San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

Car manufacturers are not only responsible for the faulty design of their cars, but may also be responsible for the malfunction of the car parts. Depending on the part of the car that malfunctioned, the case could be considered to be a strict liability case, which means that the company would be responsible even if the owner of the car did not act wrongfully. However, there may be other malfunctions that may not be held to a strict liability standard, and the victim would have to show negligence. For example, a faulty wheel axle would likely be strict liability, but a faulty head rest would likely not be.

In another case in San Francisco on May 27, 2009, Dax Pierson won an $18.3 million verdict against Ford Motor Company for the injuries that he suffered in an accident in 2005. The accident also resulted in a roll over and Pierson lost complete use of his legs, and can only use his arms in a limited capacity. Ford was found responsible for his injuries because there was a defective seat latching mechanism that malfunctioned and caused his seat to come loose, and ultimately resulted in Pierson hitting his head on the roof of the van. Pierson’s damages were $12.3 million for past and future medical expenses and lost earnings, and $6 million for pain and suffering.

Not all car accidents may be attributed to the negligence of the manufacturer or a defect, but when there is a defect that causes injury and likely could have been prevented, then the victim may be compensated. In order to determine whether your injuries may be compensated, then you should contact the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Our attorneys have faced large insurance companies and corporations and won lawsuits. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about product liability.

Want to know more about car defects and rollover accidents? Go to part 1: ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS MAY OCCUR MORE OFTEN IN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES—CALL BAY AREA ATTORNEYS NOW (Part 1 of 2)

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Posted In: PRODUCT LIABILITY

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In recent years, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) has gained popularity with consumers because of its efficiency and roomy cargo area. However, SUVs pose an unexpected danger that sedans may not. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration releases reports about the safety of various cars and uses different tests and information to determine the scores of the cars. A vehicle’s stability is dependent on its height, width between the tires, its suspension system, tire grip and location of its engine mount. Although the weight of extra passengers in sedans may keep it more grounded and less likely to roll over, it is actually the opposite for SUVs. The extra weight may actually make it more likely for a SUV to flip over. Have you been injured in a rollover accident as a result of the vehicle’s design? If so, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

In Los Angeles on May 29, 2009, a civil court judge awarded Sukhsagar Pannu $21.1 million for injuries that he sustained when his Land Rover Discovery SUV flipped over several times after a collision. Pannu sustained permanent injury and lost use of his arms and legs, and requires around the clock care. The judge granted him the damages based on the fact that the vehicle’s high center of gravity made it more susceptible to rolling over, and that the roof collapsed too easily, which caused Pannu’s spinal injury. The damages that were awarded to Pannu will help with his care for the rest of his life.

Being severely injured in a car accident can put everything on hold, and may destroy your life before you know it. Being injured can take a toll on a person and his/her family financially and emotionally. Many families may not be able to live on a single income, or even pay for their medical bills as they come. These are all things that you may recover if you were wrongfully injured in a car accident. Large insurance companies may be intimidating and may not fully cooperate with you if you are without an experienced attorney. That’s why you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation, and learn about your rights. You’re not alone in your injures; there are people like our attorneys who can help you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to learn more about spinal cord injuries and car accidents.

Want to learn more about rollover accidents? Go to part 2: CAR DEFECTS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY MAY BE RESPONSIBILITY OF LARGE CAR MANUFACTURERS—CALL SAN FRANCISCO PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS (Part 2 of 2)

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , CAR ACCIDENT

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Although many of today’s television shows and movies may explain the details of the court process, there are still some issues that are fuzzy to the general public. Take for example the concept of double jeopardy. In criminal cases, this means that if a defendant is convicted or acquitted (found not guilty) of a certain crime, then it means that the original prosecutorial agency in the case will not be able to bring the charge against him again. However, just because a person has faced criminal charges on a certain matter does not mean that he will be free of civil lawsuits. A defendant who is charged with criminal acts may be sued in civil court for damages, rather than time in jail or other forms of punishment. In fact, the plaintiffs bringing the lawsuit in civil court may use the evidence used in criminal court in their case.

On May 27, 2009, Edward John Schaefer hit and killed Melody Osheroff, a fourth grader in San Ramon, and severely injured her father, Aaron Osheroff, in Marin County while the two people were crossing the street. Police found that Schaefer’s blood alcohol level was .16, which is double the legal limit. Melody died the following day, and her father is in serious condition and has had his leg amputated. In an unrelated car accident on Monday, May 25, four people died in an alcohol related accident in Oakland. The driver of the vehicle, Tiffany Reynolds, suffered a broken neck and has been charged with four counts of vehicular manslaughter. The four people who died in the crash included her domestic partner, her brother and the couple’s three year old twins. The twins were not in car seats, and one boy was ejected from his seat while the other was found pinned under the steering column. Both Schaefer and Reynolds could face time in jail, as well as civil lawsuits from the family members of the people that they injured while they drove under the influence.

The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP represent people who have been seriously injured as well as the families of those who have been killed under wrongful death circumstances. We handle all cases on a contingency basis. We are paid a percentage of what we recover for you. This means you will pay no legal fees unless we collect money for you. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with a knowledgeable attorney. Please also go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys and wrongful death lawsuits.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Civil lawsuits and criminal cases are very different cases—criminal cases are usually tried in front of a jury and the defendants must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in most civil lawsuits, the jury or the judge may find that there was only negligence, which means that the defendant does not even need to have the intent to commit the wrongdoing. For example, in a medical malpractice lawsuit, the doctors who caused the death of a patient because they failed to do something, or did something wrong, do not need to have intended the wrongful act to be liable for the lawsuit. The doctor only needs to meet a certain level of negligence, which is a standard that most other doctors in the field would have met. Whereas if the doctor were being convicted in criminal court, then it would have to be shown that he had intended the harm, or purposely caused the injury.

On Christmas day in 2007, a Siberian tiger in the San Francisco zoo leapt out of its cage and attacked Carlos Sousa, Amritpal Dhaliwal and Kulbir Dhaliwal. Carlos Sousa died as a result of the mauling, but the Dhaliwal brothers survived the attack. The Sousa family filed their own lawsuit, and has settled out of court with undisclosed details. The Dhaliwal brothers sued the San Francisco Zoological Society, the city of San Francisco and the zoo spokesman Sam Singer last November. The lawsuit claimed that the brothers’ civil rights had been violated, that the zoo was negligent and accused Singer of libel and slander. The Zoo is insured and its insurance company handled its legal defense. The brothers settled with the defendants for $900,000. Both parties considered this to be a win even though the amount is relatively modest in personal injury settlements.

Losing a family member can be incredibly tough on a family unit. We may not be able to bring your loved one back, but we may be able to obtain compensation for your damages. The legal system is very difficult to maneuver if you do not have any experience; that’s why having an experienced legal team on your side is so important. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP can help you meet deadlines and make sure that the proper paperwork is filed, and in the proper place. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation on your case. Don’t be fooled by other firms who sign up your case but are not prepared to fight for you and take your case to trial. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our verdicts and settlements.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

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Known as one of the greatest escapes in the Bay Area, Half Moon Bay is in San Mateo County and has a population of 11,842 residents. There is the Pillar Point Harbor, which allows for boating and fishing, and beaches for tourists and residents to enjoy. The downtown area for Half Moon Bay is also popular for its small stores and for its annual Art and Pumpkin Festival. There is also a 36 hole public golf course, the Half Moon bay Golf Links. The area attracts tourists because it is close the large urban areas of San Francisco and San Jose, but still maintains a very tranquil environment.

Personal injury lawsuits may range from train accidents to medical malpractice cases to wrongful death. If you or a family member has suffered an injury and are unsure on how to proceed, you need to contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP right away. Give us a call now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to a knowledgeable attorney about your case. We cannot guarantee the results of your case, but may be able to help you in your situation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any costs unless we win your case for you. Visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on personal injury lawsuits.

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Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , TRAIN ACCIDENTS , WRONGFUL DEATH

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American Canyon is part of Napa County, and has a population of 15,276 people, as of 2008. The number of residents has dramatically increased from the 2000 census, which reported that the city had a population of 9,774. American Canyon is located north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and within driving distance to Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco. The surrounding area near American Canyon is very rural and includes several vineyards, the Napa River, and the Sulphur Springs Mountains. This may attract wine tasters to the area as well as hikers and mountain bikers.

Enjoying nature may have its hazards, especially on biking and hiking trails. Many of these trails and parks are maintained by the city or the county, and they may be responsible for any injuries that occur there as a result of negligence. In order to determine if you have a lawsuit for your injuries, you need to speak to an experienced attorney immediately. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have over fifty years of combined experience, and have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about premises liability lawsuits.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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With a population of 17,599 residents in the 2000 census, Orinda is located in Contra Costa County. It is near Oakland and within driving distance to San Francisco, San Jose and Berkeley. Orinda is considered to be a desirable community in the Bay Area because it has a great public school system, high priced real estate and is still located in a very scenic environment. The area is also beneficial to commuters because it is located near large commercial and industrial hubs such as Oakland and San Francisco. Residents of Orinda can enjoy the small town feel while still maintaining their jobs in the urban areas.

Because of its popularity as a suburban area for commuters, there might be more accidents along Highway 24, which runs through the city, and on its public transportation systems. Have you or a loved one been injured in Orinda in a car or bus accident? If so, please call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free and confidential consultation on your rights, and whether you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to an experienced attorney. Please also visit our website, www.alawpro.com to learn more about car accidents and other common injuries. The website also contains information on our attorneys and the areas of law that our firm practices.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT

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As summer quickly approaches, many families are headed to amusement parks, water parks and county fairs for easy entertainment. However, there are often reports in the news about injuries sustained at amusement parks because of ride failure, or improperly taken safety precautions. Amusement park owners and operators are responsible for the safety of the rides, and for maintaining those rides. They are likely responsible for most defects that occur on the rides, except for rider recklessness, or natural disasters that may have caused the incident. However, even with rider recklessness, a jury may still find responsibility on the part of the ride operator/owner.

