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A hit and run in Los Angeles, as in most jurisdictions, involves a driver being involved in an accident with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a fixed object, and then leaving the scene without identifying themselves to the other party or parties involved, or without waiting for the police to arrive. This applies regardless of…

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury to the spinal cord that led to paralysis? You may be wondering what the future holds for you. While many people live full lives with paralysis, science is on the job, working hard to improve treatment options. New discoveries are reshaping what might be possible for…

Today, access to the internet is so widespread that expecting jurors to completely avoid looking up information about a case, the attorneys involved, or even the people giving testimony seems almost impossible. I was recently in a mediation where a mediator Googled some information on her own and brought it to us, saying something along…

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when the brain experiences a jolt, blow, or impact strong enough to cause damage. A TBI can result from things like car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or any incident where the head and brain are put under sudden stress. Because the brain controls just about everything we do, damage to…

An expert witness is someone with specialized skill, knowledge, experience, training, or education. These qualifications enable the expert to assist the court in understanding the evidence or determining facts at issue in a legal case. Expert witnesses are used in both civil and criminal cases and can be vital for clarifying complex technical or professional…

Whiplash injuries occur when the neck and head are suddenly and forcefully flung backward and forward. This type of injury commonly results from rear-end automobile collisions, but can also occur in other types of accidents, such as sports injuries or physical assaults. The rapid movements cause the cervical spine to move beyond its normal range…

In our digital era, social media has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, providing instant connections to friends, family, and the broader world. Following a car accident, many instinctively turn to their phones to share the experience on social platforms. However, while sharing online can offer support and a sense of community, it’s…

Yes, your cell phone can potentially be used against you in a California personal injury claim. Here’s how and why: Evidence of distraction: If you were using your phone at the time of the accident, it could be used to demonstrate that you were distracted. California law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving…

A paralyzing injury is a life-altering event with immense physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or a loved one is facing this life-changing challenge, life care planning is an essential tool for navigating long-term medical needs, financial burdens, and maximizing compensation through personal injury claims. Paralysis injuries can result from various causes, including car…

Traumatic amputation, the sudden loss of a limb due to accident, injury, or severe burns, is a life-altering event. Beyond the physical and emotional trauma, amputees face a significant financial burden that can have long-lasting consequences. This burden encompasses medical expenses, lost wages, prosthetic costs, and ongoing care needs. For amputees, it is important to…

Burn injuries are among the most painful and devastating types of injuries one can experience. While accidents causing burns can happen anywhere and anytime, some incidents occur due to negligence or recklessness, leading to preventable harm. In Los Angeles, a bustling city with a diverse range of activities and environments, several common causes of negligent…

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries that one can sustain. TBIs can result from various accidents, including car crashes, falls, sports injuries, and workplace accidents. When pursuing a TBI lawsuit, the role of neurological experts is important in establishing the extent of the injury, its impact on your life,…

A skin graft is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes part of your skin from one area of your body and places it on another part of your body. This is typically necessary when the injuries you sustained are so severe that your body may not be able to heal itself quickly, or…

A brain injury can impact your life in many ways. For example, you may have headaches, sleeping issues, problems with concentrating and focusing on tasks, and fatigue. Another effect it could have is on your mental health. Short-term effects are well-documented. The National Institutes of Health released a study in 2019 that said about 20%…

If you are thinking about buying a vehicle with a sunroof or moonroof, there is a good chance that you are wondering whether they affect safety. Having a large window or opening above your head typically seems less safe – but the truth is that in most scenarios, you face no additional risks from having…

Many people who know and care about someone with a spinal cord injury typically think about the difficulties and challenges that they commonly experience, such as lack of mobility, paralysis, chronic pain, loss of sensations, spasticity, inability to control the bladder or bowels, and breathing issues. However, one of the most severe but less thought…

There has been a dramatic increase in pedestrian accidents over the past few years. Cities, suburbs, and rural areas have all been affected, in every single state. California lawmakers are hoping to reverse this trend with a newly enacted law. Assembly Bill 413 went into effect on January 1, and it gives drivers one full…

