Take a look at our November newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com NOV 2023
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
What We’re Thankful for This Year COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Our firm won our client one of the largest settlements we’ve ever had. Unfortunately, we can’t disclose information on this case. However, we
Millions of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each November by gathering with loved ones and enjoying some delicious turkey and sides while taking a moment to give thanks for the wonderful things they have in life. The pilgrims created Thanksgiving as an occasion to “give thanks” (hence the name) for the previous year’s harvest. Today, Thanksgiving is more about taking a step back, looking at our lives, and being grateful for the things that we have. This includes material possessions, basic necessities, our relationships with others, and our health. It allows us a moment to pull our heads away from the grindstones, appreciate the good things in life, and see just how far we’ve come. So, at Dickerson Oxton Law, we wanted to do just that. As we look back over 2023, here are some of the things we are grateful for. We’ve made massive progress in our Port Catheter litigation. Our lawsuits for Bard Port Catheter products reached two major milestones this year. The first was back in July; we requested that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, or JPML, consolidate all of our pending Port Catheter cases across the country into one action. They agreed and granted the consolidation in mid-August. The second milestone was this September. In August, our team flew out to Arizona, where the case was consolidated in front of the judge and asked that one of our very own attorneys — Adam Evans — be appointed as one of the lead attorneys on the litigation. We also requested that I be appointed a committee chair on the Plaintiff Steering Committee for Plaintiff’s Leadership. Both requests were approved, and we received an approval notice in September. We’re so incredibly thankful that the litigation is currently pending and in a good spot for our team to help everyone affected.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
wanted to express our gratitude to everyone on our team who worked on this case this past
year. Due to the dedication and perseverance of our team, we were able to help our client receive the fair compensation
BURN INJURIES
they deserved without settling for anything less. We’ve added more members to the Dickerson Oxton team!
The reason we’re able to help so many people is all thanks to our incredible team. Since May, we’ve added two new attorneys, one new paralegal, and one new legal assistant to the Dickerson Oxton family, and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks to them, we’re able to take on more cases and
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
support more people in our community! We’ve moved to a new office!
NURSING HOME ABUSE
Since we’re growing, we decided it was time to move into a new office that is more suitable for this next chapter of our firm. Our space is bigger, more updated, and has better amenities for clients to enjoy when they stop in to see us. We have you . Finally, we’re thankful to have such incredible relationships with people like you. Being a trusted source in times of need in our community is why we do what we do, and we’re thankful for your trust and support in 2023. What are you thankful for this year? If you’re not sure yet, we encourage you to take some time and look at the positive points in your life over the last 11 months — no matter how large or small. And whatever they are, let yourself have a moment this month, whether at a dinner table with a turkey or not, to celebrate them. You deserve it! –Chelsea Dickerson
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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In a lawsuit, the plaintiff — or injured person — can recover something called “damages.” Damages is money claimed by a person as compensation for a loss or injury. There are various categories of damages a person can seek. In the context of a personal injury, different damages categories include: • Economic Damages — medical bills, lost wages, and other out- of-pocket expenses • Non-economic Damages — pain and suffering, loss of use and enjoyment, impairment or disability • Punitive Damages — compensation the defendant must pay as punishment • Property Damages — destroyed property such as a vehicle Some categories of damages are subject to what are called “damage caps.” A damage cap is where a state law exists saying that a person can only recover a limited amount for a particular damage category. If a damage cap exists and a jury awards the person more than the capped amount, for example, a judge would be required to lower the damages. HOW DAMAGE CAPS IMPA THE LIMITS OF C
The tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 was unimaginable; the natural disaster killed nearly 20,000 people in minutes. But amid the chaos, there was at least one tiny miracle: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Babu. Tami Akanuma, an 83-year-old woman living in the coastal city of Miyako, had her typical morning interrupted by a 9.0 earthquake that shook her house roughly 200 yards from the coast. When it stopped, she breathed a sigh of relief, but Babu became extremely agitated. The small dog began frantically pacing around the living room, moaning, and jumping at the door. Though it was early for Babu’s morning walk, Akanuma decided to appease her. Sources differ on what happened next. Some say officials broadcast a tsunami warning, and Akanuma realized she must evacuate, while others state she knew nothing of the impending disaster. But everyone agrees that Babu jumped into action. She instantly headed for a large hill near Akanuma’s home — the opposite direction of the pair’s usual walk. Akanuma did not dismiss the dog’s instincts. Babu tugged urgently at her leash, running as far as she could before turning to her owner. Akanuma said Babu seemed to be encouraging her to move faster, and the dog ran ahead every time Akanuma caught up. Akanuma later estimated they walked more than half a mile in a few minutes. Only moments after the duo finally reached the top of the hill, they watched an enormous wave wash over their home. The house was destroyed, but Akanuma and Babu escaped with their lives. How did Babu do it? People have long suspected that animals can predict natural disasters, but the truth is elusive. Scientists agree that animals aren’t psychic but disagree on whether something else might be at play. Some attribute the supposed phenomenon to the “psychological focusing effect,” or a human tendency to emphasize one A Dog’s Intuition: HOW BABU SAVED HER HUMAN FROM A TSUNAMI
Here are just a few examples of damages caps that apply in Kansas and Missouri.