In 2006, the Consumer Product safety Commission’s National Electronic Information Surveillance System reported that there were 8,800 ER-treated injuries in amusement park rides. Of those injuries, 3,700 were in fixed site rides, or amusement parks, 2800 were in mobile rides, such as fairs and carnivals and 2,300 in unknown site rides. There were also 3,600 injuries on inflatable amusement rides, and 3,100 injuries on public water slides. The highest number of injuries occurred in go-kart riding accidents, which also included home and street racing, as well as in amusement parks.

Being in a lawsuit against a giant entity like an amusement park can be extremely difficult to maneuver. Large law firms representing the amusement parks may try to get you to settle for much less than you have been injured, or may create unnecessary hassle for you during the court process. Your best option would be to consult with an experienced attorney immediately. Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. We handle cases on contingency basis, which means that you will pay no fees or costs unless we win the case for you. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about personal injury lawsuits and the different injuries that can occur on amusement park rides.

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES , PREMISES LIABILITY

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In most personal injury lawsuits, there is more than one defendant. For example, if you are injured in a car accident, you may sue the driver of the vehicle, and his insurance company could also be a defendant in the case. Or, if you sue for medical malpractice, then there may be multiple health care providers involved in the lawsuit, or the hospital in which the doctors worked, or the distributor of a certain drug that the doctor used that ended in injury. In cases in which there are multiple defendants, the jury or the judge, depending on who is the trier of fact, may determine how much liability that each defendant is exposed to. Essentially, one of the defendants could be completely free from liability in the case, while the other defendants share the responsibility.

In a court case in Philadelphia on May 18, 2009, Rosalyn James won a medical malpractice suit against St. Joseph’s Hospital and two emergency room doctors. James filed the lawsuit on behalf of her husband who died as a result of heart complications that could have been prevented if the doctors had interpreted his x-rays in time. The jury in the case attributed 48% of the liability to Dr. Thomas Powell, 36% to Dr. Emil Skobeloff and 16% to St. Joseph’s Hospital. It is likely that the malpractice insurance for the doctors and the hospitals will pay the James $2.815 million.

In this case, the defendants were attributed 100% of the liability, but that is not the case all the time. Sometimes, the defendants may only be attributed a portion of the liability while the plaintiff might be responsible as well. For instance, if the victim fails to look both ways across the street, or was reckless in his actions, the jury may find that the victim may be partially responsible while the defendant is responsible for his own wrongdoing. To find out your rights in a potential lawsuit, you should speak to the lawyers at Greenberg & Rudman LLP, who have over 50 years of combined experience. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys and stories on our successful lawsuits.

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Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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Many people may not understand the seriousness or the vast occurrence of elder abuse, but it is a very serious form of physical, emotional and financial abuse. Many elderly people entrust their financial information or their lives to family members or close friends, and may not even be aware that they are being abused. Because there are many elderly people who have no one to care for them, it is difficult for them to recognize the abuse. Once they recognize the abuse, and attempt to cut off the abuser, then they may not have anyone left to care for them. Unfortunately, many cases of elder abuse are never reported until it is too late. If you know an elderly person who has been abused by a caretaker, family member or friend, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP for legal help immediately at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

On May 21, 2009, Galen Fisher of Carmel Valley was arrested on suspicion of abusing his mother and keeping her in his home against her will. Fisher’s mother was able to escape the home and notify authorities that her son was threatening her with a pistol, and physically abused her by slapping and punching her. The abuse had escalated in the few days before Fisher’s mother escaped. Fisher was arrested and charged with elder abuse, false imprisonment, criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and possession of a concealed weapon.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in California, please seek assistance and advice of an experienced attorney. Although the government may charge the abusers with elder abuse as a crime, victims may also be able to obtain compensation through civil court. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have over 50 years combined experience in seeking justice for the injured. Call us toll free at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. Elder abuse is serious and can harm the elderly and their families tremendously, so be sure to seek out help when you need it. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about the different types of abuse, and the risk factors of elder abuse.

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Posted In: ELDER ABUSE

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Over recent months, there have been several train accidents involving Caltrain, and Amtrak. One of the main reasons that train accidents may occur is because of conductor error, as well as excessive speed, or because of objects blocking the tracks. It is incredibly difficult for a train to come to a stop quickly because of its size and weight of its load. Some of these accidents may occur because of carelessness on the part of drivers in cars, buses or trucks. These drivers may think that they have more time to cross the tracks before the train arrives, but underestimate the speed of the train. Other times, vehicles may get stuck on the tracks and the train fails to stop in time.

On May 18, 2009, an Amtrak train collided with a vehicle in North Richmond around 5 p.m. The crash occurred near Market Avenue and Sixth Street. The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital with injuries, but no one on the train was injured. California Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the accident. The train was delayed for approximately an hour and a half, and caused delays to other trains as well.

Injuries from train accidents can be horrific, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We may not be able to heal your injuries or bring back a loved one, but we can help you through the tough times by handling your legal issues. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to obtain a free and confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Don’t be fooled by other firms who sign up your case but aren’t prepared to fight for you and take your case to trial. We are experienced trial attorneys who have taken on big insurance companies and won. Please go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our firm history, and more information on train accidents.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Located north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mill Valley is within driving distance to San Francisco, Sausalito, Tiburon and Larkspur. The area was originally occupied by the Coast Miwoks, a Native American group. Mill Valley has a population of 13,600 residents and is located in Marin County. The area is known for its many recreational parks, which includes playgrounds for children, dog parks and pedestrian paths to the hillsides surrounding the area. Mill Valley boasts many nature trails as well as an extensive music and arts community.

Although many take advantage of these nature trails, the trails may pose unknown dangers to hikers. There may be many naturally created dangers, or even human errors that may result in physical injury to hikers. In order to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit for a slip and fall accident, or injury sustained on the trail path, the victim must show a certain degree of negligence. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP can help you with your case against the city, or the county, an otherwise difficult task. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Check out our website www.alawpro.com for more information on premises liability and slip and fall injuries.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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Known as a “bedroom community,” Pinole is situated in Contra Costa County along the I-80 corridor. It is located within driving distance to San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, San Pablo and Hercules. The city is named after the Native American word for a type of flour made from maize, and other grasses and herbs. Pinole’s population was approximately 19,039 in the 2000 census. Pinole is also well known for its big-box shopping center, which is an extension of the Richmond Hilltop area. Historically, Pinole was an industrialized area, but over the years the industry has been displaced, and the area has become primarily residential, thus earning the “bedroom community” label.

Have you or a loved one been injured in Pinole, or suffered a wrongful death? If so, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free consultation from one of our experienced attorneys at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Our attorneys can inform you of your rights and guide you through your lawsuit process efficiently. Being without an attorney in the court system can be detrimental to a case, and may delay the process even longer. Our cases are all on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any fees or costs unless we win the case for you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about personal injury cases and wrongful death claims.

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Dixon, a city of approximately 16,103 people, is within driving distance from the San Francisco Bay Area as well as the state capitol, Sacramento. It is located in Solano County and near Vacaville, Winters and Davis. Dixon is accessible by Highway 80 and 113, and only has Amtrak capital Corridor passing through the area, and does not have any of the other major public transportation, such as BART, or Caltrain, traveling through the area. There is a new train station recently constructed in Dixon, but there are no stops made there yet. Living in Dixon may be beneficial to commuting families whose members work in both Sacramento and the Bay Area.

Traveling through the area may be dangerous because of the increasing population residing in Dixon. If you or a family member has been injured in a car or bus accident in Dixon, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free and confidential consultation. We have over fifty years of experience and have over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Also, visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about car accidents, and profiles on our attorneys.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT

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Located near Albany and Richmond, El Cerrito is part of Contra Costa County and has a population of 23,171 residents. It is also within driving distance to San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. El Cerrito also has many parks that its residents may enjoy, as well as an extensive recreational department. Being injured in a public park or area could expose the city to liability if the grounds are not maintained well. However, this does not mean that the court system will honor any frivolous lawsuit against the city. The court will look at the amount of injury that is done to the victim, and the role that the city might have played in it.

In order to determine whether your injuries would merit damages, you would need to consult with a professional in the area of law. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over fifty years of experience, and have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements over the years. Give us a call now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Being injured is already tough enough as it is, but handling a lawsuit on your own may only add to your stress. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to find out what premises liability is, and information on injuries that you may have suffered.

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Aside from watching television shows and movies, many people may not have a complete picture of what it is like to have an attorney on your side. There are many relationships that have a special privilege attached to them. The most well known privilege may be the doctor-patient confidentiality. This means that when patients go see their doctors for checkups or treatments, the doctor must keep that information confidential and may not release the information unless the patient gives permission. Even the patient’s family members may not get information on the patient’s treatment without explicit authority from the patient.

Similarly, attorneys and their clients have a special privilege as well. Once someone becomes a client, or consults with an attorney about his case, then the privilege applies. The privilege applies to information that the client tells the attorney he wants to keep secret, and the attorney may not give out the information unless the client gives him permission. However, this privilege does not extend to everything. Depending on the jurisdiction, attorneys would be required to report to the authorities if their clients are threatening to hurt others or themselves. Additionally, attorneys are prohibited from aiding their clients from performing illegal acts. For example, if the client tells his attorney that he is going to commit tax fraud and wants advice on how to do it, the attorney does not have to cooperate, and may report his client. Other factual information also may not be included in the privilege, such as basic information about the client, or information used to a speedy conclusion to a court case.

