Personal Injury

A tragic accident involving a Greyhound bus killed six people and injured 20 others, according to the L.A. Times.

Three young women in an SUV were traveling north on Highway 99 near Fresno, when the vehicle made a sharp turn, struck the median, rolled over and landed in the left lane. All three women were killed.

A Greyhound bus on its way from Los Angeles to Sacramento at that time struck the SUV, which was lying in the road and most likely did not have its lights on. The bus swerved and hit a Honda CR-V. The bus, the Honda and the SUV then left the highway and rolled down a 15 foot embankment. The bus, which was carrying 36 passengers, struck a tree, which killed the driver and two of the passengers and caused the bus to break into pieces.

This tragic accident began with the three young women in the SUV making a turn into the median and ended with six people dead and 20 injured, some of them critically. Police are currently investigating the accident, but in many California vehicle accidents like this one, distracted driving is the cause. In 2008 alone, 6,000 people died as the result of distracted driving.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a California auto accident due to another person’s negligence, you need to protect your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (both current and future), pain and suffering, damage to your vehicle, lost wages, and more. Call the qualified San Fernando Valley auto accident attorneys at The Mandell Law Firm today at 818-886-6600 for a free consultation on your case.

A tragic accident occurred at a California 200 off-road race in the Mojave Desert in mid-August. The race features modified vehicles navigating obstacles, including a rock pile.

According to the L.A. Times, a driver in the race lost control of his truck when while attempting to navigate the rock pile, the truck flipped into the crowd. The truck was going an estimated 45 to 50 miles per hour when it flipped. Six people died at the scene. Nine were taken by helicopter to local hospitals, and two died later that evening.

Questions are being raised about the event’s safety preparations. The company that sponsored the race told officials that two men were responsible for coordinating a response to an emergency. However, when contacted, one of the men said he was not assigned to any of those tasks at the race. He claimed he did have that type of role at past events, but at this race he was responsible for a checkpoint.

In addition, spectators are supposed to be a minimum of 100 feet from the cars while they are racing. The spectators at this race were much closer to the racing vehicles.

This tragic accident reminds us that just because something is a public event doesn’t mean it is safe. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact the dedicated San Fernando Valley injury accident attorneys at The Mandell Law Firm. Our team can help you navigate a difficult time. Call us today for a free consultation at 818-886-6600.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, a handful of Californians have already begun celebrating with fireworks and other devices. While a patriotic spirit is to be encouraged, too many people overlook safety around these potentially hazardous objects. A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that fireworks-related incidents were responsible for two deaths in 2009 and approximately 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries. According to the CPSC, throughout the 30 days near last year’s holiday, about 6,000 injuries involving fireworks were reported in which half of the injuries related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

Consumers below the age of 20 are the most prone to fireworks injuries; however, the risk of serious injury or even death still exists for anyone within close proximity of fireworks or other pyrotechnics. Some common fireworks injuries and hazards include lacerations, loss of limbs, burns, residential fires and wrongful death.

Parental supervision is essential when legal fireworks are being used. Never allow young children to set-off or play with fireworks or other objects. It is also important to never throw or point fireworks at another individual. To learn more about how you can help prevent serious injuries related to fireworks this Fourth of July holiday, please refer to the CPSC’s website for consumer fireworks safety tips.

The California personal injury attorneys at The Mandell Law Firm hope consumers in California and nationwide understand the importance of their safety and well being during the Independence Day holiday. Take every necessary precaution to protect your loved ones.

A 73-year-old woman was fatally hit by at least seven vehicles around 6:15 a.m. on March 15, 2010 while attempting to cross Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, reported Fox 11 News Los Angeles. The woman was attempting to catch a bus when she was struck by a northbound vehicle and flung into the southbound lane, where she was hit by at least six other vehicles. In addition to the driver who initially hit the victim, only two of the vehicles stopped. The woman died from her injuries. The highway was closed for about six hours during the investigation and during peak traffic hours. No arrests were made.

Pedestrian fatalities in California, like these, are all too common in the United States. In these particular accidents, the pedestrian has the disadvantage and often suffers grave injury and even death. Deadly car accidents can be easily avoided with increased awareness from both drivers and pedestrians. Paying close attention to traffic signs and improved vigilance to all surrounding activity can greatly decrease the number of pedestrian accidents.

