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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com MAR 2026
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
FROM MISFORTUNE TO MILLIONS
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
COURAGE AND CONVICTION WIN IN COURT
No matter how insurmountable the obstacles in our lives may seem, patience and perseverance can help us move mountains. Late last year, I had the privilege of helping someone win a premises liability case that beautifully exemplified this fact. Back in December 2018, our client, who was in her 60s at the time, took her mother to the emergency room at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City for a non-life-threatening medical issue. After dropping off her mother, she exited the facility and moved her vehicle farther from the entrance. The confusing layout of the outside parking area led her to mistake a flat surface for an elevated curb. She went to step up, but there was nothing there. Her foot came down harder than she expected, and she fell onto her face and left leg. The fall resulted in a fracture below her left knee so severe that doctors warned her that a full knee replacement was likely in her future. After attempting to save her knee via four surgeries performed over three years, the initial prediction
the issue, she received a spinal cord stimulator transplant in January 2024. Now 71, she needs to follow a total life care plan to ensure her ongoing health. Naturally, our client desired a swift and just legal conclusion to her ordeal. However, helping her reach that point was one of the most arduous tasks we’ve ever experienced. First, the COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented delays. Once we were finally able to try the case in October 2024, a serious medical issue with one of our experts prevented them from traveling to Kansas City, resulting in a mistrial. Our next day in court for this case didn’t arrive until September 2025 … when one of the jurors fell out of the juror box and sustained a serious injury. While this juror’s immediate well-being was our primary concern at the time, we were nonetheless deeply disappointed when the incident resulted in a second mistrial. Our third court appearance occurred as 2025 drew to a close. Thankfully, the trial moved forward and finally delivered the justice our client deserved. Ultimately, the jury found Prime Healthcare Services, which oversees St. Joseph Medical Center’s operations, 95% at fault and awarded our client more than $4.5 million .
case was more than just a financial win; it was a testament to the power of being vulnerable with others. Few people are ever comfortable sharing their stories of struggle and pain. Still, our client’s powerful testimony (as well as her husband’s) spoke to the daily realities of her condition and clearly had an impact on the jury. The verdict was more than a large sum of money; it was a reward for her courage in the face of enormous challenges and her willingness to fight for what had been taken from her. For our clients, achieving success in court often requires unwavering patience and the ability to take things in stride. Although there were certainly moments when this particular client became frustrated by the constant delays, the additional time worked in our favor. There’s never a time when we’re not prepared to go to trial, but the extended process allowed us to sharpen and refine our strategy, making her victory even greater. Despite the ups and downs of this seven-year journey, she saw how hard we worked on her behalf, and she trusted that we would ultimately prevail. We’re honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to take this journey with her.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
proved accurate. Her knee was replaced in September 2021.
Sadly, the surgery didn’t end her suffering. She was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, a painful and debilitating condition caused by a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. To treat
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Kahlie Hoffman
While we were delighted to see our client receive such a high award, the
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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Wheel Warnings
No one is immune to experiencing an accident on the road, but cyclists are more vulnerable than most.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, bicycle- related fatalities in the state increased by 125% between 2023 and 2024. Of these tragic events, 70% occurred in Kansas City, St. Louis, and the southwestern part of the state. Common medical issues among cyclists who survive collisions with automobiles include traumatic brain injuries, jaw fractures, dental damage, and broken arms, wrists, collarbones, and shoulders. These injured parties often contend with high medical costs, lost income, property damage, and ongoing pain and suffering. With bicycle accidents on the rise, here are a few basics about the most common causes of these incidents and how fault is determined in Missouri. THE RISKY REALITIES OF ROAD RIDING When considering the proliferation of infotainment screens in automobiles and the ever-present use of smartphones in society, it’s no surprise that distracted driving is becoming a leading contributor to collisions between cars and bicycles in urban settings. Other common causes of fatal or severe bicycle accidents include drivers failing to yield the right of way and cyclists riding against the flow of traffic. BITES AND BYL Are particular dog breeds potentially more dangerous than others? In the eyes of the law, the answer to that question is more complex than many pet owners may realize.
If you live in an apartment or a small house and dream of a homestead lifestyle (growing your own food, cutting waste, and reconnecting with nature), you should know that you don’t need a sprawling backyard. With creativity and a handful of smart strategies, even a balcony or a sunny windowsill can become a green oasis. CONTAINER AND INDOOR GARDENING One of the easiest first steps is growing herbs, salad greens, or small veggies in containers. Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and thyme can thrive in pots on a windowsill or balcony. If you have a balcony or even just a sunny corner, larger containers can support cherry tomatoes, peppers, radishes, or lettuce, all of which require a fair amount of space. For soil, choose a light potting mix or mix in perlite, coir, or compost to encourage drainage and prevent root rot. If space is tight, vertical gardening is your best friend. Hanging planters, wall shelves, and stackable containers allow your garden to grow upward, making them ideal for herbs, microgreens, strawberries, and compact lettuces. COMPOSTING AND SOIL BUILDING Don’t overlook composting just because you don’t have a garden. Small-scale compost systems, such as worm bins or indoor compost containers, can recycle kitchen scraps, including vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, into nutrient-rich compost. That compost becomes valuable soil food for your container plants, helping to boost fertility and keep your garden flourishing. HARVESTING AND WATER CONSERVATION One of the most oft-overlooked homesteading moves is water- conscious gardening. If you have a balcony or usable rooftop, consider collecting rainwater. Even a small barrel under a downspout or balcony rail can help. Collected rainwater is often gentler on plants than treated tap water, and it helps the planet (and your water bill). Even in small-scale urban gardens, water harvesting is a sustainable step worth considering. SMART PLANNING The beauty of apartment or small-house homesteading is that it doesn’t require massive ambition, but it does need a smart strategy. Start with just a couple of containers or planters, choose easy-to-grow herbs or greens, and learn as you go. Especially in the beginning, many successful small-space homesteaders recommend this gentle approach. HOMESTEADING TIPS FOR APARTMENTS AND TINY HOMES SMALL SPACE, BIG HARVEST
As just one example, the public’s perspective of pit bulls is controversial at best. Some consider them inherently dangerous, as they’re dogs commonly believed to have been bred for fighting. Conversely, the American Veterinary Medical Association and others have argued that a dog’s temperament is influenced more by individual history and behavior than by breed. Naturally, this inconsistency in interpreting the nature of pit bulls and their place in human society has resulted in notable variations in the laws created to address them, including a vast difference in how these animals are handled in
Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Here is a brief overview of how legal parameters of pit bull ownership can change in a matter of miles. A TAIL OF TWO CITIES The way each Kansas City views and governs pit bulls has changed over time. In 2019, Kansas City, Kansas, lifted a 29-year ban on the animals, removing all restrictions associated with their ownership.
