Articles by Injury Lawyer San Diego

What Good Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do For Society?

November 17, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

Unfortunately, personal injury attorneys have a bad reputation with most people. Many see our role in the legal profession as greedy and vindictive people who chase ambulances in order to make money at the expense of our clients and society.

Not only is the stereotype false, but many people overlook all the good things that injury lawyers do. We are dedicated to our work and we are motivated by ensuring our client’s rights are represented so that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Our San Diego accident attorneys certainly do not fall under this poor stereotype. We recently wrote an article about the stereotypes about our profession, why they are not true, and why injury attorneys benefit the public.

Hot Topics in Personal Injury Law

As a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, I receive a number of lawyer newsletters from law offices around California and the United States.  I received one recently from Dallas personal injury lawyer Jeff Rasansky which had an article in it entitled, “Advocates or Ambulance Chasers.”  It really struck me with it’s honesty and truth about the good that injury lawyers do…and the negative public opinion they commonly face.

It’s no secret that personal injury attorneys have a bad reputation in our society.  We have all heard the various stereotypes and jokes about our profession.  These stereotypes are not only false, but they are damaging to our legal system and society.  The legal system is what people should turn to in their time of need.  It is their last avenue for appeal and redress when private parties and the government will not act responsible for their negligent acts.  And truth be told, the vast majority of personal injury lawyers are doing the right thing.  People that are involved in a car accident, motorcycle accidents, or injured by a defective product turn to lawyers every day because they know that an attorney will represent their rights, and not those of an insurance company.

So where do these negative stereotypes come from? 

The first source that comes to mind is the media.  TV shows, the news, and movies very often show lawyers in the worst light possible: as greedy and vindictive.  Also, some of the attorney advertisements by real life personal injury lawyers make it seem that attorneys are money hungry and that they convince people that they need an attorney.  However, most injury attorneys do not look at potential clients as dollar signs.  These money hungry attorneys are the minority.

Not only do injury lawyers help their clients in their time of need, but their work ensures that people live in a safe environment.  Corporations and people are mindful of what can happen to them if they decide not to behave in a reasonable manner.  Also, you have attorneys to thank for the various safety laws and regulations that we have.  These laws were enacted in response to negligent behavior, and these laws provide a standard which intends to keep the public healthy and safe.  

I can see why people think the way they do about personal injury attorneys since negative stereotypes are all around them.  While, it is true that “one bad apple spoils the entire bunch,”  you always hear about the immoral attorney who stole their client’s money on the news, but you NEVER hear about any of the positive things personal injury lawyers do for their clients.  

It also does not help that corporations and insurance companies also attempt to paint injury law firms in a bad light too.  However, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be an accident attorney.  In America, there are several ways to make a living and make money–people don’t have to be lawyers to make a lot of money.  In fact, many people chose to become personal injury lawyers because they want to help people.  Besides, corporations and insurance companies paint us in this bad light because we threaten them with lawsuits if they do not follow the law and when their insureds are careless and negligent.

There may be a time in your life when you are faced with a situation that will require you to hire an accident attorney.  You should not be just another number or case in your attorney’s file cabinet. You are an individual with your own worries and hopes about your injury claim.  

National Sleep Foundation Offers Tips to Prevent Drowsy Driving

November 13, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

Falling asleep at the wheel causes one in every six car accidents in the United States, according to the National Sleep Foundation. That’s why the foundation is supporting National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week this November.

Most drivers are aware of the dangers of driving while drunk, drugged, or texting on a cell phone, all of which can cause a serious accident by taking the driver’s full attention away from the road. Most drivers also realize that it’s dangerous to drive when you’re too sleepy.

In a AAA Foundation poll, 96 percent of drivers who responded said that drivers should not be behind the wheel when they are too tired to keep their eyes open.

