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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com MAY 2026
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
KANSAS KIN AND COURTROOM CALLING
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
MY PATH TOWARD PRACTICE AND PURPOSE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
My career has been an eclectic journey, but my journey has led me to write my first-ever newsletter article as a new member of the Dickerson Oxton family. I grew up in the South before I moved here to attend the University of Kansas. (My roots here go back much further, as I can actually trace my family back seven generations in Kansas!) My great-grandfather was the mayor of Atchison and founded Ferrellgas, which has since become one of the largest propane retailers in the country. Additionally, my grandfather was a senior staffer for Bob Dole. Law is more than a career for me; it’s a family tradition. I have an uncle who was a judge in South Carolina, and my great-uncle James Thompson has been practicing law in the Kansas City area for years. I also have a first cousin, twice removed, who practices in San Francisco, while several members of my father’s side practice law in Missouri. That said, becoming a lawyer was a happy accident for me. Originally, I went to KU to study Journalism. As a prerequisite for that program, I took a First Amendment class during my final semester. It was taught by a law professor who had us analyze various Supreme Court free speech cases. We were then asked to present a predetermined side, and the other students would vote on who “won” by being the most persuasive.
One case in particular involved alcohol related advertising in a student newspaper. I was tasked with arguing that these ads should be banned in college publications. Naturally, a room full of college students thought I was on the ‘wrong’ side of the issue and assumed I would lose. But by the end of the debate, I had won them over; even though they didn’t agree with the premise, they
goal. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or sustained a personal injury, you will never feel unheard or unsupported under my care. A MEMORIAL DAY MOMENT FOR BUCK Before I conclude, I’d like to mention something significant for Memorial Day. Circling back to my
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
family for a moment, I’d be remiss if I didn’t devote a few words to my great-uncle, Richard W. “Buck” Thompson. A 1966 graduate of West Point, he served in the Vietnam War. After being badly wounded in combat, he refused
voted that I was the more effective persuader. Before long, I was considering law school as a viable option for my future.
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
After graduating from KU, I attended the Washburn
University School of Law on a full scholarship. I focused on oil and gas law, but quickly realized I enjoyed litigation after starting at Anderson & Byrd in Ottawa, KS. After four years, I moved to Wichita to join the Hinkle Law Firm, where I practiced business litigation. In the course of that work, I ended up defending in a case that led to me being recruited by a plaintiff’s firm. I had wanted to do more trials for quite some time, and that was my opportunity. After six years and 14 trials, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become a part of the Dickerson Oxton Law Firm team. Looking ahead, I’m excited to launch the firm’s new Wichita office and expand its services to clients. Since my first case, giving my clients top-notch representation has been my biggest
medical attention and returned to the field to help save his comrades. During this act of bravery, he was taken from us. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and several service medals, in addition to being profiled in Rick Atkinson’s Pulitzer Prize- winning book, “The Long Gray Line.” Naturally, Uncle Buck is a mythical figure among the older members of my family. Above all, he is remembered as a genuine, good-natured leader who always lifted up his compatriots and brought levity to even the most challenging situations. Perhaps I’ll write more about him someday, but for now, he and everyone else we’ve lost in defense of this great nation are always in my thoughts.
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Jeffrey Wilson
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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DRIVER DO’S AND DON’TS AFTER PEDESTRIAN HITS Streetwise Safety
STRONG SELVES AND STEADY HEARTS
The spring and summer months should be a time to get out and enjoy the nice weather, not set ourselves up for disaster behind the wheel.
While collisions between vehicles are always a danger this time of year, so are automobile accidents involving pedestrians. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, a traffic accident- related pedestrian fatality occurred every 72 minutes in 2023 alone. While tragedies of this nature are terrible for the victim’s friends and loved ones, they can have a devastating impact on the at-fault driver, legally and emotionally. Here are a few quick do’s and don’ts for how to conduct yourself if you ever hit a pedestrian with your vehicle. PROTECT OTHERS PROMPTLY If you’re uninjured in the accident, the pedestrian’s condition should be your primary concern. After stopping and securing your vehicle, call 911 immediately if the pedestrian is injured, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If the pedestrian is conscious, ask them about their condition and relay that information to the dispatcher. If the pedestrian is physically able to exchange information with BIRTH DEFECT DILE There are few greater joys than welcoming a new baby to the world, but few greater challenges than raising a child born with a serious, lifelong health condition. Sadly, birth defects occur with greater frequency than many may realize. According to government statistics, they affect approximately 1 in 33 babies born in the U.S. While some occur due to natural circumstances, many result from easily preventable errors by medical professionals. This article provides a brief overview of one of the most common birth defects in the U.S. and ways families can seek justice for the impact it and other disorders have on their children’s lives. CEREBRAL PALSY MADE CLEAR Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders affecting approximately 1 million Americans of various ages. Typically the result of brain damage at any time during pregnancy or birth (or after), cerebral palsy affects a person’s movement and coordination, often resulting in severely stiff muscles, involuntary movements, and difficulty walking, among other issues. The condition’s severity and bodily impact vary from person to person. Some people with cerebral palsy can live fully productive and independent lives, while others require ongoing physical therapy and/or full-time, lifelong care. The condition could have resulted from medical practices due to untreated infections, head trauma, or oxygen deprivation during delivery.
