Take a look at our November newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com NOV 2024
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
WORDS THAT WARM THE HEART
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Celebrating the Gift of Gratitude
Sometimes, my clients touch my heart.
My client was a great man with a strong moral compass who persisted in seeking what he deserved. In his professional duties, he was the caretaker in many people’s lives, and now it was the jury members’ turn to take care of him . They reached a unanimous verdict in his favor, awarding him just over $2 million — and even staying afterward to chat with him. The jury’s decision was a powerful example of how justice is supposed to work, and I was honored to help him achieve such an extraordinary outcome. Although the verdict was a win for me as a lawyer, the best feeling came from knowing he felt heard.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
With Thanksgiving approaching, I’ve considered how life presents many opportunities to express gratitude to those who enrich our personal and professional lives. While the holiday is a great time to show appreciation for loved ones and dear friends, giving thanks to others throughout
the year is just as important. I do my best to tell people how much they mean to me, and I’m touched every time someone takes the time to acknowledge me in the same way. I’m reminded of gratitude every day in my office. I keep various thank-you notes and other personal messages from clients on
BURN INJURIES
During the trial, I often caught my client smiling. When I asked him why, he replied,
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
“ Man , when you open your mouth to speak, it’s like a lion comes out!” He likened me to Rocky Balboa, which made me laugh because I remember watching those movies with my dad. Like the pens he gifted me, my memories of working with him on that case are beautiful. It’s common for women in many industries to be
NURSING HOME ABUSE
my walls and in a particular folder here, and l cherish every one of them. It means so much to me to know that I helped people in their times of need, and I take every word of appreciation they share with me to heart. Among these treasured mementos sits a set of
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
ballpoint pens in an engraved wooden case — a gift from a client I represented in one of the most significant cases of my career. A few years ago, this client was driving his SUV on the highway in a big rainstorm when a semi-truck in front of him began to back up . The truck driver’s shocking actions resulted in a collision that left my client — who was in his 60s at the time — with years of neck problems, surgeries, and ongoing pain management. His injuries severely impacted his work as a licensed counselor, as his persistent discomfort affected his concentration and ability to engage with his patients. Despite what should have been an open-and-shut case, the at-fault driver constantly changed his story and denied responsibility, leading us to take the matter to trial.
made to feel as if they don’t belong or don’t know enough to succeed, but the courtroom is an even playing field. My client allowed me to shine by giving me his complete trust and never underestimating me. He made me feel as valued and understood as the jury had made him feel. I couldn’t have asked for a more encouraging and fulfilling experience. That client does great things for people every day, and I’m grateful that our justice system works for individuals like him. This Thanksgiving, I will think of him and everyone who has entrusted me with giving them a voice and winning on their behalf. You mean more to me than words can express. –Kahlie Hoffman
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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A WARRIOR’S BEST FRIEND HOW A RESCUE DOG CHANGED A VETERAN’S LIFE
It may not be surprising that dogs are easily America’s most popular animal companions. Nearly 66 million U.S. households have at least one, and the pet industry is expected to reach almost $360 billion by 2027. With more dogs finding new homes every year, it is critical for guardians, particularly here in Missouri, to understand the law regarding bites — and follow basic tips for keeping people safe when interacting with furry friends. LEGAL LESSONS FOR PET PARENTS If you’re a dog guardian in Missouri, you’re subject to some of the nation’s strictest laws. For one thing, the state doesn’t adhere to the “one-bite rule” that would normally relieve guardians of legal liability in a one-time incident. Additionally, someone who’s been bitten by your dog has up to five years to pursue legal action against you. COMPENSATION FOR CANINE COMPLAINTS Missouri follows the “comparative negligence rule,” which states that both the offending dog’s guardian and the victim could share fault in a bite incident. If it is shown that the person who was bitten provoked the animals or ignored signs of aggression, they may be determined to share liability — and thus be awarded less money. Strange Laws From the Show-Me State Bear Wrestling and Beyond Treats, Not Thr STAY SAFE FROM DOG
When Marine William “Bill” Lins returned home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he felt ruined.
He wasn’t the same man anymore and felt like he didn’t fit in anywhere. After sustaining multiple injuries and witnessing the horrors of battle, he never thought he would be able to go back to living a normal life. That is until the nonprofit K-9s For Warriors helped him find his missing link — a rescue dog appropriately named Link.
K-9 For Warriors has been pairing highly trained service dogs with military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma since 2011. The free program strives to better the lives of veterans through special canine bonds and ultimately end veteran suicide, which claims the lives of roughly 20 veterans every day. When Bill returned from deployment, he had to recover from two surgeries and realized he had PTSD. He had developed severe alcoholism, drinking every day nonstop as his only coping mechanism. In a hopeless place, the Marine felt like he was losing every piece of his identity and had nothing left. After seeing a friend at the VA bring in his service dog, he noticed a remarkable change in him and decided to apply for the program. Bill felt an instant connection to the goofy rescue dog Link, who was recovering from his own trauma after living a rough life in a kill shelter. Bill said his canine companion is his 24/7 therapist, providing him with support and safety at all hours. Link doesn’t just impact Bill’s life; he makes a difference with everyone he encounters, from Bill’s children to the youth athletes he coaches.
