Take a look at our August newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com AUG 2024
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
FIGHTING FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Class Action Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Unsafe Working Environments
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
No matter how old you are, all of us are in awe of the work firefighters do. Kiddos stand in awe of the glossy fire engines and the men and women who protect our communities and act like super heroes. As adults, we understand the strength and courage it takes to run toward danger, rather than away from it. Every day, firefighters put their lives at risk to protect us and our loved ones from one of nature’s most dangerous elements: fire. And that doesn’t even include the litany of other services they provide, like emergency medical care and hazardous materials clean-up. For all firefighters do to ensure our safety, they should have an expectation of safety with the materials they work with on a daily basis in order to ensure they can serve their community.
commonly called PFAS and known as forever chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency, the American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer all warn that exposure to PFAS can result in cancer. WHAT DO THE PLAINTIFFS CLAIM? AFFF has been used for decades in firefighting and military work. However, manufacturers of the product failed to properly warn users of the risks associated with long-term exposure to AFFF. Evidence shows manufacturers knew as early as the 1970s that AFFF was dangerous to the environment, and they learned in the 1990s that it was toxic to humans. As a result, those working with the compound and those who lived near areas where it was used were unsafely exposed. WHO HAS A CLAIM? Any firefighters who were exposed to AFFF for long periods of time are the primary plaintiffs in this case. However, the military also regularly used AFFF. Anyone working in or close to these industries may have been exposed. Additionally, those who live in areas where AFFF was used may have ingested the compound through their drinking water. Because AFFF does not easily dissipate, it can seep into groundwater and into drinking water. If AFFF was previously used near your home, you are at risk of being unsafely exposed and may have a case. CALL DICKERSON OXTON TODAY Every worker has a right to safety on the job, but for our firefighters, any additional risk to an already dangerous job is a tragedy. If you or someone you know may have been exposed to AFFF and is now battling or did have a life-altering disease like cancer, kidney disease, or thyroid issues, please call Dickerson Oxton today. If you don’t know anyone who may have been exposed to AFFF, please still spread the word to your friends and family. Sharing this information may provide someone else with the support they need after long-term exposure. –Chelsea Dickerson
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
Unfortunately, that has not been the case.
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
Thousands of plaintiffs have filed a class-action, multi-district litigation (MDL) case against the manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), such as 3M and DuPont, for failing to properly warn users of its cancer risk. Using AFFF for a prolonged period of time has been linked to many cancers and diseases, including most commonly kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis. Our team at Dickerson Oxton is committed to joining other legal professionals in this fight, and we need your help. If you were diagnosed with cancer or another life-altering disease after long-term exposure to AFFF, or if you know someone who has, please contact our team.
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
For more information on this lawsuit, check out these details.
BOATING ACCIDENTS
WHAT IS AFFF? AFFF is a foaming agent primarily used to fight liquid-based fires. (Think fires started by flammable liquids, like gasoline.) The reason AFFF was considered valuable is because it cannot be easily broken down or eaten away by the environment. Therefore, it acts as a “snuffing” agent that can extinguish the fire. However, the chemicals that make AFFF so useful in fighting these fires are also what make it so dangerous. AFFF is composed of polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
1
As the summer heat gives way to cooler autumn breezes, Kansas City has an exciting lineup of local events and activities to keep residents and visitors entertained throughout the month of August. From live music and outdoor adventures to immersive cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the coming weeks. Here are a few of the top happenings to add to your August calendar. HEART OF AMERICA HOT DOG FESTIVAL (AUG. 3) Hot dog enthusiasts will flock to Loose Park for the annual Heart of America Hot Dog Festival. This event showcases the region’s best hot dog vendors, offering unique toppings and creative flavor combinations. In addition to indulging in an array of tasty Enjoy the Last D KANSAS CITY DELIVERS A VIBRA In truck accident cases, the at-fault party is not always the truck driver. Responsibility can fall on the employer of the truck driver, under the concept of vicarious liability. And accountability may even extend to the owner of the truck, the company affiliated with the truck driver, the company that leased the truck, even the manufacturers of defective equipment and the companies responsible for the cargo. If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident in Kansas City, Missouri, our legal team at Dickerson Oxton, LLC is dedicated to advocating for you. Truck accidents involving semitrucks and big rigs are notoriously complex, but you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyers have decades of combined experience in personal injury law, helping injured clients recover millions of dollars over the years. Health and safety are the first priorities after a truck accident. Call 911 for immediate medical assistance, move the vehicles to a safe place if possible, and seek legal advice quickly. To protect yourself, avoid accepting blame, take photos of the accident scene, obtain contact information from witnesses, and don’t make recorded statements or sign insurance documents without a lawyer. Your Rights, Our KANSAS CITY TRUCK ACCID LAWYERS ON YOUR SIDE
When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend. Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something meaningful to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth program. This program allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The family visited their own music shop, where Moose met potential adopters at an event sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The friendly dog later accompanied them to a farmers market, a community concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher and one of their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured the energetic dog wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat. HOW A DOG SAVED ITS FOSTER FAMILY FROM DISASTER A FLUFFY GUARDIAN ANGEL
“If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said.
