Dickerson Oxton - June 2024

Take a look at our June newsletter!

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com JUNE 2024

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

THE ULTIMATE FATHER FIGURE NUMBER ONE DAD

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Father’s Day is a cherished occasion that allows us to celebrate the remarkable father figures who grace us with their hard work, dedication, and love. As we honor these extraordinary individuals, we reflect on their impact in shaping who we are. On this day, I feel incredibly blessed to have a father who has continuously inspired me throughout my life. Reflecting on my father’s legacy this Father’s Day, I am reminded of the significant impact of his character and work ethic on my journey. I definitely looked up to him growing up. He worked in management at a mail sorting company and was very committed to his job and employees. I visited his workplace several times and got to experience what it means to be a good leader. Every employee loved him; regardless of status, he made everyone feel unique and valued. This made me a better attorney. When you grow up around someone who symbolizes power and strength, you subconsciously emulate those traits in your own life. I give it my all every day, just like he always did. As a business owner, his commitment to excellence inspired me, instilling in me the purpose of drive and motivation. His example has been a guiding light, illuminating the path toward personal and professional fulfillment. My father is retired now, and my parents currently split their time between Omaha and Scottsdale. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a European cruise vacation. My parents are active and love to keep moving; despite traveling, they are always up for adventures. They just got a new puppy, Buddy, a goldendoodle, and found a great love for taking on this new role of puppy parents.

My kids and I are excited for Father’s Day this year because we are getting the whole family together. Spending this quality time is priceless as we usually live long distances apart. Regardless of the geographical distance that separates us, modern-day technology serves as a bond of family connection, bridging the miles between us. My kids love receiving an incoming call from Nana and Papa on Facetime. My parents are the best storytellers, and

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

they get such a kick out of telling my kids about their trips and travels. Their presence is warm and generous, and they also share their time with my brother’s children, ensuring they create time for all of their grandkids. Sharing my love for my parents with my children has been one of my greatest gifts. I know that not everyone has the privilege of still having their parents around, let alone grandparents, so this is never taken for granted. I teach my kids daily the importance of family and how we must hold onto every moment we share with the people we love. During Father’s Day, we celebrate our family and the fatherly figures who have shaped us into who we are today.

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Chelsea Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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On Dec. 15, 2023, pet owner Chanell Bell of Philadelphia was taken aback when she noticed that Kobe, her 4-year-old miniature Alaskan husky, had dug a hole in her home’s front yard. This was a stark departure from Kobe’s usual behavior, which Bell initially dismissed as boredom and promptly refilled the hole. However, when Kobe began to dig again in the same spot, Chanell realized something was amiss. HERO HUSKY SAVES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

While some may view it as a convenient way to enhance their driving experience, driving with headphones can raise concerns about the potential risks it poses on the road. Driving with headphones presents a complex intersection between personal preference, legal considerations, and safety implications. Here are three frequently asked questions regarding driving with headphones in Missouri. WHAT IS MISSOURI LAW FOR DRIVING WITH HEADPHONES? In Missouri, driving with headphones presents a problem between legality and safety. Under Missouri law, there is no direct prohibition against it. While the Missouri Highway Patrol advises against it, this does not constitute a legal offense. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF DRIVING WITH HEADPHONES? Driving with headphones poses Silent Hazards

significant risks due to the potential for distraction and

“We’ve been here at our home for a while now, and he never digs holes,” Bell told USA Today. “So, I knew something was up.”

sensory deprivation. By blocking out ambient sounds, such as car horns and sirens, headphones diminish awareness of surrounding traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents. For safety reasons, it is advised to refrain from driving with headphones.

She investigated further, reviewing footage from the family home’s security camera overlooking Kobe’s newfound digspot. Then, she witnessed Kobe sniff the air around the area before digging the hole in the same spot again.

Thinking something Kobe smelled must have alarmed him, Bell phoned Philadelphia Gas Works, which sent a crew out to investigate. The engineers discovered that the gas lines beneath the Bell household were old, dilapidated, and beginning to leak. After fixing the issue, the company told Bell that if Kobe had not discovered the leak, the line would have posed significant health and safety concerns for the whole neighborhood.

The Impact of In-Fligh

In an era of rapid technological advancement, air travel is a genius innovation. It is indeed one of the safest modes of transportation available to travelers today. However, even with many safety protocols, there are still potential dangers to passengers aboard an aircraft. Injuries during air travel — whether due to turbulence or other incidents — raise questions about legal actions for affected passengers. Despite the relative rarity of these events, considering the numerous annual flights, some incidents require attention. Pursuing a negligence claim is essential to recovering damages encompassing medical expenses, pain, suffering, and ongoing treatment costs. Here are some common injury scenarios to help explain these legal complexities effectively. TURBULENCE INJURIES While turbulence is often deemed an uncontrollable act of nature, it can sometimes cause injuries. Severe altitude or stability fluctuations can displace passengers from seats or dislodge baggage from overhead compartments, contributing to other injuries. FALLING BAGGAGE Proper stowage of luggage in overhead compartments is imperative to preventing accidents. Failure to do so could result in possible head injuries, fractures, and significant medical expenses.

“They told me something as simple as a light switch

turning on could’ve caused an explosion,” Bell told USA Today.

After Bell shared Kobe’s story on social media, it caught the attention of PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who awarded the

young husky the Heroic Dog Award. Inspired by Kobe’s efforts, Bell

wrote a children’s book dedicated to him called “The Dog That Saved the Block Before Christmas.”

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHILE WEARING HEADPHONES? As a driver, you are responsible for safely operating your motor vehicle in compliance with the state regulations. While driving with headphones is not against existing laws, it does not shield you from liability in a car accident caused by distractions. If you are found at fault for an accident while using headphones. In that case, your liability car insurance will be liable for the medical expenses and property damages inflicted by the other party. Driving with headphones raises significant concerns regarding safety, legal implications, and personal responsibility. While it may not be explicitly prohibited by law, the potential for distraction and sensory deprivation poses substantial risks to drivers and other people on the road. Prioritizing safety and adhering to these practices for attentive driving remains HEADPHONES ON, WORLD OFF

TAKE A BREAK

paramount. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while utilizing headphones, call Dickerson Oxton Law today.

ht Incidents

NEGLECTED FOOD CARTS Placing food carts incorrectly or without safety locks poses significant risks to passengers aboard a flight as they travel throughout the aisle. Employees, such as flight attendants, must exercise due diligence in storing and securing carts to prevent accidents.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

INGREDIENTS

In cases where negligence contributes to avoidable injuries, legal avenues may include:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Salt and pepper, to taste

Negligence Claims Instances of learning obstacles in aisles or failure to secure overhead bins may constitute negligence, warranting compensation for affected individuals. Product Liability Defective aircraft equipment, from engine malfunctions to faulty bin latches, may lead to several potential accidents. Manufacturers or retailers may be liable for injuries resulting from product design flaws.

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

While air travel injuries are relatively rare, legal action against airlines, employees, or parts manufacturers is available in case of negligence. If you or someone you know has been injured on a flight, contact us at Dickerson Oxton for all your personal injury questions and concerns.

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ADVERTISING MATERIAL

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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Father’s Day Festivities

PG1

How a Pet Husky Prevented Disaster

PG2

The Legality of Driving with Headphones in Missouri

PG2

Common Flight Injuries

PG2

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

PG3

TikTok Embraces Power Walking

PG4

How Power Walking Boosts Your Fitness STRIDING TO SUCCESS

Runners and other workout buffs often make fun of power walkers, saying that walking — even at a vigorous pace — isn’t a real workout. Try telling that to TikTok fitness influencer Stefana Avara. Avara says she got great results from power walking 30–45 minutes daily at a 15-minute mile pace (about 4 mph on a treadmill). In the past, she had built strong, bulky thighs playing lacrosse and claimed she wanted to smooth out her quads. After just five weeks of power walking, she attained slimmer thighs while maintaining excellent muscle tone. Power walking involves moving faster and with more intention than regular walking. You keep your arms bent at a 90-degree angle and pump them vigorously back and forth as

you stride. Power walkers also move their feet smoothly from heel to toe while striding ahead. Doing this correctly engages your whole body, including your core muscles, raises your heart rate, and burns more calories. A brisk walk elevates fat-burning hormones. According to Health.com, an hour of power walking uses more than 500 calories, compared with the 340 calories burned by a brisk walker and the 238 calories consumed by a casual stroller. Power walking is also easier on the joints than running. Power walkers’ feet never leave the ground at the same time, while runners’ feet repeatedly strike the ground with greater force.

according to a peer-reviewed 2013 study by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Hartford Hospital. Another study found that runners and vigorous walkers showed similar reductions in the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. Vigorous exercise also reduces such mental health problems as depression and anxiety, according to a 2006 study. To get the most out of a power walk, keep your chin up and focus your eyes on a point about 10 feet ahead of you to lengthen your stride. Pull your abdomen muscles in toward your spine. Tighten your glutes to help propel you ahead. Follow these rules of good form and swing your arms while striding energetically ahead, Avara says, and you will get a workout worth doing!

People who take frequent, vigorous walks reap almost as many health benefits as runners,

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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