Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles County has agreed to settle a brain injury case for $207K. The negligence lawsuit arose out of the failure of staff at a Los Angeles County to adequately supervise a psychiatric patient. The patient suffered schizophrenic episodes requiring constant supervision, but nurses failed to watch him closely and he subsequently jumped out a window. He now suffers permanent brain damage.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to review your case and determine the next steps.

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With great weather and miles of coastline, cycling conditions in Southern California are ideal. It's important though to keep in mind a few safety tips to protect yourself and make sure your day's ride doesn't end up in a bike accident. A recent report by KABC- Los Angeles highlights some tips and safety advice for those getting back on their bike this spring.

One consideration is making sure the bike you ride has a perfect fit. Several considerations go into finding the ideal bike - including the distance from the saddle to the handle bars and the right type of bike for your riding needs.

Other considerations include proper maintenance - including using a bike lubricant every couple of weeks and having a bike shop tune up your bike twice a year.

Perhaps the most important items affecting your bike riding safety concern clothing and protective gear. Wearing bright colors that help others see you and wearing helmets can go a long way in keeping you from getting in an accident and protecting you from serious injuries if you do. Statistics report that 75% of cycling fatalities result from head trauma. Wearing a helmet prevents brain injuries by 90%.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Bike Accidents - Safe Cycling Tips To Avoid Injuries" »

NBC Los Angeles reports that two L.A. firefighter-paramedics were injured in a hit-and-run accident. The men were injured after a Dodge Caravan broadsided the ambulance. The ambulance's patient was uninjured.

If you have been injured in a car accident or other motor-vehicle accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney to investigate the incident and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Here, as in many motor vehicle accidents, several factors are at play. First, it was a hit-and-run accident, raising both criminal and civil liability issues. Under California law, drivers are required to stop after being involved in an accident as soon as is safe to exchange crucial information, such as names, driver's license numbers and insurance information.

Additionally, the paramedics were injured while on the job. A knowledgeable attorney should be consulted whenever injuries occur during the course of one's job. In many cases, worker's compensation will provide an avenue of recovery. Other times, it may be possible to pursue a civil remedy.

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The LA Times reports that the NFL supports a Sacramento proposal requiring California student athletes who receive head injuries during a game requiring them to leave, get medical clearance before returning to the football field or basketball court.

Football legends Jim Otto and Fred Biletnikoff recounted their own stories of injury in order to raise awareness of the dangers. Research has now shown that repeated head trauma can lead to memory loss, cognitive delays and even death. Younger athletes whose brains are still developing are more vulnerable than their professional and college aged counterparts.

As stated by Davis, the decision to leave a game should be "out of the player's hands, and out of the coach's hands." As a California personal injury attorney, I agree. The seriousness and the potential risks for brain injuries are so significant that more must be done to protect our youth from potential life long harm. Further, penalties should exist enforcing mandatory time off the field until a medical professional determines it is safe to return.

Continue reading "California Head Injury Bill Receives Support From NFL" »

In a tragic accident, a man who was hit in the head by an errant golf ball at a Chino country club died this weekend. According to the San Bernardino County Coroner, the man complained of head and neck pain after sustaining the hit and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Although the facts and circumstances of this case are unknown, whenever an individual receives a blunt or sudden sharp impact to the head, it is crucial to seek medical attention at once. Often, signs of injury may not be readily apparent, however your best chance at recovery is with immediate treatment.

As a result of this accident, many are questioning the safety of golf courses and whether more precautions should be taken to eliminate hazards such as stray balls. Although individuals involved in sports assume a certain amount of risk when participating, occasionally serious accidents occur which raise the issue of fault. In certain circumstances such as where an unreasonable risk of danger is allowed to exist, or where there is inadequate warning, the host may be found liable.

Continue reading "Brea Man Dies After Golf Ball Accident" »

Last week's deadly pipeline explosion killed at least four people, injured more than 50 and burned 38 San Bruno, California homes. Although the accident of this size are rare, significant incidents, i.e. those that result in injury of death, cause more that $50,000 in property damage, release a sizeable amount of material, or accidentally catch fire or explode, are relatively common. Nationwide in 2009, 265 serious pipeline accidents occurred, resulting in 14 deaths and 63 injuries.

Although PG&E has set aside up to $100 million to compensate residents, the fund won't cover claims for personal injury or wrongful death. The facts and circumstances of the explosion are yet to be determined, however in accidents of this magnitude it is likely questions will be raised whether PG & E was negligent in its maintenance of the lines or in allowing an unreasonably dangerous condition to exist. Pipleline explosions can cause lifelong injuries including traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

This accident highlights the risk of more explosions from the thousands of aging pipelines, including 12,000 miles of pipeline throughout California. Here, the pipeline was more than 50 years old, had one section that was "unacceptably high" and was in a densely populated area.

Hopefully, this tragic accident will raise awareness of the unseen danger that runs underneath many communities throughout California and the nation, and the need to address the problem before more serious injuries and fatalities occur.

Continue reading "California Gas Explosion Kills 4, Injures More Than 50" »