To obtain a free consultation from an experienced attorney at Greenberg & Rudman LLP, please call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay no costs or fees unless we win the case for you. If we do not win the case, then you do not pay us a penny. Our attorneys have over fifty years of experience, and have won over $50 million in verdicts and settlements. Call us now for information on your case. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about the areas of law that we cover and information about our law firm.

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

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Many may not be aware that leaving the scene of an accident without leaving proper information or waiting for the authorities to come is not only the wrong thing to do, but it is also illegal. People who leave accident sites without giving their insurance information to the victim could face charges of hit-and-run all the way up to vehicular manslaughter. In addition to the criminal charges, the family of the victim, or the victim himself could file a lawsuit against the wrongdoer. If the victim is alive, then he can sue the wrongdoer for injuring him but if the victim dies as a result of the accident, then his family may be able to sue the wrongdoer for wrongful death damages. Wrongful death lawsuits require that the wrongdoer acted negligently or differently than a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted. For example, in a car accident in which the driver hits a pedestrian, a reasonable person would likely pull over and call for help.

A negligent person may leave the scene of the accident, or may do something else that other reasonable people would not do. Whether the actions were reasonable is decided by the judge or the jury in a trial. A hit and run accident happened in Santa Clara in the early morning hours of May 16, 2009 in which a pedestrian was struck and killed on El Camino Real near McCormick Drive. A police officer found the pedestrian lying in the roadway. He was still alive when the officer approached, but later died at the scene. There are no witnesses or suspects in this case. Officials have reported that it is likely that the suspect’s car will have front end damage and possibly a broken windshield.

The person who hit the pedestrian could face vehicular manslaughter charges by the district attorney, and the victim’s family could sue him for wrongful death. There is a chance that had the driver stopped after he hit the victim, the victim could have been saved. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, or if one of your family members was fatally injured in an accident, you should consult with an attorney at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation from one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about wrongful death lawsuits and profiles on our attorneys.

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Posted In: WRONGFUL DEATH

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Doctors and medical professionals are considered to be an integral part of society, but are also expected to perform to the highest of their abilities. There are medical boards that monitor doctors to make sure that they are getting continuing education in their fields. Another way that doctors are monitored is through medical malpractice lawsuits. Lawsuits may help regulate the medical field because if doctors were not sought out for their mistakes then they may continue to make the mistakes without having to face the consequences.

In Hamilton County, Tennessee, a jury awarded a 33 year old woman $6.1 million in damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The woman, Kristen Freeman, suffered cardiac problems and was brain damaged as a result of colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. The lawsuit was against Dr. Michael Goodman, a gastroenterologist who was well known in the area. The jury found him to be 51 percent to be at fault for Freeman’s condition. Freeman had been having bowel problems for several years and went to go visit Dr. Goodman, who performed the procedures on her. Freeman called the doctor’s office to complain of pain and nausea the same day as the procedures, but was only prescribed anti-nausea medication. She again called the office the next day, and Dr. Goodman referred her to have her x-rays taken. However, by the next day, Freeman was so weak that she needed a wheelchair.

Freeman’s attorney contended that Dr. Goodman should have known that vomiting and pain were symptoms of a perforated intestine, but Dr. Goodman’s attorney contends that Freeman should have gone to the emergency room on her own. Freeman suffered cardiopulmonary arrest and severe brain damage, and she is now in permanent and total disability. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over $150 million in verdicts and settlements, including medical malpractice cases. In order to find out if you have a lawsuit on your hands, you should contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about medical malpractice cases.

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Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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Insurance companies provide drivers with protection in case of accidents in which they injure others, or injure themselves. This is why many states require that drivers have car accident insurance in order to drive legally. Insurance policies may range from the very basic, which would include property damage done to other cars, to the maximum coverage, which would include property damage for the parties involved, as well as potential coverage of physical injuries. People who might be driving vehicles as part of the employment, such as truck drivers, or delivery men, are covered by their employers, whose insurance would be ultimately responsible for mistakes made in the course of employment.

Several weeks ago, there was a tour bus accident that occurred on Interstate 101 on the overpass in Soledad. The bus was carrying thirty four French tourists when the bus hit a guardrail and overturned. The driver of the bus, John Egnew, the tour guide and four tourists were killed in the crash, and many more were hospitalized with injuries. Since the accident occurred, CHP has conducted investigations of the crash and have determined that the crash was a result of driver error because Egnew failed to negotiate a curve, which caused the bus to overturn. In this situation, Egnew’s employer and the owner of the bus company would likely be responsible for any injuries that occurred. Any lawsuits arising from the French tourists would likely be handled through the bus and the driver’s insurance companies.

