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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 dickersonoxton.com SEPT 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
The Road to a $2.35 Million Verdict FROM WRECK TO RESOLUTION
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Justice should always be available to anyone in our country.
the extent of his physical trauma was exaggerated. They presented surveillance footage of him working at job sites — including standing on a lift while painting the side of a building — to demonstrate he was physically fit enough to perform his regular tasks. In response, we presented a video detailing the various intense medical treatments he had endured to continue providing for his family. This case wasn’t about someone looking to exploit the American legal system for personal gain; it was about a young professional who somehow had to maintain a livelihood despite considerable life-altering injuries that will follow him for the rest of his life. The jury came back with a $2.35 million verdict. While nothing can give our client back the time and joy he lost fighting for justice or the quality of life he lost in the crash, we were pleased that his peers in the community saw through the defense and looked directly into the heart of the matter: A young family man’s life had been forever changed through no fault of his own, and he deserved a way forward from his ordeal — U.S. citizen or not. When you work with our firm, you connect with a team of professionals well-versed in personal injury claims of this nature. We’re familiar with the tactics and arguments used from the opposing side, and we have the experience necessary to build a case that circumvents these distractions and helps jurors get to the truth about our clients’ losses and need for recovery. We’re honored to have worked with our client to secure a brighter future after all he endured. That fateful day in 2021 may have affected his well-being forever, but he can live on knowing our country’s commitment to justice did not fail him.
Recently, our firm was involved in a case that put a human face and experience to this fact. In September 2021, our client — only in his late 20s at the time — was sitting at a stoplight in Lawrence, Kansas, in his SUV. Suddenly, he was struck from behind by a vehicle that a third driver had rear- ended. Although the other two cars were totaled in the crash, our client’s SUV sustained approximately $3,600 in damage. Unfortunately, our client’s physical injuries were far more severe. The accident left him in chronic pain due to injuries to his neck and discs in his back. His treatment in the ensuing months included radiofrequency ablations — ongoing procedures in which joint nerves are burned to interrupt their pain signals to the brain. Additionally, he underwent a laminectomy, essentially the removal of part of the bone in his spine to give a compressed nerve more space. The physical and financial burdens of our client’s ordeal were matched by the pressure he faced to provide for his wife and two children. As the owner of a commercial painting business, he continued to work despite his relentless pain. To compound matters further, he was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico and not fluent in English. After receiving the runaround from the at-fault driver’s insurer, which included a low-ball settlement offer he refused, he sought representation from our firm. Ultimately, the case went to trial. During jury selection, we informed potential jurors that a non-U.S. citizen was attempting to access the American court system. We were encouraged and uplifted to hear every single person on the panel say that our client had a right to his day in court.
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Kahlie Hoffman
Despite our client’s physicians testifying that his injuries were both painful and permanent, the defense argued that
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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When a 10-year-old basset hound fled from her neglectful home, she didn’t just rescue herself from abuse and poor conditions; she ended up saving more than 30 other animals from unimaginable suffering. Hero, as she’s since been named, was in bad shape when animal rescuers first discovered her. Emaciated and dirty, her overgrown nails had twisted, making it painful for her to walk. She had a painful bladder infection and heartworms. Despite the pain she was in, she made a daring escape, and her ID tag led animal control to a house of horrors. Officers found 36 other dogs, a chicken, and a cat at the location, suffering from various ailments and signs of abuse. Some animals lived in small, dirty cages; others had injuries and signs of malnutrition. All of them were dirty and had a medical issue of some kind. It was clear they needed help. The Humane Society of Concord took in 15 of the dogs, including Hero, and other local rescues housed the rest. When the sad story of these neglected dogs reached the community, people heard the call and donated funds to help cover their medical and care costs. If it had not been for Hero’s life-saving feat, there’s no telling what would have become of her furry friends. The shelter that named her Hero even gave her a last name, Salvare, which means to save and protect. They described her as “a friendly girl with the softness of a sweet old lady” who deserved a quiet home as she recovered. Hero has since found her forever home and was adopted the next day after the shelter searched for a new owner. Thanks to the kind and persevering hound, many other dogs from the home have also been adopted. How a Senior Hound’s Escape Changed Dozens of Lives JAILBREAK FOR JUSTICE
Brushed-Off Bruises: The C
When it comes to personal injury claims, stoicism can have devastating consequences.
Some people involved in motor vehicle accidents tend to brush off bumps and bruises they consider too “minor” to warrant medical attention. Unfortunately, neglecting to address any injuries or symptoms as soon as they become apparent can prolong treatment for serious issues that could affect a person’s health well into the future. This fact is especially critical when it comes to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, as the full extent of the damage caused by these events may take weeks or even months to show up without proper and immediate attention. Here are a few critical things to look out for to ensure a seemingly harmless accident isn’t a medical disaster in disguise. SIGNS OF INTERNAL STRESS Whether sustained while playing sports or traveling in
a vehicle, you should treat a head injury with the utmost urgency. Common signs of a concussion include vomiting, blurred vision, ringing ears, unusual fatigue, headaches, and forgetfulness. Additionally, mood changes should never be ignored, as depression, irritability, unexplained elevations in emotion (including sudden crying), and disruptions in sleep patterns can also indicate brain trauma.
FROM IMPACT DON’T LET YOUR ACCI
Never let the stress of an automobile accident deprive you of your rights and the justice you deserve.
None of us wants to be in a vehicle collision, and the added logistical burdens of repairs, claims, and settlements are sometimes enough to tempt people to ignore the process entirely. Unfortunately, neglecting to pursue appropriate remedies after experiencing an accident can leave you exposed to losses greater than you might imagine. Here are some reasons you should never look the other way — even for the most minor fender benders. THE PATH TO CLAIMING CONTROL Even a minor collision can throw your life off track if you’re unaware of the precautions you should take to protect your rights. Consulting with an experienced attorney will help you determine the appropriate compensation you can pursue to cover your economic and non-economic damages, ranging from pain and suffering to lost wages. Aligning yourself with legal counsel sooner rather than later can also connect you with expert witnesses and other professionals who can better solidify your case if you ultimately need to go to trial to seek the maximum possible award for your losses.
“Despite Hero’s sad backstory, she’s proof that dogs are resilient creatures that only show love that is unconditional,” the shelter wrote.
Hero may have started as a victim, but she ended a chapter of abuse as a rescuer. Her quiet bravery saved her and transformed the lives of dozens of others, proving that even in the darkest places, hope can come on four legs and floppy ears.
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CONCUSSION CONSIDERATIONS FOR KIDS Because young children may not be able to fully express how they’re feeling either immediately or in the days after an accident, monitoring them closely for subtle hints of internal trauma is crucial. In addition to exhibiting the aforementioned signs, your child may become uncharacteristically disinterested in certain toys or activities, have issues maintaining balance, exhibit changes in dietary habits, or appear dazed or listless. THE LEGAL RISK OF LETTING THINGS SLIDE In addition to potentially exposing yourself or a loved one to increased health risks, overlooking even seemingly minor issues can hurt you legally. Suppose you are involved in an auto accident and agree to sign a medical authorization form for the at-fault party’s insurer. In that case, they may base a settlement offer on past medical records that do not include injuries you sustained in the collision. Additionally, don’t be in a hurry to accept a settlement offer until you have Cost of Downplaying Injury
TAKE A BREAK
received proper and documented medical attention for any lingering health concerns mentioned in this article. Skipping this step may limit your legal options if you subsequently discover a medical problem.
TURKEY AND HUMMUS COLLARD WRAPS WITH COCONUT CURRY SAUCE Inspired by ReclaimingYesterday.com
CAUTION CLOAKED IN CALM Failing to address any damage to your vehicle is as much a safety risk as a legal one. Depending on your auto insurance, you may receive an in-person visit from an appraiser or be encouraged to take and submit photos of your vehicle damage through a cellphone app. An insurer uses either method to determine the initial figure for the cost of your repairs. However, you should only consider any initial figure an estimate, as additional damage not apparent in the photos or the first in-person inspection could show up later. For example, a seemingly minor dent in your rear bumper that initially requires only a few hundred dollars’ worth of repairs could cost thousands if disassembly at the collision repair facility reveals substantial accident-related damage to your vehicle’s frame. Even if your vehicle seems drivable after a collision, it may still have serious damage. To avoid driving a vehicle that may risk occupant safety, it is best to have a trained automotive repair professional review it. T TO INSIGHT IDENT LOSSES LINGER
INGREDIENTS Sauce: • 1/2 cup organic full-fat coconut milk • 1/4 cup almond butter • 2 tsp red curry paste • 3 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
DIRECTIONS 1. Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth. 2. Prepare collard leaves by cutting the stems off and trimming the thick vein that runs down the center of the leaf so that it lies flat. 3. Blanch collard leaves by dipping
• 1 tsp honey • Pinch of salt
them into hot water, then immediately into cold water.
Wraps: • 4 large collard green leaves • 1/2 cup hummus, divided • 3/4 lb sliced turkey • 1/2 carrots, grated • 1/4 bell pepper, sliced thinly • 1 zucchini, sliced thinly • 1/2 avocado, sliced • 1/4 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
4. Dry leaves and lay flat,
spreading 1–2 tbsp of hummus onto the center of each. 5. Add several turkey slices and sliced veggies. 6. Fold the right and left leaf sides in toward each other. Roll the collard leaf tight and tuck in the edges. Secure with two toothpicks, slice down the center, and serve with sauce for dipping. 3
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INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Justice Without Borders One Dog’s Daring Escape Uncovered a Nightmare Silent Symptoms, Hidden Harm Claim, Don’t Cave Turkey and Hummus Collard Wraps
PG1 PG2
PG2 PG2 PG3
With Coconut Curry Sauce Turn Lazy Sundays Into Your Productivity Power Hour
PG4
NO MORE MANIC MONDAYS Sunday Habits That Set You Up for the Week
DECLUTTER Decluttering and clearing your space will directly impact your mental state. This can be an overwhelming task at times, especially if you have a house full of kids, but you can make it manageable by keeping up with it every week. It might be easier once the kids go to bed, but take a few minutes every Sunday to walk through your house and pick up any items off the floor, on furniture, and anywhere else they may be lying. PLAN AHEAD Nothing will better prepare you for the week ahead than planning. Look through your work schedule and your kids’ calendars to make sure you’re aware of upcoming events,
After a long week of work, many Americans relax, participate in their hobbies, and try to avoid increased responsibilities during the weekend. While this can be beneficial for your mental health, have you ever felt like your week was off to a rough start as soon as Monday rolled around? There’s nothing wrong with relaxing on the weekend, but putting aside your responsibilities for a few days can put you behind the eight ball. You don’t need to set aside your Sunday to deep-clean the house from top to bottom, but adding beneficial habits to the final day of the weekend can ensure every week starts on the right foot.
games, or practices. You could also consider meal prepping if the upcoming week looks busier than usual. To take it a step further, prepack your kids’ lunches, lay out clothes for the workweek, and write down additional responsibilities you’ll have throughout the week. LIGHT CLEANING As stated earlier, you don’t need to deep-clean every week, but your home will look much better if you establish weekly light cleaning behaviors. Wipe down the surfaces in your kitchen, clean the windows, and give your floor some love by mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. If you have the time and energy, consider doing a load of laundry or two. These little tasks will add up, making your house consistently sparkle.
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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