Witnesses stopped to help, but there was little that could be done. The Nissan Maxima that caused the accident was later found, but it took time to find the suspects because the vehicle had been stolen. The family who suffered such a severe loss can hopefully now hold those who caused the accident accountable.
]]> It is hard for any family to deal with the loss of a loved one. It can be even more difficult when that loss if very unexpected, as it was in this case. If a family member is killed because of another person's negligence, a wrongful death lawsuit might be used to seek compensation, answer questions of how the accident occurred and hold those at fault accountable. While compensation can't bring back a family member, it can help bring closure for a family and serve as a reminder to others that they can be held accountable for their negligent actions.An experienced personal injury attorney can help those who are injured, and families who lose loved ones, investigate the accident, gather witnesses and work through the legal process.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Two suspects arrested in Anaheim hit-and-run that killed toddler," May 17, 2012
]]>The organization said that as a result of strict laws for teen drivers, the number of fatalities have dropped. It also reported that the risk of a fatal car accident for a teen driver increased 44 percent if there was a passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21. The risk seems to significantly increase for each additional passenger in the vehicle.
]]> While this study highlights the need for parents to monitor who is riding with their children, it is important to remember that people are responsible for their own actions once they start driving. Not everyone will follow the rules of the road, no matter their age, and accidents will likely continue to occur.An ideal world would be one without fatal car accidents. Until the day comes when car accidents are a thing of the past, it is important that drivers are held accountable when they injure or kill another person in a car accident. When an accident occurs, it is important to understand your rights. Seeking out the help of an experienced personal injury attorney can be helpful in investigating the accident and seeking compensation to pay for your injuries.
Source: Reuters, "Teens driving young passengers at higher risk of dying in crash," Alex Dobuzinskis, May 8, 2012
]]>Personal injury claims could also be associated with this accident in that one passenger from each of the vehicles was injured in the wreck. One Los Angeles man is reported to have suffered major injuries. Officials say the other victim, a Rialto man, suffered moderate injuries.
]]> What officials confirm at this point is that a man and a woman died in the May 6 accident. The CHP says a Cadillac being driven by a 57-year-old Palmdale woman was going south on California 14 near Red Rover Mine Road at about 8:20 that morning. For reasons unknown, she crossed the median and into the path of a car in the oncoming lane and they collided.The driver of the second car, a 39-year-old San Jacinto man, died at the scene. The driver of the Cadillac was taken to an area hospital, where she later died.
Any accident that ends in a wrongful death, whether it happens on our area roads or in a place of work or a residence, leaves a hole in the fabric of someone's life. Loved ones left in shock are often so bereft that they don't know what steps to take next.
The thought of seeking compensation may not be uppermost in anyone's mind at such times, but it is something that is best acted upon early. Consulting an experienced attorney to get the process started may also be a positive step toward progressing toward a sense of closure.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Two people killed in head-on collision in Antelope Valley," May 6, 2012
]]>Many times, people with spinal cord injuries need intense therapy to try to retrain their nervous system. There seem to be many ways that people can get therapy, and sometimes why certain therapies work is unexplainable. One young girl has found that horse riding is a therapy that has helped her regain the ability to move her legs, even though she remains mostly paralyzed from the waist down.
]]> While it took five months after starting the horse riding, called hippotherapy, for her to move her legs, this is a huge accomplishment for someone with such a devastating injury. Not only can certain types of therapy help improve a person's condition, but it can also improve their quality of life by allowing them to do therapy through a hobby they love.The cost of medical bills after an accident that leaves a person paralyzed can alone put strain on a family's financial situation. Therapy, which many people benefit from after a spinal cord injury, only adds to the expenses. If another person's negligence is found responsible for a person's injuries, they could be held accountable for the medical and therapy costs.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Teenager Krystal Greco Rides Horses To Recover From Paralysis," May 9, 2012
]]>The Los Angeles Fire Department said the cause of the fire was likely from a construction crew striking a gas line. The report didn't indicate who was injured in the accident, but the person will likely need some sort of medical evaluation. Just because a burn injury doesn't result in an ambulance ride to the hospital, doesn't mean it isn't severe.
]]> The person might need medical attention later after they discover the injury isn't healing properly or it becomes infected. Burn injuries might not seem serious at first, but symptoms of a serious burn injury may develop slowly. Once symptoms of the burn injury become unbearable, many people seek medical attention which can be costly.Depending on the severity of the burn injury the person might need follow-up care at a Los Angeles hospital. This care might include seeing a burn specialist and surgeries to repair damaged tissue. Even if the burn victim has good insurance, they might have a hard time paying expenses. When a person has a complicated surgery for a burn injury, they may end up out of work. This means they could have a mountain of medical bills and little or no income to help pay them. A burn injury shouldn't leave a family choosing between meeting their financial obligations and getting the proper medical care they need.
Source: LA Times, "Severed gas line at USC turns to flame, injury evaluated," May 4, 2012
]]>Sadly, a former professional football player suffered an apparent suicide this week after sustaining multiple head injuries and concussions while he was playing in the NFL. Some former players suspect that the NFL new of the risks associated with returning to the game soon after a concussion, but failed to tell players of those risks.
]]> While most people aren't NFL football players, a brain injury can occur from almost any kind of traumatic blow to the body. Getting in a car accident, or even falling off a bike, could result in a brain injury. The case of the NFL football players helps to raise awareness of the severity of these injuries and how important it is to get ongoing treatment long after a head injury occurs.Sometimes medical treatment can be costly, and some people's insurance will not fully cover ongoing treatments. If an injury is the result of another person's negligent actions, they may be liable for the cost of ongoing treatments. People shouldn't have to sacrifice quality medical care when their injuries are the fault of another person.
Seeking out the help of a personal injury attorney might be a wise decision if you or a family member has suffered from a brain injury.
Source: The Christian Science Monitor, "Junior Seau tragedy shakes NFL, intensifies concern about head injuries," Schuyler Velasco, May 3, 2012
]]>A staggering reduction in car accidents could dramatically reduce the number of deaths throughout the country. While this technology is slowly starting to emerge from concept to reality, it is important that drivers still be held accountable when they drive negligently and cause car accidents.
]]> Car accidents in Los Angeles are likely a daily occurrence and they can leave people severely injured. Because new technology to significantly reduce car accidents is still not available in most vehicles, it is up to the drivers to make sure they are driving responsibly to reduce the likelihood of getting in a car accident.Negligent drivers can cause severe accidents, leaving victims unable to perform even the simplest daily tasks. Accidents not only affect the people directly involved, but oftentimes their families are also affected. An accident may mean a spouse has to quit their job or take time off of work to care for their loved one. All of the medical costs and cost of care can put significant financial strain on a family. Therefore it is important that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions.
Source: Detroit Free Press, "NHTSA: If cars communicate, 80% of crashes can be avoided," Nathan Borney, April 27, 2012
]]>The people likely weren't able to identify the other person because the incident occurred so quickly. If the person is found after police do an investigation, they could be held responsible for hospital bills resulting from the man's injuries.
]]> People who suffer from brain injuries in Los Angeles can quickly find themselves in a difficult financial situation. They may also need assistance making important decisions. Because brain injuries can have such a long-term and devastating effect on a person, it is important that those affected by these injuries get the proper medical care they need.This medical care might include extensive rehabilitation and follow-up care, which can be quite costly, especially for those without insurance. If someone suffers from a brain injury because of another person's actions, they may be entitled to receive compensation to help pay for the costs associated with the injury. This could include hospital bills, future medical costs, and rehabilitation. In some cases compensation might be sought for loss of enjoyment of life and emotional suffering. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you decide what compensation you might pursue and help ensure your rights are protected.
Source: CBS2, "Bus Passenger Wanted In Fight That Left Man Seriously Injured," April 25, 2012
]]>While all animals can be unpredictable, some breeds tend to have more violent issues than others. Pit bulls are well known for their vicious attacks, and in many areas dogs are considered a person's property, and they are responsible for making sure their animals do not cause harm to other people. Some areas may also have leash laws or ban certain breeds.
]]> These laws are meant to prevent premises liability incidents such as the one that happened to this Los Angeles woman and her dog. According to a news report, the woman said that this dog has been known for its violent tendencies and attacks on the mailman and other dogs.While the owner of the pit bulls has offered to buy the owners a new dog, the emotional suffering associated with the loss of a pet can be overwhelming. On top of the cost of replacing the dog, a person whose negligence led to injuries could also be held responsible for any hospital bills or follow up medical needs for the victim that resulted from a dog attack.
Source: KABC, "Pit bull kills small dog, injures woman in El Sereno," Amy Powell, April 21, 2012
]]>One man, who experienced his own spinal cord injury, is working to change that. Janne Kouri, accidentally dove into a sandbar, fracturing two vertebrae, paralyzing his body from the neck down. He knew that intensive rehabilitation is was the only way to make progress toward being able to move again someday.
]]> Kouri worked to start the first progressive training facility for people with spinal cord injuries, right here in California. Not only can rehabilitation help retrain the nervous system, but it inspires people and keeps them hopeful that people are working to make their lives easier. Many times people are injured in accidents that are caused by negligence of others.These accidents can leave people paralyzed and wondering where to find help. A facility that provides progressive care can help patients work toward overcoming some of their paralysis. Sometimes medical care and ongoing outpatient rehabilitation can be costly. If someone is negligent and responsible for a person's spinal cord injury, they may be held accountable for costs of current and future medical care.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Janne Kouri, NextStep Fitness: Life-Altering Moment Leads To Life Calling," Janean Chun, March 27, 2012
]]>It turned out to be an act of man. It was discovered that the oil extraction techniques used by Chevron caused the earth in an oil field to give way, sucking the man into a sinkhole of oil liquid. His coworkers worked frantically to try to save him but were unable to. His body was recovered 17 hours later.
]]> This death could have been prevented if the man's employer had properly trained their employees about the risks of being in the oil field. When officials investigated the man's death, they didn't fine the company at first. After revisiting the site the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration called the area a hazard, banned employees from visiting the site without proper training, and cited the company for failing to educate employees.The company was fined only $350, a small price to pay for the man's death. Now, the man's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in California against a contractor, since state law prohibits them from suing Chevron.
This lawsuit is likely not about money, but a way to try to uncover details that might help prevent a similar death in the future. People who lose family members because of a company or person's negligence should understand what rights they have. They may be entitled to compensation to pay for loss of future income, and they might get answers in their family member's death.
Source: LA Times, "Oil worker's death renews debate on safety of extraction method," Michael J. Mishak, April 14, 2012
]]>Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by almost any accident. Falling off a bike or being a victim of a more violent event could cause a brain injury. These injuries often have lingering side effects.
]]> People can experience mild to severe brain injuries. Mild brain injuries can still put people at increased risk of complications in the future, but many people can recover from these injuries. Severe brain injuries can have long-lasting effects, some being permanent.Understanding that people with brain injuries aren't always able to make informed medical decisions at a Los Angeles hospital is important because these people often need ongoing care. This ongoing care can often be very expensive, and a person suffering from the effects of a head injury might not be able to do daily tasks without assistance.
If a brain injury is caused by the negligence of another person, they may want to speak with a personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to help seek compensation to pay for medical expenses and loss of enjoyment of life.
Source: ScienceDaily, "Head Injuries Often Impair Medical Decision-Making Skills, April 11, 2012
]]>Unfortunately, this protective equipment isn't always enough to keep kids safe. One teenager was airlifted to a Los Angeles hospital last weekend after suffering a brain injury in a rugby match. Head injuries can be serious even if they seem minor, at first.
]]> Sometimes with head injuries, people don't show symptoms right away. In the past, concussions where viewed as not very severe. Now, more research is showing the effects of concussions can last for month and even years.There are many unknowns for people who suffer brain injuries. The teen who was transported to a Los Angeles hospital last weekend for a brain injury may have symptoms that won't be recognizable right away. Therefore it is important people who suffer from a brain injury receive follow up care.
Sometimes this care can cost thousands of dollars, and recoveries may take years. If a brain injury is the result of another person's negligence, the injured person may be entitled to compensation. These injuries may require lengthy rehabilitation and future medical expenses. Seeking compensation can help ensure the person who suffered a brain injury makes the best recovery they can by helping to pay for expensive medical treatments that may be needed.
Source: The Signal, "Teenager with head injury airlifted to hospital," April 7, 2012
]]>Are they right? Not according to the data compiled by the National Law Journal on California jury verdicts for 2011. In fact, the NLJ's analysis of case data revealed that only one of the top five verdicts in the state last year involved a personal injury lawsuit.
]]> That case was number four on the list and resulted in a $73 million judgment against Ford Motor Company for a freeway accident that left two church members dead and two others seriously injured. While this jury award may seem high at first glance, awards like this one are often the only effective means to eliminate the kind of corporate recklessness Ford exhibited in this case.What did Ford do? In short, Ford was approached by Goodyear representatives two years before that accident occurred and was told that there were defects in a certain model of tire that Goodyear had been providing to Ford. At that point, Ford should have ordered a recall. Instead, they did nothing, in part because the company had just finished a $2 billion recall of tires on Ford Explorers.
So if only one of the top five verdicts involved a personal injury case, what types of disputes did the others involve? The biggest verdicts, which included a whopping $2.32 billion award from one jury in Los Angeles, involved big corporations suing other big corporations, typically over intellectual property rights or contract claims.
Source: California Watch, "In biggest jury verdicts, it's one big business suing another," Lance Williams, March 28, 2012
]]>The woman suffered from a blood clot that went to her lungs after going to the hospital with a sprained ankle. She was in so much pain she refused to leave, so hospital staff had her arrested. She later died in a jail cell. Although this wrongful death didn't happen in Los Angeles, a similar situation could happen anywhere. No matter your financial situation, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
]]> This woman's needs were ignored. She knew something was still wrong, but doctors at the hospital refused to listen. The hospital then said in a statement that sometimes blood tests that could have diagnosed her condition aren't always accurate. More tests could have been done to ensure her condition was treated.Families in Los Angeles might be exposed to a similar wrongful death situation. Those who lose loved ones because of another person's negligence may be entitled to compensation, no matter what the person's lifestyle was like before the death. This compensation can be a way to seek justice for that loved one's death.
Although it cannot bring a loved one back, it may help bring closure to the situation. If the person who died is a primary source of income for the family, compensation can help provide for the family's wellbeing, so the death doesn't become a source of financial hardship.
Source: MSNBC, "Hospital: Mom booted from ER who died in jail was treated appropriately," March 29, 2012
]]>