For many people, November marks the official beginning of the holiday season. Kansas City is in full holiday prep mode this month, with several different light shows, a holiday craft marketplace, and a tree lighting to boot. So, if you’re looking for holiday festivities, check out these three Kansas City events this month. The 13th Annual Holiday Boutique On Nov. 16–19, the Overland Park Convention Center will become the festive holiday marketplace of your dreams. Local artists will set up booths where you can shop for holiday gifts, decorations, and pretty much any other holiday-themed item your heart desires. Imagine every holiday store you love in one place, and that’s the holiday boutique! KANSAS CITY’S NOV SPARKLING LIGHTS, SHOPPING EXTRAV
detail in our memories while discarding others. But others point to dogs’ heightened senses of hearing and smell, suggesting animals may be able to detect small atmospheric changes that humans can’t.
The event runs from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for single adults are $16 at the door, $14 online, and children 12 and younger are free! You can learn more or purchase your tickets at KCHolidayBoutique.com .
No matter the explanation, Akanuma credited her dog with saving her life, and the two gratefully celebrated Babu’s 12th birthday from an evacuation shelter only weeks later.
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DAMAGE CAPS IN KANSAS Non-Economic Damages for Wrongful Death Claims These would include the mental anguish, suffering or bereavement experienced after a loved one’s passing. The cap on non-economic damages for wrongful death claims is $250,000 in Kansas. DAMAGE CAPS IN MISSOURI Non-Economic Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases These damages are capped with different monetary limits set based on the severity of the injury: “Non-catastrophic” injuries have a non-economic damage cap that began at $400,000 in 2015. For “catastrophic” injuries (defined as: “quadriplegia, paraplegia, the loss of two or more limbs, significant and permanent cognitive impairment, irreversible failure of a major organ, or significant loss of vision”), the damage cap was set at $700,000 in 2015. For Missouri medical malpractice claims, the above non-economic damages caps will increase yearly at a rate of 1.7 percent to counter inflation. Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting at Haymarket Square If you’re looking for a quick taste of Christmas before your Thanksgiving celebrations, we highly recommend heading to the Leavenworth Tree Lighting! The marketplace, where you can shop for food and gifts, will open at 4 p.m., and the official parade begins at 5:30. The tree lighting will take place immediately after the parade finishes. Everyone is invited to attend for FREE! Haymarket Square is located at 7th and 649 Cherokee Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Holiday Reflections If you want to get lost walking in a winter wonderland, then you should try the immersive walk-through holiday village, “Holiday Reflections,” at Union Station. This experience converts Union Station’s massive Grand Plaza into a beautiful landscape of lights, decorated trees, floating ornaments, and even a Mini Holiday Express Train for children to ride. This event begins on Nov. 21 and continues until Jan. 1, every day from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. You can learn more or buy tickets at UnionStation.org/Event/Holiday-Reflections . VEMBER DELIGHTS VAGANZA, AND TREE LIGHTING GALORE! ACT YOUR INJURY CLAIM COMPENSATION
TAKE A BREAK
VEGAN SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH SAUSAGES
A perfect comfort food, this easy vegan scalloped potato dish only needs six ingredients!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 lbs potatoes • 2 cups vegan plain yogurt or vegan sour cream
• 4 slim vegan sausages • 3 tbsp oil of choice • 1/2 tbsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut potatoes into thin slices and cook them in salted water for around 30 minutes. 2. While potatoes are cooking, cut vegan sausages into small slices. In a bowl, mix together yogurt (or sour cream), oil, salt, and pepper. 3. In a glass oven dish, layer the ingredients. First, add the cream mixture, then 1 layer of potatoes, another layer of cream, 1 layer of sausages, more cream, and repeat. The last layer should be the cream mixture and a drizzle of oil on top. 4. Bake for about 1 hour or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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1200 Main St. Ste. 2120 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Reflecting on Progress, People, and Purpose: Our Gratitude for a Remarkable Year The Heroic Hound Who Saved a Life in Japan’s Tsunami Injury Claims and Damage Caps: What You Should Know Lights, Shopping, and Magic: November’s Must-See Events in Kansas City! Vegan Scalloped Potatoes With Sausages The Power of Post-Meal Walking
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Walk Your Way to Better Digestion
The Post-Meal Walk: When and how long is best? You gain the most digestive benefits if you walk right after eating. Waiting too long afterward may only minimally aid your digestive process. Be sure to get moving as soon after your meal as possible! As for frequency, ideally, you should go for a stroll after every meal. However, to get started, try going for a walk after dinner. You can increase your number of walks as you get accustomed to the exercise.
We all know the after-lunch slump leaves us counting the minutes to our next nap. But research shows that sleeping or lying down after eating isn’t the best for health (no matter how good it feels). When you do this, you’re not allowing your body the time it needs to digest your food properly, and you may experience various digestive issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn. So, is walking the best activity to do after eating? The answer is yes! Walking is a light movement that can help your food move through your stomach and intestines, making digestion smoother. Not only can walking help improve your digestion after eating, but this simple exercise can also bring many other benefits:
Ten minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of walking after eating. While you can walk longer if you’d like, 10 minutes is doable
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Regulating blood sugar levels Managing blood pressure Reducing the risk of heart disease
even with a busy schedule. Plus, if you walk for 10 minutes after every meal, that’s 30 minutes of exercise daily! Take your dog with you or stroll with your headphones, listening to your favorite podcast. How you walk is up to you, but no matter what, you’re doing your mind and body a huge favor!
Boosting your mood Improving sleep quality
Of course, regular exercise improves your overall health significantly, even if it’s just a quick walk around the neighborhood!
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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