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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com OCT 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
STORIES THAT STICK
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
The Lasting Impact of Lifelong Reading
Whether I want to learn new things about the world around me or travel to another universe, I never need to leave my chair. With October being National Book Month, I’ve been reflecting on how much reading has shaped my life experiences in and out of the office. As I reflect on my history as a reader, I’m amazed by how varied and influential those years have been on my professional and personal experiences. Like many lawyers, I read a lot at work, so I’ve relied on Audible lately to experience books in my free time. Recently, I finished the sixth and most recent installment of the “Red Rising” science fiction/fantasy series. It’s not usually a genre I turn to, but the saga has really locked me in. It had been about a year since I read the previous “Red Rising” book, but getting around to this most recent one instantly brought me back into the storyline. It’s definitely a series I’d recommend to anyone who loves to lose themselves in a great read. I was introduced to “Red Rising” through a book-related text chain I’m in with a few friends. We’ve kept it going for about 10 years now, and it’s been an excellent way to learn about opportunities to learn new things or simply escape into fresh pages and get my mind working in different directions. As for words based more in the real world, I’ve been diving into books on golf and always enjoy a good nonfiction biography or journalist account of key cultural events. Some of the books I’ve read from the latter two categories have given me insight into some of the clients I work with here at
the firm. For example, working on a motorcycle case inspired me to read “Hell’s Angels” by Hunter S. Thompson, which helped broaden my then-limited perspective on motorcycle culture. “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” by Tom Wolfe is another book I read years ago that enabled me to immerse myself in scenes and lifestyles not my own. Of course, I also have to give a nod to Stephen King, whose short stories and novellas (such as “The Body,” which served as the basis for the film “Stand By Me,” and the short-story collection “Nightmares and Dreamscapes”) were staples of my formative years. As an adult, I appreciate those stories more than ever. King is such a great storyteller, and I can pick up on certain nuances in his writing that I couldn’t have detected when I was 12 or 13. A great story or book can give you something new every time you read it, especially when you revisit one from the distant past and experience it through your current worldview. Shortly before I began writing this article, I received an email from my son’s sixth-grade teacher informing me that students are now required to carry a book with them at all times. Their goal is to encourage students to read independently, which is fantastic. Reading enriches our lives in ways that other experiences can’t. It’s the only pastime in which our minds can travel to Mars or a town in New England with the turn of a page. I hope you take the time this month to embark on such a journey. The written word awaits.
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Jeff Rowe
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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MISSION IM-PAW-SIBLE
Nobody has “Personal Injury at 2 p.m.” written on their calendar, so experiencing an automobile collision or another accident often hits us out of the blue and leaves our minds scattered, exactly how the at-fault party’s insurers hope you’ll feel. Dangerous Disclosure
When you’re contacted by an adjuster or another representative from the at-fault party’s insurance company, the most important thing to remember is that they have their financial best interests, not your personal safety and security, at heart. That friendly, casual voice you may hear over the phone or the smiling face that greets you at your door masks the reality that refusing your claim or devaluing your settlement amount is the company’s ultimate objective.
No one likes going to the doctor, but for one Florida feline, a routine visit to the vet turned into a daring escape. Just after being neutered at SPCA Florida, George the cat put his kitty GPS to the test when he broke out of his cage, trying to make his way home. As if his daring getaway wasn’t impressive enough, the tabby scampered across 3 miles full of obstacles to return to his owners’ doorstep. On the day of the incident, George managed to pop his cage open and scurry out in a matter of seconds. Still loopy from anesthesia, the housecat evaded clinic staff, scaling up fencing before disappearing. Employees did everything they could to stop the escape artist, lifting each other over fences, but George was too quick and determined to catch. Owner Bob Beasock was heartbroken by the news and searched for his little buddy alongside clinic staff for nearly a week. Just when it looked like they might never find his furry companion, Bob found him at home, curled up in his favorite armchair in the carport. “There was George, stretched out in his chair in our carport, looking like he had just returned from a grand adventure,” Bob told reporters. “He was a bit thinner, clearly hungry, but otherwise no worse for the wear.” Though George was unscathed, his journey home was no walk in the park. He had to trek through multiple subdivisions, maneuver around a couple of lakes, and cross five or six roads to reach his destination. Cats are skilled navigators who use a combination of scent, visual markers, and even geomagnetism to find their way around. But George’s journey wasn’t all prompted by a deep instinct or fear of the vet; he just wanted to get back to his owner. Though they express it more subtly than dogs, research has found that cats love their humans and form a deep attachment with their owners. Bob was relieved to find George safe and sound, but said he would have done it just a little differently if he ever found himself fleeing his doctor’s appointment. FLORIDA CAT’S EPIC GETAWAY FROM THE VET
How do you avoid costly and potentially life-altering mistakes after a personal injury? First and foremost, don’t allow your vulnerability to be used against you . When you experience a personal injury, it’s reasonable to want to resolve the matter and return to your previous quality of life quickly, especially if you’ve been injured. However, be aware that insurers may use your sense of urgency to their advantage and attempt to get you to share information that may reduce your medical payout SMASH STRAT 5 Essential Cues After a Cra Experiencing an auto accident is bad enough, but your actions following the crash can make matters even worse. To help you stay on course when a collision knocks your world off balance, here are five things to always do at the scene to ensure your safety and legal peace of mind. Contact police and medical personnel immediately. If you’re involved in an accident, notify the police ASAP, even if everyone appears physically fine and the damage to any vehicles involved appears minimal. Wait for law enforcement to arrive and ensure a report is written. Most importantly, contact 911 immediately to request an ambulance if anyone is seriously injured. Rely on other eyes. If the accident occurred in view of pedestrians or drivers who stopped to offer assistance, encourage these individuals to provide you with their contact information and give statements to the police. If they’re willing to cooperate, their observations could help you fill in any details you may have missed and build a more substantial claim or case. Use your phone to prove facts. If your cellphone is not damaged in the collision, use it to take as many photos or videos of the scene as possible, including all
“If I had been stuck there, I would’ve called an Uber. But George didn’t have that option.”
