Take a look at our May newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com MAY 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
Less Certain, More Learned FROM ‘ALWAYS RIGHT’ TO ALWAYS LISTENING
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
The more I learn, the less I think I’m always right.
lessons of the past, be nice to everyone, and listen to them. Every interaction I have made me a better listener, a more empathic person, and ultimately, a stronger litigator. In the spirit of Older American Month, I’m going to offer advice to younger people — which, of course, they’ll probably ignore until they realize how worthwhile it is! No matter their profession, most young people are ambitious and can’t wait to make their mark in the real world. It’s great to have this spirit, especially if you’re pursuing a career in law, but it could also lead to frustration and overthinking when things don’t go your way. Don’t let the tough times dampen your enthusiasm; know that we’ve all been there at one point or another. Try not to aim too high or fall too low; just maintain a steady course and learn as much as possible. Also, while you may not have enough experience yet to handle stressors that come your way, you can always control preparation. In law, this means everything from making sure that your exhibit lists are done upfront to having your case put together before you even think about filing a lawsuit. One more thing, and it’s a big one: When you’re young, you may feel like you’re being talked down to all the time, from parents to college professors
Getting older is a fascinating thing. I’m squarely middle- aged at this point in my life, and I’ve worked in the legal profession for years. Not too long ago, I was with my family on a flight, and my 11-year-old son, Jack (named after my dad), watched “Law & Order” the entire time. As the son of a litigator, he’s overheard enough work-related conversations at the dinner table to know more about product liability than anyone his age should. It’s been great seeing his potential interest in the field blossom, as discussing — and, honestly, often arguing about — law has been a family tradition that has spanned generations. My dad is a defense attorney, and my late uncle was a public defender and a criminal defense attorney. My older brother and I attended law school together, and my cousin pursued the same path. Growing up, there were times when I thought I knew everything and wasn’t in much of a hurry to accept advice. As an adult parent and an
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
established attorney who’s the older member of his firm, I regularly encounter situations that make me look back on those days and think, “I wish I would have talked to my
NURSING HOME ABUSE
parents about this stuff.” As a student and a young attorney, I thought I had all the answers. All these years later, I realize those around me knew more than I did. It’s a familiar story — and I see it play out occasionally in my son’s reactions to the advice I give him — but it is essential to hear what those who came before you have to say. How we communicate with those with more experience has been at the top of my mind lately, as May is Older Americans Month. As it won’t be too long before I’m officially in this category, I do my best to learn from the
to older members of your profession. Don’t let it bother you; learn from it and use it to
prepare you for similar situations later in life — whether dealing with an opposing attorney arguing heavily against you in court or handling a difficult scenario with a superior. Happy Older Americans Month to everyone in my life I should have listened to sooner. And to any younger people reading this article, expect to hear plenty of advice in the coming years — whether you want it or not! You may not accept those words now, but you will someday.
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Jeff Rowe
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most significant — and, in many cases, most commonly overlooked — losses anyone can experience in a fall, an automobile accident, a sports-related incident, or any other scenario that causes a considerable force to the skull. Here are two of the most important things to remember if you or someone you know sustains an injury of this nature. DON’T PUSH PAIN ASIDE. Naturally, nobody plans to have a serious accident, and our lives are often disrupted in the aftermath. Although we all have daily obligations to fulfill, ignoring persistent pain or the simple feeling that something isn’t quite right with your health after an accident is the worst thing you can do for your TIPS FOR THRIVING HEAD TRAUMA
When our furry friends get sick, it’s up to us to bring them in for a veterinary appointment. It’s part of the responsibility of being a pet owner, but stray animals have no owners. Who takes care of them when they most need it? Sadly, help is beyond their reach in many cases. However, some dogs won’t let anything stand in their way, especially if it’s a difference between life and death. In January 2025, a stray mother dog noticed her puppy stopped moving and jumped into action. Without an owner to guide her, the mother brought her baby to a local veterinarian clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The staff saw the dog standing outside their door, so they checked on her and noticed the lifeless puppy. The pup was freezing cold, and the vet wasn’t even sure if it was still alive! The vet could not hear the puppy’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, so he checked it with a needle, which provided promising results! The dog was alive but had a very slow heartbeat. The vet used a blow dryer to warm the puppy up, and before long, it was awake and moving again. All the while, the mother was at the puppy’s side with her head perched on the examination table. So, how did the puppy’s mother know where to take her baby? This wasn’t her first encounter with this vet clinic; the same doctor was already treating the puppy’s littermate after good Samaritans brought her to the same clinic a few days earlier. Both puppies have been reunited with their mother and are all under the close eye of the clinic. Whether discussing humans or dogs, parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their children survive and thrive. However, dogs might have to be more creative with their efforts. STRAY DOG OUTSMARTS FATE AND SAVES HER PUPPY’S LIFE
ongoing well-being. Paying attention to how you feel is especially important after experiencing a head injury, as the extent of the damage caused may not be fully revealed for weeks or even several months. Common signs of a TBI include mood changes, feeling easily overwhelmed, changes in speech, memory issues, and noticeable changes in mobility. These issues may be telltale signs that your mind and body are reacting to considerable trauma that may manifest itself in even worse ways over time.