NEW FRONTIERS FOR LOVE AFTER 50
If you thought asking someone to the school dance when you were growing up was intimidating, you haven’t experienced anything until you’ve tried dating in your 50s! All kidding aside, dating later in life doesn’t need to be frustrating or wreak havoc on your sense of self. Here are three helpful reminders as you navigate new relationships. BELIEVE IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF YOU . Whether you’ve experienced a divorce, the death of your partner, or just haven’t found “the one” yet, entering the dating pool at this age can be daunting. However, you have more working in your favor than against you. After all, you’ve had decades to discover your wants, needs, and goals, as well as what worked and what didn’t in past relationships. This understanding of yourself is invaluable, as it will help you find a partner who aligns with who you are now and where you want to go in life. USE YOUR SCREEN TIME SELECTIVELY. Attempting to find satisfying company on dating apps or social media can often feel like trying to catch the ocean in a cup. Instead of scrolling through a sea of posts, search for online communities that appeal more directly to your specific hobbies and interests. Interacting with others who share your enthusiasm for things that make you happy is a much better gateway to a new bond than hoping for the best through endless swiping. A ‘NO’ MAY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. Dating is a lot like applying for a new job. You may not land the position despite having an exceptional résumé that earns you several interviews and a strong hunch that things were going well. At the end of the day, the company’s decision to pass may have had more to do with its structure or budget than an issue with your qualifications or capabilities. While being turned down by a prospective partner may be heartbreaking at first, take solace in the fact that it obviously wasn’t meant to be and move forward. And if there was a specific reason the other person decided not to pursue it further, consider it a learning experience to help guide your next connection.
With self-knowledge, selectivity, and a little patience, love in your 50s can be richer than ever!
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you, ask them to do so before emergency services arrive. If the injured pedestrian is unconscious or unable
to speak, inform the dispatcher and follow their instructions for handling the situation. Once the pedestrian’s safety has been addressed, document and/or photograph as many details of the incident as possible, especially any vehicle damage. RESIST RECKLESS REACTIONS Unless doing so would remove them from additional or imminent danger, don’t move an unconscious pedestrian away from the scene of the accident. There may be unseen or internal injuries that the movement could worsen; wait until medical services arrive with the proper equipment necessary to move them safely. Above all, don’t apologize for causing the incident. Although it is an understandable (and very human) reaction to such a sudden and shocking event, apologizing at the scene could be considered an admission of fault that may harm you legally down the road. When the pedestrian you’ve hit is injured, staying calm, protecting their safety, and letting trained professionals guide the next steps can go a long way toward preventing a bad situation from becoming much worse. OTHER HARMS HIDDEN IN DELIVERY Other birth defects potentially caused by medical malpractice include injuries to the brachial plexus, the nerve network responsible for sensation and movement to a person’s arms, hands, and fingers. Damage to these nerves (typically caused by tearing, compression, or stretching during delivery) can lead to limb paralysis, numbness, or weakness. Additionally, a medical professional’s failure to properly monitor a fetus, address signs of fetal distress, or perform a timely cesarean section can result in facial nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, and other permanent issues. ACTIONS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY Dickerson Oxton is committed to helping clients and their children rise above the challenges of living with birth defects and live more fulfilling lives. Our experienced team can help you build a case grounded in research, medical evidence, and accountability, resulting in appropriate compensation for the medical malpractice your child endured. While we cannot undo the past, we can help secure a brighter future. Please contact us today to discuss your specific case and the legal avenues available to you. EMMAS Justice for Children and Families
TAKE A BREAK
SHRIMP TACO SOUP
INGREDIENTS •
1 tbsp chili powder
• •
2 cups water
• • • •
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
• •
10 oz frozen corn
2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges, for toppings as desired
• Black pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, diced • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes • 2 tsp agave
•
DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. 2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, then add onion and peppers; cook 5–6 minutes. 3. Stir in seasoning mix. 4. Add tomatoes, agave, water, remaining salt, and more pepper to taste. Let simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Stir in beans and corn, then add shrimp. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes, until shrimp are cooked through. 7. Add desired toppings before serving. 3 Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
The First Step in a New Chapter
PG1
Fresh Starts for Seasoned Singles
PG2
When Crosswalk Crises Arise
PG2
Early Errors, Patient Protection
PG2
Shrimp Taco Soup
PG3
Fresh Spaces. Spotless Savings
PG4
CHEAP AND CLEVER SPRINGTIME HOME HACKS COST-SAVVY CLEAN
Whether you greet spring-cleaning with sheer delight or utter dread, it doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated.
can remove dust and dirt from your slats as pristinely as most store‑bought cleaners. ELIMINATE EVERYDAY ANNOYANCES. Now, let’s focus on two of the most frustrating cleaning chores imaginable: getting the mounds of dust and dirt off a ceiling fan and ridding your windows of those annoying streaks left by paper towels. For the first obstacle, you can find an unlikely solution in your bedroom. If you have a spent pillowcase that’s ready for the trash, use it instead to capture the crud on your fan! Put it over each blade and slowly wipe down the surface. The cloth will catch the dirt, and the space in the pillowcase will trap it, preventing it from spilling onto your floor. As for those streaked windows, life can be made simpler if you’re a coffee drinker. Why? Because unused filters are super-absorbent and can remove those lingering lines in a flash.
While supermarket shelves are stocked with pricey products that will clean out your wallet as much as your clutter, there are simpler, less
costly ways to make your home sparkle for the season. Here are a few surprising household cleaning hacks that will beautify your living space while being kind to your budget. GIVE YOUR SCRAPS A SECOND CHANCE. It’s often shocking how much we throw away without giving these items a helpful new purpose. You know all those used dryer sheets you toss away without a second thought? In addition to having a fresh scent, these frequently discarded pieces of cloth can work well as makeshift dusters for everything from your TV to your blinds.
Speaking of blinds, don’t rush to throw out your next pair of worn- out socks. When dampened and slipped over your hands, they
With a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, your spring-cleaning routine can keep your home blissful without breaking the bank.
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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