Dickerson Oxton - July 2024

Take a look at our July newsletter!

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

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

THE CREATION OF OUR CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM Our nation arose from injustice because our founding fathers felt powerless in their situation, and the American justice system’s creation is tied to our nation’s early much power and ensure that justice would be fair and available to all. A crucial part of this system is a trial by jury, which allows citizens to participate in the legal process; the jury system

BURN INJURIES

history. The king had all the power back then, and citizens had little say. Those not in favor of the king often found themselves without any form of justice or protection. This lack of fairness and representation led the colonists to revolt and establish a new nation focused on justice for everyone. As a result, our current system was created and is much better for everyone involved. Our civil justice system is unique, so we must be grateful for it and maintain our rights. Of course, the criminal justice system is separate, but for example, if a neighbor damages your property, you get hurt in a collision, or a loved one is injured due to negligence, there would be no recourse if we did not have the system we do today. It all ties back to our Founding Fathers creating and ensuring they had an appropriate system for these scenarios. Reflecting on this in July reminds me of the beginning and how all this came to fruition. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence, and two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Fourth of July became a federal holiday in 1941, and today, it is a time to celebrate our country with food, fireworks, and family!

protects against potential bias by having a group of peers decide on cases. Many people find jury duty inconvenient because they need to take time off from work and adjust their schedules, but it is essential to maintain this system. Our civic duty is to allow individuals to contribute to the justice system by upholding the rights protected by the Constitution. My husband and law partner, Tom Dickerson, recently had a jury trial involving a car wreck collision that resulted in a jury verdict of $1.599 million. In this trial, Tom shared some of the points I mentioned regarding why our system is so important, regardless of the inconveniences. Like all of us in our office, Tom is and always has been committed to advocating for individuals and families to fight against wrongdoers and insurance companies. He and many of the attorneys at our firm have extensive experience trying cases that go through the civil justice system we value so much, including transportation collisions like the one he just brought to court. After all, our nation’s original goal was to make the unjust just and provide an avenue to do so. Keeping these modern practices is vital for upholding our nation’s values and freedoms; the Fourth of July reminds us of our outstanding country and the birth of our justice system.

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Chelsea Dickerson

After gaining independence, the Founding Fathers aimed to create a system to prevent any one individual from having too

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

1

Barbecues, parades, and family gatherings — the Fourth of July is almost here! While the festivities bring joy and excitement, it is essential to prioritize safety to ensure that the holiday remains fun for everyone. Here are safety tips to keep your Fourth of July celebration safe for everyone. When lighting fireworks, it is crucial to light them one at a time without placing your body directly over the device; you should also make sure to step away quickly, as fireworks go off quickly after being lit. Many kinds of fireworks offer a beautiful array of colors as they enter the night sky; however, you should ensure none of your explosive array is malfunctioning, as that can be very dangerous. Always keep fireworks away from young children and pets! It is easy to overlook our pets on this fun-filled day, but fireworks can be stressful for furry family members. Keeping your pets indoors can help reduce their fear and anxiety. Another exciting Fourth of July activity is sparklers. While sparklers can be captivating to watch, according to the National Fire Protection Association, they account for over 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five years of age, sparklers account for nearly half of all estimated injuries. Instead of sparklers, consider alternatives such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks. Your Path to Injury C PAY ATTENTION TO Injury lawsuits arise when individuals suffer injuries due to negligence or wrongdoing by others. These lawsuits seek to hold accountable those responsible for causing physical, emotional, or financial harm to the sufferer. Whether the injuries result from car accidents, defective products, or medical malpractice, injury lawsuits are the best way to secure compensation for damages suffered. One new niche that has become increasingly common recently is lawsuits from port catheter injuries. WHAT ARE PORT CATHETERS? Port catheter implants are used for medical treatments like BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY ESSENTIAL FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS TIPS

In 2020, Ron Williams, a Korean War veteran in his mid-80s, lived alone. His only lifeline was his Life Alert, a small device designed to alert health care officials if an emergency occurred. That was until he was gifted a black-and-white spotted cat named Fluffy. From the moment they met, it was clear the two would make a perfect pair. But what Ron didn’t know was that he had been given more than a companion — he had been given a savior. FELINE FRIEND While Ron did not have many people to talk to, he did have Fluffy. The two shared mostly one-sided conversations, likely interspersed with the occasional meow. Whenever Ron received a call on his cellphone, he got in the habit of saying, “Ring-a-ding.” While the two shared a deep bond, Ron never considered that Fluffy was actually listening. “I just fell in love with him,” Ron said of Fluffy in an interview with FOX17 in Michigan. As it turned out, Fluffy loved him back. FLUFFY TO THE RESCUE One fateful day, at around 8 a.m., Ron slipped and fell on his way out of the shower. He landed on his arm, which became pinned under him. His Life Alert, which he had relied upon for situations like this, was charging in the other room. His cellphone, his only other means of calling for help, was on the bathroom counter, out of reach. The hours ticked away, and Ron lay in agonizing pain on the bathroom floor. At just past midnight the next day, Ron had an idea. Fluffy had wandered into the bathroom to check on his friend. “Ring-a-ding,” Ron told him, and Fluffy knew to retrieve his phone and bring it to him. Ron was able to call for help in time to save his life. Fluffy’s quick thinking prevented tragedy. This heroic act is a great reminder that our pets care — and listen — more than we may ever give them credit for. Fluffy’s Heroic Deed Saves a Veteran

blood draws, transfusions, and administration. Typically placed under the skin, often on the right side of the chest, they are a reliable IV alternative to avoid repeated vein punctures. Port catheters are made of soft plastic and offer a direct vein channel, reducing the need for multiple needles. This

2

TAKE A BREAK

As you watch the colors explode across the night sky, always have a bucket of water or a water hose in case of a fire emergency. This bucket is also suitable for soaking used and malfunctioning fireworks before throwing them away to ensure they do not ignite the garbage. There is still much fun to be had on this nostalgic summer night. By taking these precautions and following the safety guidelines listed above, you can ensure everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July! Claim Compensation O PORT CATHETERS makes them a popular option for long-term treatments. Hundreds of patients are pursuing claims against manufacturers like Bard Access Systems Inc. (PowerPort) and AngioDynamics (SmartPort). Despite the advantages of the devices, defective port catheters have caused severe pain, infections, and other complications. HOW CAN THEY BE DANGEROUS? These manufacturers are currently facing lawsuits over high failure rates, infections, undue pain, thrombosis, and the need for revision surgeries. Materials like polyacetal, silicone, and titanium in PowerPorts have caused severe allergic reactions, and immuno-compromised patients with defective port catheters face significant health risks that make removing a defective port catheter a challenge. Contact us if you or a loved one has or knows of someone suffering from a defective port catheter. We investigate these cases and can help hold the responsible parties accountable. Our lawyers can help protect your rights and pursue compensation. You may be eligible for financial compensation; contact the Dickerson Oxton law firm for a free consultation today.

Instant Pot Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 carrots, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 2 potatoes, diced

• 2 cups beef broth • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato paste • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 bay leaf • Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat olive oil. 2. Add beef and cook until browned, then add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. 3. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. 4. Secure the lid and set the pressure cook feature to high for 30 minutes. 5. When the stew is done cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Serve and enjoy!

3

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

Reflecting on Our Nation’s Birth

PG1

How a Cat Saved an Army Veteran in Need

PG2

How to Stay Safe on Independence Day

PG2

Understanding Port Catheter Lawsuits

PG2

Instant Pot Beef Stew

PG3

Colorful Bubble Fun

PG4

RAINBOW BUBBLE FOAM FUN FOR THE FAMILY Savoring the Sweet Moments of Childhood

Nothing beats building lasting bonds and creating colorful memories while having fun with your kids. And one of the best ways to do that is with activities that ignite their imagination and spark their curiosity. One activity you can do together is making and experimenting with rainbow bubble foam. This sensory-driven craft combines vibrant colors with fluffy bubbles, stimulating creativity and fine motor skills while providing multisensory exploration. Children will be transported to a world of wonder, from the mesmerizing swirls of bright colors to the sensation of squishy foam between their fingers! Here’s a simple recipe to get the foamy fun started.

3. Mix with an electric mixer until stiff, foamy peaks form. 4. Repeat the previous steps for each color of foam you want to add to playtime. It’s that easy! To make the experience even more fun, provide scoops, cups, utensils, and other play items to mix in the foam and let your child’s imagination run wild. You can direct them to paint their best picture using the different foam colors, or if you don’t mind a little bit of mess, you can start a mini foam fight in your backyard or bathtub. (Food coloring

stains can be removed from clothing with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda added to laundry detergent.) These fun playtime memories will stick with your child for the rest of their lives. The beauty of parenthood is helping kids

1. Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of child-safe bubbling body wash to a large mixing bowl. 2. Add food coloring of your desired color (the amount can vary, but more dye means more vibrant colors).

embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, and an adventurous spirit.

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 4

www.dickersonoxton.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator