Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

This past Friday a Los Angeles jury awarded $17 million to the family of a blind passenger - Cameron Cuthbertson - who died in a Metro Blue Line accident. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Cuthbertson's mother after the Compton man accidentally mistook a gap between trains as a door. The lawsuit alleged that the MTA was negligent and failed to have adequate barriers on the train platforms as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since the 2009 accident, the MTA has installed barriers to prevent more accidents from occurring.

Representatives of the family note, "The evidence was overwhelming that for 19 years, the MTA failed to protect the disabled and the visually impaired."

Wrongful death cases can arise in virtually any situation where a person, entity or company acts carelessly or recklessly. Here - the failure to take action to protect against a known danger lead to Cuthbertson's tragic death. Where negligent conduct results in a serious personal injury or wrongful death, the survivors may be able to recover compensation. Survivors may include spouses, parents, children or siblings depending on each case.

If your family has been affected by a wrongful death, it is important to contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer who understands the devastation impact a tragic accident can have on a family and has the experience to successfully resolve these claims.

Continue reading "$17 Million Wrongful Death Verdict Against MTA " »

Last week's horrific Amtrak train accident that left six people dead and several more with serious injuries raises several issues of fault. The train/truck collision occurred after a big rig crashed into the train just outside of Reno.

If you have sustained any serious injuries or lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin an investigation into the accident.

Here both the conductor of the train and the driver of the truck were killed, making the investigation more difficult. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to look into the crash. Many of the initial reports have focused on the potential fault of the truck driver and the trucking company. Reports indicate that the trucking company had 17 violations of faulty equipments and two crashes since 2009. One accident involved bald tires and in another the springs were defective.

Continue reading "Fatal Amtrak Train/Truck Accident Raises Questions of Fault" »

L.A. Now reports that a 21-year-old Pasadena man was killed in a Los Angles car accident when he lost control of his vehicle while driving on the Angeles Crest Highway between La Canada Flintridge and Angeles Forest Highway. The portion of the highway where the accident occurred had recently been reopened after being closed for nearly one and one-half years to repair extensive road damage.

If you have lost a loved one or have suffered serious injuries from a car accident, it is important to speak to an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer immediately to begin an investigation into the cause of the accident and preserve your right to obtain compensation.

Here, the man was injured when he lost control of his car, driving up and embankment and crashing into a tree. While sources indicate that an investigation will be conducted to determine whether alcohol was involved, many other factors may have played a role as well. For example, an investigation into the condition of the roadway is important. This dangerous stretch had just been re-opened, leading to questions of whether the highway repairs and maintenance were adequate. Even where driving errors may be a factor in a crash, if the road wasn't properly designed, containing unmarked hazards or other dangerous characteristics, the entity responsible for designed or maintaining the road may be held responsible for an ensuing car crash.

Continue reading "Pasadena Man Killed In La Canada Flintridge Car Accident" »

The L.A. Times reports that the family of a toddler who died after falling 30 feet from a luxury box at the Staples Center has sued the owner and operator of the arena. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants allowed a dangerous condition - a poorly designed barrier - to exist at the Staples Center.

The lawsuit further asserts that ownership also failed to provide any warnings of the dangerous condition.

Under California law owners and occupiers of businesses, land and homes have a responsibility to maintain their property and keep it safe. Owners/occupiers are required to take care of any known dangers, and to provide adequate warning of potential dangers.

If you are injured on someone else's property - be it a sporting event, a grocery store or even a friend's house - as the result of a dangerous condition on that property, the owner or occupier may be found negligent and liable. It is important to speak to a knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to evaluate your claim and protect your right to sue.

Continue reading "Lawsuit Filed Against Staples Center Owner In Death of Toddler" »

According to L.A. Now, a 70-year-old woman died in a parking garage accident after her car plunged off the Sports Club Los Angeles parking structure in West L.A.. Her vehicle fell four stories before landing on its roof on the sidewalk. The cause of the accident was not immediately known, although evidence suggests her car hit a concrete slab which then created an large opening.

Police are currently investigating the accident.

If you or a loved one suffers serious injuries or wrongful death as the result of an accident, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney to gather evidence and protect your right to obtain compensation.

Continue reading "Woman Dies In Los Angeles Parking Structure Accident" »

One skydiver has died and another has suffered serious injuries in a Perris skydiving accident. These injuries come just two weeks after two other people were killed in a similar accident at the same skydiving location.

The accident occurred after two skydivers collided with each other mid-air. Both men were experienced jumpers with over a thousand jumps each. The men were taken to the hospital where one died of the injuries sustained from the fall and the other underwent emergency surgery for severe head and chest injuries.

If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of an accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at once to protect your rights and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Although all the facts and circumstances of this accident are unknown, it is likely an investigation will be conducted to determine issues such as whether anything could have been done to prevent the accident, if the equipment was functioning properly, or if the sky diving club took all the necessary precautions.

Continue reading "Perris Skydiving Accident Raises Questions Of Fault" »

Long Beach news reports that a twin-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Long Beach Airport. Five people were killed and another person seriously injured. Three of those killed were prominent Long Beach businessmen.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to investigate your case and provide you the legal representation you deserve.

The plane had just taken off on its way to Salt Lake City when it began circling back. It then exploded into a fireball. The sole survivor was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No reasons were immediately provided for the airplane accident, and it is currently under investigation.

When tragedies occur, the consequences can last a lifetime. Determining the cause of an accident is crucial for families both in terms of finding answers and obtaining compensation. In the case of airplane crashes, skilled attorneys will reconstruct the accident and determine the factors contributing to the incident. Legal fault is not necessarily limited to one source - but rather where responsibility for an incident falls on many parties, each may be liable for portion of the damages.

Continue reading "Fatal Long Beach Airplane Crash Kills Five" »

The Contra Costa Times reports that a man has died in a Long Beach motorcycle accident on the Del Amo Boulevard bridge over the Los Angeles River. News indicates that the man lost control of his motorcycle and struck the center median. Little else is known about how the accident occurred.

If you or a loved has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury to determine your next steps.

Often, the causes of any accident are not immediately apparent. With in-depth investigation and accident reconstruction, a skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to uncover several different factors that may have played a role in an accident and lead to potential compensation for a victim.

While in some cases driver error is to blame, other times faulty parts, roadway hazards, other drivers and unreasonably dangerous condition may contribute to a serious accident or even wrongful death.

Continue reading "Fatal Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Kills One" »

A Simi Valley man and his daughter have filed a Lap-Band lawsuit alleging medical malpractice and wrongful death in Los Angeles County Superior Court as the result of the death of Laura Faitro following Lap-Bank weight loss surgery.

If you or a family member has suffered harm after receiving medical care - or believe you have been injured due to inadequate medical care - please contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyer.

Here, Faitro underwent the Lap-Band surgery at Valley Surgical Center in West Hills and was discharged the same day despite her complaints of severe abdominal pain. She was admitted to the ER two days later, and subsequently died. In recent years, four Southern California patients have died following this procedure.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Filed After Woman Dies Following Lap Band Surgery" »

The U.S. Supreme Court this week determined that a California family can proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit arising out of a car accident where a woman in the second-row middle seat was killed.

The court determined that even though Mazda complied with federal safety laws, it was negligent in not equipping its cars with shoulder belts in the middle seats. Mazda was not immune from common law liability simply because the Department of Transportation did not order all cars to install the shoulder belts.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at once. A skilled L.A. personal injury lawyer can conduct an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding an accident.

Often, the cause of an accident may not be readily apparent. Many factors may influence both the cause and the severity of an accident. These factors include not only roadway conditions and driver error, but also defective auto parts and manufacturer negligence. With in depth investigation, an experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate the different influences on an accident and determine possible avenues of recovery.

Continue reading "California Family Can Sue For Wrongful Death Auto Accident Where Mazda Failed To Install Shoulder Belts" »

The tragic Los Angeles bus accident near Lake Arrowhead raises significant questions concerning safety.

Reports indicate that the bus carrying the 22 people, mostly students, was not equipped with seatbelts. Further, although the 61-year-old driver was licensed, it was unknown if he was currently working or had retired.

If you have been injured in a bus accident or other motor vehicle accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to begin investigating the matter and discuss your options.

