used for last night’s Thai food will still linger in the landfill. Scientists estimate it takes thousands of years for Styrofoam (aka polystyrene) to break down when buried under other trash. Even in direct sunlight, the process takes decades! This is a huge pollution problem — but a tiny bug may be able to solve it. On the other side of the globe, at the University of Queensland in Australia, researchers are keeping a tank full of pets that may save us all from our plastic waste: Zophobas morio, aka the “giant mealworm” or “superworm.” In the wild, superworms are scavengers that will munch on anything from animals to apples. But in captivity, researchers have found another food they love: Styrofoam. “Superworms are like mini recycling plants, shredding the polystyrene with their mouths and then feeding it to the bacteria in their gut,” Dr. Chris Rinke, the leader of the superworm experiment at the University of Queensland, told Science Daily. “The breakdown products from this reaction can then be used by other microbes to create high-value compounds such as bioplastics.” Not only did the worms in the Queensland study eat the Styrofoam, but they actually gained weight from a healthy diet of takeout containers. Their ability to digest plastic is likely thanks to the gut bacteria Dr. Rinke mentioned. If we can grow and control these bacteria, we may be able to set it loose in landfills and turn our trash into something more useful. Superworms haven’t saved us yet — in fact, we usually use the 2-inch brown bugs as food for pet lizards and birds — but it’s about time we put their true potential to work. Fortunately, scientists like Dr. Rinke are on the case. MEET THE BUGS WITH A TASTE FOR PLASTIC
Everyone should be able to live independently with confidence and dignity — especially our senior populations. But as we age, it can be challenging to continue doing the things we love the most. Driving is an essential way for older people to remain independent and mobile. During the first week of December, Older Driver Safety Awareness Week aims to promote the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older individuals remain active in their communities. WHY ARE OLDER DRIVERS AT RISK? Driving a car represents freedom and helps older adults feel more satisfied and in control of their lives. But age-related changes can still make driving more dangerous. Stiff joints and weak muscles are common among older individuals, which may affect their ability to safely drive and control a vehicle. These changes can make it harder to turn your head to check blindspots, turn the steering wheel quickly, or even brake safely. Eyesight also changes with age and can affect the way we see the road. It may become difficult to see pedestrians or other vehicles or read street or traffic signs. PROMOTING INDEPENDENC Keep Older Drivers Saf
“Our team is very excited to push the science to make it happen,” he said.
To see the superworms in action, head to YouTube.com and search “superworm plastic.”
2
SLEEPYHEAD BEDS Sleepyhead Beds improves the quality of life for children and their families by providing clean, reusable beds and bedding! They also contribute to the health and environment of the community by sanitizing mattresses and keeping them out of landfills. They rely on individuals like you to donate gently used or new mattresses and box springs, bedding and sheet sets, and any financial support. You’d be surprised how little it takes to deliver the happily ever after to these children! If you want to donate a bed or volunteer, check out their page at SleepyHeadBeds.org . OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH n the Lives of Others CK TO THE COMMUNITY
The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to provide a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty and empower their families through advocacy, emergency aid, and education. The organization responded to the need for quality child care and provided them with a nurturing and safe environment. The vision has been for all children to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and with your help, they can give the children the boost they need to reach it. If you want to get involved, use their page OperationBreakThrough.org to help today!
TAKE A BREAK
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER SNOWBALLS
CE AND MOBILITY fe on the Roads
Inspired by TheFoodieAffair.com
This year-round treat is the perfect dessert for any holiday party. Since you don’t need to worry about a hot oven, it’s a great recipe to make with the whole family — including the little ones! • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 3 tbsp softened butter • 1 lb white chocolate candy coating INGREDIENTS
Everyone ages differently, but that doesn’t mean you have to hang up those keys just yet! HERE ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER DRIVERS. Aging does not automatically mean a total loss of driving ability! There are many ways older individuals can continue driving safely, including modifying the car, altering the way they drive, and addressing any physical issues that can interfere with driving. Consider the following: • Get your eyes and ears checked every year and wear glasses or contacts as directed. • Avoid driving at night and in bad weather. • Drive only in familiar places or only within a certain radius of home. • Stay off highways. • Discuss any medical conditions with a doctor that may affect driving — e.g., medication that causes dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, or fatigue. It’s normal for driving abilities to change as we get older. But if you consider these tips and know the signs of unsafe driving, you can adjust your driving or make the decision to leave behind the keys!
DIRECTIONS
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until evenly combined. 3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. 4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate candy coating in increments of 30 seconds, stirring occasionally until smooth. 5. In the same bowl, use skewers to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate before placing them on a lined cookie sheet so they can harden. 6. Chill until ready and then serve!
3
Giving Back
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
Pushing for Better Products
PG1
These Bugs Love Takeout Containers
PG2
3 Local Nonprofits to Support This Holiday Season Highlighting Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
PG2
PG2
No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs
PG3
The Theater Is Calling Your Name
PG4
THE THEATER DELIVERS SURPRISING PERKS! 5 Reasons to See a Play This Season
3. You’ll provoke family discussions. Chatting about the play with your family during intermission and the drive home will help you learn more about each other and forge stronger bonds. What did your kids enjoy about the plot? Which character did your spouse identify with most? Are there any plot holes or unanswered questions that are bothering them? 4. You’ll boost your family’s literary knowledge. A study from the University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform found that students remembered more about stories like “A Christmas Carol” after watching them as plays than they did after watching movies or even reading the original books. Exposing your kids to the work of Shakespeare
To get in the holiday spirit this season, consider making a family trip to your local theater. There are a surprising number of benefits to seeing a play in person. 1. You’ll support your local economy. Theater companies are almost always local organizations, and many of them are nonprofits. That means the money you spend on your tickets will go into the pockets of the actors and/or right back into the company to bring more productions to the community. 2. Your kids could discover an interest in the arts. Your children might have a passion for acting or stage design. They’ll never know unless they see both firsthand.
and Dickens at the theater is a great way to help them get ahead in their studies. 5. Your kids will develop their tolerance and empathy. The same study out of Arkansas found that students who attended the theater scored higher on tolerance and empathy tests. Watching live helped them identify and relate to the emotional turmoil of the characters. This winter, check your local theaters for holiday-themed productions like “A Christmas Carol,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” You’ll bring your family closer and embrace the holiday spirit one curtain call at a time.
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.
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator