Recent Blog Posts in 2010

In Winona, Minnesota, it is reported that a second wrongful death lawsuit was dismissed against the owner of a hotel located in Independence, Wisconsin.  In February 2009, the hotel burned down and three men died during the fire.

According to the Winona Daily News, the lawsuit was dismissed after a minor settlement with the owner of the hotel, Corazon Peterson, was reached with her insurance company.  The personal injury claim was filed by the families of Gerardo Reyes Perez and Humberto Hernandez Vanegas, both who died during the apartment building fire.

At this time, the amount of the settlement has not been disclosed as Trempealeau County Circuit Court Judge John Damon agreed to seal the case along with any documents pertaining to the case.

It is reported that The Hotel Tap building had failed fire inspections prior to the blaze. 

If you would like to file a wrongful death claim in the city of San Diego, speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer by contacting our law firm now.

In San Diego, a 57-year-old man that has been accused of driving while intoxicated and causing a fatal collision last Friday night in Carmel Mountain is scheduled to be arraigned this week.  Anthony Guarino has been charged with driving under the influence, DUI causing bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter.

In 2006, the Department of Motor Vehicle records show that Guarino was cited in April for driving over 100 mph and was convicted at that time.  During the accident that took place on Friday evening, 65-year-old Marc William Durham of Rancho Bernardo was killed after he was hit from behind.  The impact caused a chain reaction and led to 4 other cars being involved in the collision.

It is reported that Guarino and the drivers of the three other vehicles were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.  Durham died at the scene of the crash and had just retired.

If you have been injured during a car accident that was caused by another person's recklessness, contact our law office to discuss your case with a San Diego personal injury attorney.

In La Jolla, police say that four people were injured when a drunk driver ran down a set of pedestrians on the sidewalk and then proceeded to slam into a nearby café.  The pedestrians have to be taken to a local hospital and were treated with serious injuries said the San Diego Union-Tribunw.

66-year-old Ronald Troyer was driving a Chrysler New Yorker during the evening hours when he veered onto a sidewalk and hit three teenagers.  His car continued to move forward crashing into the Cass Street Café & Bakery, where it hit patrons.

The three teenagers whose ages ranged from 14 to 17 were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries including broken legs. One of the patrons from the café received treatment from a hospital and was released.

Troyer was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license.  He has had his license suspended seven times for prior drunk driving convictions.

If you are seriously injured during a drunk driving accident or car accident you must consult with a San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible.  Contact our law office now!

The city of San Diego, it is reported that a volunteer died after falling from the mast aboard the historic sailing ship, the Star of India. According to news sources, the Maritime Museum of San Diego volunteer fell 50 feet and plummeted to his death.

San Diego Fire Rescue officials say that 68-year-old Gregory Vance Gunshaw, who was from Coronado, was using a safety harness when something snapped and caused him to fall 50 feet directly into the water.  While falling, he hit his head on the historic ship. 

A witness of the accident told reporters, "I heard a snap. It sounded like rope snapping or a 2×4 splitting, and then I didn't hear a yell or anything like that. The snap got my attention, and then I saw a blur coming down and hitting the ship."

Other volunteers began to administer CPR to Gunshaw after pulling him from the water.  He was taken to a local hospital and an hour later was pronounced dead.  Gunshaw is a former Naval officer and a longtime volunteer.

If you have been involved in a boat accident in San Diego, contact us to get help from a San Diego personal injury lawyer.

This week, it was reported that a small town in Libby, Montana has had numerous mesthothelioma and other asbestos related deaths.  According to health officials, 400 deaths have occurred in the town due to the now-defunct W.R. Grace vermiculite mine. 

Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is used as insulation.  Unfortunately, the side effect of vermiculite mining is asbestos. 

The W.R. Grace vermiculite mine operated from the 1920s to the 1990s and then closed due to asbestos contamination.  The mine and the town of Libby are two of the most contaminated areas in the United States.

Health officials say that vermiculite ore from the mine was sent to a processing plant in Dearborn, Michigan where the vermiculite was extracted for building materials, exposing workers to asbestos.  Other cities in Michigan also hosted similar plants using ores from Libby.

If you have developed complications from exposure to asbestos in San Diego, contact our law office to discuss your case with a San Diego personal injury attorney.

In Killean, police say that they had to respond to an accident near Clairidge and Old FM 440.  The accident took place during the early morning hours and it is reported that the driver of a motor vehicle hit a pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision one hour after the crash occurred.

Police say that they took the victim's body to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas for an autopsy.  They also say that the driver was in a 2007 Dodge Nitro and claimed the victim was hidden from view when the pedestrian accident took police.  Officers are still conducting investigations and also asking for help with identifying the victim, who is described as being Asian, with dark hair and about 5'0" tall.  The victim was wearing a white short sleeve shirt, green Capri pants and also white tennis shoes.

If you have been injured during a pedestrian accident in San Diego, now is the time to contact us and speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.

This week in San Diego, a Navy commander said that a U.S. destroyer on a training exercise collided into a civilian boat right off the Southern California Pacific Coast.

Greg Hicks, U.S. Navy Commander, reports that the boating accident resulted in no serious injuries.  However, investigators are still looking into the cause.

Hicks told news sources that the USS Shoup, a guided missile destroyer, had suffered some scrapes.  Despite the accident, both boats are fine and functioning.

USS Shoup is 509 feet long and transports approximately 380 people.  Currently, it is training out at sea with the Abraham Lincoln strike group.  The other vessel involved in the accident is reported as being 21 feet.

Have you sustained serious injuries during a boating accident in San Diego or Southern California?  If so, contact our law office and speak with a San Diego personal injury attorney now.  Legal help is just a phone call away.

Recently, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office ruled a 2 year old's death as being accidental.  The young boy had been mauled by his family's German shepherd mix.  The dog bite attack occurred in the family's apartment complex.

Police report that the family dog attacked Aaron Carlson while his three siblings were nearby, in the same room.  The family lives in the Tierrasata neighborhood.

At the time of the dog attack, the boy's mother was in the home.  The father is deployed overseas.  During the autopsy, it was revealed that the 2 year old died from injuries to his head and neck.  Since the attack, the dog has been euthanized.

If you or your child has been viciously attacked by a dog and you believe dog owner negligence played a role in your being injured, contact us to discuss your case with a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer.

This week in San Diego, a jury decided to award a mother and her daughter $11 million dollars.  The pair was awarded the money after they were seriously hurt during an auto accident with a Pizza Hut delivery driver.  According to reports, the driver had a seizure right before the accident occurred in November of 2008.

After deliberating for two hours, the jury awarded damages to 87 year old Olena Novak and 62 year old Shari Novak.  The jurors found that Pizza Hut was negligent in hiring the driver.

James Yukevich, lawyer for the pizza company, said that the driver did not know she was suffering from a "complex seizure disorder" until after the accident had occurs.

Reports indicate that Olena suffered a broken neck and that Shari suffered permanent brain damage and can no longer care for herself.

Hurt in an auto accident?  If so, contact our law office and set up a time to consult with a San Diego personal injury attorney.

This Saturday, it is reported that a woman died from her injuries after being involved in a single-boat accident.  The boating accident allegedly occurred near Captain Hiram's Resort and the woman was the wife of Highlands County Commissioner Jeff Carlson, who was driving the boat.

Police say that 39 year old Julie Carlson died on Sunday after the boat she was on hit a sign about 100 yards east of the resort.  At this time, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are looking into the case.  They say that there was evidence that alcohol was on the boat.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that the accident occurred on Saturday at around 10:00 PM when the 22 foot boat accelerated and struck a piling that caused Julie Carlson to hit the piling or sign.

When the boat returned to the dock for help, Julie was flown to the hospital for treatment. 

If you were injured during a San Diego boating accident, contact us to discuss your case with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.

The Sacramento Bee recently reported that one of the largest elder abuse verdicts ever awarded has been upheld by a Superior Court judge.  In a nursing home abuse lawsuit filed against Horizon West HealthCare, a $29 million verdict was awarded to the plaintiff.  The lawsuit resulted from the 2005 death of a resident at Horizon West HealthCare. 

According to reports, the deceased was named Francis Tanner and she had retired from a life of public service with both the FBI and IRS before arriving at Horizon in 2005.  While staying at the Facility, Tanner suffered a fall that led to her suffering a broken hip, which went undiagnosed by the facility for days.  Eventually, after being bedridden and receiving inadequate care, she died from an infected bed sore.  These types of sores are preventable and commonly occur when there is nursing home neglect.

During the trial, evidence revealed that the facility was understaffed and violated state laws which mandated a minimum number of care hours.  For this reason, a $29 million verdict was awarded after a jury decided that the plaintiff should be given $800,000 for pain and suffering and $28 million in punitive damages.

However, Horizon West HealthCare challenged the verdict was too high, only to have the verdict upheld by a Superior Court judge who said, "this was an overwhelming case. It does not deserve to be retried. That would be a travesty."

Contact us today to speak with a San Diego personal injury attorney about your nursing home abuse case!

This Monday morning, a boy from Lincoln Park, Illinois was found dead in his home, say area police.  The boy's death is believed to have been caused by multiple dog bites.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's office conducted an autopsy after the boy's mother found him upstairs in his room mutilated.  The boy, Kyle Holland, died from crush wounds and sustained bites to the face, head, neck, shoulder, chest, left arm and his legs.

At this time, police report that they will continue investigating the incident and that they have not made any arrests in connection with the boy's death.  Authorities took two dogs from the boy's home, a 35 Labrador mix and a 90 pound husky/German Sheperd mix.  Both dogs belong to the mother's live-in boyfriend.

If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite in San Diego, now is the time to work with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.  To receive counsel from a lawyer, contact our law office now!

What is a toxic tort case?
A toxic tor case is a very unique type of personal injury lawsuit.  When people file toxic torts, the defendants are companies that manufacture or supply chemical products that have caused serious toxic injuries.  In order to move forward with lawsuits, plaintiffs need to prove that there is a connection between their suffering injuries and exposure to toxic chemicals, which can be extremely difficult to do.

What injuries can stem from exposure to toxic chemicals?
When people have been exposed to chemicals that are toxic in nature, they can suffer from a vast array of injuries and diseases.  Some of these dangerous diseases include:  cancer, lung disease, blood disease, respiratory disease and Mesothelioma.  People usually develop these diseases and injuries after inhaling, ingesting or absorbing toxins.

Have you been harmed by toxic chemicals?
If so, you may be able to file a toxic tort.  The key to your success, however, is hiring a San Diego personal injury attorney that has handled these types of cases in the past.  Contact our law office to learn more!

There are two main diseases that are known to be caused by exposure to asbestos.  Below, each of these diseases is explained:

§  Mesothelioma:  this is the most common disease that results from exposure to asbestos.  Mesothelioma can be fatal and is a deadly condition that causes the parenchymal tissue in people's lungs to become inflamed.  This prevents blood/air exchange and can be life-threatening.

§  Lung Cancer:  when people are exposed to asbestos, they can develop lung cancer.  While developing lung cancer is fairly rare after asbestos exposure, it can happen and may result when people are exposed to brown or blue asbestos.

If you suffered an asbestos injury due to another person's negligence in San Diego, it is important that you discuss your injury with a San Diego personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.  In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation.  Contact our firm now to set up an initial case evaluation.

In San Diego, an 18 year old sailor had to be hospitalized after hitting a guardrail. 

Reports indicate that during an auto accident, the sailor suffered severe injuries.  Sonar Technician (Surface) 3^rd Class Douglas M. Hill lost one leg as it was seriously injured below the knee.  Authorities say that Hill also had to have his other leg amputated.

The California Highway Patrol reports that Hill was driving a 1998 Ford Mustang on Interstate 5 at approximately 2:00 PM.  While driving, his car crossed three lanes of traffic and then smashed into a metal guardrail, eventually flipping over completely. 

CHP investigators say that Hill had been speeding at the time of the collision and witnesses report that he was racing other cars during the crash.  One investigator said, "We are looking at different aspects of the investigation… we are not classifying it as a speeding type of accident as of yet."

Investigators have yet to speak with Hill about his accident and are still interviewing witnesses. 

If you have been injured in an auto accident in San Diego, now is the perfect time to consult with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.  Contact our law office now!

In a trial for a woman that stands accused of killing four people in northern San Diego during an auto accident, the jury has told the judge that they are deadlocked.  

Superior Court jurors sent a note to the judge this week, which prompting the defendant's (Deanna Fridley) attorney to ask for a mistrial.   In the mean time, prosecutors are trying to have a lone holdout juror replaced.