If you, or someone you love, have been seriously injured in an automobile accident as a result of negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for any financial losses you have suffered as a result. The San Fernando Valley automobile accident attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm have extensive experience litigating these matters and will competently represent your rights. There are no legal fees unless you are granted a settlement. Call (818) 886-6600 for a free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers regarding your case.

Source:http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/pedestrian-fatally-struck-on-pch-20100315

A hit-and-run accident in Southern California that occurred January 31, 2010 resulted in the investigation of four Manhattan Beach police officers that had not reported the event. According to an article on the LA Times Blog, the three-car collision was allegedly caused by one of the four officers under review. Authorities believe that alcohol may have been involved in the auto accident.

When the officers arrived at the scene, near Sepulveda and Manhattan Beach boulevards, the suspected driver had already fled. Later, the vehicle was found unoccupied at a nearby gas station. The officers proceeded to conduct a standard registration check, which indicated that it belonged to a registered Manhattan Beach police officer. Upon receiving this information, the officers did not report the event and no resulting arrests were made.

After a preliminary internal affairs investigation, the offending officers were placed on leave. Because of the complexity and gravity of these events, the investigation has been transferred to the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department.

California has among the highest rates of hit-and-run accidents in the nation. By law, drivers who are involved in any motor vehicle accidents are required to stop and exchange information with parties involved. In hit-and-run cases, victims are left to use their own insurance or pay out-of-pocket for any damages and injuries.

If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in the San Fernando Valley, help may be available. The experienced Northridge car accident injury lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm have a wealth of knowledge in handling hit-and-run accident claims and can provide hands-on care and sincere commitment for victims of hit-and-run accidents as well as wrongful death suits. Call our offices today at (818) 886-6600 for a free and comprehensive consultation of your case.

Source:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/02/manhattan-beach-police-probe.html

Based on recent reports, Congressman Dave Reichert has received treatment for a “chronic subdural hematoma” that may have been caused by moderate injury to his head. Apparently, the Congressman was taken to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. because he was not feeling well. After it was discovered that Reichert had suffered a collection of blood on the surface of his brain (subdural hematoma), doctors performed a procedure that reports say was successful. Reichert is very fortunate to have received treatment and surgery in time and doctors say that they anticipate a complete recovery.

Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, discusses that subdural hematomas typically require emergency surgery in order to diminish pressure that has collected in the brain. This procedure is highly complex and often involves drilling a small hole or larger opening in the skull, depending on how large the collection of blood or clot is.

Chronic subdural hematomas are known for frequently going unobserved for several days, and even weeks. This is why it is extremely important to seek medical attention for even the most minor of head injuries in order to prevent serious brain injury.

When serious brain injuries such as subdural hematomas or brain hemorrhages are caused by another person’s negligence, whether due to a negligent driver that causes a car accident or as the result of a medical professional’s error during surgery, a brain injury victim has legal rights.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a brain injury in the San Fernando Valley, please contact the skilled Chatsworth brain hemorrhage attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm. We have several years of experience handling brain injury cases as well as personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Call (818) 886-6600 for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.

Source:http://www.seattlepi.com/sound/417426_sound89173482.html

A male blood donor from Palo Alto is suing Stanford Hospital and Clinics after developing a severe infection following his blood donation. The donor’s blood type is O-positive, one of the most critically needed types, and he had been giving his blood to the Stanford clinic for ten years before the incident.

The donor developed an infection in April 2008, allegedly caused by the needle stick. He was forced to endure expensive surgeries, including the removal of his collarbone, and endured a long, arduous recovery. According to the victim’s attorney, Stanford helped him initially but stopped when the surgeries got too expensive.