While many people assume that paralysis is solely caused by spinal cord damage, it is important to note that a brain injury can also lead to paralysis. This tends to occur when the cells in the brain undergo severe bruising, tearing, bleeding, or complete damage, significantly impacting an individual’s muscle function. Consequently, the affected person…

After being involved in a car accident, bicycle accident, motorcycle accident, or a pedestrian accident, you may want to post updates on your social media accounts, letting your family and friends know what the doctor said, what type of surgeries you need, or how your recovery is going. However, when you post anything about your…

If you are a pedestrian who enjoys walking around the Los Angeles area, you may not even notice the giant SUVs and pickup trucks passing by you in the street anymore. But you should be wary of these large vehicles, because of their propensity to cause life-threatening injuries in the event of a collision. According…

When an individual survives a traumatic amputation, they come to learn that life begins to take a new path. Survivors will need to overcome new challenges and adjust to their new reality, a process which can be extremely difficult. Therefore, if you have recently experienced losing an arm, leg, hand, or foot, you may initially…

Brain injuries are a serious concern for individuals of any age, and can be even more severe and life-threatening to children. Pediatric brain injuries can escalate to permanent disability or death. If you are a parent of a child who suffered a severe pediatric brain injury, you should know what type of long-term, ongoing effects…

Severe burn injuries not only leave physical scars but also present significant challenges for survivors. Rehabilitation is crucial in helping burn victims regain functionality, independence, and confidence in their road to recovery. What is considered a severe burn injury? Severe burn injuries are classified based on the extent and depth of tissue damage. The commonly-used…

Although hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke might be the most common reason for a devastating condition known as locked-in syndrome, trauma from motor vehicle accidents is also a frequent cause. In the context of car accidents, locked-in syndrome may occur if there is severe trauma to the brainstem or other critical areas of the brain. Head…

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that happens when an outside force causes brain damage. TBIs can result from a variety of traumatic events, including slip and falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. TBIs can be mild or severe, and the symptoms and long-term effects can also vary greatly. There are…

Compared to other types of injuries like head injuries, fractures, or soft tissue injuries, blunt force trauma to the heart is relatively uncommon in automobile accidents because the heart is protected by the ribcage and sternum. However, in high-impact, high-speed, or forceful frontal impact collisions, the risk of blunt force trauma to the heart increases.…

Burn injuries can be very serious, extremely painful, and lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. They can be so severe that your skin and even the bones underneath may become permanently damaged. If this applies to you, your burn injury is likely considered a catastrophic injury and needs professional medical treatment immediately. The three degrees…

Construction workers in Los Angeles handle extremely challenging tasks on a day-to-day basis. Whether they are perched at the top of a tall high-rise building or engaged in smaller projects on homes and businesses across the city, the risk of serious injury is a constant concern. One of the most severe and life-altering injuries frequently…

When an individual is involved in an accident where their head is bumped or struck, there is significant risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries are very serious injuries. There are various types of TBIs, but one that is commonly overlooked is the coup-contrecoup brain injury. This type of brain injury is…

When you are driving home from a friend’s house and a drunk driver suddenly slams into your vehicle, you may be thinking that it is obvious that the driver is liable for your accident. While there is a high likelihood that this is true, it is important to be aware that the legal system can…

The spinal cord extends from the lower back to the neck and facilitates communication between the brain and other parts of the body. However, when an injury occurs, it can lead to a loss of function in certain areas of the body, potentially causing lifelong complications and disabilities. Many people with loved ones diagnosed with…

Southern California’s year-round warm and sunny climate makes boating a favorite pastime among residents and visitors in the Los Angeles area. While boaters may be focused on having fun on the water with family or friends, they may not be thinking about potential dangers such as a boat propeller accident or the ways in which…