If she is convicted, Fridley will face life imprisonment as she was charged with four counts of second-degree murder.  According to prosecutors, the auto accident was caused because the 26 year old had been driving under the influence of methamphetamine on state Route 76.  Her car hit another vehicle and burst into flames after killing four people.

Many things can cause car accidents, however, driving under the influence happens to be a leading cause.  If you were hit by a drunk driver, you owe it to yourself to obtain help from a San Diego personal injury lawyer by contacting our legal team today!

On Friday, both a driver of a car and a pedestrian suffered injuries during separate traffic accidents, say police.

The first accident took place before noon in Kearny Mesa.  According to officers, a man driving a Mercedes on Ruffin Road failed to stop at a red light.  This led to his vehicle crashing into a 1996 Jeep that was heading eastbound on Chesapeake.  The Jeep flipped over from the impact and its driver had to be taken to the hospital to receive treatment for a serious head injury.

At 1:30 PM, another accident occurred in downtown San Diego.  Police say that a woman in a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner was driving north on 2^nd Avenue and making a left hand turn when she caused a pedestrian accident.  The man she struck suffered a head injury and a broken femur, but his injuries were not classified as being serious.

Authorities report that alcohol did not play a role in either accident.

Being injured by the negligence of another person is a serious matter that deserves serious legal representation.  If you are a victim of negligence in San Diego, contact our legal team and speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.

On Tuesday night, police told news sources that a San Diego woman has been arrested for suspicion of murder and driving under the influence.  The woman is connected to a fatal car accident that took place in April which led to the death of 95 year old Stevens Benjamin Friedman as well as the injuries of two others.

47 year old Melanie Rebecca Flores was placed under arrest by Coronado police at 7:30 PM on Tuesday.  She stands accused of driving while intoxicated on April 21, 2010.

During the accident, Flores hit two vehicles, injuring the vehicles' drivers and Friedman who was in the front passenger seat of one car.  He allegedly died of a blunt-force injury to his chest. 

Flores' arraignment took place this week Thursday.   Due to the serious injuries she suffered, Flores' arrest had been delayed by police.

Were you hurt during an auto accident in San Diego?  Contact us to speak with a San Diego personal injury attorney about your case.

In Brentwood, New Hampshire, news sources report that a babysitter was placed under arrest by law enforcement on Friday.  The babysitter, 26 year old Elizabeth Torrey, was apprehended by officers after she allegedly assaulted an 8 month old baby that she was watching.

Police arrested Torrey in her Candia residence. 

On June 9^th, the baby allegedly suffered a brain injury while left in Torrey's care.  At this time, the baby remains in the hospital in critical condition. 

Authorities have not released details on the circumstances surrounding the injuries.  However, they have moved forward with charging Torrey with first degree assault.  Her bail was set at $500 and she has been ordered to surrender her passport.  Torrey was also ordered to have zero contact with the victim or the victim's family.  She is scheduled to appear in court on August 4^th.

If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury due to the reckless actions of another person in San Diego, contact our legal team and speak with a San Diego personal injury attorney.

In San Diego, a single vehicle crash that occurred on the freeway left two people with injuries on Thursday afternoon.  The auto accident also caused a nearby brush fire that supposedly blackened out 10 open acres.

According to officers, the vehicle veered off of Interstate 8 near Carrizo Gorge Road, which is near the Jacumba area.  The vehicle then overturned in the center median.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) says that the accident took place around 2:00 PM.  Immediately following the crash, the brush ignited in the divider and started to burn.  Suddenly, flames and embers from the fire set nearby foliage ablaze, prompting a large fire.

Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading and managed to get control of the blaze by 4:00 PM.  The crew members worked on the ground and also aboard two air tankers and two helicopters.

One of the people involved in the accident had to be airlifted to a trauma center.  It is not yet known if the other victim was hospitalized. 

If you were involved in a major auto accident that left you with injuries in San Diego, now is the right time to get a San Diego personal injury lawyer involved.  Contact our law office today!

Anytime people have been involved in accidents and have suffered injuries, it is important that they obtain the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer.  Below, our law office explains why it is important to hire a personal injury attorney:

§  A personal injury lawyer can help victims sort through the facts surrounding their cases and take appropriate forms of legal action.  Whether people need to negotiate with insurance companies or file claims against negligent parties, a personal injury attorney can make a substantial difference by providing the right set of legal services.

§  A personal injury attorney can build a strong case by reviewing the evidence and presenting it against defendants.  Lawyers who work in this niche area of law have the experience and knowledge it takes to build winning cases.

§  A personal injury lawyer can provide the right investigative resources and access to experts, which will only enhance the strength of victims' cases.

§  A personal injury lawyer can give victims the support and courage they need to take necessary legal steps to protect themselves from future damages.

Were you harmed by the negligence of another person in San Diego?  If so, contact our legal team and discuss your case with a San Diego personal injury attorney!

Most people know that when a car or other type of motor vehicle hits a pedestrian, the outcome can be serious.  This is due to the fact that pedestrians do not have any external protection to shield them from the impact of a vehicle that weighs ton.  Therefore, when pedestrian accidents occur, pedestrians can suffer horrible injuries or even be wrongfully killed.

Below, we have compiled some statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association to show how serious pedestrian accidents can be:

Each year, approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed during accidents with vehicles in the U.S.

Each year, it is reported that approximately 64,000 pedestrians are injured while being struck by motor vehicles. 

11% of motor vehicle accident fatalities involve pedestrians.

The majority of pedestrians that are killed or injured during accidents happen to be young children and teenagers.

Between 1975 and 2005, over 180,000 pedestrians have been killed during accidents with motor vehicles.

Every 8 minutes, it is reported that a pedestrian is injured during an accident with a vehicle.

If you have been injured during a pedestrian accident in San Diego, now is the time to contact us and speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.

In the San Fernando Valley, two men were arrested by law enforcement after they were caught operating a home loan modification scam in Southern California.  The scheme led to the men, 37 year old Joseph Nguyen and 27 year old Matthew Bourgo, obtaining over $30 million.  Both were former employees of ALG Capital Inc. and were arrested on Tuesday for conducting a "bait and switch scam".  Police also arrested 30 year old Sean McConville in Austin, Texas for his role in the illegal operation.

According to the state Attorney General's office, the trio was charged with 38 counts of grand theft, 19 counts of forgery, 1 count of conspiracy to commit grand theft and 3 counts of elder abuse. 

In October 2008, the Attorney General's office started to investigate the men after receiving 70 complaints against ALG Capital.  They say that ALG collected almost $1 million in undisclosed fees and locked homeowners into $30 million in loans with terms that they did not agree to.  Many of the victims included senior citizens.

If you have been a victim of financial elder abuse, now is the time to take action and discuss your legal options with a San Diego personal injury attorney.  Contact our law firm today!

This week, an officer from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and three others had to be rushed to the hospital after a three-vehicle crash on northbound 405.  The auto and motorcycle accident led to traffic being backed up for several hours on the Freeway on Wednesday.

According to reports, the CHP officer is 52 year old Phillip Ortiz.  Officer had been riding a motorcycle and was about to make a stop on the right shoulder of the highway near Interstate 10 at 8:35 AM.  Witnesses say that a car that was traveling along the shoulder tried to get around slower moving traffic and managed to crash into Officer Ortiz.  The officer's motorcycle was then pushed forward into a SUV.  The force of the impact caused the SUV to flip over.

Officer Ortiz, who is a 27 year veteran with the CHP, remains in the hospital in critical condition.  Police say the occupants of the SUV and the driver of the other car were taken to UCLA Medical Center.

If you have been injured during a San Diego motorcycle accident, it is important that you retain the services of a San Diego personal injury lawyer immediately.  Contact our law office today!

Recently, a widow has filed a medical malpractice claim for the pain and suffering her husband had to endure due to receiving a kidney from a woman who had cancer.  The woman, who lost her husband, is seeking $3 million in compensation.

Kimberly Liew's husband was 37 years old when he died in February 2002.  He had received an organ from a woman who supposedly died of a stroke.  However, after an autopsy was performed, it was revealed that the woman had uterine cancer and was unaware of her illness.

In April, a NYU transplant surgeon by the name of Thomas Diflo broke the news to Liew's husband.  Yet, he insisted on keeping the kidney because he did not want to go back on dialysis.  Even though a medical malpractice claim has been filed against Diflo, his lawyer says that the doctor was merely following the wishes of his patient.  The lawyer insists that Dr. Diflo is not responsible for the death of Liew's husband.

Are you planning to file a medical malpractice claim in San Diego?  If so, contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer who can help you prepare a solid case.