Take a look at our February newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com FEB 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
LOVE, LIGHT, AND JUSTICE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
A Valentine’s Day Wish
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Love is in the air — and, for the following few hundred words, in this newsletter.
entitled to justice and equality — two things many struggle to achieve. Being bilingual, I strive to offer comfort and security to families and individuals whose language barriers may otherwise prevent them from standing up for themselves and defending their rights. Two years ago this April, I joined Dickerson Oxton after clerking for a judge at the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County. It was the best decision I’ve made in my career, as my role in the firm’s mass tort department allows me to serve families — whose members often act as patients’ advocates — on a larger scale. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood, and I’m proud to serve with people who hold this value so dear. As 2025 unfolds, the tort law department will be working hard on behalf of clients in various ways, including our involvement in multidistrict litigation regarding defective port catheters used in chemotherapy. With trials slated to begin this year, I’m dedicated to treating the affected families the way I’d want my family members to be treated in a similar situation. There’s no greater feeling than helping clients find relief after they or their loved ones have endured a difficult or tragic ordeal. My work is more than just a professional choice — it’s an expression of love for people when they need it most.
Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. How can we go wrong with a day that celebrates our love for others? My husband, Victor, has been the love of my life since we were high school sweethearts. Over the years, our Valentine’s Day traditions have evolved from flowers and chocolates to unforgettable dinner dates with our daughter, Isabella, who is 2 1/2. Last year, we made her a little gift basket with paintings and heart- themed goodies, and my husband got her flowers and her favorite snack, Veggie Sticks. The three of us dined at an Italian restaurant as another special gift to Isabella, who loves pasta. We can’t wait for our next Valentine’s Day outing in the coming days. The bonds Victor and I have built with our dear daughter reflect our love and commitment to our family. Victor has worked hard over the years to make his construction company a success, and I have done the same in pursuing a long- term career in law. We’ve been there for one another every step of the way, and it’s such a gift to have Isabella join us in celebrating everything our hard work has provided us. Love also drives everything I do at Dickerson Oxton. Throughout my life, I’ve believed that everyone is
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
Of course, love doesn’t have to come in the form of a major lawsuit or a family outing on Valentine’s Day. Each day allows us to express love in various ways — from friendly interactions with our neighbors and community members while running errands to doing something deeply meaningful for a loved one or friend who means the world to us. Life will never run short of challenges for ourselves and those around us, but every obstacle is a chance for love and light to lead the way forward. –Elsa Linares-Mascote
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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Dangers and Developing Solut MISSOURI’S ROADWAY RECK
When it comes to road safety, Missouri has its work cut out for it.
As we approach the halfway point of this decade, statistics from the past four years show that motor vehicle accidents and fatalities in the state are increasing at an alarming rate. Here is a brief overview of where Missouri ranks in terms of national roadway fatalities — and a look at where state laws aimed at curbing these tragedies may go from here. RISKY REALITIES According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Missouri was the ninth-highest state for fatal automotive collisions in the U.S. in 2022, with more than 1,000 people killed in auto accidents in that year alone. Kansas City was ranked third in roadway fatalities in the state, with 1.6 fatal accidents per 10,000 residents — approximately 1.4 times the national average. Missouri’s riskiest spot, St. Louis, reported 2.5 deadly crashes per 10,000 residents — more than double the national average. A SURPRISING CRASH CAUSE Although alcohol plays a significant role in many fatal accidents — likely contributing to 163 fatal crashes in our state in 2021, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol — impaired driving is not the leading cause of catastrophes behind the wheel. That
Cats are known for many things: their independence, impeccable balancing skills, and endless fascination with shoelaces. However, who would have guessed that our beloved feline friends have an innate GPS built into their brains? This furry tale all started when a California couple, Benny and Susanne Anguiano, decided to take their two cats, Rayne Beau and Starr Jasmyn, on their first trip to Yellowstone National Park. The couple says this wasn’t the cats’ first rodeo. In fact, they loved looking out the big windows of the RV at the different wildlife. However, their epic park adventure turned into a nightmare on this particular trip. Shortly after arriving at Yellowstone, something startled Rayne Beau, and he ran into the forest. The couple searched for him for four days, leaving out some of his favorite treats and toys to lure him back to them. Unfortunately, Benny and Susanne’s efforts were short-lived, and they had to return home to Salinas, California. Susanne never lost hope and recalls a moment during their trek home when she saw a double rainbow in the sky. “That’s a sign for our Rayne Beau that he’s going to be okay,” she said. The Anguianos finally got the call they had been waiting for about two months after their Yellowstone trip. Their microchip enrollment company called and said Rayne Beau had been found and turned in to the Placer SPCA in Roseville, California (over 800 miles from Yellowstone and 200 miles from their home)! The next day, Benny and Susanne drove to Roseville to pick up Rayne Beau. Upon arrival, they discovered he had lost 6 pounds, had minor paw injuries, and was malnourished. While seeing their beloved fur baby in such a condition wasn't easy, the Anguianos made it a point to fit their cats with AirTags and Rayne Beau with a GPS tracker. Rayne Beau's ability to find his way back home remains a mystery. However, it proves that love (and feline internal GPS) can overcome any obstacle, no matter the distance. LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN A DETERMINED FELINE FINDS HIS WAY HOME NO MATTER THE DISTANCE
