Take a look at our October newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com OCT 2024
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
HELP FROM A KIND HEART
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
A Tribute to the Perfect Work Partner
Last month, I celebrated my first anniversary at Dickerson Oxton. Reaching this milestone inspired me to reflect on my years-long professional journey and how fortunate I am to be a part of an unbeatable team. Many companies and businesses boast about having a “family atmosphere,” but we actually have one here. As I move forward in my life and work, I firmly believe that no one achieves success without getting help and support along the way. Without a doubt, few people have helped me more in my career than Saunny Wiley — one of the best legal pros in our industry and the person I’d like to honor here for National Paralegal Day on Oct. 23. Saunny has been a constant presence in my life for 13 years. We worked together at a previous firm for over a decade before joining Dickerson Oxton around the same time. Despite the change in daily scenery, I was excited to know she’d still be beside me. Transitioning to a new work environment can be a challenging experience, but Saunny’s camaraderie, friendship, and dedication to her craft helped me ease into my role and feel supported.
So, how exactly does Saunny help me during the week? In short,
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
she organizes my life! From keeping track of important details to making sure I don’t overlook responding to a client, she is everything a lawyer could hope for in a paralegal. I share a tight
BURN INJURIES
relationship with her that can only come through years of working alongside an invaluable co-worker and friend.
Although Saunny is a star here at Dickerson Oxton, she shines brightest as a wife, mother, and young grandmother. She loves spending time with her two grandkids — both toddlers with tons of energy — and reliving the joy of being around little ones when they’re still at such a playful age. (Of course, she also loves giving the kids back after a fun and exhausting weekend. I’m sure any grandmas reading this article can relate!) It’s incredible to see Saunny as a grandparent, as I’ve known and worked with her long enough to remember when her son was still in middle school! I’m glad her family life is full of the same love she gives everyone here at the firm. Whether you’re working to meet an important deadline or tackling matters at home, having a reliable person who’s always there for you makes all the difference in the world. Saunny is not only my colleague — she’s a great friend who treats me like family. My last 13 years would not have been possible without her. Happy National Paralegal Day, Saunny! Thank you for giving so much to so many. –Jeff Rowe
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
You learn a lot about a person when you spend years going to trials with them, and Saunny has never once failed to amaze me. As a legal professional, her resourcefulness
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
under pressure is without equal. As a human being, her caring nature and unwavering positivity touch everyone she
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
encounters. To put it simply, our clients love Saunny because she loves people. She’s the gatekeeper of my work and my
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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right arm in everything I do.
As we reach the midpoint of the fall and head toward the holidays, many folks in Missouri are about to be busier than they’ve been all year. With schedules getting faster and festive cheers growing louder, it’s common for seasonal distractions to increase everyone’s risk for accidents and injuries. Thankfully, a few simple reminders can help you stay safe. BE KIND TO ANIMALS — AND YOUR CAR. Increased traffic means that more drivers share the roads with wildlife. Collisions with animals rise sharply this time of year, with insurance claims for accidents involving animals hitting their annual peak in November. When a deer or other animal suddenly appears in a moving vehicle’s path, many drivers instinctively swerve to avoid a crash — which may lead them to lose control of their car and possibly hit a stationary object or another vehicle. Braking slowly and steadily is always the best way to avoid colliding with an animal on the road. If an accident is still unavoidable, reducing your vehicle’s speed can minimize damage or physical harm. PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS CARGO. With all the rushing around people do these days, all it takes is a single mistake to change lives forever. Never leave children alone in Fall Into Safer Dr QUICK REMINDERS BEF THE WINTER RUSH
FROM RESCUE TO RESCUER PANCHO’S INSPIRING STORY
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a rescue dog named Pancho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion. The events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Pancho’s home in northern New Mexico. Pancho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would-be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Pancho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously missed his vital organs. But the attack didn’t stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Pancho repeatedly. Undeterred by his injuries, Pancho managed to hold the intruder at bay until others could intervene and restrain the criminal. Pancho’s family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care. Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Pancho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery to clean and repair Pancho’s traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him. Despite his severe injuries, Pancho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words “good boy.” Pancho’s dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions. Pancho’s story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Pancho’s family did.
Alternative Activities for Spooky Season For many children (and those still young at heart), Halloween is a fun- filled time for dressing up, visiting neighbors, and ushering in the official start of the holiday season — easily making it one of the country’s most celebrated fall family traditions. The Kansas City Metropolitan area proudly hosts an array of events that build on the holiday in new and exciting ways. Beyond BOO!