Large insurance companies may be difficult to deal with if you are handling your own case, or are trying to recover without a lawsuit. The best way to deal with insurance companies who are uncooperative is to obtain legal counsel of your own. Have you or a loved one been injured on a bus or in a motor vehicle accident? If so, you need to call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation. Our attorneys can tell you your rights and can give you legal advice on how to proceed. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation from one of our experienced attorneys. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about injury accidents, and recovery from insurance companies.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , INSURANCE BAD FAITH

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Benicia is located in the Bay Area, near Vallejo and Martinez. The city actually served as California’s capital between 1853 and 1854. There are 26,865 residents in the city of Benicia. The city is divided into four sections: the East Side, West Side, Southampton and the industrial park. The Benicia Arsenal is also located in the city, and was a former United States arsenal but is now used for a variety of other purposes. There are also landmark buildings in Benicia, such as The Clock Tower, the Camel Barn and the Jefferson Street Mansion. Many tourists may be attracted to the shopping in Benicia because of its high quality antique stores and small boutique shops.

Tourists might be able to reach Benicia through Interstate 680, 780, and by Amtrak. With a variety of people visiting the area, and its local residents, there might be different incidents that may occur which would result in injury. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP represent people who have been wrongfully injured in car accidents, work place injuries, premises liability injuries and wrongful death actions, among others. To find out whether you have a case, please call us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free confidential consultation. Please also visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Just west of the San Francisco Bay, Millbrae is in San Mateo County and has a population of 20,718 people. Millbrae is south of San Francisco and north of Burlingame; it is also located near the San Francisco International Airport. Millbrae is accessible by Highways 101 and 280, and is served by BART, SamTrans (San Mateo Transit District) and Caltrain. The availability of public transportation to the northern and southern parts of the Bay Area attracted more residents and business owners to Millbrae. This increase in residents may result in more car accidents, bus accidents or train accidents.

Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident involving a car, train or bus? If so, you need to call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP to get a free consultation about your specific case. An experienced attorney may be able to tell you when the deadlines for your case would be, what damages you can recover from the wrongdoer, and what problems you may encounter in your case. Without an experienced attorney, the process may be tough and you may miss deadlines that you don’t know about. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with a knowledgeable attorney. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about the areas of law that we practice, and profiles on our attorneys.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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As summer quickly approaches, parents and care givers need to be reminded of the dangers of swimming pools, lakes and areas with sedentary water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3,582 fatal unintentional drowning in the U.S. in 2005, which averages out to be about ten deaths per day. More than 25% of drowning deaths are in children under the age of fourteen. For each of the children who die in drowning accidents, another four are treated medically for nonfatal submersion injuries. Males are four times more likely than females to die from unintentional drowning, and 30% of all children between the ages of one and four who died in 2005 died from drowning. Some of the major causes of drowning are lack of preventative measures, such as barriers, or proper supervision. If you child died in a drowning accident because of improper care, you should contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free consultation to learn about your rights. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

A jury in Santa Barbara, California, on April 27, 2009, awarded $14 million in compensatory damages to the parents of a four year old boy who drowned in a Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club swimming pool in 2005. The boy, Yoni Gottesman, was attending a summer camp at the Club, which was unlicensed to run the summer camp. During the trial, there was a surveillance video showing the boy playing in the water with camp counselors, and then floating in the pool shortly thereafter. The surveillance also showed the counselors sitting around the pool, and the lifeguard getting out of his chair to buy a soda. The jury found that there was clear and convincing evidence that the employees there acted with malice, oppression and fraud, which allows punitive damages to be discussed in a second part to the trial. The compensatory damages included an amount for negligence, funeral and burial expenses and medical expenses.

Losing a child in a preventable accident is a devastating situation. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP may not be able to bring your child back, but we may be able to obtain compensation for your child’s injuries. Call us now for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Visit our website at www.alawpro.com to read more on premises liability and wrongful death lawsuits.

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Medical malpractice lawsuits are cases in which the patient who received treatment from a health care professional did not get adequate or proper care from the professional, and there was some level of negligence. For example, if a patient goes to a doctor complaining of a sore throat, and the patient is sent home with cold medicine, but instead has a throat infection, there would likely not be a successful lawsuit. However, if the patient goes in for surgery of his right leg, and instead the doctor amputates his left leg, then there likely would be a determination of negligence. Each case is independent based on its individual circumstances, and would depend on the amount of damages suffered by the patient and the level of the doctor’s negligence.

During a jury trial in Milwaukee, Illinois, Daniel Nelson, who was injured in a motorcycle accident in 2000, was awarded $2.1 million for his injuries suffered during his treatment after his motorcycle crash. Nelson was sent to a rehabilitation center where his jaw was wired shut and his movements were restricted for fear that they would pull out the tracheotomy tube or other medical equipment. A sitter was with him constantly and watched his progress. On October 18, 2000, the sitter called for assistance because Nelson seemed to go still and his color began to change. It was discovered that there was an obstruction in the tracheotomy tube. Nelson alleges that the medical team failed to react in a timely matter; he nearly died and was in a virtual coma for seven weeks. Before the tracheotomy accident occurred, Nelson was able to walk a little on his own, but after, Nelson had to have six surgeries and is confined to a wheelchair.