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MISSOURI’S RISING ROAD RISKS
THE FACTS ABOUT FAULT If you’re struck by another party while riding a bicycle in Missouri, your
percentage of fault will largely determine your success in pursuing legal remedies. In cases where the automobile driver is determined to have caused the collision through negligence, that driver’s auto insurance providers will very often be forced to pay for your damages. Additionally, a driver could face criminal charges if they were drunk
at the time of the accident, fled the scene, or were proven to have been driving recklessly. However, if the automobile driver was only partially at fault (instances where it could be argued that the bicycle or cyclist wasn’t suitably illuminated at night), the injured party’s compensation might be less. We hope you never experience a collision with a motor vehicle while on a bicycle, but we’re here to help you build a comprehensive and successful case if you do. Please contact us for more information on bicycle-related laws in Missouri and how you can recover the maximum damages for your injuries and subsequent treatment. Whether you’re injured while riding two wheels or driving four, we’re here to help make you whole again.
TAKE A BREAK
ST. PATRICK’S DAY SHAMROCK SWIRL PIE
LAWS Pit Bull
Legal Basics
Need a St. Paddy’s treat to bring to the potluck? This green mint chocolate pie will save you from a few pinches!
Although Kansas City, Missouri, does not currently have a pit bull ban, pit bulls cannot be legally owned unless the dog has been spayed or neutered. The city allows exceptions for pit bull puppies under 8 weeks old and for pit bulls with physical abnormalities that would make the sterilization process particularly painful or would cause serious injury or death. Additionally, pit bull breeders are exempt from the requirement to spay or neuter. LIABILITY UN LEASHED Is a pit bull owner automatically held liable if their pet bites someone? Not necessarily. Kansas, for example, abides by the “one-bite” rule, which may give an owner a pass if they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendency before an isolated biting incident. Missouri is stricter in this respect, holding the dog owner liable even if it’s the dog’s first known bite. The team at Dickerson Oxton is well-versed in the legal nuances of dog bite-related cases and how state laws may impact the dog owner’s liability and your ability to recover damages after sustaining a bite. Please contact us to discuss your particular case and the remedies available to you based on your location and the circumstances surrounding your specific dog bite incident.
INGREDIENTS •
1 cup heavy cream
•
1/4 cup green food coloring, for vibrant color 1 premade chocolate pie crust 1/2 cup chocolate syrup, for drizzling
• • • •
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract
•
1/2 cup mint chocolate chips
•
DIRECTIONS 1. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 2. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. 3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla to cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Then, gently fold whipped heavy cream into the mixture. 4. Divide mixture into two bowls. In one bowl, add mint chocolate chips and green food coloring. 5. Layer mixtures into chocolate pie crust, alternating between mint mixture and the plain mixture. 6. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top. 7. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled. 3 Inspired by MixUpRecipes.com
ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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1100 Main St. Ste. 2550 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Persistence Is Power
PG1
PG2
Simple Ways to Homestead in Small Spaces
PG2
A Bicycle Crash Crisis
PG2
Canine Laws Laid Out
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Swirl Pie
PG3
The Productivity Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed
PG4
PLAN SMARTER INSTEAD STOP TRYING TO HUSTLE HARDER
Do you ever wish you could accomplish more in a day? Whether you’re trying to squeeze out as many tasks as possible at work or take care of all of your chores before Sunday, it can feel like you’re always trying to maximize your productivity. But many of us feel like we fall short each day. You may think you just need to regularly refresh your coffee or eliminate every distraction from your mind to improve your productivity, but this only gets you so far. Instead, focus on incorporating strong, simple strategies into your
following day. Before the weekend starts, figure out which chores you need to do and the best time to tackle them. Having a plan will increase your likelihood of sticking to it. STOP SAYING YES. How often do you say “no” to others? Many of us are people pleasers who often agree to requests, even if they exceed our capacity. Saying “yes” all the time will lead to burnout, regardless of whether it’s your
boss asking you to complete a project before noon or your friends wanting to go out for the fourth night in a row. Say no, and keep your main priorities at the forefront of your mind. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS.
routine. Here are three ideas to help you be as productive as possible, no matter the situation. PUT A PLAN IN PLACE. When do you start thinking about what you need to accomplish on any given day? Too
You may want to push through all your tasks so you can finally unwind and relax, but this could lengthen the process. Sticking to your responsibilities like glue prevents your body and brain from taking necessary breaks to recalibrate and reset so you can operate at peak performance.
often, people wait until they face their work computer or stare at a sink full of dishes to strategize their day. Instead, take some time before you wrap up work to establish your priorities for the
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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