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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com JAN 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Our Medical Malpractice Mission A PATH TO PATIENT JUSTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
The world of medical care desperately needs change, and I’m here to help drive that transformation.
dismissive. In my day-to-day work, I strive to bring a sense of clarity and understanding to our current and potential clients as they work to hold negligent parties accountable and secure favorable judgments. Above all, I work to be a resource that people can look to and utilize when a medical situation leaves them in a state of loss or harm. In recent years, significant improvements have been made in several areas of personal injury. Vehicles have become much safer over the past few decades, at least in part due to the efforts of the legal industry. I believe there is potential to drive similar changes in medicine. More and more hospitals and doctor’s offices are owned by big corporations, often leading to diminished patient care. There are also innate biases toward certain classes of patients — particularly women and minorities — that result in some medical professionals not taking these individuals’ pain as seriously as others. I hope to shed some light on these and other issues as I continue my work at this firm. By bringing these lawsuits, I hope to push for better policies and procedures and keep the more money-minded sectors of the medical field from running amok. Unfortunately, there are a lot of obstacles in the legal process when it comes to medical malpractice cases, which are often expensive to pursue and difficult to prove. I’m here to help my client win as much as possible, from performing extensive research to working with doctors and other experts who can testify on their behalf. The road to a successful case isn’t always easy, but I promise to stand by you every step of the way. Please contact me if I can provide guidance, information, and a path toward the justice and peace of mind you deserve. –Ashley Billam
My name is Ashley Billam, and I’m a relatively new attorney at Dickerson Oxton. Since joining the firm last March, I have worked extensively on medical malpractice cases, advocating for our clients. It has been a privilege to help people better understand their rights as patients and guide them in pursuing claims that compensate them for their losses. I’d like to share what led me to focus on this area of law and why protecting the rights of medical clients is so important to me. Although I earned degrees in journalism and French, I found my true calling while working as a paralegal at another firm. I pursued this passion by attending the University of Kansas School of Law, where I served as a writer and editor for the Kansas Law Review. I interned for a federal judge and worked in the school’s legal aid clinic. My interest in the medical industry grew while learning about and managing an autoimmune condition, which opened my eyes to various aspects of patient care and the complexities of our current medical system.
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
My experiences as a patient and a litigator have shown me that all patients and clients deserve to be heard and understood. A big part of my job is evaluating potential cases to determine which will likely succeed in court. Many of our clients have questions about their medical cases because their doctors didn’t explain their situation well enough or because they felt those doctors were
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones THE SILENT HEALER Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
Just as you wouldn't wait to have an automobile accident before researching good collision repair facilities in your area, you should not wait until a medical emergency or vital treatment to find a doctor whose talents, reputation, and trustworthiness make them suitable to address your needs. With your comfort and safety, here are two tips to avoid situations that could lead to an unpleasant experience at best or a medical malpractice claim at worst. DETECTING DEFICIENT PHYSICIANS Unfortunately, not all medical professionals are created equal. Some may have been defendants in past legal matters, which may offer insight into how you will be treated under their care. Missouri residents can go to www.Courts.MO.gov/cnet/welcome.do to search for cases where a doctor may have been sued, while potential patients in Kansas can visit prodportal.kscourts.org/prodportal for the same purpose. Additionally, they can research whether a particular physician has been subject to disciplinary actions by visiting the Kansas Board of Healing Arts at ksbha.ks.gov/resources/ search-for-a-licensee or the Missouri Division of Professional Registration at pr.mo.gov/licensee-search-division.asp . WARM UP WISELY WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS A Healthy Home QUACK VS YOUR GUIDE TO FINDI With winter prompting many of us to spend more time indoors, we may overlook simple things in our homes that can put our health and safety at risk in our quest for warmth. Here are three common areas of winter safety prep that many neglect — and ways to be healthy and cozy while avoiding unwanted illnesses or escalating costs. FUEL YOUR FURNACE’S FUNCTION. When winter weather is at its worst, a problem with your furnace is the last thing you want to experience. To ensure its peak efficiency, get it inspected and cleaned at least annually. Be sure to replace furnace filters regularly to improve air quality and save on energy costs. CLEAN YOUR HUMIDIFIERS AND CLEAR YOUR HEALTH. In addition to the frequent use of furnaces this time of year, many households utilize humidifiers to help address dry indoor air. However, they can be susceptible to bacteria and mold if not properly maintained. The Mayo Clinic recommends cleaning humidifiers every three days. Common cleaning fluids include
in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats.
Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024
Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort.
“Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people's therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
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S. QUALITY ING A GREAT DOCTOR
EMBRACING WORD-OF-MOUTH WISDOM When researching a doctor or specialist in your area, it is wise to explore online reviews or news articles that may shed light on other patients’ experiences. If you uncover one or more negative
reviews, check if their office responded to the critique — and pay attention to the tone and level of professionalism they used. Of course, nothing beats feedback from friends or relatives who have used the doctor’s services. If someone you know had an uncomfortable experience or had cause to pursue a legal claim, that is a clear sign that you should consider taking your business elsewhere. While we never want to see anyone endure medical malpractice, we are here and committed to helping you if you do. Please contact us today if you need to pursue a case of this nature or have any questions or concerns we can address.
TAKE A BREAK
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth • 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 4 medium
carrots, chopped
• 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
chlorine bleach and 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions. However, users should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for which materials to use on a particular model and how often to replace the filter. Always rinse the humidifier thoroughly after cleaning, as cleaning chemicals may become airborne if not disposed of correctly. SAFEGUARD YOUR SPACE HEATERS. Space heaters may offer a practical way to add warmth to specific spots in your home, but they pose significant safety risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as drapes, bedding, and furniture. Ensure the heater’s cord is not a tripping hazard, and never run it under rugs or carpets. Avoid using extension cords, and do not use a space heater with a cord with clear signs of damage.
DIRECTIONS 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves. 3
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Medical Malpractice Muscle
PG1
A Deaf Dog’s Remarkable Journey
PG2
Ways to Find Trustworthy Care
PG2
Simple Steps for In-Home Health
PG2
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
PG3
Smart Snacks for Stress-Free Family Travel
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bags with high-fiber crackers, Artisana nut-butter packets, lean deli meats, and cheese. “Ants on a log” is another entertaining snack: Stuff celery sticks with nut butter, hummus, or cream cheese and line the filling with raisins or nuts. The most satisfying, energizing snacks combine protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Making your own trail mix enables you to select high-fiber, low-sugar ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain pretzels, and unsweetened dry cereal. Legume-based chips such as Harvest Snaps or Hippeas chickpea snacks can add novelty. If you’re short of time, consider assembling some ready-to-grab items such as RX Bars with Nut Butter, high-protein Chomps meat sticks, dried fruit, rice cakes, and portable tubes of low-fat yogurt. Fresh fruit and handheld cheese sticks or Babybel mini-snacks are spill-proof protein sources. A few hard-boiled eggs, perhaps with a little hot sauce or ketchup, can calm hunger. And for youngsters in a growth spurt, some rolled-up slices of deli meat with cheese can satisfy their boundless appetites. Finding the right container or bag can make portable snacks easier to manage. If you have room among your belongings for a small cooler, keep yogurt, fresh veggies, and other perishables handy. A small, inexpensive tackle box or zippered tote can be another space-saving solution. Once all the preparations are behind you, you can relax knowing your kids will be well-nourished and ready to enjoy the trip!
Healthy Munchies Ease Travel With Kids SNACK SMART
“I’m hungry” may be the second most common complaint parents hear when traveling with kids — right behind, “Are we there yet?”
Children need to eat often because they have small stomachs and high energy needs. Running on empty can cause irritability and fatigue, tempting many parents to resort to fast-food drive-thrus. A healthier, thriftier route may be to invest time upfront in planning and preparing snacks to keep your kids happy. Some snacks can occupy preschoolers with counting, sorting pieces, or assembling their own treats. For example, preschoolers handed a bag of rainbow-colored Goldfish crackers may be tempted to sort and count by color. Kids can create mini-sandwiches from homemade “lunchable”
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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