Picture this: you’re going about your daily routine, visiting a store, when suddenly a car crashes into the building. It might sound like a scene from a movie, but the truth is, these incidents occur far more frequently than we might imagine. In this post, we will delve into the disconcerting reality of storefront accidents…

When you’ve experienced a head injury during an accident leading to a traumatic brain injury, it is imperative to understand that while you and your attorney are aware of these facts, substantiating the occurrence of a traumatic brain injury resulting from the accident becomes a legal necessity. This process might seem daunting, but it is…

Fatalities occur on the highways and local roads of Los Angeles for a variety of reasons. In fact, officers, researchers, and government agencies have found that one of the most common reasons for these deaths is speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was the cause of 29 percent of all…

Helicopter crashes are one of the most dangerous accidents that individuals may experience in their lifetime. When these types of crashes occur, the results are almost always devastating, traumatic, and fatal. According to the Los Angeles Times, a deadly helicopter crash occurred in Cabazon, California, less than two hours from Los Angeles. Two firefighting helicopters…

Even though many people think that it only takes a quick internet search to find a motorcycle injury lawyer, the truth is that there are several different factors that go into this type of search. Motorcycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, such as the following: Spinal cord injuries Crushed bones Internal organ damage Traumatic brain…

Pets can make our lives more enjoyable. Whether you’re a cat or dog person (or even a lizard or fish person), your pet brings a certain level of joy and comfort. Despite this, animals can be unpredictable, even when well-trained and friendly. While most parents never think about their child possibly being a victim of…

Pedestrians and cyclists lack the protection that large trucks and motor vehicles have, making them more prone to life-threatening injuries. However, these vulnerable road users suffer the most severe and fatal injuries when struck by large trucks due to the truck’s size, weight, force, and deadly impact. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety,…

When you are involved in any type of accident in Los Angeles or other California cities, it is important that you know how long you have to take legal action. If you do not take the time to find out this information, you may throw away your right to file a claim and seek compensation…

Most people only think about the physical consequences that individuals suffer after being involved in truck accidents, but the harsh reality is that many of these victims often experience large financial burdens that affect them and their families for many years to come. As a result, these victims may go bankrupt, think that they need…

When a person bumps or strikes their head on an object, they may develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a very serious injury that can cause issues with the function of the brain. Individuals diagnosed with TBIs may have problems understanding, communicating, thinking, and solving problems. Another serious complication that can arise from…

Electrical injuries can be something as small as a first-degree burn, or something as devastating as dying from electrocution. These types of injuries can occur as a result of being struck by lightning, operating a defective machine, or even plugging an appliance into an electrical outlet. Regardless of how your injury occurred, electrical injuries are…

Some injuries from car accidents are immediately visible and clearly traumatic – open wounds, crushed limbs, and broken bones are easy to see. Other types of injuries, like brain trauma from a closed head injury or spinal compression, require medical testing in order to diagnose. Nerve damage is a particularly serious injury that may not…

Films and television shows make explosions exciting: will the hero survive? Will the villain perish? The truth, however, is that explosions cause severe injuries and devastating damage to the surrounding areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 100 people in the United States died from occupational explosions in 2018. Explosions can occur unexpectedly,…

The brain and spinal cord play a significant role in transmitting messages and controlling movement throughout the body. Therefore, if there is a bleed or injury in either of these parts of the body, there may be a disturbance in the messages being sent to the body parts and limbs. This can lead to paralysis.…

Saturday, May 6, 2023 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. This annual campaign – held in the US and in Canada – is sponsored here by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The goal of the campaign is to “encourage people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise…

The physical and emotional toll of a traumatic amputation can be immense. In addition to the challenges of adapting to a new way of lifethere are often significant financial costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. For amputees who are injured due to someone else’s negligence, pursuing a personal injury claim can help…

Migraines are a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions of people  and are a common side effect of traumatic brain injuries (“TBI”). While there is no cure for migraines, researchers at Yale School of Medicine are studying the potential benefits of using magic mushrooms to treat this condition. Magic mushrooms contain a chemical called psilocybin,…

When you file a personal injury lawsuit in California, you may also seek compensation for emotional distress. However, not all cases involving emotional distress involve a physical injury. Today, we want to look more closely at what “emotional distress” entails, who can seek damages for it, and how these damages are calculated. What is emotional…

Living with a serious personal injury can be challenging for victims and their families. When an award is granted by a jury or a settlement is reached between the parties, the award is typically granted in a lump sum payment or by a structured settlement. Structured settlements pay the victim the award over a set…

McNicholas & McNicholas gathered for a firm-wide event at NeueHouse Hollywood for a thought-provoking day where attorneys discussed new developments in direct and mass actions law, how to foster a thriving and supportive community in the workplace, long-term goals and shared personal stories about what led them to the law. One of the city’s most…

Catastrophic injuries often cause long-term pain and require continuing medical care. They can change your ability to function, work, and enjoy life. Organ damage is often considered a catastrophic injury, and if you suffered this injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek damages from the at-fault party. Organ damage isn’t…

Trucks regularly need to back in and out of loading docks, parking lots, and other locations. The longer the truck, the more dangerous a reverse maneuver can be. Backing-up accidents are especially dangerous for trucks, often because of operational errors, blind spots, or due to the instability of the cargo in the truck. Tractor-trailers are…

It is hard enough when adults suffer a traumatic brain injury. Life can be even more difficult and more upsetting when a toddler or a child suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are often life changing. Treating a youngster for a TBI can be especially difficult because children aren’t fully developed physically, emotionally, and…

There are numerous highways and roads all across Los Angeles. The city has a national reputation for congestion; being stuck in traffic makes the commute to work unbearable. But now the city’s traffic may have a new reputation for being deadly. Despite the efforts of Los Angeles officials to end traffic deaths in the city…

Hollywood was buzzing the week before the Thanksgiving holiday when famed talk show host and car collector Jay Leno was seriously hurt by a gasoline fire in his Burbank garage. According to reports, authorities responded to an emergency call to Leno’s address on Saturday, November 12 and took an adult male to the hospital for…

An injury to the spine or spinal cord is often considered catastrophic, as it can affect every system of the body, including mobility. Depending on the location of the injury on the spinal cord, this type of injury can even cause full paralysis. If you or a loved experienced a spinal cord injury in an…

Limb loss is a catastrophic injury that causes complications that may be just as serious as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Limb loss is a tricky injury because it is like a double edged sword. If a severely injured limb is not amputated, a patient may suffer from a serious infection. However, amputation…

Spastic hypertonia is when a body part has too much muscle tone, making it difficult to move. Spastic hypertonia affects the muscles and may occur as a result of a stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, congenital disability, or spinal cord injury. Other neurological conditions can lead to spastic hypertonia, so stay vigilant for symptoms. Spastic…

Los Angeles is full of glitz and glam, and there are services and activities here that you cannot find anywhere else. One of these experiences is air tours. While you can find them in some areas of the country, they seem to be everywhere in LA. They may be a great way to tour the…

Growing up, cartoons and television shows depicted flying cars in the future. While we have not yet reached that level of innovation, we see more and more advances made toward autonomous vehicles. Tesla is leading the charge, but being first comes with its downsides. Recently, the automotive company came under fire again after two collisions…

Writer Dustin Lance, known for the television series “Under the Banner of Heaven,” suffered a brain injury in August, and now his entire career hangs in the balance. His doctors have not seen much improvement in his condition, and he must step back from his creative works. The news came as a shock, and, per…

One of the most misunderstood injuries that may result from a car accident is getting hit on the head. Although you may feel fine at the time, it can be impossible to know just how much damage your brain has actually endured. Your blood vessels may have burst and put additional pressure on your brain.…

There is no more painful feeling than a burn injury. Even getting burned at the fingertips can be unbearable. If the pain of being burned at your fingertips is excruciating, what would it feel like if your entire body suffered serious burns? Suffering full thickness burns is a pain that most people would not wish…