The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today.
“What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said.
Moose’s life-saving actions made big news. Now, the hero dog lives with his
adoptive family on a 5-acre farm and goes for the occasional swim in their pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy day out could be, Moose will always be their
hot dogs, attendees can enjoy live music, compete in eating contests, and browse an assortment of hot dog-themed merchandise and novelties. Admission is $35.
Visit Facebook.com/HOAHotDogFestival for the full schedule.
knight in fluffy armor.
2
r Fight
DENT
Truck accidents are different from ordinary car crashes. Multiple parties might be
involved, and you will likely face a commercial insurance carrier. Most importantly, the injuries are often severe, with a
significant amount at stake. At Dickerson Oxton, we stand up
TAKE A BREAK
KC ETHNIC ENRICHMENT FESTIVAL (AUG. 16-18) Make sure to visit Swope Park to immerse yourself in a celebration of cultures from around the world. Across three days, attendees can experience music and dance performances, sample international cuisines, browse artisan vendors, and participate in interactive cultural exhibits. General admission is $5, with discounts for seniors, students, and children. Learn more at EECKC.org/ethnic-enrichment-fest . KANSAS CITY IRISH FEST (AUG. 30–SEPT. 1) Celebrate Irish heritage and culture at the annual Kansas City Irish Fest held in Crown Center. This three-day festival features live music performances by popular Irish bands, traditional dance troupes, genealogy workshops, and Irish cuisine. Stop by the beer garden to grab a pint from a craft brewery or a taste of Irish whiskey. Tickets start at $15 for single-day admission, with discounts for multiday and family packages. More details can be found at KCIrishFest.com . These are just a few of the many events happening around Kansas City this August. No matter your interests, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the last days of summer in our vibrant Midwestern city. Days of Summer ANT FAREWELL TO THE SEASON for you by investigating the cause of the crash, locating evidence to prove liability, working with leading experts, determining what you are entitled to and negotiating a full settlement. Driver error is usually the cause of truck accidents in Missouri, including excessive speeds, distracted driving, fatigue, etc. Victims can seek compensation for economic and noneconomic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Our attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Contact our Kansas City office to schedule a free consultation today and learn about your legal rights and options after a crash.
SWEET POTATO AND AVOCADO SALAD Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 sweet potato sliced into 1/4-inch rounds • 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Water, to desired consistency
Salad • 5 cups of greens (spinach or lettuce) • 1 ripe avocado, cubed • 2 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)
Dressing • 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp maple syrup • 1 pinch of sea salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sweet potato slices and toss in oil. 2. Bake for 15 minutes and flip. Bake for another 5–10 minutes and remove from the oven. 3. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk to combine and slowly add water until the dressing is semi- thick and pourable. 4. In a serving bowl, add greens and top with sweet potato, avocado, and hemp seeds. Serve with a dressing of your choice.
3
ADVERTISING MATERIAL
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1100 Main St. Ste. 2550 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
The Lawsuit All Firefighters Need to Know About Meet Moose, the Great Pyrenees With a Hero’s Heart What You Should Know After a Semitruck Collision Cheers and Charm at Kansas City’s August Events Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad Start Strong This Upcoming School Year
PG1
PG2
PG2
PG2
PG3 PG4
BACK TO SCHOOL Tips for a Successful First Day of Class
SHOPPING SPREE Students also want to come to school prepared! Shopping for school supplies is a great way to get everything they need for the year ahead, including a snazzy new outfit for the first day, notebooks, organizers, and favorite brands of pens and pencils. It’s also important to write names in notebooks to make them easier to identify if they end up in the lost and found! MENTAL MAP No one likes getting lost. Whether returning to the same school as last year or heading into a new environment, finding one’s way can be daunting. If your kids arrive at school early, they can figure out where each class is and plot a path beforehand. Getting a feel for where they need to go throughout the day can be a great way to help them feel more prepared and comfortable. Many schools also have physical maps, which can be a valuable resource to store in a backpack if they ever feel lost.
With summer break tragically ending (as it does, sadly, every year), it is time to get back in the groove and prepare for the new school year. If you want to help your kids get over the first-day jitters and start out strong, employ these tips to make their first day back so successful that others will want to study it. GETTING A HEAD START According to research by the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, students lose as much as 25%–30% of the knowledge they accumulated the previous school year over summer break. Reading and math skills are particularly affected and see the highest regression rate. And the higher the grade level, the more students are likely to forget. The best way to combat this summer slump is to keep learning. Reading books and practicing arithmetic at least three times a week will help kids maintain what they have previously worked so hard to learn.
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.
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator