California Injury Lawyers Blog

Honda Motor Corp. says that it is recalling Another 273,000 Acura and Honda motor vehicles over concerns that faulty air bags could prove deadly for motorists. The automaker says it will inspect another 603,000 autos to see if the same defective parts were used when repairing vehicles that had been involved in accidents.

Honda says that the side air bag on the driver's side might deploy too forcefully during a crash and that this might cause the metal inflator casing, which holds the explosive propellant to rupture. If this were to happen, then the pieces of the casing could expel, causing injuries. Takata, which is a parts supplier in Japan, made the air bag inflator.

This is the fifth recall announced by Honda over the same issue. (The number of vehicles affected is now at over 2.5 million.) The automaker expanded the recall after finding out that another driver had gotten hurt.

Autos involved in this latest recall include the:
• Civic (2001 - 2003 models)
• Accord (A number of 2001 - 2002 models)
• Odyssey (2001 - 2003 models)
• CR-V (2002 and 2003 models)
• Acura 3.2 TL (2002 and 2003 models)
• Acura 3.2 CL (2003 model)

While airbags that work properly can save lives, defective ones can prove dangerous during an Orange County, California car crash. Our Anaheim products liability lawyers are familiar with the serious injuries that can arise because of an air bag defect or another defective auto part. Please contact us to request a free case evaluation.

Common problems with defective/malfunctioning air bags that can cause Los Angeles personal injury or wrongful death:

• Failure to deploy
• Delayed deployment
• Deploying too forcefully
• Deploying when it shouldn't
• Parts shrapnel during deployment

An air bag that doesn't go off (or goes off too late) can cause the vehicle occupant to ram into the steering wheel, windshield, or another part of the vehicle, potentially resulting in internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries. An airbag that goes off too forcefully could cause serious impact injuries, including chest injuries, neck injuries, blindness, hearing loss, thoracic trauma, lacerations, burns, leg and arm fractures, and abrasions.

It's bad enough being involved in a catastrophic collision without having one of the vehicle's safety features fail when you need it. Auto manufacturers can be held liable for this.

A few other serious auto defects that can be grounds for Orange County, California wrongful death or personal injury:

• Tire failure, including blowouts and tread separation
• Seat belt defects
• Seatback collapse
• Brake malfunction
• Sudden unintended acceleration
• Steering wheel failure
• Rollovers
• Roof crush
• Failure of vehicle to exhibit the appropriate level of crashworthiness

Honda recalling cars to fix airbags that can kill drivers, Los Angeles Times, December 2, 2011

More Blog Posts:
CPSC Warns that Placing Your Baby's Bumbo Seat on an Elevated Surface Could Cause Serious Orange County, California Head Injuries, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 25, 2011

Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fatal Jr. Lifeguard Boating Accident is Scheduled for Trial, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 27, 2011

Huntington Beach Personal Injury Claims Seek Damages on Behalf of Tustin Bicycle Accident Victim and Her Husband, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 18, 2011

Continue reading "Deadly Air Bag Defect Prompts Honda To Recall Another 273,000 Autos" »

Police have arrested Martin Weiss, a Hollywood talent manager, for allegedly sexually abusing one of his clients. Weiss represents young actors. His apprehension was on suspicion of committing lewd acts upon a child under age 14.

The alleged victim, who is now 18 and an aspiring musician and singer, says that Weiss sexually assaulted him 30-40 times over a 3-year period until he turned 15. He claims that Weiss said that this type of relationship was common in the entertainment industry.

Per an affidavit about the Los Angeles sex abuse allegations, Weiss admits to having had sexual contact with the alleged victim, but he claims that the boy was not a reluctant participant.

Weiss' talent firm is called Martin Weiss Management. It is not known at this time whether there are other alleged victims.

Sex Abuse
The issue of child sex abuse has been in the headlines a lot lately. Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State University Assistant Coach, is charged with 40 criminal counts related to the sex abuse of a number of boys. He maintains that he is innocent.

One alleged victim has already filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages from Sandusky. Also named as a defendant is Penn State. The plaintiff, now 29, is alleging "institutional" concealment and failure. He says that Sandusky sexually abused him over a 100 times during the 1990's. Meantime, legendary Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno has been fired over the sex abuse scandal.

Also making national headlines is Bernie Fine, the associate head coach of Syracuse University's basketball team. At least three males have come forward claiming he molested them when they were younger. Fine has since been fired from Syracuse.

Sex Abuse
Sexual abuse causes serious and likely lifelong emotional injuries. Physical injuries may also result--especially if sexual assault or rape occurred. In many instances, sex abuse is committed by perpetrators that know the victims.

Victims may too be scared to report what happened right away or they may not understand what is happening. Some may even repress the memories, which can take years to resurface.

As the victim of child sex abuse, you (or your child) may be entitled to Los Angeles personal injury damages from the abuser and anyone that allowed the abuse to occur despite having a duty to protect. For instance, the sex abuse lawsuit against Sandusky is also seeking damages against Penn State University because the school didn't act to prevent/stop the alleged abuse from happening.

Manager of young actors arrested in molestation case, Los Angeles Times, December 1, 2011

First lawsuit filed against Sandusky in Penn State child sex scandal, CNN, November 30, 2011

Police to share Bernie Fine info with DA, ESPN, November 29, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Orange County, California Sex Abuse: Another Patient Accuses Anesthesiologist at Placentia-Linda Hospital, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 26, 2011

Costa Mesa Priest Sued for Orange County, California Child Sex Abuse on Trial, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 16, 2011

Santa Ana School District Seeks to Dismiss Orange County, California Personal Injury Lawsuit Alleging Special-Ed Student Was Molested by Teacher's Aide, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 6, 2010

About 20 shoppers were pepper sprayed at a Los Angeles Wal-Mart on Thursday night. There were children among those that sustained minor injuries.

The alleged Los Angeles injury incident took place not long after store doors opened for the Black Friday sale. A crowd reportedly gathered as employees started to unwrap a crate of Xbox video game players and that is when the woman is accused of spraying the other shoppers.

While some people have speculated that she used pepper spray in order to disable them so that she could get the items she wanted, the LAPD has said there is a possibility that the woman acted in self-defense. They were, however, careful to note that even if this were the case this doesn't mean that her actions were "right."

Surveillance video and footage posted on YouTube are being examined, and more than a dozen witnesses have been interviewed about the events at the Wal-Mart that evening. LAPD Det. Mike Fesperman says there appears to have been a "mob mentality," and on the audio of some of the video that was recorded people can be heard complaining about being "trampled" and "crushed."

It is not known at this time whether criminal charges will be filed against the woman. A lot of this will depend on whether her intentions were to cause injury or if she acted to protect herself.

Black Friday has become a chaotic event for many stores, with hundreds of people lining up in advance as early as Thanksgiving Day in order to avail of the huge discounts offered. Some stores are even beginning their Black Friday events as early as Thursday night.

The owners of stores know that injuries can result with so many people charging into their buildings in an attempt to get at products on sale before they run out. It is these owners' responsibility to make sure there is a system in place to minimize the chance of Los Angeles personal injury or wrongful death during such events. This includes making sure displays are arranged in a safe manner so that falling merchandise doesn't end up striking shoppers, as well as providing adequate security to deter people from getting violent or committing robberies or other crimes.

In other Black Friday news involving Wal-Mart, a shopper was shot outside a Wal-Mart in San Leandro, California after he and his relatives tried to fend off two armed robbers. The victim is expected to recover from his injuries. Other injury incident reportedly occurred at several other Wal-Marts in other states. (It was just three years ago that a temporary Wal-Mart worker died in New York after shoppers trampled him.)

Stores can be held liable for Los Angeles premises liability if there are hazardous conditions on the property that could/should have been remedied.

Black Friday arrests, injuries irk shoppers at Walmart, USA Today, November 25, 2011

Wal-Mart pepper-spraying might have been self-defense, LAPD says, Los Angeles Times, November 28, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Los Angeles Wrongful Death Claim Blames Metro for Man's Fatal Stabbing, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 13, 2011

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Authorities Investigate Orange County, California Death of Woman Struck in Her Car by Fallen Eucalyptus Tree, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 20, 2011

Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Teen's Parents Sue Over Fatal Ecstasy Overdose at '10 Electric Daisy Carnival, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 12, 2011

The Orange County, California wrongful death case filed by the family of Alyssa Squirrell against the city of Huntington Beach will go to trial in May 2012. Squirrell is the 11-year-old junior lifeguard who died after she sustained serious injuries during a training exercise on July 14, 2009.

Squirrell was in the water with about 25 other Junior Lifeguards when the city boat's propeller struck her. She sustained serious lacerations to her legs and hips.

Although no criminal charges were filed against Lt. Greg Crow, who was operating the boat that struck Squirrell, her family's Huntington Beach boating accident lawsuit accuses him of negligence. Her family also claims that city employees did not obey a number of rules at the time, including one mandating that the boat be operated safely, another requiring boaters to slow down when they are within 100 feet of swimmers, and a rule regarding the adequate number of flotation devices that need to be kept on a vessel.

The family's Huntington Beach wrongful death case was put on hold after the city's insurance company sought to have any liability capped at about $26,000, which is the boat's value. Lawyers for Navigator's insurance cited federal admiralty law in their petition. The family's Huntington Beach boating accident lawyer, however, argued that the law is not applicable to cases involving injuries caused by negligence. A federal court judge denied the insurer's request earlier this year.

Unfortunately, accidents involving boat propellers do happen. For the victim, the injuries can be severe and even fatal.

You want to work with an Orange County, California boating accident law firm that knows how to prove liability in these types of cases--whether you are seeking damages from negligent boat operator or the manufacturer of a boat that had a dangerous defect that caused it to malfunction.

Just recently, another woman filed her wrongful death case against those she believes caused her sister's death last August. Esther Fujimoto was swimming when a boat propeller hit her. The media is reporting that the boat operator and the two passengers may have been drinking alcohol and smoking pot. They allegedly fled accident scene without helping Fujimoto, whose torso and lower abdomen were torn up. In the civil lawsuit the defendants are accused of failing to keep a proper lookout, not exercising reasonable care, driving under the influence, operating the boat in a manner that was negligent and reckless, and not get Fujimoto the medical help that she needed.

Earlier this year, a jury awarded another woman $30 million for her California boating accident injuries. Niki Bell's head was injured by a boat propeller after she and another person were thrown in the water. 80% of the blame was placed on manufacturer MasterCraft Boat Co. for products liability over a design flaw that caused the boat to become partially submerged during a low speed turn. Boat operator Jerry Montz was found 20% liable. Evidence showed that he had been drinking when the incident happened.

Trial date set in junior lifeguard wrongful death suit, OC Register, November 28, 2011

Wrongful death suit filed against boaters in fatal Pineview accident, Deseret News, November 9, 2011

Jury awards $30 million to Chico woman for boat accident, Sacramento Bee, June 8, 2010

More Blog Posts:
11-Year-Old Orange County, California Junior Life Guard Dies in Huntington Beach Boating Accident, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 15, 2009

Huntington Beach Boat Accident Blast Injures Eight People, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 26, 2011

Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Claim Seeks Damages from City After Boat Strikes Jr. Lifeguard During Training, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 2, 2009

A gas leak may have caused a boat to explode in Huntington Harbor this morning. Eight of the nine people aboard the 26-foot power boat had to be treated at hospitals. The boating accident victims ranged in age from their teens to age 50.

The vessel, which was going to Long Beach, was only 2-3 minutes away from the harbor's main public launching ramp when the boat operator noticed the leak and told the passengers they should return to port. That is when the Huntington Beach boating accident happened, which caused the explosion.

Eight of the passengers had to be pulled from the water following the blast. Injuries included scrapes, broken bones, bruises, and possibly burn injuries. According to Sheriff's Deputy William Nelson, boat explosions usually occur when a gas leak is sparked.

If you were injured in an Orange County, California, there may be a person or party that should be held liable. Negligence would likely have to be a factor for this to occur. For example, if someone did not behave the way a reasonable person would be expected to under the situation and instead, committed careless, reckless, or irresponsible actions.

There are federal and state agencies in charge of boat safety. That said, despite the efforts of the United States Coast Guard and the other agencies involved to prevent boating accidents, it is still up to boat operators, passengers, boat maintenance workers, boat manufacturers, and others to do what they can to minimize the chances that a Huntington Beach boating accident will happen.

2010 Boating Accident Facts (US Coast Guard):
• 4604 US boating accidents
• 672 boating deaths
• 3153 boating crash injuries
• Nearly 75% of boating accident victims that died drowned
• Common cause of boating accidents included improper lookout, operator inattention, inexperience, alcohol, and speeding
• Other leading causes include strong waves, dangerous waters, machinery failures, road rules, and weather conditions
• Alcohol was the number one cause of fatal boat crashes
• 21 of the victims that died last year were under the age of 13

Examples of common boat accidents:
• Capsizing
• Sinking
• Grounding
• Flooding
• Falls overboard
• Ejected passengers
• Explosions or fires
• Boat accidents involving a towable device, such as a water-skiis
• Boat collision with another vessel
• A boat crash involving an object
• Propeller injury
• Carbon monoxide exposure
• Electrocution accident
• Swimming accidents
• Related natural causes

Our Anaheim personal injury law firm would like to encourage you to contact Howard Law, PC right away so that you can request your free case evaluation.

You want to work with an experienced Orange County, California boating accident law firm that knows how to successfully pursue your recovery. The earlier you obtain legal representation, the sooner your Anaheim boat crash lawyer can start gathering the evidence and preparing your claim.

Boat explosion injures 8 in Huntington Harbour, OC Register, November 26, 2011

Burns & Broken Bones: 8 Injured in Boat Explosion, LAIST, November 26, 2011

Boating Accident Statistics, US Coast Guard

More Blog Posts:
Two More Orange County, California Boating Accident Claims Filed Against Huntington Beach Over Deadly Crash Under Gilbert Drive Bridge, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 23, 2009

Another Family Files Seal Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Salon Shooting, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 23, 2011

California Excessive Use of Force?: Angry Protestors Cry Foul Over Police's Use of Pepper Spray in UC Davis Occupy Wall Street Demonstration, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 22, 2011

Following reports of at least another 45 incidents involving infants involved in fall accidents when their Bumbo seats were placed on elevated surfaces, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is once again warning parents and guardians against ever using this product on a countertop, chair, table, or another surface that is above ground level. A recall issuing this same warning had been issued in 2007 and involved about 1 million Bumbo "Baby Sitter" Seats. CPSC and Bumbo International had noted that moving forward, a warning label cautioning against this specific hazard would be included with the child seats. Skull fractures, concussions, and at least one broken bone are among the injuries reported.

Babies in Bumbo seats are at risk of falling out whenever they lean forward or to the side, rock in any direction, or arch their backs. By placing this product on an elevated surface, this increases the risk of serious injuries. Our Anaheim brain injury lawyers represent children and adults who got hurt because of other parties' negligence. Please contact our Orange County, California personal injury law firm today.

The CPSC and Bumbo International also say they know of at least 50 other incidents involving babies falling or wiggling their way out of Bumbo seats that were at unknown heights or on the ground.

Babies and Head Injuries
A head injury can be dangerous for anyone--but especially for babies, whose scalps tend to be more delicate. While fortunately minor bumps and bruises can easily be alleviated with ice and loving tenderness, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't observe your child carefully for signs of a possibly more serious brain injury, such as a brain bleeding, a concussion, a skull fracture, or a traumatic brain injury.

Steps to take after your baby has struck his/her head:
• Observe your child closely over the next 24 hours and watch for any changes in behavior.
• Try not to let him/her sleep for at least an hour after the injury accident. Short naps are fine, but check on the baby frequently for changes in skin coloring or breathing or involuntary body twitches

These symptoms may be signs of a more serious head injury and you may want to seek medical help right away:
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Balance issues
• Incessant crying
• Severe headache
• Rolling or crossed eyes
• One pupil appearing larger than the other
• Vision problems

Contact our Anaheim personal injury law firm today. We represent children and adults in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Orange County, California. We also handle California products liability cases against the manufacturers of dangerous or defective consumer goods that caused severe injury or death.

Infants in Bumbo Baby Seats Falling from Elevated Surfaces and Suffering Serious Head Injuries, CPSC, November 22, 2011

Bumbo Baby Seats Recalled, CBS News, February 11, 2009

More Blog Posts:
Are SSRI Antidepressants Dangerous Drugs?: Their Link to Birth Defects, California Injury Lawyers Blog, August 19, 2011

Disneyland Sued For Allegedly Exposing Visitors to Lead, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 18, 2011

Orange County, California Products Liability: CPSC and Nine Manufacturers Recall 2M Pourable Gel Fuel Units Following Burn Injuries and Deaths, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 31, 2011

The family of Christy Lynn Wilson is suing Scott Dekraai for her Seal Beach wrongful death. Wilson was getting her hair done at the Salon Meritage on October 12 when Dekraii, 42, went on a shooting rampage at the parlor.

Wilson, who was a friend of Dekraii's ex-wife, Michelle Fournier, was one of the victims that died. Fournier also was fatally shot that day.

Dekraii and Fournier were reportedly in the middle of a bitter child custody dispute over their son. Dekraii reportedly barged into the Seal Beach parlor after he was denied greater custody over their 8-year-old so Dominic. The former couple had joint custody.

Now, Wilson's husband and three children want Dekraii to pay them damages. In their Seal Beach wrongful death lawsuit, they claim that Wilson lingered for a "significant' amount of time before passing away. They want compensation for hospital bills, funeral costs, and the loss of her companionship, love, and care.

Their Orange County, California wrongful death complaint is the second one filed in the shooting. A few weeks ago, Dekraii's former in-laws filed their complaint against him. Joseph and Geraldine Burke, Fournier's parents, want unspecified damages. Any money recovered will go to Fournier and Dekraii's 8-year-old son Dominic.

Eight people were murdered that day, including one man who had been sitting in his car in the parking lot. One woman, 73-year-old Hattie Stretz, is the shooting's soul survivor. Her daughter Laura Elody also died from her injuries. Elody had been working at the salon that day.

Dekraii has admitted to the shooting. He is charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Dekraii owns properties in Seal Beach and Huntington Beach. He also receives disability payments because of a tugboat accident he was involved in years ago. Separate from any Seal Beach wrongful death recovery, the families of all of the shooting victims were given $150,000 from a trust that serves as a donations clearinghouse. Local residents worked with other communities to raise the monies. Another fund, The Salon Meritage Memorial Fund, has also been set up for the victims. Individual funds have also been established for a number of the victims.

Orange County, California Wrongful Death
If you or someone you love was the victim of a violent crime, you may be able to pursue Seal Beach wrongful death damages from your assailant. There also may be other parties whose negligence allowed the crime to happen that should be held liable.

Receiving compensation for your loss and your loved one's suffering can allow you to hold the ones responsible accountable regardless of what happens in any criminal proceedings.

Scott Evans Dekraai Sued by Families of Two of the Eight People He Allegedly Murdered, OC Weekly, November 8, 2011

Families of Seal Beach shooting victims get $150,000, OC Register, November 9, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Seal Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Former In-Laws of Alleged Salon Shooter, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 4, 2011

Eight Dead in Seal Beach Salon Shooting, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 14, 2011

Giants Fan Beaten At Dodger Stadium Placed in Medically Induced Coma, California Injury Lawyers Blog, April 23, 2011

Hundreds protestors have converged onto the UC Davis Campus this week to speak out about campus police's use of pepper spray to break up a group of students that were peacefully protesting the Occupy Wall Street movement on Friday. 11 students had to be treated for pepper spray side effects.

Following the incident, UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza and two campus cops were placed on leave, while UC officials continue to investigate what happened. UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi has said that although she asked police to take away the tents that were on the campus quad, she never told them to use force to make the demonstrators leave. Katehi maintains that she told the police chief to avoid violence "at all costs" and to not make any arrests.

Meantime, an attorney for the Federated University Police Officers Association claims that the police officers were only following instructions. The Washington Post quoted Dieter Dammeier as saying that upper management had told the cops what to do.

Excessive Use of Force
Police officers are not supposed to use excessive force when doing their job. Use of pepper spray, batons, Tasers, physical force, or guns must be warranted and necessary otherwise, this could be a violation of the victim's civil rights. The United States Code says that this type of misconduct by someone working for state law enforcement can be grounds for a California personal injury lawsuit.

Use of Pepper Spray
Getting struck with pepper spray can be very painful, causing an intense burning sensation that may last for a couple of days. Made from a substance from the cayenne pepper, pepper spray can irritate the skin, eyes, lungs, sinuses, and other mucus membranes.

Using force can cause serious injury and even death, which is why police officers must receive proper training on when force should be employed and what other, less dangerous courses of action are available to them. Many people don't realize that they have rights when it comes to how police are allowed to treat them, so often incidents of excessive use of force or California police brutality go unreported. Even if you were arrested or jailed for a crime, you still are entitled to certain legal and civil protections.

Our Anaheim personal injury lawyers want you to know that if a police officer used more force than necessary when detaining, arresting, or questioning you, this may be sufficient reason for filing an Orange County, California personal injury lawsuit to obtain damages for the harm that you suffered. Howard Law, PC represents clients in Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Orange County, California.

Hundreds of UC Davis students protest pepper-spraying by police, Los Angeles Times, November 21, 2011

What to do if you get pepper sprayed, ABC News, November 21, 2011

UC Davis chancellor 'horrified' by pepper spray, Washington Post/AP, November 21, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Newport Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit Blames Police for Suicide of Man While in Custody, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 21, 2011

Mentally Ill Homeless Man Beaten by Fullerton Police Died from Asphyxia, Reports Coroner, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 21, 2011

Fullerton Cops Accused of Orange County, California Police Brutality in Fatal Beating of Kelly Thomas, California Injury Lawyers Blog, August 13, 2011

Gerald and Darlene Goens have filed separate Orange County, California personal injury claims against the city of Huntington Beach. Darlene was riding her bike last July when she fell off after her tire got stuck in a pavement crevice on a beachfront boardwalk.

She fractured her leg and was forced to undergo surgery. In her Huntington Beach bicycle accident claim, Darlene is alleging Orange County, California premises liability. She says that the area in front of the Beach Hut concession where she was cycling was paved with cement sections that had been joined together but that whatever was supposed to keep the different parts together had deteriorated. She is seeking Huntington Beach injury compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.

Darlene's husband Gerald is also seeking Orange County, California injury damages for the emotional trauma he suffered from the accident. He also wants compensation for loss of consortium.

Loss of Consortium
The spouse of a person who got hurt because of another party's negligence may be able to obtain damages for loss of consortium. The husband or wife doesn't need to have been involved in the Orange County, California personal injury accident in order to sue for damages.

Although in theory "loss of consortium" refers to losses resulting from limited sexual activity between two people that are married, this type of claim can also refer to loss of companionship, affection, emotional support, love, comfort, society, love, and services.

When someone gets hurt, he/she may not be able to enjoy/live life in the same way as before the accident, which can have an effect on loved ones. Loss of consortium allows the spouse to seek damages for his/her own Huntington Beach personal injuries sustained as a result of his/her significant other's injuries.

The serious injury/death of one person can take a financial, emotional, and psychological toll on loved ones and there is no reason why you shouldn't be compensated for the harm that you also have suffered. In California, to file this type of civil case against a government entity, such as a city, you must first file an Orange County, Ca. injury claim first before you can go ahead and sue. This first step gives the government a chance to respond before taking the claim into litigation.

City and other local governments are responsible for maintaining public roads and walkways so that they are free from any hazards that could cause serious injury or death. Even when filing a claim against a government entity you should be represented by a Huntington Beach personal injury law firm that knows how fight for the maximum recovery possible.

Claims: H.B. responsible for bicyclist's boardwalk spill, OC Register, November 18, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Woman Files Laguna Beach Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Against the City, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 7, 2011

Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Seeks Damages from City Over Man's Orange County, California Wrongful Death, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 23, 2011

Woman Charged in Fatal Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Was Drunk and Texting, Say Authorities, California Injury Lawyers Blog, April 16, 2011

While frying your turkey can make for a deliciously crisp bird, you may be placing yourself at serious risk of injury. Granted, using a propane turkey fryer is a quicker alternative to using an oven, but the safety risk may not be worth the time payoff.

Not only has the National Fire Protection Association recommended that people refrain from using this type of cooking device--it doesn't believe that turkey fryers are safe for use--but also the Consumer Products Safety Commission is reporting that it has received dozens of reports of people getting burned and fires erupting. Do not hesitate to contact our Anaheim personal injury law firm if you or someone you love was hurt because of a turkey fryer in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, or Riverside County.

Common scenarios where injuries involving a turkey fryer might arise:
• When the turkey is placed in a fryer while still partially frozen
• Hot oil spills or splashes--especially when the bird is removed or inserted into the fryer
• Opting to use a propane-fryer turkey inside rather than outdoors
• The oil gets ignited after hitting high temperatures or coming into contact with the open flames underneath the fryer
• A slip and fall incident occurs while attempting to move the fryer, which can cause the person to make contact with the oil

Most of the incidents reported to the CPSC took place while the oil was being heated and before the turkey was even insider the fryer. Ways to avoid injuries:

• Keep your eye on the fryer while it is in use at all times
• Place the fryer in an area that is open and a safe distance away from walls, fences, or other structures that could catch fire and burn
• Don't use a fryer indoors, including in a garage or on a porch
• Ensure that your skin is protected
• Slowly put the food in and out of the fryer
• Make sure that you are monitoring the oil temperature
• If you see smoke, turn the gas off ASAP

Consumer Group Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has studied propane fryers and found that their inadequate/lack of temperature control makes them hard to control. Considering that using a turkey fryer exactly as intended still places people at serious risk of injury raises questions as to how safe this product is and whether manufacturers are doing everything to protect consumers from personal injury, especially burn injuries. For example, Consumer Report says that there are electric turkey fryers that are much safer to use than the fryers using propane. Not only do they have automatic temperature controls that will turn the heat off before the oil becomes too hot, but also, less oil is required to operate them.

Over the years, defective product lawsuits have been filed against the makers of turkey fryers for catastrophic burn injuries and property damage.

Contact our Anaheim products liability law firm to request your free case evaluation.

CPSC Issues Safety Tips for Turkey Fryers, CPSC, November 26, 2003

Turkey Fryers, NFPA

More Blog Posts:
Disneyland Sued For Allegedly Exposing Visitors to Lead, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 18, 2011

$48.1M Los Angeles Products Liability Verdict Awarded to Man That Took Motrin and Developed SJS and TEN, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 7, 2011

California Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Los Angeles Medical Malpractice Case Involving Lap-Band Patient Also Seeks Damages from Advertising Company, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 14, 2011

The father of Glen Berlin Parrish is blaming the 18-year-old's friends and the fraternity Theta Chi for his Los Angeles death. Parrish died at the US fraternity house earlier this month.

Authorities say the teenager's cause of death was alcohol and possibly prescription drugs. They are trying to determine what happened.

Parrish did not study at UCLA but had been invited to attend a party at the fraternity house on November 3. Witnesses say by early the next morning, he ended up on the back of a basketball court and was "not moving." A friend carried him to a mattress.

Parrish's dad, Glen Parrish Sr., claims that the Theta Chi fraternity and his son's friends were at fault for not notifying paramedics that his son wasn't coherent. He says that after they dropped him on a mattress, the teenager was left unattended for almost 10 hours.

Heavy drinking, hazing, and other shenanigans have been known to result in serious injuries or deaths and fraternities have been sued for California personal injury as a result. An experienced Los Angeles wrongful death law firm can help you determine whether you have grounds for a case.

As the entity in charge of overseeing a house of students, a fraternity can be held liable for failure to protect from/prevent serious injury accidents. It is not a surprise that many students choose to engage in underage drinking within the Greek system and alcohol is commonly involved in many hazing activities at both fraternities and sororities. Events where alcohol is served to minors is also not uncommon.

There also may be other parties that can be held liable. Recently, a former UCDavis student sued the university for ignoring complaints he made over the sexual abuse and hazing he endured while pledging a fraternity. Ryan Clifford claims he was stripped naked, assaulted, molested, and forced to drink a lot of alcohol while attempting to become a member of the Chi Delta chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi three years ago. Clifford believes that he was treated harshly because he was a non-Jewish student joining a Jewish frat house. He says that he told the University several times about what happened to him but no action was taken.

Earlier this year, the mother of George Desdunes filed a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. 20 former SAE pledge brothers and fraternity members were named as defendants.

Desdunes died after fraternity members took him, tied him up and blindfolded him, and made him drink so much alcohol that he lost consciousness. Instead of taking him to a hospital, he was allegedly kept tied up on a sofa. It wasn't until a housekeeper found him that 911 was contacted.

Twenty Former SAE Members Named in $25M Wrongful Death Lawsuit, The Cornell Daily Sun, June 29, 2011

Father blames UCLA fraternity for son's death?, Los Angeles Times, November 9, 2011

Cornell University Frat House Sued for $25 Million Over House Hazing Death, ABC News, June 28, 2011

Fraternity pledge sues UC Davis over hazing, Sacramento Bee, November 15, 2011

Theta Chi Fraternity, UCLA

More Blog Posts:
Riverside County Car Accident Lawsuit Blames Dangerous Road Conditions for Mother's California Wrongful Death, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 11, 2011

Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, Dr. Conrad Murray Still Faces Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Michael Jackson's Fatal Overdose, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 8, 2011

Seal Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Former In-Laws of Alleged Salon Shooter, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 4, 2011

Continue reading "Dad Blames Fraternity at UCLA for Son's Death After Night of Partying" »

A Riverside County wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the three minor children of Angela Marie Wright. The defendants in the case are the City of Menifee, the City of Canyon Lake and its manager Lori Mass, the county, and the security firm that represents Canyon Lake Property Owners Association.

Wright, 39, was involved in a fatal Riverside County car crash early on December 22, 2010 when her car slid off a flooded road into Salt Creek and then the East Bay. It wasn't until several hours later that a dive team recovered the vehicle with her body in it.

The Riverside County wrongful death complaint contends that the tragic accident could have been avoided if only Goetz Road had been closed down that night. The county and the two cities are in joint possession and control of that area of road and should have/did know of the dangers posed by the creek when the dry riverbed by the road gets flooded with rain water.

The California civil lawsuit blames Canyon Lake manager Lori Moss for failing to protect the public from this road hazard by not implementing better safety measures from the flood. It wasn't until the day that Wright died and after her Riverside County motor vehicle crash that county officials decided to permanently close Goetz Rd. south of the East Gate to traffic.

Wright's children are claiming loss of love, companionship, society, affection, comfort, financial support, and moral support, as well as funeral costs. Although minors are generally not allowed to file California civil claims over personal injury or wrongful death, a guardian or another adult can submit one for them on their behalf.

The surviving spouse, kids, and surviving issue of the decedent's deceased children can "jointly and severally" file a single Riverside County wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages. In line after that are the parents of the deceased, his/her siblings, kids of deceased siblings, grandparents, and their descendants. Also in line are minors that was receiving 50% support from an was living with the person that died (as part of the victim's household) for at least 180 days prior to the death.

An experienced Riverside County wrongful death law firm can help you with your case. If you have grounds for a civil lawsuit, your case may get settled prior to trial. If not, a jury generally will determine how much (if any) you are owed. Jury members will consider a number of factors when ruling on a verdict, including loss of financial support and the right to receive it, the age of the victim, the age of any heirs, the life expectancy of heirs and the decedent, and the earning capacity of the deceased.

Working with an experienced Riverside County personal injury lawyer can increase your chances of recovering the maximum amount possible.

City slapped with wrongful death lawsuit, The Friday Flyer, September 1, 2011

Flood victim's families demand answers, The Press-Enterprise, December 10, 2010

More Blog Posts:
Bureau of Land Management Sued Over 2010 Off-Road Race in the Mojave Desert that Killed 8 and Injured a Number of Others, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 23, 2011

Woman Files Laguna Beach Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Against the City, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 7, 2011

Trucker Charged with Murder in 2009 La Cañada Flintridge Truck Accident Files Los Angeles County Personal Injury Over Angeles Crest's Allegedly Unsafe Road Conditions, California Injury Lawyers Blog, March 31, 2011

A jury has awarded D'Knawn Hairston $7.6m in California spinal cord injury damages in her medical malpractice lawsuit against the UC Regents. Hairston became paralyzed from the waist down in 2003 after doctors at UC Davis medical center failed to diagnose that she had a spinal abnormality. Hairston was 13 at the time.

A radiology resident and a pediatric radiologist both looked at an MRI of Hairston's spine. The teenager had been admitted to the UC hospital after experiencing sensation loss in the lower half of her body and back pain. Per court documents, both doctors diagnosed her spine as normal even though an abnormal mass was visible in the images. Instead, the doctors determined that Hairston had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which they treated.

Nearly four years ago, Hairston woke up one day and was unable to move her legs. Once again, she was admitted to a hospital. MRI results revealed a large bleeding growth in the same area where the abnormal mass had been on her spine. Although the growth was removed, she sustained a permanent spinal cord injury and she is now a paraplegic (below the waist.)

Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord. Common causes of SCIs include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Fall accidents
• Gunshot wounds
• Sports injuries
• Assault crimes
• Work accidents
• Wear and tear from aging

The sooner a spinal cord injury is treated, the better the chances of recovery, or, at the very least, a reduction of long-term side effects.

In addition to partial paralysis, temporary paralysis, permanent paralysis (including quadriplegia and paraplegia), other serious effects of SCIs can include:

• Kidney disease
• Paralysis of respiratory muscles
• Pressure sores
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Skin breakdown
• Numbness
• Urinary tract infections
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Changes to blood pressure
• Muscle spasticity
• Shock
• Loss of sensation

Living with an SCI can be life-altering and costly. A spinal cord injury patient may need round-the-clock nursing care, extensive therapies, and costly medical equipment. He/she also may not be able to hold a job.

If someone's negligence caused or contributed to you suffering a Orange County, California spinal cord injury, you may have grounds for an Anaheim personal injury lawsuit.

For example, in Hairston's case, it was the physicians' delayed diagnosis that caused her condition to deteriorate. If they had treated the problem sooner, she may not have become permanently paralyzed. As a result, she was able to pursue and obtain California medical malpractice damages.

Elk Grove woman wins $7.6M in UC Davis malpractice suit, Business Journals, October 31, 2011

UC Regents

More Blog Posts:
$4.5M California Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Reached in Case of Girl Injured While Being Rescued by CHP Following 2006 Car Crash, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 13, 2011

$49.2M California Car Accident Verdict Awarded to Driver's Family and CHP Officer Who is Now a Quadriplegic, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 28, 2011

California Jury Awards $16.5 Million Riverside County Medical Malpractice Verdict to Couple in Injury Case Against Neurosurgeon, California Injury Lawyers Blog, February 12, 2011

Continue reading "UC Regents Ordered to Pay $7.6M California Medical Malpractice Verdict to Teenager Who Sustained Spinal Cord Injury that Left Her a Paraplegic " »

A jury has convicted Dr. Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's California death. The guilty verdict means that the jury members unanimously believe that Murray committed a crime that placed Jackson at high risk of severe bodily injury or death.