SOUNDING
Few safety-related items have done more to save lives than full- frontal airbags. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), properly deployed airbags saved more than 50,000 lives between 1987 and 2017. Unfortunately, not
all airbags are created equal, leading to devastating personal injuries, the most extensive product recall of its kind in history, and a national push to curtail the sale of knock-off variations of these trusted automotive parts. Here are three airbag facts you need to know. UNIVERSAL RISKS UNCOVERED When building their vehicles, automakers use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which often undergo rigorous testing to ensure the safety of their design and function. While OEM airbags are designed to protect vehicle occupants, the force of their deployment may harm small children placed in front car seats. Additionally, gases released by airbags during deployment may cause or exacerbate skin or respiratory issues for the occupant. CARMAKER CALAMITIES EXPOSED The major parts supplier, Takata, was once the go-to source for OEM airbags for 19 automakers across 34 vehicle brands. However,
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tions KLESSNESS
dreadful distinction goes to improper lane changes, while failure to
yield caused the most accident-related injuries during the second year of the decade. A PROPOSAL FOR PREGNANCY PROTECTION Car accidents are second only to drug overdoses as the most prevalent cause of death
among pregnant or postpartum Missouri women — with one-third of the victims later found not to have worn a seatbelt at the time of the collision. In response to this trend, the Missouri Department of Health & Human Services has urged state lawmakers to increase the fine for not wearing a seatbelt from $10 to $60 within the next two years. That requirement would apply to the driver and all passengers regardless of age. Progress on the proposal was pending at the time of this writing. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please contact us today for information about your rights and to receive a free, confidential case evaluation. G THE AIRBAG ALARM that all changed when reports surfaced that some of its airbags were severely defective, leading to occupants being hit by shrapnel during deployment. In what NHTSA has called “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history,” nearly 70 million airbags have already been repaired or replaced in 2002–2015 model year vehicles. AFTERMARKET AVOIDANCE As the OEM side continues to grapple with quality and safety issues, consumers are also susceptible to the potential dangers of parts manufactured by outside parties that may not possess the same quality and safety considerations as those produced by or for the original automaker. In July 2024, NHTSA issued a consumer advisory statement urging drivers to “be aware of cheap, substandard replacement airbag inflators that can cause death or serious injury in a crash.”
TAKE A BREAK
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp butter • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp herbes de Provence • 3/4 cup canned sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
• 2/3 cup shredded
Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup pine nuts • 1 cup spinach
• Fresh thyme, for garnish • Salt and pepper to taste • Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
• 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de
NHTSA advises consumers to do the following to better ensure airbag safety:
Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice,
• Obtain a vehicle history report before purchasing a used vehicle or if you have already purchased one but do not know its history. • Do business with reputable independent mechanics and manufacturer dealerships. • Buy with caution when purchasing automotive parts online from overseas retailers or items sold well below competitors’ pricing.
pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Family Bonds and Legal Breakthroughs A Cat’s Pilgrimage From Yellowstone to California Missouri Motor Mishaps Defusing Airbag Deployment Disasters Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Family Activities That Will Make Valentine’s Day Special
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PG2 PG2 PG3
PG4
Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many parents. While they’d love to go out for a romantic dinner and enjoy a date night with their spouse, they have to think about the kids, too! Finding a babysitter for Valentine’s Day can be incredibly challenging, so shift gears and spend the day as a family instead of a couple.
MAKE SOME SWEET TREATS. Valentine’s Day often includes desserts and candies; your event should be no different. Instead of taking the kids to the store to pick out their favorite chocolate bars or Valentine’s treats, consider baking something special. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, or bake sugar cookies and allow everyone to decorate their treats with sprinkles and frosting. You can even bake a red velvet cake or another Valentine’s favorite if you feel adventurous.
You can find plenty to do to ensure your Valentine’s Day is fun and exciting for every family member. Here are three activities to try that will help make Valentine’s Day memorable. WRITE LOVE LETTERS. Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about love and romance, making it the perfect time for your family to
GIVE GIFTS TO EACH OTHER. While Christmas and birthdays are often associated with gift-giving, you can also give your kids and spouse special gifts on Valentine’s Day to brighten their mood and ensure they feel loved. Flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates are the go-to
share what they love about each other. Give your kids and yourself time to write love letters to each family member, writing down what they love about that person and some of their favorite memories. It’s a great way to spread joy and show everyone how loved they are.
Valentine’s gifts, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to the script. Your family will be thrilled by any gifts they receive!
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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