Anyone who has traveled California 189 knows that the road is treacherous. With sharp turns and steep inclines, safety is paramount. Reports indicate that as the bus rounded a "nearly hair-pin" run, it collided with an SUV coming in the opposite direction. The driver died and at least 10 face serious injuries. Whether anything could have been done to prevent the accident or lessen the severity of the impact is currently is under investigation. Many times factors other than driver error are at play and may impact a victim's right to compensation.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Bus Accident Raises Questions About Safety" »

KTLA News reports that a jogger was stuck and killed this past weekend as she stopped to grab a dog that was darting into traffic.

Mara Steves was jogging late Sunday morning when the tragic accident occurred. She was kneeling beside the dog when two cars crashed nearby, one of them careening onto the sidewalk and hitting Steves. Steves is being remembered as a tireless community volunteer, always with a smile on her face.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident or pedestrian accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at once to evaluate your options. A knowledgeable attorney can begin investigating the accident and determine whether you may be able to recover for your injuries or damages. Where an accident involves a Los Angeles wrongful death, families may be able to seek compensation for their loss.

Continue reading "Laguna Niguel Women Killed In Pedestrian Accident While Helping Dog" »

Survivors and family members of the Chatsworth Metrolink train accident gathered this week to recount the impact of the tragic crash in terms of the injuries sustained, the lives lost, and the emotional distress that resulted.

The families testified before Veolia - the French-owned company that employed the engineer who's text messaging caused the 2008 accident. As the result of the engineer's negligence, 25 people were killed and 135 injured. The engineer died as well.

If you believe another person's negligence has resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one or caused serious injuries, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and next steps.

Last week, a $200 million settlement was approved relieving Metrolink and Veolia of additional liability. Victims and their families stated that felt some "cleansing" at being able to confront the corporation who they hold mostly liable for the accident. Veolia hired the engineer and had previously warned him not to text. But, he was allowed to continue working, leading to this immense tragedy. In many cases, an employer or third party may be held responsible for the actions of their employee or contractor.

Continue reading "L.A. Train Accident Victims And Their Families Recall Tragic Crash" »

According to the L.A. Times, a mother has now filed a wrongful death action arising out the horrific California 200 desert off-road race in August. The accident occurred after an off-roader's pick-up truck crashed into the crowd, killing 8 including Andrew W. Therrien. Therrien died after pushing his 3 ½-year-old daughter to safety.

Typically, a wrongful death action arises where negligent or reckless conduct leads to the death of another. Any personal injury situation can be the basis of a claim for wrongful death, and generally any person or entity may be found liable if his or her conduct is at fault for the death. If you believe a loved one died as the result of another's negligent or reckless conduct an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney can advise you of your options.

Here, Thierren's mother filed a lawsuit alleging negligence against Mojave Desert Racing of South El Monte, the promoter, for allowing "unreasonably dangerous" spectator viewing areas. Negligence claims were also asserted against the racer, Brett M. Sloppy. Charges may also be filed against the Bureau of Land Management who granted a permit for the race. The family must show that the promoter and driver created an unreasonably dangerous condition - or failed to adequately warn of the dangers - and this condition played a role in Thierren's death.

Continue reading "El Monte Promoter Sued In Wrongful Death Action" »

Los Angeles news from KTLA reports that a couple was killed New Year's Eve as the result of police chasing down a DUI suspect. The couple's family is now speaking out, criticizing police for chasing the driver. The family believes the LAPD is partly responsible for the accident.

If you have lost a loved one or been injured by a drunk driving accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer attorney to discuss your options.

The incident occurred after the LAPD allegedly saw a man driving recklessly and then took off on in pursuit, causing the suspect to run a red light. The driver was on parole for a prior DUI.

While all the facts and circumstances are unknown, both the driver and the police conduct may be to blame for this incident. Drunk driving continues to plague our communities and efforts should be made to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel after drinking too much. However, the safety risks of police pursuits and high-speed chases make them a last resort to be used only when the benefit of apprehending a suspect outweigh the risks. Pursuing an already "reckless driver" through the streets of L.A. only increases the chances of a deadly accident. In fact, more than 2,500 people die and 55,000 people are injured annually due to high speed chases.

Continue reading "Hyde Park Drunk Driving Accident Ends In Tragedy" »