When you experience a significant blow to your spinal cord you may have experienced a spinal cord injury, or SCI. The trauma that your spinal cord has endured can cause you to lose crucial functions of your body. For you to experience paralysis, the blow to your spinal cord does not have to have been…

The thrill of the open road. Feeling the wind whip by as you cruise along. The sense of being in control as you navigate your path. There are so many things to love about riding a motorcycle – especially on California’s scenic highways that offer amazing views and riding experiences. That is, unless you are…

Paralysis, whether it is tetraplegia or paraplegia, can lead to a variety of complications, including some that affect your various organs. This may require additional expensive medical treatment and ongoing care, and in addition to the physical pain, may take a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one were…

Whether you come in contact with some type of hot liquid, electricity, or friction with a chemical, one thing is for certain: a burn injury can happen. Many people underestimate the seriousness of a burn injury. There is a reason why it is considered a catastrophic injury, both at the time of the accident and…

One of the reasons why car accidents can be so catastrophic is because of the serious injuries a person might experience. Although you can suffer injuries to any part of the body in a motor vehicle accident, you may suffer permanent disability from a serious injury to the head. Brain injuries are one of the…

Medical experts consider traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, life-altering and disabling injuries. Injuries to the head and brain can result in a variety of both physical and cognitive problems from which it can be difficult or impossible to heal. For many TBI patients, this can mean a lifetime of therapy and care. Whether you are…

A loss of limb, no matter how it happens, is a difficult and traumatic experience. However, losing a limb in a serious accident is an entirely different level of trauma, leaving a person in shock and being forced to deal with the aftermath of the incident as well as their medical and physical challenges. Amputation…

We often talk about the effects and challenges of traumatic brain injuries (“TBIs”) on accident victims, but much less often on how TBIs affect their families and caregivers. Because it is difficult to predict or diagnose the full extent of a TBI and how well a person might recover; the weeks, months, and even years…

Although cases of lead poisoning, especially from lead paint, have decreased substantially since the 1970s, a recent uptick in cases has experts concerned. A New York Times (NYT) investigative article notes two issues contributing to this increase – what they and many others believe is a concerted effort in both the real estate and insurance…

When you or someone you love is seriously injured, it is natural to feel a sense of relief in the immediate aftermath. “At least I survived,” you may find yourself thinking if you were injured. Or, “I am so glad they lived; we can deal with an injury,” if a loved one was the victim.…

Over the past few years, more and more baby loungers and similar products have been identified as potentially dangerous to infants and babies, due to a risk of suffocation. Some, like The Boppy Company’s newborn loungers and the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper have been recalled. Most recently, however, Leachco, Inc., the manufacturer of the…

Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Employees who do road work, home and business construction, landscaping, or other types of construction regularly work with dangerous machinery including bulldozers, trucks, power tools, and scaffolds. Further, construction sites are constantly changing as work is being done, which increases the risk of…

Amputation injuries are life-changing. The amputation of an arm, leg, hand, or foot will automatically lead to some, if not all, loss of function. Many victims will need to relearn skills or require prosthetics or assistive technology in order to live any kind of “normal” life. For many victims who lose a limb or an…

In a personal injury case, the injured individual is eligible to seek damages for their injuries and losses through the court system. What this means is that you, as the victim, can request financial compensation for expenses relating to your injuries, like medical bills or time lost from work. You may also have heard about…

Lead poisoning is the result of lead building up in the body. This can happen over months or years, and the consequences of lead poisoning is especially devastating for children and infants. Even small levels of lead can be harmful to small children, and high levels can be fatal. Lead poisoning is also dangerous for…

According to a recent study from the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly one-quarter of United States motorists are unaware of “Slow Down, Move over” laws in their state – or that they even exist at all. Their research also revealed that even among motorists who are aware of these laws, over 40 percent do not…

With more and more people getting back to shopping malls and grocery stores, it is more important than ever to be careful in parking lots – especially if you are a pedestrian. Many of us tend to assume that parking lots are safer because of the lower speeds, but people die in preventable parking lot…

When you get behind the wheel of your car, you trust every other motorist to follow the rules of the road and drive safely and responsibly. This trust can be shattered when you are traveling down a one-way road and see headlights coming directly at you. One wrong-way turn can put a disoriented, drunk, or…

If you have ever driven at night and been temporarily blinded by another car’s high beams, we have some good news for you. A provision in the new infrastructure bill legalizes “adaptive driving beams,” a headlight technology already successfully in use outside the United States. These headlights adapt their high beams based on the environment…

The Honda Research Institute announced a pilot program in Ohio to evaluate a new system using GPS coordinates and sensors to detect and collect road conditions, in an effort to keep roads and highways safer for drivers. Although currently a small program, if successful, Honda’s system could be a cost-effective and efficient way to identify…

A recently-filed class action lawsuit alleges that the cupholders in the BMW X7 are improperly designed and cannot safely hold liquid. However, this claim has nothing to do with liquid spilling and injuring a passenger or damaging the interior of the vehicle. The allegations are much more serious – drivers are reporting that liquid spilled…

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted a Major Corridor Enhanced Primary Collision Factor Enforcement Campaign on November 17th, in an effort to curb the number of crashes on Hwy 395. The campaign targeted the stretch of highway in Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas Counties. According to Plumas News: In 2018 and 2019, a total of 255…

From car accidents to falls, sustaining a traumatic brain injury is more common than you may think – and the results can be devastating. People who suffer a traumatic brain injury may be left with serious, long-term health issues that affect their ability to live, work, and care for themselves and their family. In 2019,…

Spinal cord injuries can be among the most devasting injuries to the human body. When it comes to injuries, no one’s body is immune. Even celebrities can suffer a devastating injury. Actor Christopher Reeve, best known for starring as Superman in the movies of the 1970s and 1980s, suffered a severe spinal cord injury (SCI)…

Freight Waves, the self-identified “nerve center of the global supply chain,” has named the five most dangerous roads in the United States for truckers, and Interstate 5 in California made the list. At nearly 800 miles long, the freeway runs from Oregon all the way down to the San Ysidro crossing at the Mexican border.…

Brandon “Bam” Margera, a skateboarder, stunt performer, television personality, and filmmaker best known for the “Jackass” television show and movie franchise he helped create, is suing to stop the September 2021 release of the show’s fourth film, Jackass Forever. Margera, who says he was fired from the movie after he failed a drug test, is…

A late April crash in Fresno County claimed the life of a Carmichael woman and seriously injured another, according to the Fresno County Sheriff Coroner’s Office. Summer Eitel, 39, was a passenger in a U-Haul truck that struck a tree and caught fire. Although passers-by were able to get the driver out of the vehicle,…

According to data published by a litigation watch tracker, the number of COVID-19-related employment lawsuits in the United States recently passed the 2,000 mark. From the start of the pandemic back in early 2020, experts believed employment-related litigation regarding COVID-19 might be a concern, and it appears they were correct. COVID-19 employment law cases in…

In May, Peloton issued a recall of its Tread and Tread+ products, which were linked to reports of injuries, as well as the death of a child. This recall came after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding the popular Peloton exercise machines. The agency recommended that consumers immediately stop using their…

With residents of California still recovering from a devastating 2020 wildfire season, this year’s is shaping up to look even worse, due to the abnormally dry winter and spring months. The current drought in the Southwest has set the stage for what could be an intense and overwhelming 2021 fire season and, with the pandemic…

Officials for the State of California, hoping to head off new coronavirus cases, have issued a mandate that all State employees and healthcare officials must show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. California joins New York City and the Department of Federal Affairs as the first to mandate vaccinations. CNBC reports: State employees will be required…

In 2019, McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP was part of the legal team that helped secure a $13.5 billion settlement from Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) on behalf of wildfire victims. We are incredibly proud of our work and the work of our partner firms in securing that settlement award.  We are equally proud of…

When you or someone you love suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you are eligible to seek damages for your losses through the court system. The person or party who caused your injuries may owe you financial compensation for things like your medical bills, property damage, and paychecks lost from time off work.…

A report showing dangerously high levels of toxic metals in baby foods recently released to Congress takes aim at some of the largest baby food companies in the country. The report, published on February 4, claims these baby foods and snacks contain significant levels of heavy metals like lead and arsenic, which can lead to…

A lawsuit filed against the Sun-Maid fruit processing company on February 15 claims that the company failed to provide proper wages, overtime, meal and rest breaks to employees at its California plant. The class action complaint, filed by plaintiff and former employee Victor Velasquez, claims that he and other employees were required to work off…

When you work for someone else, you typically expect to receive some sort of benefits whether it be paid parking, health insurance, or even some type of arrangement for taking time off when you need it. There are certain benefits that are established by law to which your employer must adhere. He or she can…

This is a common question and there is no standard or one-size-fits-all answer. Every case is unique and the outcome depends on a variety of factors. However, we do take a number of things into consideration when analyzing how we might approach a personal injury case. The most crucial element of any personal injury case…

As we settle into the new year, several new labor laws in California are now in effect. The majority of new legislation has to do with employee wellness and equity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a statewide raise to the minimum raise. Following is an overview of employment law changes…

Injuries to the chest can be more common than we think. Chest injuries can happen even in low-speed accidents. Injuries to the chest area from a motor vehicle accident can include: Bruised or fractured ribs. Injuries to the ribs, especially broken ribs, are typically immediately noticeable, as they cause a great deal of pain. Bruised…

No matter how or why it happened, getting into a car accident is a terrible experience. When the accident is not your fault and you experience injuries, you can seek compensation by filing an injury claim against the at-fault driver. One of the first things anyone will tell you – an attorney, insurance adjuster, or…

Guardrails are in place to prevent drivers of both cars and trucks from rolling over or leaving the road in the event of an accident or unsafe driving conditions (like sharp curves or elevations). They’re also engineered to take on the impact of a collision and, hopefully, stop a minor accident from becoming a fatal…

With COVID-19 still very much a part of our everyday lives, driverless rides may be a very attractive option for those who are safety conscious – but are they risking their safety in other ways? Autonomous vehicles have been creeping onto roadways across the country under rules and regulations that vary by state based upon…

Algorithms are mathematical equations and techniques based on logic. Computers use algorithms to make logical and math-based decisions, without the risk of human error or bias. However, computers also make predictions based on the data and algorithms they are provided – so when fed incorrect or incomplete data, they can make errors or biased decisions…

Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) continues working to protect consumers from companies making false statements about their products – those claiming certain supplements and drugs can mitigate, treat or prevent the novel coronavirus. One of the ways the FDA may exercise its authority is through public…

This has been a particularly bad year for wildfires here in California, with thousands of residents suffering injuries, loss and property damage. In August, a helicopter pilot lost his life when his aircraft crashed as he was dropping water on a wildfire. On December 9, his family filed a lawsuit against the companies responsible for…

The California Highway Patrol recently posted a video of a holiday hitchhiker hanging off the back of a highway patrol officer’s motorcycle antenna. Chippie, the Castro Valley police department’s “elf on a shelf,” has been making appearances on the department’s Facebook page, getting himself into harmless shenanigans. This particular video was captioned, “Chippie, what are…

Chronic pain can be physically, mentally, and emotionally debilitating. Doing the most mundane things like driving a car can cause severe discomfort depending on where you are injured. Most injury victims know that it will just take some time to heal and will come to terms with that fact, dealing with the pain through temporary…

It seems like vaping news has taken a backseat since the entire country has been drowning daily in Coronavirus updates. It was not that long ago that we were seeing regular headlines about the teen vaping epidemic and increased deaths and now with COVID-19, we are seeing the two crises merge to create the perfect…