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riving FORE
your vehicle — even if it’s for a literal minute to run a quick errand. Putting a credit card, purse, wallet, or other item related to your errand
in the backseat will remind you to bring your young passenger(s) along as you take care of business. AVOID DIGITAL DANGERS. Need to check a product’s availability as you head toward the store? Can’t wait to reply to a text from the babysitter? Pull over. As Missouri drivers should always remember, it’s against the law for a driver to use a cell phone in a moving vehicle. If you encounter legal troubles related to any of these situations, Dickerson Oxton is here to help you navigate them and get you back on the road. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
TAKE A BREAK
Vegan Singapore Noodles Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
Drive safe — and Happy (Almost) Holidays!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
FOUR DIMENSIONS OF DISCOVERY Do you have a little one who loves playing with LEGO blocks? You can give them a rare opportunity to surround themselves with millions of them at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City! Located on the south side of Crown Center Square, this unique theme park boasts the ultimate indoor LEGO playground, encourages guests to build their own LEGO creations, and provides visual adventures via its 4-D movie theater! (Note: No adults are permitted without at least one child under 17.) PREHISTORIC PLAYTIME If you have a dinosaur-loving youngster still too young for the Jurassic Park films, the Prehistoric Putt mini golf course in Independence is a nice alternative. This lighthearted destination features three courses (including an adult one that offers alcohol), indoor basketball, an arcade, foosball, a batting cage, and other attractions. WHIMSICAL WORLDS, ENCHANTING ENCOUNTERS Now in its 47th year, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Park easily stands as one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S. Attracting 200,000 attendees each year, this child- and dog-friendly festival has plenty to offer before wrapping up for the season on Oct. 14. The Enchanted Forest is home to “Fairy Time Treats,” a twice-daily weekend gathering that thrills young ones with vibrant stories and special treats and gifts. If you and your partner desire a more adult-oriented afternoon, the fair’s “Royal Romance Package” is an excellent choice. The hourlong experience includes champagne, a charcuterie board, a shareable dessert, and a personal server.
Sauce • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp tamari • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 2 tbsp lime juice Noodles • 6 oz thin rice noodles • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided • 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced • 3/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced • 12 whole snow peas • 1 tbsp tamari • 2 tsp curry powder
1. Make the sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, then set aside. 2. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. 3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. 4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. 5. Add snow peas, tamari, and curry powder to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside. 6. Add remaining sesame oil, cooked rice noodles, and sauce to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute, tossing frequently with tongs. 7. Add vegetables back into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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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 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Honoring a Caring Colleague
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Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones
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Navigating Pre-Holiday Hazards
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October Fun Beyond Halloween
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Vegan Singapore Noodles
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Your Guide to Wildlife Tracking Fun
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UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF ANIMAL FOOTPRINTS Become a Nature Detective
Have you ever discovered a mysterious set of animal tracks? Reading those footprints can be your ticket to uncovering the hidden world of wildlife right under your nose. Whether you’re on a camping trip hoping to spot one of your favorite critters or simply curious about the pawprints you stumbled on at home, we’re here to show you how to become a nature detective. PREPARE AND OBSERVE You’ll have the best luck spotting tracks or other signs of animal life in places where wildlife is known to frequent. Find watering holes or other areas where animals may feed or gather. Tracks need a suitable medium, like snow, mud, sand, or soft dirt, for them to show. Regardless of where you’re heading, bring a field guide, a map of the area, hiking supplies, and tools for tracking, like a ruler, magnifying glass, and a camera. COUNT THE TOES Your main clues to the owner of these natural calling cards are the number of toe and claw marks on the print. Canines, like wolves, and
felines, like cougars, all have four toes, but you can see a significant difference between their claws. Cats have retractable claws, so their pawprints won’t always have claws. In contrast, birds have distinctive tracks with three long, skinny, forward-facing toes. IDENTIFY YOUR PREY When you have identified what animal family left the print behind, you can begin to home in on its exact species. Use a small ruler to measure the size of the track to give you clues. A wolf, for example, has similar prints to a dog, but they are about 2 inches wider. Context is also a crucial factor when you’re tracking. Think about the animals that live in the area. Would there be any domesticated dogs in the woods where you are hiking? Document your tracks with photos and notes in a nature journal. If you’re still unsure, go online and look at various animal tracks. You may find what you’re looking for!
So, next time you stumble upon animal tracks, get out your ruler and camera! Those prints could lead you on a great adventure!
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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