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What Not to Say After a Crash es
or leave you partially responsible for the accident, which could dramatically reduce your compensation.
The full extent of injuries sustained in a collision may not be medically determined until days or even weeks after the event, so telling the other driver’s insurer that you feel fine may be problematic down the road.
Additionally, you may not have the clarity to recall specific accident details accurately when the insurer contacts you. These are two reasons to avoid sharing too much information too quickly, even if you want the ordeal to end. Additionally, be aware that phone calls from insurers are often recorded and that anything you tell them may come back to haunt you. If you’re not careful, a personal injury claim can leave you in a compromised position, especially if you attempt to handle everything
TAKE A BREAK
with the at-fault driver’s insurer independently. Contacting an experienced attorney before attempting to pursue or settle a claim is the best course of action. Please visit DickersonOxton.com/blog for more information about other insurer tactics used to lower your chances of a successful settlement. Forewarned is forearmed.
TEGIES ash
LENTIL AND SWEET POTATO STEW Inspired by EatYourselfSkinny.com
This delicious dish will keep your family warm, full, and happy as the weather cools down.
visible damage to the vehicles, road conditions, street signs, intersections, notable landmarks, weather conditions, and any other details that may help tell the story of the collision and confirm liability. Avoid online obstacles.
INGREDIENTS •
1 onion, diced
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2 bay leaves
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2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups green lentils, rinsed
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 tsp salt
At a time when millions stay in touch online, what you say today can hurt you tomorrow. Refrain from posting about the accident on social media, especially at the scene when emotions are often at their highest and details are the haziest. The at-fault party’s insurer may use what you post on your feeds to find reasons not to settle the claim or any subsequent legal action you may pursue. Be secure with your speech. After an accident, you will need to gather and share details quickly. When speaking with police or the other driver(s), stick to the facts as you understand them and avoid making any speculative statements that may be interpreted as your admission of partial or complete fault. Additionally, don’t verbally downplay any injuries you’ve sustained or say anything to suggest you weren’t harmed in the accident.
Fresh parsley
•
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes. 2. Add all other ingredients except for salt and parsley. 3. Turn the heat to high until it is boiling, then reduce it to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through. 4. Remove pot from heat and stir in salt. Top with parsley and enjoy! 3
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A Daring Kitty GPS Test
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Sense at the Scene
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Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
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Reel in More Fish This Autumn
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AUTUMN ANGLING WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO HOOK FISH THIS FALL
As cooler temperatures, golden leaves, and holidays roll in, fall is one of the best-kept secrets in fishing. While many pack up their rods after summer, savvy anglers know autumn is when the real magic happens. Fish feed aggressively as they prepare for winter, and the crowds of people enjoying the water have thinned out. A few tweaks can level up your fishing game this season, whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or trout. Target Shallow Waters As temperatures drop, baitfish like shad move into the backs of creeks and embayments. Predatory fish such as bass and crappie follow, making these areas hotspots. Focus your efforts on these shallow zones to increase your catch rate.
your fishing area. This increases the likelihood of enticing bites. Explore Stocked Waters Many lakes and streams are stocked with trout and catfish in the fall. These fish are often eager to bite, providing excellent opportunities for anglers. Utilize Live Bait Live bait can be particularly effective in cooler temperatures. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and shad can more effectively entice sluggish fish than artificial lures. Monitor Water Conditions Fall often brings changes in water levels due to drawdowns. Stay informed about these conditions, as they influence fish locations and behavior.
Experiment With Depths Fall turnover can scatter fish throughout various depths. Don’t hesitate to try different depths until you locate active fish. Using a fish finder can help you identify these productive zones. Fish Throughout the Day Unlike summer, when fish are most active during dawn and dusk, fall fish feed more consistently throughout the day. This allows for flexible fishing schedules without the need for early starts. Focus on Structure Fish gravitate toward structures like submerged wood and rocky banks during fall. These areas provide shelter and warmth, and targeting them can lead to successful catches. Match the Catch In fall, baitfish grow larger. Adjust your lure size and color to mimic the prevalent forage in
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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