While Murray is now facing up to four years in prison, there is a good chance that he could end up serving his time while under house arrest due to prisons being too crowded and existing budget constraints. Murray's legal problems are not finished yet, however. Jackson's dad Joseph Jackson is suing the doctor for his son's Los Angeles wrongful death.

The pop star died on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles. He was 50.

Prosecutors had accused Murray of gross negligence in giving Jackson propofol to help him sleep. They also said he was negligent for not monitoring him, giving him the medication in a home environment (this anesthetic normally used during surgery), waiting too long to call emergency services, and not telling medical workers that Jackson had taken the powerful drug.

While Murray admitted administering a small dose of propofol to help Jackson sleep, he pleaded not guilty to giving Jackson the deadly amount that killed him. Instead, Murray's defense lawyers argued that the singer was the one who gave himself that last dose, in addition to a bunch of sedatives.

Following the conviction, which was announced yesterday, Murray was placed on suicide watch.

As our Anaheim personal injury law firm mentioned earlier in this blog post, Murray still has other legal challenges ahead. Joe Jackson is also seeking Los Angeles medical malpractice damages from the doctor. Noting that Joe is not a beneficiary to the singer's estate, Murray's legal team has sought to have the Los Angeles wrongful death lawsuit dismissed.

The doctor, however, is not named in the Los Angeles wrongful death case filed by Jackson's Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., Prince Michael Jackson II, and Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, and his mother Katherine Jackson, who are his beneficiaries. They are suing AEG Live, the concert promoter that Jackson was working with to get ready for his comeback concerts in London.

They contend that the defendant should have protected the music icon, rather than making profits the priority. Katherine Jackson says that the promoter pressured her son with a hectic rehearsal schedule, even threatening to cancel the tour if he called in sick again.

Los Angeles Wrongful Death
Surviving family members may be able to obtain California wrongful death damages from those whose negligence contributed to the decedent's passing. Defendants don't need to have been the direct cause of the death in order to be held liable.

Michael Jackson's doctor guilty of manslaughter, Reuters, November 7, 2011

Katherine Jackson Sues AEG Over Michael's Death, TMZ, September 15, 2010

Joe Jackson Refiles Wrongful Death Lawsuit, NBC Los Angeles, November 30, 2010

Seal Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Former In-Laws of Alleged Salon Shooter, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 4, 2011

Michael Jackson's Mother Files Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against AEG Live, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 16, 2010

Michael Jackson's Father Files Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawsuit, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 25, 2010

The ex-in-laws of Scott Evans Dekraai are suing him for their daughter's Orange County, California wrongful death. Michelle Fournier was one of the eight people who were murdered (another was left critically injured) when Dekraai, 42, walked into the Salon Meritage and went on a shooting rampage. Geraldine and Joseph Burke are seeking unspecified damages that they say will go to Fournier and Dekraai's son Dominic, 8. They also are seeking burial and funeral costs.

Dekraai is charged with one count of attempted murder and eight counts of first-degree murder. The shooting, which is being called the worst mass killing in the history of Orange County, took place on October 12. Dekraai and Fournier were in the middle of a child custody dispute.

Per court papers, Dekraai has confessed to the killing spree. With three guns, ammunition, and while wearing a bulletproof vest, Dekraai drove to the salon where he fired at Fournier and a woman who had given testimony against him in custody case. He then started shooting at other salon employees and customers. Also murdered was a man who had been seated in his vehicle in the parking lot.

Dekraai reportedly had been trying to gain morecustody over Dominic, rather than the shared custody agreement he had with Fournier. A psychologist appointment by the court recommended that the arrangement stay the same.

Dekraai, a former licensed maritime officer, was seriously injured in a tugboat accident in 2007. In addition to suffering severe leg injuries, a deckhand was killed. According Fournier's lawyer Dekraai has been diagnosed as bipolar.

The family's California wrongful death lawyer says the plaintiffs believe that Dekraai has approximately $1 million in assets, including a Huntington Beach home and property interests. He also receives disability payments for his tugboat injuries. The attorney believes that the loved ones of the other victims that died in last month's shooting will also seek Seal Beach wrongful death damages.

Orange County, California Wrongful Death
Our Anaheim wrongful death law firm has been covering the developments in the wake of the Seal Beach salon shooting on our blog site (see our previous post below). As we mentioned earlier, it is not uncommon for victims of a violent crime to seek damages from the assailant. In certain instances, when the incident occurred on another party's property, that person/entity can also be sued for Seal Beach premises liability if inadequate security or a failure to protect residents, visitors, patrons, or guests allowed the crime to happen.

The best way to find out if you have grounds for a Seal Beach personal injury case is to consult with an experienced Orange County, California injury law firm.

Police: Seal Beach salon rampage suspect says he pondered shooting ex-wife after argument, Washington Post, November 2, 2011

Seal Beach shooting victims, Los Angeles Times, October 12, 2011

Accused California gunman sued by dead ex-wife's family, Reuters, November 4, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Eight Dead in Seal Beach Salon Shooting, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 14, 2011

Los Angeles Wrongful Death Claim Blames Metro for Man's Fatal Stabbing, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 13, 2011

Giants Fan Beaten At Dodger Stadium Placed in Medically Induced Coma, California Injury Lawyers Blog, April 23, 2011