From regulating at-home wrestling parties to determining how unattached men should spend their money, Missouri’s legal history is filled with surprising rules. Here are three strange laws from our state’s past and present that may make you want to avoid a certain large mammal, hug your spouse, or refine your child’s chore list. BE CAUTIOUS OF WHO CARRIES THE TRASH. No responsible adult would willingly provide a minor with alcohol, but Missouri parents may be doing exactly that
“Together, we kind of make each other whole,” Bill said. “He makes everyone’s world better, and he makes it seem effortless.”
Link has inspired Bill to help others and spread a message of awareness that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. Bill has since earned his master’s in social work and provides mental health services with his tail-wagging companion by his side for every session.
Together, the pair are showing veterans everywhere that there is hope and that life can get better with a little help from a four-legged friend.
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reats BITES!
If the person bitten proves they were not at fault for the incident, they can receive compensation for
whenever they ask their children to complete a common chore. If the trash an underage person takes out contains a beer bottle or can — empty or otherwise — law enforcement could consider it illegal possession of alcohol. While it’s unlikely that such an obscure law is a priority for police, it’s nonetheless something on the books to consider the next time you put your kids to work around the house. NEVER BRAWL WITH A BEAR. Although most sensible people avoid interacting with bears in any way, enough people were willing to wrestle them that Missouri lawmakers made the act illegal in 2007. The practice had been widespread enough for the ban to extend to hosting and advertising bear-wrestling events on one’s property and training a bear for human-tussling purposes. Violating these bear-related regulations is now considered a Class A misdemeanor. BE GLAD YOU’RE NOT A BACHELOR IN THE 1800s. Being single in Missouri (or anywhere else in the U.S.) can be a costly endeavor, but the inability to benefit from a dual income in today’s economy pales in comparison to what unmarried men in the state faced in 1821. That year, Missouri chose to saddle unwed gentlemen aged 21 or older with a $1 “bachelor tax,” believing that men without wives should contribute more revenue because they likely owned less property. Although the figure was nominal by 2024 standards (even considering that $1 in 1821 is roughly equal to $23 today), it represented half of the average total tax bill at the time. Naturally, an uproar ensued. After considerable pushback (including from The Missouri Intelligencer, which called the tax “the perfection of legislative absurdity”), the controversial law was repealed the following year. various losses and damages. The most common categories include medical expenses (such as hospital visits, medications, and physical therapy), lost wages, and emotional distress (including post-traumatic stress disorder). BASICS FOR BITE SAFETY Most dogs may be cute, but not all are cheerful and cuddly. When approaching an unfamiliar dog, remember that fear — not aggression — leads most of them to bite. Never play with a dog without their guardian’s supervision, and don’t disturb one who’s eating, sleeping, playing with toys, or tending to puppies. Although it’s tempting to pet a dog as soon as you see one, let the animal sniff you first. If you encounter a stray dog showing signs of hostility, do not run away. Remain still until the dog backs off, or you’re able to move away slowly. Avoid direct eye contact — which dogs may see as a threat — and never raise your voice. Once you’re safe, consider helping the stray dog by reporting them to authorities.
TAKE A BREAK
Spinach, Lentil, and Roasted Beet Salad
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed clean • 1 cup vegetable stock (or water) • 3 medium leeks, chopped • 1 medium beet, quartered • 1–2 tbsp olive oil • 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper • 4 big handfuls of spinach Dressing • 1/4 cup tahini • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 3–4 tbsp olive oil • 1 pinch each salt and pepper
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a rimmed baking sheet. 2. To a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add lentils and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes uncovered until all liquid is absorbed. Set aside. 3. Add leeks and beets to the
baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake 15–20 minutes. For crispier beets, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. Set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until combined. 5. In a larger serving bowl,
combine spinach, beets, leeks, and lentils. Add dressing and toss to coat.
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Clients Who Light Up Our Lives
PG1
Paws of Hope
PG2
Avoid Dog Dangers!
PG2
Missouri’s Madcap Legalities
PG2
Spinach, Lentil, and Roasted Beet Salad
PG3
Tips for Effortless Organization
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EASY TIPS FOR A TIDIER HOME Lazy but Organized
Furniture littered with loose knickknacks. Closet shelves devoid of folded clothing. A labyrinthine refrigerator stuffed with an assortment of food and drink, seemingly stocked by a madman. These are the marks of a house in dire need of organization. We always tell ourselves we will get to these things eventually, but we never do. But what if there were a way to make this laborious process seem effortless and natural? Combat laziness and procrastination with these easy organization tips! ONE THING AT A TIME When the task ahead seems too large to complete, it may seem like the easiest course of action is not to attempt it. However, there is a simple solution to this problem — focus your efforts on one area at a time. Whether it’s your messy kitchen after cooking a big family dinner or a cluttered living room after a gameday
gathering, start in one place and don’t stop until that area is clean. Working room by room makes cleaning your home much more manageable. START THE CLOCK If you are struggling to organize your place, it can help to set aside some time on your calendar. Schedule time every day just for cleaning up, which can help you prioritize. Better yet, set a timer for yourself on your phone: No messing around until you’ve spent at least an hour organizing! PLANNED FOR CONVENIENCE Everyone has a morning routine. Whatever yours is, a simple organization solution can hurry it along. Something as simple as a drawer or a storage container to keep all your toiletries in one convenient place can help you get your day started more efficiently.
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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