San Diego, CA Injury Accident Attorney Supports CAOC

November 12, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

George Washington once said:

“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

Letter of Instructions to the Captains of the Virginia Regiments [July 29, 1759]. The advocates of consumer rights, viewing the resources of defense firms and corporate defendants, can relate to the trepidation felt by the out-numbered and out-gunned Continental Army. Because of that disparity in resources, Consumer Attorneys of California (“CAOC”) consolidates the voices of consumer attorneys throughout the state to (1) preserve and protect the constitutional right to trial by jury for all consumers, (2) champion the cause of those who deserve redress for injury to person or property, (3) encourage and promote changes to California law by legislative, initiative or court action, (4) oppose injustice in existing or contemplated legislation, (5) correct harsh, unjust and oppressive legislation or judicial decisions, (6) advance the common law and promote the public good through the civil justice system and concerted efforts to secure safe products, a safe workplace, a clean environment, and quality health care, (7) uphold the honor, integrity and dignity of the legal profession by encouraging mutual support and cooperation among members, (8) promote the highest standards of professional conduct, and (9) inspire excellence in advocacy. This post is a multi-blog effort to inform consumer attorneys about CAOC’s value and encourage participation in CAOC through membership.

CAOC works tirelessly to protect or advance those causes of import to consumers and their attorneys in California. Often those efforts, though valuable, receive little fanfare. For example, CAOC recently sponsored SB 510, which affects the re-sale of what are known as “structured settlements,” in which victims receive financial compensation over a period of time for medical expenses and basic living needs, as determined by a jury. Before SB 510 was signed by the Governor, Courts expressed frustration at their inability to prevent the sale of structured settlements on terms that might ultimately lead to long-term financial hardship for the victim. Now, SB 510 gives judges the information they need to make a reasoned decision about the propriety of a structured settlement sale.

Measures like CAOC-sponsored SB 510 help protect the most vulnerable members of our society and ask for nothing in return. They exemplify the spirit of CAOC. However, CAOC is only as effective in its mission as its membership allows it to be. When consumer attorneys join the ranks of CAOC, its voice gains in power and clarity. But if consumer advocates sit on the sidelines, hoping to benefit from the work of others, CAOC is stretched thin, and we are all at risk as a result.

Now, consumer advocate bloggers from across the state are combining their voices to call upon each and every lawyer and firm that regularly represents plaintiffs to join CAOC, thereby strengthening the consumer’s first line of defense. The blogs participating in this unified call to action are:

  • The Complex Litigator (H. Scott Leviant)
  • The UCL Practitioner (Kimberly Kralowec)
  • Bailey Class Action Daily (Matt Bailey)
  • California Employee Rights Blog (James J. Peters)
  • An Appeal to Reason (Donna Bader)
  • California Personal Injury and Insurance Blog (Jonathan G. Stein)
  • California Debt Blog (Jonathan G. Stein)
  • TrialLawyerTips.com (Mitch Jackson and Lisa Wilson)
  • California Injury Blog (John Bisnar)
  • San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Blog
  • San Diego Injury Accident Lawyer Blog
  • California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog (Walton Law Firm LLP)
  • San Diego Injury Law Blog (Walton Law Firm LLP)
  • California Personal Injury Law Blog (Norman Gregory Fernandez)
  • Biker Lawyer Blog (Norman Gregory Fernandez)
  • California Credit Law (Mark F. Anderson, Carol Brewer & Andy Ogilvie)
  • Lemon Law Blog (Mark F. Anderson, Carol Brewer & Andy Ogilvie)

Show your support of consumers’ rights by joining and supporting CAOC. Together we can make an impact that we cannot make alone.

Fatal Yucca Valley Car Accident Kills Woman

November 8, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

54-year-old Deborah Ann Gerdes was killed in a fatal pedestrian wreck that occurred on November 5, 2011, around 6:40 p.m. on Highway 62 (SR 62) crossing at Geronimo Trail, Yucca Valley. According to San Bernardino County coroner, at least two vehicles struck her as she tried to cross the freeway.

Gerdes suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene. From the available information, it is unclear whether the victim had the right-of-way or was at a marked intersection. The accident is still under investigation.

The victim’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced San Bernardino County pedestrian accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights. Gerdes’s family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault car drivers to obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated wages, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Gerdes for such a heart rendering loss.

1 Worker Dead, Another Missing in Texas Sewer Line Work Accident

November 7, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

One man was killed and another is still missing in a fatal work-related accident that occurred around 8 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2011 in a Collin County suburb in Texas.

According to officials, the two contract workers from North Texas Municipal Water District went down into a 60-inch wastewater collection line to remove a clog. The sewer line was filled with poisonous gas fumes that killed one worker immediately. Neither was wearing respiratory devices.

Rescue crews pulled the worker’s body from the sewer pipe, but a second is still missing. Rescuers believe he was swept down the line, which runs several miles long. Investigations are underway and the crew plans to search various manholes to find the other worker.

Our personal injury office offers our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of the victims.

We understand that this puts a huge emotional and financial burden on the victims’ families. They should immediately consult with a workplace accident attorney to learn about their legal rights and options. They may be able to receive workers’ compensation to cover the medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of love and wages.

San Diego Attorneys Join the Race for the Cure

November 6, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

On November 4, the San Diego chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation held a “Race for the Cure” event to raise money for breast cancer research, advocacy, and support. The legal team at the Law Group, which has 9 staff members, created a race team of over 50 participates to join in the fight against breast cancer – and we’re taking our support past the race itself.

From now until December 4, 2012, the Law Group will match any donations to the Komen Foundation, up to $1,000 total. You can make donations directly.

Brazil Woman Finds ‘Dead’ Mother Alive in Morgue

November 6, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

Rosangela Celestrino was called to a Rio de Janeiro hospital to identify her mother’s body on September 23, 2011, only to find that her mother was still alive.

The mother was initially admitted to the Hospital Estadual Adao Pereira Nunes for a pulmonary infection. Doctors had pronounced 60-year-old Rosa Celestrino de Assis dead, and she was placed in the refrigerated drawer of a hospital morgue for two hours.

“I went to kiss my mom, and she was breathing.”

The mother was immediately taken to the ICU, intubated again, and put on a respirator.

The nurse who first suspected the mother was dead was fired and the doctor who pronounced her dead had resigned. The Celestrino family made a police complaint. If medical negligence is proven, the family could sue the hospital for personal injury. If the mother dies, the family can file a wrongful death suit for manslaughter.

Minnesota Work Accident Kills Electrical Worker

November 6, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

58-year-old Bruce Lynn Leibfried died in a Sioux Falls job site accident on November 1, 2011. He was working on a scissor lift at 7 a.m. when the bucket of his crane was lodged between some tubing and a rafter in the ceiling. No one was nearby.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and Rural Metro ambulance responded to the call of a work site accident at 8 a.m. and found Leibfried dead at the scene. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the cause of the incident.

Right now, the deceased worker’s family members should consult with a personal injury attorney to learn about their legal rights and options. If the electrical company could have prevented the accident, then the family can sue for compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. The family may also be eligible for Social Security benefits, depending on the situation.

Bicyclist Struck By Teenage Driver in Chino

October 31, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

44-year-old Francisco Donato was struck and injured in a serious bicycle accident that occurred on October 27, 2011, around 6 a.m. between Chino Avenue and Arvidson Street. According to the Police officials, Donato was pedaling south along the 13300 block of East End Avenue when he was struck by 18-year-old Gerardo Mendez driving a 2001 GMC Yukon. The teen was attempting to pass another vehicle when the collision happened.

Donato suffered serious injuries and was immediately airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment. From the limited information, it is clear that the negligence and reckless driving of the teen driver led to this serious bicycle wreck. The investigation is in process.

Meanwhile, the injured bicyclist should immediately seek counsel from an experienced San Bernardino County bicycle accident lawyer who would educate him about his legal rights and assure that the at-fault party is brought to justice.

The injured victim can also file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to obtain compensation to cover treatment, medical and hospital costs, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office sincerely hopes that the injuries suffered by the bicyclist heal soon.

Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Loma Linda Auto Accident

October 24, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

26-year-old Timothy Joseph Taylor was killed in Loma Linda traffic accident along I-10 that occurred on October 18, 2011, around 9:22 p.m. at the Sun City area of Menifee. According to San Bernardino County coroner’s officials, Taylor was struck by an unidentified vehicle near Tippecanoe Avenue.

Taylor suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital less than 30 minutes after the report was made. From the available information, it appears that the negligent driving of the motorist led to this serious pedestrian accident. The accident is under investigation.

At this time, the deceased’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced San Bernardino County pedestrian accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and options and would assure that the at-fault motorist is brought to justice.

The victim’s family members can also file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist to obtain timely compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Taylor for such a heart rendering loss.