Take a look at our March newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com MAR 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Passion, Power, and Perseverance
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
LESSONS FROM MY GREATEST INSPIRATIONS
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
March is more important to our country — and everyday lives — than you may realize.
and in the courtroom showed me that anything was possible and led me to think, “If she could do it, I could do it!”
In addition to ushering in the official start of spring, March is both Women’s History Month and National Optimism Month. These special events give me plenty to write about in this cover article, including some very positive news regarding Dickerson Oxton. Women’s History Month is a time of year close to my heart, as two very important women inspired my philosophy on life and career as an attorney. Before I decided to dedicate my life’s work to law, I was enamored with the world of tennis — a sport I pursued in high school until my early time at DePaul University in Chicago. Except for golf, I had pretty much played every sport before fully embracing tennis. I’ve always had an independent spirit, so I naturally enjoyed playing singles rather than doubles — which meant if I made a mistake, it was my fault and couldn’t be blamed on a partner. Of course, that also meant that my successes were mine as well. As I grew in the sport, the great Steffi Graf became my role model on the court. Her aggressive, fast-paced style spoke to me deeply, as I’ve never been someone to go slow or play it safe. I liked to hit the ball — and life in general — hard. Following Steffi’s example of determination and singleness of mind eventually led me to a four-year stint as a legal assistant at Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago — where I met another woman who greatly impacted my life’s direction. In addition to being a wonderful colleague, she was a partner at the firm, pretty high up on the chain, and had achieved a level of success that entailed frequent trials and constant travel. Her expertise and ability to maintain such a demanding schedule were even more impressive because she was raising a newborn baby at the time. I thought, “How can this person possibly do all that?” Her successes at home
I was right. Today, I enjoy a fulfilling career and am the proud mother of two young boys. It’s taken a lot of hard work to balance these two responsibilities consistently. Still, I’m living proof that it can be done — and I have these two extraordinary women and early influences to thank for showing me the way. Whether on the tennis court or in the courtroom, adaptability is the key to success and personal growth. No two games or trials are the same, and you can’t give up when something doesn’t go your way — you just need to focus on ways to do things differently to ensure a better outcome. Of course, no inspiration in the world matters if you don’t maintain a positive mindset. It’s a great coincidence that this is National Optimism Month, as everyone at Dickerson Oxton has very high hopes for what we will achieve for clients in the months ahead. Our mass tort department is poised to grow exponentially over the next year, and we are currently in leadership positions in major multidistrict litigations with trials coming up later in 2025. Information on some of these activities can be found in a special update in this month’s newsletter. I hope this article inspires you to think about some amazing women who have helped you discover your truest potential. I trust it will also encourage you to take a moment to appreciate all the positive things in your life and how bright the future could be. As content as we may already be in life, it’s a blessing to know that the best is yet to come.
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
1
KEY DIFFERENC MASS T CLASS A
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout A BLACK LAB’S ROLE IN TRANSFORMING A VETERAN’S LIFE SCOUT’S MEANINGFUL MISSION
Through our work at Dickerson Oxton, we encounter one question more often than any other: “What’s the difference between mass tort litigation and class action litigation?” The similarities between the two can cause confusion, as clients sometimes find themselves involved in a mass tort case when they initially believe they should be part of a class action suit. Here is a brief overview of both litigation types — highlighting their similarities and the key differences that set them apart. SAME DEFENDANT, DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES Both mass tort litigation and class action lawsuits involve several plaintiffs pursuing legal action against one defendant. In a class action suit, all parties have experienced the same loss and thus can be classed as one plaintiff. A lead plaintiff is then chosen to pursue the lawsuit on the class’s behalf. In mass tort litigation, each defendant is considered an individual part of the plaintiff group. Why make this distinction? Let’s say a group of plaintiffs is seeking recovery for an injury sustained from a defective safety feature in an automobile. If every plaintiff experienced the same injury, they could pursue a class action suit against the defendant. However, if the exact THE MASS TORT MINUTE Dickerson Oxton Law Firm is pleased to announce that we have taken leadership roles in mass tort litigation against major catheter companies on behalf of thousands of plaintiffs nationwide. Other firms rely on our expertise to make informed decisions and advance these critical litigations. Here is a review of these current cases and an update on the actions against the military base Camp Lejeune. THE CASE AGAINST FAULTY CATHETERS. Attorneys at Dickerson Oxton have assumed key leadership positions in the federal lawsuits against port catheter manufacturers AngloDynamics and C.R. Bard Inc., representing plaintiffs seeking damages after sustaining injuries caused by defects in the companies’ products. The litigation involving
came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing.
Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side. Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed
impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection. The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So, when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope. K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning. The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
the Bard PowerPort catheter alleges that unstable compounds used in the product’s construction could cause severe infections, organ damage, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac arrhythmia, and hemorrhages. The AngioDynamics lawsuits claim that despite the company’s assurances of product safety, its catheters had significant design flaws that increased the risk of fractures, displacement, and severe infections. Dickerson Oxton’s participation in these
2
CES DECODED TORT vs. ACTION
nature and severity of their injuries or other facts surrounding the individual cases vary enough, filing a class action suit as one plaintiff class becomes impractical. In this instance, mass tort litigation would be the more sensible solution. Put simply, class action suits consider one plaintiff entity against one defendant, whereas mass tort cases consider a group of individual claims against a single defendant. STREAMLINED PERSONALIZED DEFENSE In a mass tort situation, each plaintiff’s case is still their own, but all cases in the group are consolidated and filed as multidistrict litigation in one court. This process allows the judge to streamline scheduling, document production, and other preliminary administrative procedures to help ensure judicial efficiency. Unlike in class action cases, one plaintiff’s case will not be contingent upon someone else’s. CASES AND CLARITY Although Dickerson Oxton Law Firm doesn’t represent clients in class action litigation, we are experienced in mass tort cases and are rapidly expanding our services in this area. Please contact us to discuss how we can assist you in achieving the best outcome for your case. Key Cases and Claims catheter-related suits is helping the litigation proceed swiftly, and we will provide updates as these cases develop. COMBATTING THE CAMP LEJEUNE CRISIS. In other mass tort news, Dickerson Oxton Law Firm continues to represent plaintiffs in their lawsuits against Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. The lawsuit contends that individuals who lived or worked on the base for 30 or more days between 1953 and 1987 were potentially exposed to contaminated drinking water containing benzene, industrial solvents, and other harmful chemicals. Medical evidence indicates that exposure to these contaminants could lead to the development of bladder cancer, female infertility, lung cancer, leukemia, birth defects, breast cancer, and other severe conditions. In 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune
TAKE A BREAK
CREAMY TORTELLINI VEGETABLE SOUP
Inspired by EatingWell.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth • 1 (15-oz) can (no salt added) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt • 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 (5-oz) package baby spinach • 1 cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add broth, tomatoes, fresh basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until carrots are slightly tender. 3. Stir in tortellini. Cook until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. 4. Add baby spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve and garnish with additional basil if desired. 3
Justice Act into law, allowing victims to sue the federal government for the health issues they’ve experienced after consuming the contaminated water. If you or a loved one was harmed by a catheter device or negatively affected by the water at Camp Lejeune, please contact us today to learn how to pursue the justice you deserve.
ADVERTISING MATERIAL
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1100 Main St. Ste. 2550 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Wisdom, Wonder, and Willpower
PG1
K9s For Warriors Is Saving Veterans, One Rescue Dog at a Time
PG2
Critical Case Clarifications
PG2
Catheter Controversies and Camp Lejeune
PG2
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
PG3
The Effects of Getting Outdoors on Our Mental Health
PG4
Wood You Be-Leaf It?!
GETTING OUTSIDE CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER
Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors. IMPROVED OVERALL MOOD Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant feeling. A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to
the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk. POSITIVE BRAIN STIMULATION When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed. ENHANCED FOCUS AND ATTENTION Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand.
While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your brain thinks about the new tire you need and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings.
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.
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator