Take a look at our September newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com SEPT 2023
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
The Risks You Need to Know About Ozempic’s Off-Label Use
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
HERE’S MY ADVICE ON THIS TREND. This is incredibly dangerous, especially from my perspective after working in this industry and seeing what I’ve seen from drug manufacturing companies. If I had to give an overarching word of advice to anyone, it’s that you need to be careful of what you put in your body, and you must be skeptical of these drug and device manufacturing companies. Remember, they are profit-based, and just because the FDA approves a drug to be
At Dickerson Oxton Law, we’ve done a lot of drug and medical device litigation against manufacturers. And through these processes, we’ve learned a lot about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the procedures that it takes to get a drug approved for public use. We’ve also learned that these drug companies are profit-based businesses, so you’d be surprised about many of the drugs that get pushed through the FDA approval process, all for profit. So, knowing this, it’s really concerning to see fads where people begin to use certain drugs for off-label (taking medications for a different purpose than the FDA originally approved) use, especially when that use gains popularity on social media. Most recently, the drug we see this happening the most with is Ozempic. WHAT IS OZEMPIC? Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable drug created to help individuals manage their Type 2 diabetes by lowering their A1C, or blood sugar, levels. Ozempic also helps diabetic individuals reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and even death. However, one side effect of Ozempic is weight loss, thanks to its active ingredient, semaglutide, which makes people feel full and suppresses their appetites. WHY ARE NON-DIABETIC PEOPLE TAKING OZEMPIC? This weight-loss side effect has people using Ozempic even when they don’t have diabetes. In fact, you can often find many people on social media talking about how Ozempic has helped them shed weight fast without altering their diets or exercise levels. Often, these people borrow the injectable from their friends who were prescribed Ozempic and inject the semaglutide themselves to suppress their appetites. Unfortunately, this type of drug abuse isn’t uncommon, as our culture is becoming more and more “pill-based,” where we look for quick pharmaceutical fixes rather than making lifestyle changes that are certainly more challenging but yield healthier and lasting results.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
created and sold doesn’t mean it’s completely safe under all circumstances and without risks.
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
Using any drug for an off-label purpose can be extremely risky, and you don’t really know what it’s doing to your body. Sure, you may successfully suppress your appetite, but with a bit of research, you’ll quickly discover that Ozempic comes with incredibly damaging side effects for those that don’t have diabetes, including “allergic reactions, low blood sugar, damage to blood vessels in the eye, kidney failure and other kidney problems, increased thyroid cancer risk, gallstones, and swelling of the pancreas.” Plus, Ozempic only suppresses your appetite for as long as you take it, and as soon as you stop, your appetite returns along with the weight you quickly lost. Fads are, well, fads for a reason. They’re exciting and typically end soon after they start. But, when the fad is borrowing a prescribed drug from a diabetic friend, the effects of that fad can damage your health forever. So, take my advice and let a conversation with your doctor guide the medications you take, and never use any drug — no matter the reason — for off-label use. No injection or pill will give you a perfect anything, no matter what social media says. –Chelsea Dickerson
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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When someone loses their life in an accident, their surviving family members may be able to receive financial compensation from the at-fault party in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit. A lesser-known type of case, however, is a survival action. Although similar, these are two different types of legal actions. WHAT IS A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM? A wrongful death claim is a civil suit seeking financial damages from the party at fault for causing a fatal injury. Unlike criminal cases, holding someone financially responsible for wrongful death does not require proof of intent to kill or harm the victim. It is possible to hold someone liable for wrongful death even if the fatal injury was an accident caused by carelessness or negligence. According to Missouri law, a surviving spouse, a child, any siblings, or the descendants of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death claim for their own losses. If a wrongful death suit succeeds, the courts will divide any settlement won based on the amount the decedent supported each beneficiary. Are you looking for things to do this month in the Kansas City area? Well, then, look no further! From outdoor exercise to sporting events for dogs and humans alike, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of these awesome local events and let us know if you and your family attend any this month! KANSAS CITY ROYALS VS. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS: BARK AT THE PARK! On Sept. 19, our Kansas City Royals take on the Cleveland Guardians at home, but this time, you can bring your four-legged family members to cheer on the Royals too! Plus, all dogs that arrive before the 2nd inning will also receive a Brisketacho Plush Dog Toy! EXCITING EVENTS T THIS MONTH IN KAN What’s the Difference Death Claim and a
You’ve heard the saying, “Cats have nine lives,” and while there are countless tales of cats falling from trees or high-above windows, one cat put this theory to the test, earning himself the name “Unsinkable Sam.” Sam’s original name was “Oscar,” and his legacy began aboard the Bismarck, one of the two first-class Nazi battleships in World War II. The Bismarck (with Sam) was launched on Feb. 14, 1939, and soon after engaged in battle with The Prince of Wales, an Allied battleship. The Nazi ship was severely damaged in this battle and ultimately sunk. Only 118 of the 2,200 crew members survived, plus Sam. The British destroyer HMS Cossack found Sam floating on a board hours later, and they promptly scooped him up and welcomed him aboard. Sam had officially switched sides to the Allied forces. Now on the right side of history, Sam lived with the British crew for the next few months as they performed convoy escort duties — until a torpedo struck the HMS Cossack in October 1941, killing all 139 members aboard. Except for Sam. Once again, Sam clung to a wooden plank and floated safely to the nearby shore of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. British service members who found him ashore put two and two together and realized the cat — the very one their fellow servicemen saved in 1939 — was the only survivor of HMS Cossack, earning him the nickname “Unsinkable Sam.” The group in Gibraltar was from the HMS Ark Royal crew, and of course, they loaded Sam aboard when it was time to launch. But as Sam’s luck would have it, a torpedo struck the HMS Ark Royal just a month later, leaving him once again clinging to a floating plank near a boat launch back in Gibraltar. Luckily, Sam’s boating days were over, and he was honorably transferred to the position of “mouse hunter” in the building of the governor-general in Gibraltar. Eventually, the British restationed their favorite floating feline to a “home for sailors” in Belfast, where he lived for the rest of his days until his peaceful passing in 1955. How a WWII Cat Survived 3 Ship Sinkings: The Story of Unsinkable Sam
All proceeds from dog tickets sold for the Bark at the Park event will also benefit the Great Plains SPCA.
You’ll need to purchase tickets for yourself and your pooch to bring your pup to the game, and all dogs must enter through GATE A, the left field gate near the Royals Hall of Fame. You’ll also have to sign a waiver stating your dog’s vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian are current.
Sam’s story may not officially prove cats have nine lives, but it makes at least three seem likely!
You can purchase your Bark at the Park tickets and download the waiver at MLB.com/Royals/Tickets/Specials/Bark-At-The-Park !
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WHAT IS A SURVIVAL ACTION? A survival action focuses on reimbursing the deceased person’s estate for their own losses from the accident while living , rather than reimbursing surviving family members for their grief and financial losses. The executor of the deceased person’s estate typically files the survival action on their behalf. Although the victim is no longer alive to recover compensation for their pain, suffering, and other losses, an amount won in a survival action can go to their estate. These funds can pay off any outstanding debts connected to the estate or disperse to any living beneficiaries, depending on the terms of the decedent’s will or the laws of intestate succession in Missouri. HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP? An attorney can review your case and let you know whether you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, a survival action, or both. Then, your attorney can help you with the required paperwork to file and negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf. Although no amount of money will ever replace your loved one, a fair financial award could bring your family justice and closure. To discuss your case with an experienced attorney, contact us at 816-268-1960 for a free consultation. e Between a Wrongful a Survival Action?
TAKE A BREAK
WALNUT AND BLUE CHEESE TOMATO SALAD
TO ATTEND NSAS CITY!
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
YOGA AT THE AMP Have you always wanted to try yoga but don’t know where to start? Are you a seasoned yogi looking for a change of scenery? Then, we highly recommend Yoga at The AMP!
This salad makes a unique side dish and healthy next-day lunch!
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup walnuts • 2 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes
• 1 tbsp fresh dill • Chopped fresh Italian parsley, to taste • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine or balsamic vinegar • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
Every Saturday starting at 8 a.m. this month, FREE outdoor yoga classes will be held at the Grandview Amphitheater; all you need to bring is your own mat! These classes are suited for all skill levels, so no matter how much experience you have, Yoga at The AMP is a great way to start your mornings off right. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGULAR SEASON BEGINS! September is the first month of fall, which means football season is back! The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their preseason games last month, and the regular season is officially ready to begin. This season kicks off at home against the Detroit Lions at 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. The next home game falls on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 3:25 p.m. against the Chicago Bears.
• Kosher salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup smoked blue cheese, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet, toast the walnuts in the oven for 12–14 minutes. 2. Wash and slice the tomatoes. Place slices on a platter, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Scatter toasted walnuts and blue cheese on top, followed by dill and preferred amount of parsley. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, wine or vinegar, and garlic to make the dressing. 5. Spoon dressing evenly over salad and serve.
To purchase tickets and cheer on the Chiefs in person, visit Chiefs.com/Tickets !
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Giving Back
Advertising Material
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816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Ozempic: The Weight-Loss Fad That Could Cost You Your Health Unsinkable Sam: The Feline Hero of WWII Wrongful Death Claims vs. Survival Actions in Missouri Kansas City Events You Won’t Want to Miss! Walnut and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad Simple, Affordable DIY Projects You’ll Love
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Simple, Affordable DIY Projects You’ll Love GET YOUR HOME FALL-READY
Housewares stores are currently full of cute autumn decor, but the cost of refreshing your house’s look each season adds up quickly. Fortunately, you can do a lot for less. Many DIY crafts are not as complicated as you might think. In addition to saving money, you’ll create personalized charm none of your neighbors can match. REPURPOSE YOUR PUMPKINS. Small gourds are incredibly versatile. Just sprinkling a few around your dining room table or mantle makes it feel like fall. But you can quickly elevate them using metallic paint to add cute designs, phrases, or names. Another option is to wrap seasonal fabric around them like a pouch, gathered at the stem. If you feel more ambitious, you can also use pumpkins to make succulent planters. Cut a crater in the top of the pumpkin, pop in the succulent and soil, and press the dirt until snug. LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. The soft glow of a lantern or candle is the perfect way to get the cozy vibes started. Instead of succulents in the top of your pumpkin, you can set wax and a candle wick to create something unique. If you’re bored with pumpkins, try the same with acorn caps. An even simpler idea involves glazing real or fabric leaves on the outside of mason jars
with craft glue. Then add decorative stones and a wax or battery- operated tealight for a seasonal twinkle. DECORATE YOUR DOOR. Wreaths are a DIY staple
for several reasons. They’re easy for beginners to make and can set the tone for your home by
offering visitors an autumnal focal point. You can buy a variety of starter wreaths at the craft store, so find one that suits your taste. Then pick up other supplies like leaves, pine cones, dried corn, and ribbon. Now you’re ready to hot glue to your heart’s content and create something distinctive. If you need further ideas, look closer the next time you shop. Many of the fun fall items for sale aren’t very difficult to make yourself with a few minor adjustments and a little creativity.
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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