The damages awarded were $994,716 to Nelson for medical and health care expenses, $1 million for past and future pain and suffering, $50,000 to Nelson’s wife for loss of consortium and $65,000 to Nelson’s son for lack of society and companionship. The amount of damages allowed to be recovered varies from state to state, so if you have a medical malpractice case, you should consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. We handle all cases on a contingency basis. We are paid a percentage of what we recover for you. This means you will pay no legal fees unless we collect money for you. If we don’t recover money for you, you will not owe us a fee. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak with an experienced attorney about your case. Please also go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about medical malpractice cases.

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Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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After the deadly bus accident on Highway 101 on April 29, 2009, it was discovered that the driver, John Egnew, had been involved in another accident in 2005, also involving a bus that he was driving. Unfortunately, Egnew was one of the victims ejected from the bus and ultimately died from neck and head injuries. The 2005 accident occurred in Las Vegas when Egnew hit Joan Smith and her husband as they were crossing the street. Egnew admitted not seeing them until he hit them; the bus continued to roll on top of Smith and then backed off of her. Smith fell backward on the pavement and sustained brain injuries and a fractured pelvis. The bus was owned by Weeks Enterprises, which also owned the bus that he was driving in the Monterey accident.

After the 2005 accident, Smith and her husband sued Weeks Enterprises for the injuries that she suffered from the bus crash. The lawsuit settled for $750,000. Federal records show that Weeks Enterprises, which owns Orion Pacific, has held a clean record for the last two years. There have been no reported accidents in any of the states and there have not been driver or bus problems. Orion Pacific received an audit of its vehicles in 2006 and received the highest rating possible. The tourists who were onboard have said that they felt there was something wrong with the vehicle, and that it was going too fast. These tourists may bring lawsuits against the owner of the bus and the employer of the driver for their damages. However, their cases will depend on why the accident occurred and whether or not the driver was actually negligent in the accident. If the accident occurred as a result of a wheel malfunction, or some other part of the car, then the tourists may be able to obtain compensation from the manufacturer of the bus, and might not be able to recover from the driver or his employer.

In order to fully determine whether or not you have a lawsuit on your hands, it would be best for you to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over fifty years of experience and represent people who have been seriously injured as well as the families of those who have been killed under wrongful death circumstances. We are experienced trial attorneys who have taken on big insurance companies and won. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced attorney. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys, the areas of law that we practice and more information on bus related accidents.

Want to know more about bus accidents? Then go to Part 1: FIVE DEAD IN HIGHWAY 101 BUS CRASH IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA (Part 1 of 2)

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Bus accidents can cause extreme injuries and pose liability to the owners of the bus. The sheer size of the bus can cause major injuries and even death to the passengers and vehicles around the bus. The owner of the bus could be liable for the injuries, as well as the driver, and his employer. Most buses are operated by metropolitan transit systems, which are owned and operated by the city or county. However, there are also other privately owned buses that are used primarily for tours or trips. In these cases, there might be liability to the company conducting the tour, the driver, and his employer, and the owner of the bus. If you have been injured in a bus accident, you need to call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation.

On April 29, 2009, five people died and dozens of others were injured on Highway 101 in Monterey in a bus crash. The accident happened on southbound Highway 101 overpass in Soledad. The bus belonged to Orion Pacific and hit a guardrail and overturned. There were three people dead at the scene and two later pronounced dead at local hospitals. The California Highway Patrol has reported that many people were ejected from the bus and landed on the railroad tracks under the overpass. There were approximately thirty six passengers and one driver onboard the bus. The passengers on board were French tourists, whose tour had begun in Los Angeles a few days earlier. That stretch of the highway was closed for the remainder of Tuesday and remained limited in its use until Wednesday.

Bus accidents can be attributed to several different reasons. One of the most common may be driver error, in which the driver fell asleep at the wheel, or was intoxicated or was not trained properly to drive the vehicle. Other reasons may include bad road conditions, weather or problems with the vehicle itself. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP specialize in personal injury cases, and have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Please call us for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about bus accidents.

Would you like to know more about this bus accident and the liability that a driver and the owner of the bus can face? Go to Part 2: BUS DRIVER OF ACCIDENT HAD PREVIOUS PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT – CALL SF BAY AREA BUS ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS NOW (Part 2 of 2)

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Located in Sonoma County, Windsor has a population of 25,294 people and is located along Highway 101. It is located north of Santa Rosa and is near Fulton, Healdsburg and Sebastopol. There are several parks in Windsor, including a skate park and a soccer park, and easy access to regional parks such as Foothill Regional Park and Riverfront Regional Park. There are also town bikeways and trails. Windsor also boasts its own farmers’ market and its vicinity to the wine country.