In June 2009, the donor filed a lawsuit against Stanford Hospital and Clinics, alleging medical malpractice and breach of contract. The blood center had assured the donor they would take care of him if something went wrong, yet the center did not cover the expenses of the resulting injuries. The victim’s attorney said the sum that his client will ask for has not yet been determined and will depend on how much Stanford earns from selling donated blood. The case is currently being litigated in Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Medical malpractice is a serious issue and can cause lasting injury and financial burden. Health professionals should be held accountable for all mistakes that harm patients. The Mandell Law Firm is an aggressive Northridge personal injury law firm that has the legal experience needed to obtain compensation from negligent medical parties. If you, or a loved one, have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, contact San Fernando Valley medical malpractice attorney Robert J. Mandell at (818) 866-6600 for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=15277

On January 20, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 1.5 million Graco Children’s Products strollers after several reports of stroller hinges severing children’s fingertips. According to a report by the CPSC, the hinges on the canopy of the stroller have the potential to cause lacerations when opened or closed. There have been five reports of severed fingertips and two of fingertips being cut.

The Graco strollers were sold at major retailers including WalMart, Toys R Us and Target from October 2004 to December 2009. Consumers who own Graco Children’s Products strollers are advised to stop using the product immediately.

“It is long past time to re-evaluate our consumer safety procedures and make the needed improvements,” stated a CPSC representative.

This is the second major stroller recall in recent months. In November, the CPSC recalled one million strollers made by Maclaren USA Inc after similar incidents of hinges severing fingers. Following these two recalls, the CPSC stated that it would conduct a comprehensive review of all children’s strollers.

Toy and product defects can cause serious harm to children. The manufacturers of defective products are responsible for alerting consumers if there are any dangers associated with the use of their products. If an unsafe product has injured your child, you may be eligible to recover medical expenses and other financial losses incurred. Contact the San Fernando Valley product liability attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation. Our attorneys provide care and commitment for victims of accidents or wrongful death resulting from dangerous and recalled products as well as all other product liability cases.

Source:http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-strollers21-2010jan21,0,409322.story

Last week, Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill that would require minors under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding. Similar to California’s bicycle helmet law, parents of minors will be fined no more than $25 if their children are not wearing helmets. The California Ski Industry Administration, an organization that represents ski resort operators in California and Nevada, is in support of the bill.

“California’s ski slopes are perhaps the last area of recreation where we do not have basic safety standards in place for children,” said Yee. “Despite repeated warnings from public health experts, professional athletes, and ski resorts, each winter brings news of hundreds of unnecessary tragedies for the failure to wear a helmet. With this legislation, we can significantly reduce instances of traumatic brain injury or death for such a vulnerable population.”

Half of all skiing deaths are a result of head injuries. Helmets reduce the incidence of traumatic brain or head injuries by 29 to 56 percent. According to the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 7,000 head injuries that occur on U.S. ski slopes may be reduced in severity by helmets. Fifty-three percent of ski or snowboard related head injuries in children under 15-years-old are addressable by the use of a helmet.

If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recoup compensation. The Northridge personal injury attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm have experience in dealing with head, brain and spinal cord injury and offer hands-on care and commitment to victims. Call today at (818) 886-6600 for a free and confidential consultation.

Source:http://sandiegonewsroom.com/news/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40152:slippery-slope-ski-helmets-may-soon-be-mandatory&catid=49:california&Itemid=50

A former emergency room physician from Los Angeles was sentenced to five years in jail time for an accident with two cyclists on Mandeville Canyon Rd. in July 2008. The doctor deliberately slammed on his car brakes just moments after passing a pair of cyclists, causing one to smash into his rear window and the other to fall onto the curb pavement. The victim who slammed into the vehicle’s rear window had his nose sliced off and lost several teeth, while the other victim suffered from road rash and a separated shoulder.

In November 2009, a judge found the driver guilty of numerous charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, battery with serious bodily injury, reckless driving causing specified bodily injury and mayhem. The doctor reportedly had “exchanged words” with the cyclists after sounding his horn at them. He had told a traffic investigator that he “passed them up and then stopped in front to teach them a lesson.” The judge calls the case a “wake-up call” to motorists and cyclists and urges city authorities to build more bike lanes.

A bicyclist is fatally injured every six hours in the United States. Cyclists, unfortunately, face serious dangers on the roads of Southern California. If you, or a family member, have suffered personal injury from a bicycle accident, you may be able to recoup compensation for medical expenses and other losses. Contact the experienced San Fernando Valley bike accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm to learn more about your rights and for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source:http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/la-doctor-jailed-for-road-rage-attack-on-cyclists-24570