Spine Injury I Spinal injuries are among the most devastating — and preventable — health issues someone can endure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 15 million people worldwide were living with some form of spinal cord injury as of 2021. Most commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents and severe falls, these injuries lead to equally debilitating secondary conditions that further impede the victim’s quality of life. Here is an overview of additional facts regarding spinal injuries and their effect on victims and communities. THE SCALE OF SEVERITY Spinal injuries are classified as either incomplete or complete. People who’ve sustained incomplete injuries still experience a level of function and feeling and generally have some control of their muscles below the affected area.
Those who endure complete spinal injuries lose all nerve communication below the injured area, leading to a complete loss of muscle control, feeling, and function. Spinal injury victims often need the assistance of specialized equipment — ranging from braces and wheelchairs to neural prosthetics and computerized tools — to perform everyday tasks.
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A AND THE LAW
G, TACTICS TO AVOID
STAY AWAY FROM THE DOTTED LINE. If your TBI resulted from another person’s negligence — such as being struck by a careless driver — you will likely be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurer to gather information. You may be asked to sign a medical release form that allows the company to review your medical history to determine the extent of the injuries you’ve sustained and its financial obligation
to settle the claim. Unfortunately, gaining access to your health history also enables the insurer to uncover preexisting conditions or other medical situations it can use to its advantage to lower the amount of money it offers you — and why you never agree to give an insurer the keys to your health history until
TAKE A BREAK
you’ve consulted a personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has sustained a TBI or suspects one has occurred based on persistent symptoms, contact us today to discuss ways to avoid common insurance tactics and stay the course toward a positive legal outcome.
ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF
Insight STATS, STRUGGLES, AND SOLUTIONS LONG-LASTING LOSSES In addition to the aforementioned effects, spinal injuries often result in a slew of related complications. Common issues include osteoporosis, urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, respiratory conditions, and sexual dysfunction. These injuries also have a considerable impact on mental health, as spinal injury victims experience higher rates of depression. The economy also suffers Reducing the number of automobile accidents is essential to curb the rise of spinal cord calamities. Administered by WHO, the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 is an initiative to reduce road traffic-related injuries and deaths globally by 50 percent over the next few years. Efforts include calling for improved roadway and vehicle designs, increased law enforcement, and elevated emergency medical care for injured parties. because victims often can’t work or attend school. SEVERE CIRCUMSTANCES, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
1/4 cup butter
• • •
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup cashew halves
•
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces
• • •
1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
•
DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm. 3
Here at home, our firm is committed to representing spinal cord injury victims and working with them to receive compensation and peace of mind. Please contact us for assistance in building and succeeding with your case.
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
The Wealth in Wisdom A Stray Dog Pulls Off the Ultimate Rescue Mission Legal Remedies for Real Injuries Fast Facts on Spinal Setbacks Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike
PG1
PG2
PG2 PG2 PG3
PG4
STEP BY STEP
Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage.
Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step-by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers, and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude.
Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in
For adventurous kids, you can draft an age-appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls.
nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
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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