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On Your Side A Publication of Kevin McManus Law Injury & Disability Attorneys
From Hurt to Hope
KevinMcManusLaw.com (816) 837-4433
One of my goals in becoming a lawyer has always been to improve people’s lives — to empower those who have been wronged. Many people who come to us for help are going through the toughest time of their lives. They may have been badly injured in a car crash, a fall, a motorcycle accident, fire, or another traumatic event. We listen to their stories and try to help them not only recover from their injuries but also build a better future. Clients who are fighting for long-term disability insurance payments can be the most heartbreaking of all. These individuals are often facing a persistent, debilitating illness or medical condition that is robbing them of any sense of control. “Why did this happen to me?” they wonder. “I just can’t see the end of this.” Few situations are more disempowering. A natural human response is to want to give up. One of our most important goals is to start our clients down a path toward healing and hope. On Aug. 18 each year, more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada observe Never Give Up Day, marking the importance of resilience and positivity. In observance of that day, I want to recall the story of an especially memorable client. This man was a successful, high-earning business executive who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. The symptoms weren’t immediately apparent, but over time, he began noticing that he couldn’t remember things. He had vision problems, he couldn’t drive — and ultimately, he could no longer perform in his executive job. This client never wanted to have to rely on long-term disability insurance. He was used Helping Injury Victims Toward Justice and Healing
A Personal Message From Kevin McManus
Welcome to our newsletter! We’ll introduce you to our office team, share client stories and life lessons, updates about our work and community, and have some fun along
the way. Have feedback? Email us at info@kevinmcmanuslaw.com and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you. We’re on Your Side!
“One of our most important goals is to start our clients down a path toward healing and hope.”
to leading an active life and earning a big paycheck. On top of that, he was battling an insurance company arguing that he was lying, he wasn’t really that sick, and it was all in his head. Fortunately, we obtained a sizable lump-sum settlement for him after litigating his case. He was relieved — not only with the settlement, but with never having to deal with that insurance company again! In hopes of encouraging him, I gave him a book by Ryan Holiday, “The Obstacle Is the Way.” This 2014 bestseller draws on the teachings of the ancient Stoic philosophers on turning trials into triumphs. Many people think stoicism is about not having feelings, but that’s not the case. Instead, it shows how to frame life’s inevitable obstacles as a pathway to growth. Holiday cites a lesson from Epictetus, “Every obstacle has two handles — one by which it should be carried, and the other not. Those who choose the second handle dwell on setbacks until they are overwhelmed by anger
HOW WE CAN HELP Kevin McManus Law assists clients with personal injury and long-term disability claims throughout Missouri and Kansas. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations. Call (816) 837-4433 today or visit our website for more information: KevinMcManusLaw.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS!
We’d like to thank the following clients and referral partners for trusting us with their referrals. Your support gives us the ability to help others.
Mandy G. Marie L.
Seek Real Estate Dollar Burns Becker & Hershewe Maria R. Raintree Medical Brandon O.
Burnett Driskill Rustic Wellness Center Jenny D.
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KevinMcManusLaw.com • (816) 837-4433
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ISSUE 6
How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects Nature vs. Nature
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night
lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff those out fast.
stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and
Justice Unleashed DOG-BITE SURVIVOR SCORES 6-FIGURE WIN IN LAWSUIT
Few incidents are more terrifying than being attacked by a pair of vicious dogs. One of our clients experienced such an attack while trying to visit her father’s apartment west of Kansas City. This woman sustained severe bite injuries to her legs, hips, and buttocks that required surgery. Unfortunately, the injuries became infected, sending her back to the hospital for further treatment. A person who lived nearby owned the dogs. They were known to have attacked other visitors and reportedly had even killed another dog. We filed a lawsuit on the woman’s behalf, and after a court hearing, the dogs’ owner was required to pay more than half a million dollars to compensate our client for medical bills, pain, and suffering — more than five times the amount of her bills.
An estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year nationwide, and 800,000 of them require medical attention, according to the American Veterinary Industry Association. Half of the victims are children. Insurers paid $1.12 billion in claims related to dog attacks and bites in 2023. Kansas law holds dog owners liable for dog bite injuries only if they knew, or should have known, their pets were dangerous, which was clearly the case in this dog attack. Kansas dog owners also can be held liable for negligence in overseeing their animal. Missouri law offers a slightly wider window for dog-bite victims, entitling them to compensation for injuries from any dog bite, either on public property or while lawfully present on private property, as long as the victim did not provoke the attack.
To avoid becoming a dog-bite statistic yourself, avoid eye contact with unfamiliar dogs and don’t approach them directly. Stay calm and move slowly around unfamiliar canines. Also, remain still and silent if a dog approaches you to sniff you, and wait for them to back off once they determine you are not a threat. None of these behaviors, of course, can protect you against a vicious, attack-trained dog. If you have been injured by someone’s pet, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will be glad to help you gain the compensation you deserve.