If you or a loved one has been injured in Windsor, you should call an attorney as soon as possible to determine if you are able to recover damages for the injuries and property damage that you may have suffered. Although we are unable to bring a loved one back, we can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Give us a call now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to have a free and confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Also, please visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on our attorneys and the different areas of law that we cover.

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Hercules was previously a very small bedroom community in Contra Costa County, but has grown rapidly over the years. It has a population of 24,776 as of the 2006 estimated census and is located along the I-80 in Contra Costa County. It is located near San Francisco and Oakland, which allows its residents to commute to the cities during the day, but reside in Hercules. The city is also surrounded by Pinole, Rodeo and Martinez. In 2000, Hercules made a big push to become a transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly and mixed-use town. This means that there are more transit options, such as Amtrak or ferry service, and more of a centralized feel in which residents may have the benefits of big city living while in a smaller homey town.

With so much construction occurring since 2000, there might be risks to pedestrians along the road or the sidewalk. Depending on the circumstances in each case, people injured in city construction zones may be able to obtain compensation from the city for not keeping the area safe, or being negligent in their duties. Have you or a loved one been injured in a construction area, or in the city of Hercules? If so, you need to call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. We can tell you your rights and help you fight for them. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about premises liability.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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With a population of 25,123 residents, Belmont is a city in San Mateo County. It is located in the San Francisco Peninsula and halfway between San Mateo and San Carlos. It is also within driving distance to San Francisco and Oakland, across the Bay. Recently, Belmont adopted a very strict smoking ban in which smoking is no longer allowed in businesses and multi-story apartments and condominiums. This ordinance is among the toughest in the nation and could attract more residents to the area.

By attracting more residents to the area, hazardous road conditions may be created, especially with more cars and commuters driving to other cities in the Bay. Car accidents can be deadly and can be quite costly. Would you like to know more about how to obtain compensation for the injuries that you have suffered in a car accident? If so, you should contact the experienced attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about car accidents.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

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Many may remember the deadly train accident in Southern California a couple of years ago in which dozens of people were killed when the train engineer failed to stop in time. Train accidents may occur more frequently than many people think. The size and weight of its cargo makes the train incredibly difficult to stop in a short period of time. Often, trains will travel at a reduced speed through towns or cities, but accidents still may happen as a result of negligence, or some other event. If you have been injured in a train accident, you need to call an experienced attorney now for a free and confidential consultation. Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

On April 25, 2009 in Burlingame, a city south of San Francisco, a freight train struck a motor home that was stalled on the tracks. The motor home belonged to a couple from Oregon, and was stuck on the tracks near Broadway Avenue. The RV’s driver and other good Samaritans were attempting to push the RV over the tracks when they saw the train approaching quickly. The train was unable to stop and slammed into the RV just seconds after the people ran to safety. No one was injured by buildings and vehicles in the area reported minor to moderate damage from the flying debris. There is no report whether the engine of the train suffered any damage. Caltrain, which shares the same railroad tracks, was delayed for hours after the accident.

Suffering from injuries from a train accident, or any other type of accident, can be a tremendously painful experience. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP may be able to help. We may not be able to heal you or bring back a loved one, but we can help you file a lawsuit and fight in court to get the damages that you deserve. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. We have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have over fifty years of experience. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more on train accidents.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Depending on different state laws, wrongful death lawsuits can be brought by only certain people that usually include the victim’s parents, spouse or children. So, if the person bringing the suit is the victim’s distant cousin, the law will likely prohibit them from filing the lawsuit. Often times the laws in different jurisdictions only provide certain damages that the family may recover from the lawsuit. For example, the damages in a lawsuit may recover money for the victim’s medical care or funeral expenses but would not cover for the family’s pain and suffering. All of these details are different in different states, so the best option would be to call and get a free consultation from Greenberg & Rudman LLP so that you know your rights. We can be reached at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

A jury in Cook County, Illinois, found in favor of a car salesman’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit on Monday, April 20, 2009. The victim, Roger Czapski, was killed in 2004 when he was taking a customer, Christopher Maher, out for a test drive in a BMW. Maher, driving the BMW, clipped a Saturn and the car swerved and hit a light pole. The driver and the two other passengers were ejected from the car, but Czapski died at a hospital approximately ninety minutes later. The evidence during trial showed that Maher was driving the car at about ninety-five miles per hour when the crash occurred. Maher pled guilty to aggravated speeding in 2005 in relation to the crash, and was sentenced to one year of probation and 30 days of community service.

At Greenberg & Rudman LLP, you speak directly to an experienced California personal injury lawyer. All consultations are free and confidential—call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We handle all cases on a contingency basis. We are paid a percentage of what we recover for you. This means that you will pay no legal fees unless we collect money for you. If we do not recover money for you, you will not owe us a fee. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about wrongful death lawsuits.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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