Take a look at our December newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com DEC 2024
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
LEADING WITH LOVE
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS
It’s hard to believe, but we’re heading toward the end of another year. December always makes us reflect on gratitude and gift-giving, especially as the holiday season allows us to be with loved ones more than at any other time of year. I was born on Thanksgiving, so my holiday experiences have always been very special. When I think about the gifts I’ve received throughout my life, nothing compares to the gift of my family. I can trace every joy and success I’ve experienced back to my parents’ undying faith in me and everything I’ve learned from them. They both sacrificed a lot to give me — and my brother and three half-brothers — every opportunity I could ever want. Above all, they taught me that your personal needs sometimes must take a backseat to the needs of others — especially when someone’s relying on you. My father is a minister and has always gone the extra mile for the people in his church. I remember times when he would wake up in the middle of the night because someone in the congregation was in the hospital or needed him in another way. In addition to his incredible public speaking abilities, he is an avid writer. Growing up, his talent for communicating eloquently with others inspired me, and his selflessness set an example I’ve always strived to emulate. Watching him deliver impassioned sermons at church helped me develop
My mother, who stayed at home to raise us before becoming a substitute teacher when I was in high school, is also one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known. She gave of herself completely to allow my brothers and me to pursue our passions. She did it all — like going to a million grocery stores so we could get by and have enough to eat and driving us everywhere we needed to be, among other things. That level of unconditional care and compassion is a treasure worth more than gold. I’m so proud to be her son.
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
BURN INJURIES
In addition to my parents’ ongoing love, I’m fortunate to receive the same from my soon-to-be fiancée, Krista. As she is also an attorney, we support each other through our careers and understand the demands and challenges we each face in our work. She
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
also brings a sense of adventure to our relationship and time together, which keeps things very interesting. For example, we swam in the Amazon River a few years back for her 30th birthday! There’s nothing better than coming home every day to that spirit, which shines even brighter through her empathy and encouragement. Of course, I also love coming home to our rambunctious 4-pound poodle, Tupac — who is an absolute sweetheart despite his tough-guy name. I’m so excited for our future together as a family. I hope this article inspires you to reflect on all the extraordinary people who complete your life. I wish you another holiday season filled with amazing moments with them that will stay with you forever. –Daniel Kopp
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
my skills for speaking in front of juries, and his life’s work of serving others greatly informed my philosophy as an attorney who helps people navigate the legal process and overcome difficult and frustrating situations. I owe my success in and out of the courtroom to his generosity, guidance, and unwavering kindness.
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs. Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything. While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone. They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since. A PURR-FECT MATCH HOW A KITTEN HELPED SAMSON UNLEASH HIS INNER PUP
Snowy S SIMPLE ST
As another Missouri winter leads us indoors, it’s essential to maintain our peace of mind and keep our bodies balanced. Here are a few simple tips to fight off the holiday pounds and more.
UTILIZE YOUR HOME
HEALTH HUB. While some people believe they need a set of weights or expensive home workout equipment to stay in shape during inclement weather,
our homes already offer plenty of opportunities to stay healthy. If you’re stuck at home with free time, everyday chores like vacuuming or making inside windows spotless can help keep you active. For a more extensive workout, consider rearranging the furniture in your living room. If you’re able, doing repetitions on a set of stairs can help keep your legs in shape. Oddly enough, your kitchen is one of the best workout spots in your home. Instead of raiding the fridge before snuggling up in front of the TV, try “kitchen counter push-ups.” The process is SIDESTEP WINTER S Smart Tips for Snow and Winter is challenging for people in various parts of the country, but it can be particularly brutal for us here in the Kansas City area. While most of us exercise extreme caution behind the wheel, we may overlook simple things that put us at risk for slips and falls while walking outside our homes or in the community. Here are a few tips to help avoid serious injuries when braving the elements on foot. WINTER-READY WARDROBE ESSENTIALS Whenever you venture outside — even if it’s a quick trip to check your mailbox — always dress to help protect yourself from a fall. First and foremost, pay attention to what’s on your feet, as wore-down footwear is the biggest culprit for seasonal slips. Even if you plan to be outdoors for only a minute, be sure to cover your hands with water-resistant gloves and mittens to help give you a firm grip on railings and other objects that may be icy. In addition to helping you stay warm as outdoor temperatures drop, covering up with extra layers of clothing — including a puffy winter coat — may cushion your body if you tumble on the ice. It’s also important to keep those
“It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said.
Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister.
Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and
explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s
Instagram page @calvin.andco.
“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
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simple: Place your hands on the counter's edge and stand back at a shoulder-length distance with your back stable. Get into a push- up position, and lower your chest toward the counter by bending your elbows. You may be surprised at how this easy exercise improves your arm strength. Monitoring your mental health is also wise as you focus on your physical well-being. To maximize the benefits of indoor wintertime activities, journal your mood and energy levels throughout the day. For example, if you regularly feel sluggish in the afternoon, that may be an excellent time to boost your internal clock by tackling your chore list. COUNT CALORIES AND CLOCK TIME. When bad weather forces you indoors, it's easy to turn to comfort food — especially the typical fare this time of year. However, it’s important to consider what you consume, as a single plate with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce (and, of course, a slice of pie on the side) could pack as many as 160 grams of fat and 3,000 calories. Unsurprisingly, eating this way may lead to drowsiness, which is something else to be mindful of as you strive to stay energized this season. Aim for eight hours of consistent sleep every night to keep your mind sharp and your immune system functioning well. Season Self-Care TEPS FOR STAYING ACTIVE
TAKE A BREAK
Korean Steak Slaw Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
SLIPS d Ice
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture to use for dressing. Place steaks in bowl with the remaining marinade and coat. 2. Julienne radish and carrot into strips. Shred red
• 2 tbsp gochujang or sriracha hot sauce • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp sesame oil, divided • 2 sirloin steaks, about 1 lb total • 1 daikon radish • 1 large carrot • 1/2 red cabbage • 5 green onions, divided
cabbage and slice 3 green onions. Mix the reserved
gloved or mittened hands out of your pockets in case you need to grasp something quickly to prevent a fall. GOING TOWARD WINTER’S GLOW Although most apartment buildings have plenty of outdoor lighting, the same may not be true for your home or residential area. Even if you know your driveway or the path to your mailbox like the back of your hand, don’t risk your safety by going out without a flashlight or another reliable illumination source. Additionally, power outages are common in wintertime. Be prepared by keeping your independent light source fully charged or stocked with fresh batteries before an unexpected event leaves you injured in the dark and needing to find your way to safety. If you experience a slip-and-fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, please contact us for information on how to receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Our knowledgeable team is ready and happy to assist you.
marinade with the remaining sesame oil and rice vinegar, then toss with vegetables in a large bowl to coat. 3. Heat a frying pan until very hot. Fry steaks for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing with the marinade as they cook. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Slice the remaining green onions and add to the slaw. 4. Serve sliced steak over the
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
slaw and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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ADVERTISING MATERIAL
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INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Familial Forces of Inspiration
PG1
Samson and Cleo’s Tail-Wagging Tale
PG2
Winter Wellness Tips
PG2
Ward Off Winter Wounds
PG2
Korean Steak Slaw
PG3
’Tis the Season to Swap Cookies
PG4
LEAVE YOUR GUESTS SMILING AND SATISFIED Sweeten the Season With a Cookie Swap!
For many Americans, the holiday season is all about family and tradition. We decorate our homes with garlands and lights that bring us holiday cheer, prepare for family visits, go ice skating, and maybe even send a letter to Santa. However, another special tradition spans generations and excites every family member — baking holiday cookies! Many will bake cookies just for their immediate family to enjoy along with their favorite holiday movie, while others will bake up a huge batch to bring to the big family get-together of the season. If you want to try something fun and unique this year, consider hosting a holiday cookie swap with your loved ones.
This tradition will allow you to try all sorts of new and delicious cookies — there are so many different kinds of holiday cookies, and every baker has their own specialty. Start by determining whom you want to invite, setting a budget, and determining how many cookies everyone should bring to the event. This ensures that nobody outshines anyone else through sheer volume or expensive ingredients alone. It’s a time for bonding, not competition. Once you have the ground rules and guestlist set, you need to get the decorations for the event. Treat it like a party. At your local party store, pick out decorations that fit the season's theme. You can get unique napkins,
mugs, stirring spoons for hot drinks, and anything else you think captures the holiday spirit. This is also a good time to procure all your baking essentials, such as chocolate chips or unique cookie cutters. All that’s left is hosting the party and ensuring everyone has a good time. If you want, you can even hold little contests to increase the excitement — each guest can vote on the prettiest or tastiest cookies and offer small prizes to the winner. As long as those attending enjoy themselves, your event will be a success. Plus, everyone who attends will have plenty of delicious cookies to get them through the rest of the holiday season!
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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