KevinMcManusLaw.com • (816) 837-4433
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Burn injuries can be among the most devastating setbacks a person can face, inflicting long-lasting injuries, disfigurement, and emotional scars. Sadly, burn injury claims can also be among the toughest personal injury cases to resolve, because proving the cause and assigning liability can be incredibly complex. Scars That Run Deep WHY BURN INJURY CASES ARE SO HARD TO RESOLVE
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and resentment. Those who choose the first handle look for ways to turn the obstacle into a positive purpose. That choice leads to freedom.” Reframing obstacles as opportunities can be hard. But it changes our relationship with difficulty, failure, or trauma by empowering us to take action and move ahead in a productive way. I don’t have this all figured out myself. But I do know that taking action is a big part of surmounting obstacles in life. Hanging on to a positive, hopeful mindset in the face of difficulties is another important element. For people suffering from an accident, injury, or illness, that may mean finding the best legal help available to ensure your rights are protected. When facing your next obstacle, which handle are you going to choose? As we celebrate Never Give Up Day on Aug. 18, I wish you a month of resilience, hope, and action in the face of whatever hardships you may face!
-Kevin McManus
To be compensated for injuries from a fire, chemical spill, or hazardous product, a burn victim must prove that someone was
SUMMER CHICKPEA SALAD
responsible and that they were guilty of reckless or intentional negligence.
Inspired by HowSweetEats.com
For example, a warehouse fire might break out and spread because of faulty wiring, improper storage of flammable materials, or broken smoke detectors or sprinklers. Liability might be shared by the landlord, the contractors who installed the wiring, or the company that manufactured or installed the smoke detectors or sprinklers. Among other potential sources of disagreement, insurance companies may argue about how much treatment and care the victim will need. What will be the total human cost of their injuries, in terms of their ability to lead a normal life and engage in activities they enjoy? And how can one put a dollar value on those losses? Insurers may even argue the victims themselves could have prevented their injuries. Insurance companies will fight hard to avoid paying victims damages. To withstand this pressure, burn victims often need to gather detailed evidence, expert evaluations and testimony, medical records, photos or videos of the incident, and statements from people who saw what happened. These high stakes make it extremely important for burn victims to explore their rights with an experienced burn injury attorney. Before signing any forms, answering questions from an insurance company, or agreeing to a settlement, call our office at (816) 837-4433. We will be glad to assess your circumstances and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Ingredients •
2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed 4 green onions, thinly sliced 2 ears grilled corn, kernels cut from the cob 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
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2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp pepper 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 1/2 tbsp honey 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed 1 lime, zested and juiced
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Directions 1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onions, corn, tomatoes, basil, and chives. 2. Toss well with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, lime juice, and zest. 4. Whisk until the mixture is warm and garlic begins sizzling. 5. Pour over the chickpea mixture and toss well to coat. 6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
KevinMcManusLaw.com • (816) 837-4433
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
OVERLAND PARK OFFICE 7500 College Blvd., Suite 559 Overland Park, KS 66210
KANSAS CITY OFFICE 1100 Main St., Suite 2300 Kansas City, MO 64105
LEE’S SUMMIT OFFICE 1308 NE Windsor Dr., Suite 6 Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
KevinMcManusLaw.com KMLabogados.com Call (816) 837-4433
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 1
Turn Pain Into Power: Helping Injury Victims Reclaim Their Future The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!) Severe Dog Attack Leads to Major Settlement for Survivor Burn Injuries Are Among the Toughest Cases to Win Summer Chickpea Salad Host the Ultimate Summer Party
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Your Guide to the Ultimate End-of-Summer Party
Feature a curated playlist. Music sets the tone for any gathering. Create a playlist that starts with mellow tunes during dinner and transitions to more upbeat tracks as the evening progresses. This progression keeps the energy lively and encourages dancing or sing-alongs — the best way to entertain guests. Arrange themed decor. Choose a theme to tie your party together. A tropical luau, garden party, or rustic picnic theme can guide your decorations, attire suggestions, and menu choices. Incorporate elements like themed tableware, centerpieces, and signage to reinforce the vibe you’re opting for. Choose engaging activities. Plan interactive games or activities to entertain guests. Popular lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or a ring toss are crowd-pleasers. Or, you can get creative and set up a photo booth with fun props — those always promise a fun time. Remember, hosting a late-summer party is a great way to celebrate the last few months of the season. With thoughtful planning, your party will be a hit!
As summer winds down, there’s still time to host a memorable late-summer gathering that captures the season’s warmth and joy. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable party any guest would enjoy!
Embrace the golden hour. Schedule your party in the late afternoon so your guests can enjoy the sunset and cooler evening temperatures. Enhance the party vibe with lanterns, string lights, or candles to create a cozy atmosphere as daylight fades. Serve refreshing beverages. Set up a self-serve drink station featuring a variety of options to cater to all guests. Include a signature cocktail, such as a fruit-infused sangria or a sparkling mocktail, citrus-infused water, and sodas and juices. This approach keeps guests hydrated and adds a festive touch. Pick a seasonal menu. Opt for a menu that highlights all things summer. Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and light proteins like chicken or fish are great choices. For dessert, try a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar or fruit skewers with yogurt dip.
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