Take a look at our July newsletter!
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com JULY 2025
ANIMAL BITES
CAR ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
The Power of Paying Attention LISTEN, LEARN, AND LEAD
BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
If there’s one critical thing I’ve learned in my years in law, it’s that everyone wants others to hear and understand them. Few things are more frustrating than conversing with someone who’s distracted and not paying attention to you, and the situation can get even more distressing when you’re talking with an attorney or a medical professional. When people’s lives and well-being are at stake, possessing the ability and care to pay attention to their needs and make them feel heard is paramount. I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of listening lately, especially since July 18 is World Listening Day. Of all the special days that happen throughout the year, it speaks to the fact that knowing when to speak and when to listen shapes who we are as people. Are you an intentional listener who gives others the space to share their words, or do you tend to think about what you’ll say before the other person has finished their latest thought? Listening is a great skill anyone can master with time, focus, and empathy. I’m quiet by nature, so I’ve always been inclined to let others talk. Encouraging my clients to open up and lead the way in conversation has served me well as an attorney, especially since my expertise is in medical malpractice cases. Listening more than speaking helps me understand what occurred in my clients’ cases and develop a path forward for their ultimate success. The more details they share, the more likely I am to identify ways to help them win. Sometimes, the little things that come up in conversation matter most. People experiencing a challenging or upsetting situation rarely share their stories in a linear fashion, which requires me to have my radar ready to catch critical details that need a more thorough explanation or to determine when more information is necessary overall. For example, a client may refer to someone as their father
when he’s actually their stepfather, or they may refer to a child as being their own when they haven’t legally
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES
adopted them. Seemingly minor factors like those can drastically change a case’s nature, legal entitlements, and outcome, so it’s my job to figure out exactly what my clients mean. I can’t do that unless I hold on to their every word. That said, I urge our readers to make it a point to listen more — on July 18 and every day — and remember to always listen with your eyes as well. That point is significant when you’re receiving care at a hospital these days. July is typically when medical residencies begin in the U.S., meaning brand-new doctors are treating patients nationwide. Even doctors who have been in residency for a couple of years commonly assume new roles and responsibilities this time of year. Although instances are rare, the increase in new doctors in training could lead to more medical mistakes. If you or the individual responsible for making medical decisions on your behalf hears or sees something that makes you feel uncomfortable or question your medical professional’s experience level, it’s best to follow your instincts and request that someone else treat you. If you’re a client at our firm, know we’re here to lend you our ears and help you achieve the justice you deserve. Just remember that listening is a two-way street in life. The next time you talk with a friend or loved one, try listening more than you speak. You may enjoy a more enriching experience with that person than you thought possible.
BURN INJURIES
CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
NURSING HOME ABUSE
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
BOATING ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
–Ashley Billam
PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES
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A well-rested family is a happy family, but when sleep is in short supply, moods can turn sour faster than a colicky baby in an airplane! Skimping on shut-eye doesn’t just make everyone cranky; it can take a serious toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional outbursts for kids and adults alike. But there’s no need to lose sleep because simple adjustments can ensure your family gets the rest they need. From setting consistent bedtimes to creating a relaxing wind-down routine, small changes can make a big difference in everyone’s mood and mental well-being. BUILD A SLEEP SCHEDULE FOR SUCCESS. As parents, you can set the tone for your family by creating effective sleep-ready routines that include consistent bedtimes and relaxing habits. When your children go to bed at the same time every night, it resets their body’s internal clocks, making it a habit to get enough rest. They will naturally begin to get drowsy at this time and wake up with more energy from better, deeper sleep. Leading up to bedtime, try out some calming activities like reading a book, putting on classical music, or lighting a lavender candle. If your children are old enough, they Sweet Dreams for the Whole Family Why a Good Night’s Sleep Can Boost Everyone’s Well-Being
WET AND WISE
A dip in the pool should never result in the loss of someone precious to you.
With summer in full effect, now is the time for critical reminders about keeping your loved ones safe when they enjoy the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 800 children in the U.S. die every year from drowning, while thousands more are injured in accidents that occur in streams, oceans, and bathtubs. Please consider these critical safety tips before hitting the pool in your backyard, at a friend’s place, or in a public spot. POOLSIDE PROTECTION POINTERS If young children will use a pool on private property this summer, the American Red Cross recommends installing a four-sided, self- closing, and latching gate around it. Compared to a three-sided property-line option, a gate of this style will reduce the risk of drowning by 83%. When the pool is not in use, remove any ladders, steps, or outdoor furniture a child could use to access the pool without adult supervision. Medical Myths, L Inside the Online Misinforma If you’re using Google or ChatGPT to gather legal or medical information, you may be living in a fantasy world without knowing it. Here are two critical truths to remember when utilizing the internet as a research tool. CHATGPT IS FLUENT BUT FAULTY. If you’re one of the nearly 68 million people in the U.S. who use ChatGPT, you’re aware of the AI-powered chatbot’s ability to do everything from turning your family vacation photos into anime illustrations to generating detailed and articulate information on virtually any subject. However, ChatGPT and similar AI tools tend to “hallucinate” and generate information that looks legitimate at first glance but is incomplete in detail or completely inaccurate. In a 2023 blog post, bestselling author Bernard Marr explored the website’s failure to provide accurate information on key historical events. For example, it stated that Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa in 1815 despite the artist dying in the 1500s. In another, it credited George Washington — not Eli Whitney — with inventing the cotton gin. BE CAUTIOUS OF ‘CYBERCHONDRIA.’ According to the Pew Research Center, 59% of U.S. adults research medical information online — a practice that could cause more
can try chamomile tea, which is known to help people go to sleep. Limiting screen time to an hour or two before bed is essential because the blue light
on devices can keep the mind distracted and wound up, making it difficult to drift off. You can lead by example by putting your phone or
tablet away in the evening.
SNOOZE YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS. Studies have found that children and parents who get adequate sleep function better, excel academically, and are in a better mood overall. As we snooze, our body is hard at work resetting our systems for the next day. Chronic insomnia gets in the way of those essential repair cycles, making emotional regulation and resilience hard to achieve. With a few small changes to your nighttime routine, you can turn your family’s restless nights into sound slumbers and wake up to a much happier and healthier home!
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QUICK TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER SWIMMING
Additionally, know that not all poolside child safety gear is created equal. Always ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and avoid relying on foam or air-filled items like water wings, pool noodles, or inner tubes. These accessories should be considered toys rather than legitimate safety aids, as they may not provide adequate protection in aquatic emergencies. ADVICE FOR AWARE ADULTS Of course, pool safety isn’t just for children. Whether you’re at the beach or home, swimming with at least one other person or having someone watch over your activities is critical to keeping you free from harm. Naturally, that person shouldn’t be glued to their phone or distracted in other ways, as they may need to react instantly. Most importantly, anyone supervising swimmers should be adequately trained in CPR. And, of course, always swim sober. Following these basic tips will reduce the risk of outdoor fun leading to an unnecessary accident or worse. Never lose sight of safety while enjoying all the joys that summer offers.
TAKE A BREAK
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Legal Lies ation Minefield
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling.
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup basil pesto
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harm than good for anyone seeking valid explanations for their ailments. Whether they’re
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
viewing a video from a self-professed “expert” or consulting online boards, users are exposed to various opinions and information — often little more than clickbait preying on people’s concerns over their well-being — that has no place in the legitimate medical field and can be hazardous to the user’s mental health by prompting a mindset commonly known as “cyberchondria.” “Looking for information about symptoms and illnesses on the Internet is common and often serves useful purposes,” noted a 2013 report by the National Institutes of Health on the “cyberchondria” phenomenon. “However, a number of people who are overly distressed or anxious about their health perform excessive or repeated health-related searches on the Internet, only to become more distressed or frightened.” Whether you require legal advice or information on an injury or illness you’ve sustained, it’s always best to consult your legal professional or medical provider for the most current facts available. The adage “don’t believe everything you read” has never been more applicable than it is today.
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1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided 2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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4. Place chicken in a large
oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes. 3
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Chili flakes, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
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1100 Main St. Ste. 2550 Kansas City, MO 64105
816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
A Lawyer’s Guide to Listening Well
PG1
Snooze Your Way to Happiness
PG2
Poolside Precautions
PG2
Clicks and Consequences
PG2
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
PG3
Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
PG4
TRAIL-READY SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE
KNOW YOUR LEVEL Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. GEAR UP Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first- aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. DON’T GO ALONE Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. BE WEATHER-WARY Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
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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