Dickerson Oxton - January 2026

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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com JAN 2026

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

SMILES AND SURPRISES

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

STORIES THAT SHAPE A JOYFUL YEAR

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

This could be a day you look back on with a smile 20 years from now.

Although there’s often much uncertainty in life, not knowing what lies just around the corner doesn’t necessarily have to be a cause for worry. Life has a way of blessing us as often as it challenges us, and you may be hours or even moments away from experiencing something that will change your life in exciting and beautiful ways. Jan. 1 may be the most celebrated day of the month, but an equally special day is right around the corner. Good Memory Day, a wonderful way for us all to remember all the extraordinary days, people, and events that have brought joy to our lives, is on Jan. 19. As my family and I begin the new year, we have plenty of good memories to celebrate from 2025. My best day of last year, and one of the greatest days of my life, was Aug. 6. That’s when my husband, Victor, and I welcomed our second daughter, Eliana, into the world. Our first daughter, Isabella, who is now 3, is already a fantastic older sister and helps out as much as she can. Every day brings a new joy, and we are all having fun adjusting to being a family of four. Even before Eliana became the newest addition to our family, we had already enjoyed an eventful first half of the year. Last January, we traveled to El Salvador and Mexico to visit family members of mine and Victor’s. Schedules permitting, we try to see them at least every two years, and every trip delivers plenty of memories that stay in our hearts until our next visit and long after. Of course, we all do our best to stay connected with our family closer to home. Although we have family in Los Angeles and New York, we have plenty of loved ones nearby here in Kansas City. Regardless of their location, we stay connected with them through social media. I also love printing out the digital photos I take and turning them into photo albums, and I’m rarely without my phone to capture videos of precious moments I can share with those dearest to me. Good memories follow me here at the firm as well. It is truly a gift to see clients persevere and rise above great odds, score a victory, and set the stage for more fulfilling lives and new moments of their own. When I travel to another country to see family or watch my daughters smile, it reminds me of the times our firm has helped our clients experience similar joys. I will always strive to grow in my role as we continue to work on critical multidistrict litigation and other matters that aim to make our clients’ lives safer and more just. Whether you welcome a new little one at home or spend unforgettable days abroad, I wish you a year filled with amazing experiences that will give you a lifetime of stories and pleasant thoughts. Even when there are bumps in the road on your way to happiness, every day can provide something to celebrate. If our firm can ever help you move past a difficult time so you can better embrace life’s riches to come, we’re always here for you.

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Elsa Linares-Mascote

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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Every automobile accident comes with some level of frustration, but your actions following a collision often determine how long your frustration will last … and how harsh the aftermath will be. We often hear from clients who initially decided to forgo seeking legal representation and attempted to settle their claim on their own, only to find themselves in considerable legal and logistical trouble as a result. In addition to the stress of dealing with everything from vehicle repairs and lost wages to medical bills and long-term disabilities, unsuspecting motor vehicle accident victims are often taken advantage of by the at-fault party’s insurer through lowball compensation offers for their losses. Receiving representation from a skilled and experienced personal injury law firm is the ideal way to protect your interests and overcome the most common obstacles you’ll face when seeking the justice you deserve. Here are three stories of clients who scored substantial victories with our help. THE ADVANTAGE LEGAL ASSISTAN Collision After-C Whether it’s the result of poor design or a factory-derived defect, faulty products can cause serious harm to consumers. Here is a brief overview of how product liability is addressed in court, the steps an injured person must take to secure a legal victory, and some of the obstacles that must be overcome in proving their case. CAUSES OF PRODUCT LIABILITY CASES A defective product can have adverse effects on a consumer in various ways, potentially leading to litigation. Sometimes, a product features a design error that affects its functionality or results from the use of inappropriate materials during its production. In other instances, designers may fail to perform thorough testing to ensure the product’s performance and ability to meet safety criteria. Products may also become potentially hazardous to consumers due to poor manufacturing processes and standards. RISKY RETAIL

As we enter another new year, there’s no better time to adjust your daily habits to help you become the healthiest version of yourself mentally and physically. Here are three strategies you can incorporate into your New Year’s expectations and resolutions that will help ensure 2026 is your healthiest year yet! START EVERY DAY STRONG. Many Americans fall into the same routines year after year, and most are dangerous for their overall well-being. They stay up too late, wake up to an alarm a few hours later, scramble to get ready, and jump in the car as soon as possible to get to work. Your morning routine sets the tone for your day. If you’re in a hurry every morning, you will feel rushed and exhausted. Give yourself ample time in the morning to take care of yourself and some simple chores. Make your bed, have a glass of water, take good care of your hygiene, eat something, and incorporate some movement into your mornings. It will be hard initially, but you’ll feel the benefits within a few weeks. DIET AND EXERCISE MATTER. This is probably not news to you, but we can’t downplay the importance of diet and exercise. Listen to your body; it will tell you what it needs. Many people fall into the trap of overeating without realizing it or starving themselves when they want to lose weight, but this won’t make them feel good. Eat when your body tells you to, stick to a healthy diet, and find time for exercise. You need to find ways to motivate yourself, especially when you want to stay in bed and stick to comfort foods. Your body will thank you. DRINK MORE WATER. How much water do you drink each day? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that men should drink about 15.5 cups of fluids daily and women should drink 11.5 cups. If you aren’t hitting these numbers, it’s time to adjust. Start and finish each day with a glass of water. Walk around with a refillable bottle. Staying hydrated will help your body function much better. 3 DAILY HABITS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR 2026

