Take a look at our September newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com SEPT 2022
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Focus on the Good and the Goals KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND TAKE A BREATH
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
September is national Self- Improvement Month. Having
done a few 5Ks and 10Ks, and it’s just something healthy I can throw in the mix. But I have that typical mom guilt when I have to focus on training all day, and Tom always reminds me that it’s good for me, and I need to get out there and do it for myself! His support and encouragement truly show his belief in me, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Another wonderful person who continues to encourage me is Nancy Wilson. She’s a former attorney and a mentor to Tom and me, and she continually encourages us to pursue our goals. She also likes to run, so she has encouraged me throughout my own journey and has even been kind enough to invite me to some of the runs she participates in. Nancy started in the 1980s or ’90s and worked in large firms early in her career. She went to law school during a time when women were not treated well by their peers. So, you can only imagine the situations she has been through. Despite all that, she has been such a great example of a strong female attorney and leader. It has been very rewarding to share stories over dinner or coffee. Nancy will tell me about her experiences and remind me I have to let the noise go and ignore it as best as I can. People will talk in your ear, put you
down, or say you can’t do something, but you have to focus on your goals and move forward. Just hearing her perspective about how difficult things were, how she maintained her cool and kept one foot in front of the other — despite all the setbacks — has really ignited a flame in me to continue what I do today. In our office, we face challenges every day. The best encouragement I can give to my employees is being a strong leader and focusing us on the main goals in every case. Tom and I try to remind everyone there’s always something good in a case, there is a path forward to take, and a lot of the little things the other side tries to focus on don’t always matter in the grand scheme of things. Providing that perspective and showing support helps them gain the confidence they need to take on challenges they may face. No matter what challenges you face, it is always good to remember your main goals. Write them down and keep those as your focus. Have perspective when things go wrong or when setbacks arise and surround yourself with encouraging people who support you and help you keep your eye on the prize.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
resiliency and keeping my chin held high in the face of struggles is always something I try to improve in myself and make myself better at. Our job can be challenging, but one thing I’ve found that helps give me that resiliency and determination to carry on is surrounding myself with people who believe in me and encourage me to do my best. “Providing that perspective and showing support helps them gain the confidence they need to take on challenges they may face.” I’ve been fortunate to have many encouraging people in my life who help me be my best self, including my husband Tom. Tom is very good at giving me encouragement. He has always been good at maintaining a level head and having a good grasp on seeing the bigger picture of things. He encourages me to pursue hobbies I want to do or put my energy into something outside of work in my free time. I enjoy running, and I’ve
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Chelsea Dickerson
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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No matter the distance or destination, your child’s safety is paramount whenever you drive your vehicle. Children are much more vulnerable compared to adults when it comes to motor vehicle collisions, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of death among children. Every state has its own child safety seat laws to protect children in motor vehicle crashes. It’s important to obey and follow these laws because it can potentially save your child’s life in a collision. WHAT DOES MISSOURI LAW SAY? In Missouri, it is illegal to transport a child without using a proper safety restraint system. A child should be strapped into the correct restraint device — according to their age and size — and placed in the back seat. Under the Revisor Statutes of Missouri, Section 307.179, all drivers transporting a child under the age of 16 are solely responsible for protecting a child through the following means: • Rear-facing car seat — Any child under the age of 4 years old, or weighing less than 40 pounds, must be secured in this type of MAKE PLANS TO CEL PLENTY TO DO IN SEPTE Catch the best of everything Kansas City has to offer! Get going, buy your tickets, and register for all the fun and exciting events happening this month. KANSAS CITY IRISH FEST This festival is dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character, and history of Ireland and of all the Irish people who call Kansas City home. Come celebrate KC’s Celtic heritage with three whole days filled with live music, special performances, locally provided libations, activities for the little ones, tasty treats, and more during the weekend of Sept. 2–4. Ticket prices vary depending on which days you would like to go or which activities you would like to participate in, so check out KCIrishFest.com for more information and details. KANSAS CITY AIR SHOW Join Kansas City’s end-of-summer party from Sept. 3–4 at New Century AirCenter! The U.S. Air Force will be celebrating its 75th anniversary, which features a world-class group of performers, from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to the U.S. Army Golden Knights. There are many different ways to experience the sights and sounds of the 2022 KC Air Show, and ticket prices vary depending on which days and times you would like to watch the performances. Strap in and Buckle Up GET THE RIGHT SEAT FOR YOUR CHILD
A commonly uttered phrase among dog lovers is that we don’t deserve them. This comes from the fact that dogs often give their all to protect their owners, even if that means putting their own lives at risk. Dogs seem to be instinctively wired to protect their humans — and it’s more proof they really are our best friends. In May 2022, Erin Wilson pulled off at a roadside picnic area and headed down a path toward the Trinity River in California with her Belgian Malinois, Eva. As Wilson walked down the EVA’S STAND-OFF WITH A MOUNTAIN LION This Belgian Malinois Needs a Cape
slope, the dog ran ahead. Suddenly, Wilson turned around and realized she was being cornered by a mountain lion.
These attacks are incredibly rare due to the mountain lion’s reclusive and shy nature. In fact, since 1890, California has recorded only six fatal mountain lion attacks. However, recent drought conditions have made food scarce in some areas. Their preferred prey is deer, but these conditions probably made the sudden appearance of a slender woman look like an attractive option. The mountain lion growled and took a swipe at Wilson’s left shoulder. As it lunged at her, Wilson screamed and shouted for Eva. At the distressed call of her owner, the dog came running back to Wilson’s aid. Without hesitation, Eva leapt between Wilson and tackled the wild cat. During the short tussle, the mountain lion managed to get its jaws around Eva’s head, but Wilson fought to free her dog by throwing rocks in an attempt to break its hold. When that didn’t work, she ran back to her truck and managed to wave down a passing motorist. With their combined efforts — and a crowbar and lots of pepper spray — they were able to scare the mountain lion away. Wilson, though wounded, managed to carry Eva back to her truck and raced her to an animal hospital. Thankfully, Eva didn’t need surgery but still had some extensive injuries. Unfortunately, while Eva survived the initial attack, she passed away due to her injuries on June 8, 2022. Wilson said she would do anything for her dog, and that day, Eva proved she would do the same for Wilson.
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restraint system with a five-point harness — which is the current standard for an infant car seats.
• Forward-facing car seat — Once the child is of minimum height and weight of the car seat manufacturer’s recommendations, they may transition to this restraint system. • Booster seat — Any child between the ages of 4 and 8, weighs between 40 and 80 pounds, and is less than 4 feet, 9 inches in height, must be secured in a booster seat restraint system. • Seat belt — When a child is 80 pounds or more and is taller than 4 feet, 9 inches, they can transition to a normal vehicle safety belt, as long as it fits them properly. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Child safety restraint systems are designed to reduce the risk of serious or deadly injuries in car collisions. They lift a child to the proper height to use the vehicle’s seat belt system to its full potential. Without a safety restraint system in place, a normal seat belt can do more harm than good. Since children are smaller, a normal seat belt can fall onto their stomach or neck, and with the amount of force in a car collision, it can cause fatal injuries. There are many safety seat restraints for children, so make sure to do your research! If you have questions or concerns about what type of model you should purchase, speak with a Kansas City inspection center in your area.
TAKE A BREAK
NO-FUSS CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP
LEBRATE KC! EMBER
Inspired by RecipeTinEats.com
Fall is almost here, so it’s time to break out the soup! Your family is sure to love this recipe — it’s a classic.
To see the event lineup and details about tickets, check out KCAirShow.org PLAZA ART FAIR This nationally recognized, nine-
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 3 carrots, sliced • 3 celery ribs, sliced • 2 chicken bouillon cubes • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp pepper • 4 cups chicken broth • 4 cups water • 1 1/4 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs • 1 cup uncooked white rice • Salt, to taste
block art event at the Country Club Plaza is for all lovers of art, music, and local foods in Kansas City. Held on the weekend of Sept. 23–25, the art fair will be celebrating its 91st anniversary!
DIRECTIONS
The fair welcomes a crowd of more than 250,000 and features 240 artists and over 20 restaurant booths. It’s a weekend about celebrating art and each other and is Kansas City’s unofficial welcome to the fall season. You can even reserve hotel rooms at the discounted Plaza Art Fair rate! Take a look at PlazaArtFair.com for more information and to see which artists, bands, and restaurants will be participating. With so many exciting events happening in Kansas City, it’s hard to choose just one. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, so plan your trip now and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery, then sauté for 1 more minute. 2. Add the bouillon, parsley, pepper, chicken broth, and water. Stir, then add the chicken thighs. 3. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes, then add the rice. Stir, cover, and simmer for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the chicken to a large bowl. Shred the meat and add it back to the soup. Discard the bones. 5. Stir, salt, and serve!
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Giving Back
Advertising Material
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Encouragement Holds More Power Than You Think
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A Dog’s Loyalty Has No Limit
PG2
Child Safety Seat Laws in Missouri
PG2
September Events in Kansas City
PG2
No-Fuss Chicken and Rice Soup
PG3
Your Guide to Family and Medical Leave
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PRESERVING THE BALANCE OF WORK AND FAMILY LIFE Life Can Be Unpredictable
WHEN CAN I USE FMLA LEAVE? An eligible employee can be granted up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for the following reason(s): • Birth of and/or bonding with a newborn child • The placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employee • To care for an immediate family member with a serious condition (child, spouse, or parent, but does not include parent in-laws) • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition • For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, child, or parent is on covered active duty or call to covered active-duty status as a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Regular Armed Forces The FMLA exists so employees can tend to their families without worrying about their job, allowing them to provide the best care for their loved ones. For more information regarding whether or not your company is eligible for FMLA, check out your local government agency for more details.
Workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they need and the family members they love. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to allow employees to take reasonable unpaid leave for a particular family or medical reason so they can maintain a work/life balance. WHAT DOES IT PROVIDE? The FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave a year with the requirement of group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees were continuing to work. They are also entitled to resume their same or equivalent job at the end of their FMLA leave. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FMLA? FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees. Employees can be eligible for FMLA if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location that employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
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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