Even when a product passes through the necessary testing and manufacturing benchmarks, it may become dangerous due to its marketing to the public. Mistakes in product labeling, especially those related to substances the item contains, are as potentially hazardous as overlooking a critical issue in the design center or on the factory floor.

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Care

E OF NCE

• Few automobile accidents are as potentially devastating as those involving trucks. After suffering severe facial and arm injuries in a collision with a truck, one of our clients was awarded a $1 million settlement for the pain and life disruptions they endured. • A client received a $500,000 settlement after suffering severe knee and leg injuries in an accident involving a commercial truck. • In one of our most memorable and heart-wrenching cases, an $850,000 cumulative wrongful death settlement was awarded after an unrepaired guardrail caused the death of a mother and her unborn child. Our firm is committed to working with you to receive the highest settlement for your injuries and the impact they have on your quality of life. A motor vehicle accident is not an event you have to endure alone; we are here and ready to help you. Please contact us today to discuss your collision and the best course of action to help ensure a positive outcome. THE PATH TO SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT LITIGATION Pursuing a case against a major manufacturer is rarely simple. You may have indeed been injured by one of its defective products, but proving that the company’s defective product caused your ordeal can be an uphill climb. In some cases, the consumer may need to demonstrate that their injury didn’t result from their own negligence. Second, one or more of the aforementioned design, manufacturing, or labeling/marketing issues are often considered when determining whether a product caused adverse consequences for that consumer. Building a solid case involves extensive research and gathering evidence, as well as a thorough understanding of state law. These demands often make it difficult, if not impossible, for a plaintiff to secure a legal victory against a major manufacturer without the support of experienced legal counsel with a proven track record of successful product liability litigation. Secrets to Successful Product Liability Cases

TAKE A BREAK

KOREAN GROUND BEEF

INGREDIENTS Sauce •

DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes. 3. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 4. Stir sauce into the beef, then cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens. 5. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve over white rice (if desired).

1/4 cup reduced- sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp honey, or a liquid sugar-free sweetener

• •

1 tsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Stir Fry •

2 tbsp avocado oil 1 lb lean ground beef, 85/15 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced

A product-related injury can be inconvenient or even catastrophic. Please contact us to discuss your product injury and the steps necessary to recover damages and restore your peace of mind.

Finishing Touches •

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Inspired by HealthyRecipesBlogs.com

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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

A Tribute to Treasured Times Make 2026 Your Healthiest Year Yet Get Guidance, Gain Justice Legal Paths Against Dangerous Purchases Korean Ground Beef The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Navigating Nutrition Labels

PG1 PG2 PG2 PG2

PG3 PG4

BEGIN WITH SERVING SIZE. The foundation of any nutrition label is the serving size. It tells you the amount of food the nutritional information is based on. Be mindful of how many servings you consume. For example, if a package contains two servings and you eat the whole thing, you eat double the calories and nutrients shown. CHECK CALORIES PER SERVING. Calories measure the energy in a serving. This number is crucial if you’re aiming to manage your weight or energy intake. Remember, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’re eating, so always check the serving size first. LIMIT UNHEALTHY NUTRIENTS. Certain nutrients are best consumed in moderation. Aim for foods with 5% or less of the Daily Value (%DV) for these ingredients:

Outsmart the Food Industry Mastering Nutrition Labels

Added Sugars: Excessive intake is linked to various health issues. Sodium: High intake is associated with high blood pressure and heart disease.

GET ENOUGH BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS. Look for nutrients that support overall health, foods with 10% or more of the %DV for these nutrients:

Dietary Fiber: Aids digestion and can help lower cholesterol. Protein: Essential for muscle repair and immune function. Vitamins and Minerals: These, like calcium, iron, and vitamin D, are vital for various bodily functions.

Reading nutrition labels can feel like trying to crack a secret code on the back of your favorite snack. However, once you know what to look for, you have the key to making smarter, healthier choices in the grocery store. You can quickly spot hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium overloads, while also identifying the nutrients your body actually needs. Here’s the scoop!

WATCH OUT FOR MARKETING TRICKS. Terms like “fat-free,” “sugar-free,” or “natural” can be misleading. “Fat-free” products often compensate with added sugars or starches. “Natural” doesn’t always mean healthy. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list to get the whole picture.

Saturated Fat: Often found in animal products and some plant oils. Trans Fat: Often present in processed foods; even small amounts can be harmful.

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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