San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

Federal, state and local governments have responsibility in maintaining parts of the United States, so if something happens on federal or state land, the proper authorities are responsible for it. This not only applies to where lawsuits are held, but also to who may be responsible for the injury. State and local governments are responsible for most of the roads and pathways, and if accidents occur as a result of that maintenance, then they would likely have responsibility. For example, if the signs on a certain road are inaccurate and cause an accident, the city or state may be responsible for a part of the accident, and maybe even the entire thing.

In Delaware on October 30, 2009, Kenneth Matlock won $6 million for the injuries that he sustained when a tree limb fell on his car and broke his neck. The incident happened in 2006 when he was driving in the car with his wife and three children. The tree limb fell on top of their SUV, and the car continued until it hit a guardrail on the opposite side of the road. Matlock’s wife’s neck was broken as well, and he lost use of his right hand. It was determined that the tree was the responsibility of the Department of Transportation of Delaware, and because of the flooding that had happened there, the tree was rotted out.

A tree expert and registered arborist testified for Matlock and stated that the state should have known about the condition of the tree and should have corrected it before the accident occurred. The jury unanimously awarded the damages to the Matlocks. Have you or a family member been injured in a car accident or any other incident that involved the negligence of the state government? If so, you should contact the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP right away for a free consultation of your case. Pick up the phone and call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Please go to www.alawpro.com to read more about premises liability lawsuits and slip and fall cases.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

Bookmark:

It is a common misconception that just because someone injures you, you will be able to win a lawsuit against them. There are many legal standards that you would have to meet before you are able to succeed in a lawsuit, and it may be very hard if you don’t have an experienced attorney on your side. Personal injury lawsuits can be divided into two major sections: intentional and negligent. Intentional torts are lawsuits in which the wrongdoer intended to do what he did, and it caused injury. Prime examples of these types of lawsuits are assault and battery (which differs from the criminal version) and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Negligent torts are more common because they include incidents that are not intentional, and may include a greater variety of incidents. In order to win a negligence lawsuit, the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) must meet six elements: duty, standard of care, breach of duty, cause in fact, proximate cause and damages. Under duty, the defendant must have an obligation to the plaintiff to conform to a certain standard of conduct. For example, there is no general duty to act, and particularly if the state (like California) does not have a Good Samaritan Law. So, people are not legally bound to stop by the side of the road to help someone who has been injured. Similarly, the person injured will not be able to win a lawsuit against people who have passed them on the road, but who did not cause the injury.

Under the element of duty, there are specific individuals who have a duty to you. For instance, your doctor would have a duty to treat your injuries, or at the very least keep you informed of your condition. There are additional professionals who also owe a duty to their clients. The law firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP has won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements for their clients. We may be able to help you in your case, so don’t go into a lawsuit alone. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation of your case. Go to www.alawpro.com to read more about the different settlements and verdicts that we have won for our clients.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

Big rig trucks can be very dangerous on the road, particularly if the driver is inexperienced or if the load is improperly distributed or carried. There may also be problems with the road that can cause trucking accidents, such as pot holes or uneven pavement. The California Highway Patrol compiled statistical information on accidents involving trucks in their SWITRS system.

• In 2007, there were 365 people killed in truck collisions and 10,024 people injured by trucking accidents;
• The highest number of injuries in 2007 occurred in August, while the highest number of fatalities occurred in October;
• In four fatal collisions in 2007, the primary collision factor was that the truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident;
• The majority of cases in 2007 where the truck driver was at fault occurred when the driver was driving at an unsafe speed;
• Out of 3,557 fatal vehicle collisions in 2007, 320 of those were truck collisions;
• Out of 184,994 injury collisions in 2007, there were 6,942 truck collisions.

Driving a big rig truck can be dangerous, particularly on narrow roads or high speed areas. The cargo on the trucks may also contribute to their dangerousness, as it may alter the operation of the vehicle. Smaller cars and bicycle riders must also be cautious around big rigs because they fit perfectly into the truck’s blind spot and may get stuck under the vehicle. The lawyers of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have over 50 years of combined experience and may be able to help you in your case. Pick up the phone and call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Check out our website at www.alawpro.com to find out more about trucking accidents and what rights you may have in your accident.

Would you like to read more about trucking accidents? Then go to Part 1: FAMILY OF GIRL KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT AWARDED $5.25 MILLION AGAINST BIG RIG TRUCK DRIVER AND COMPANY—CONTACT WALNUT CREEK ATTORNEYS NOW (Part 1 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Are you aware that if you get into an accident with a big rig truck, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries from the owner of the truck, the driver’s employer and the owner of the cargo that the truck is carrying? Of course, there are certain limitations in these types of cases and the outcome depends on the different circumstances in each case. In these types of cases, the owner of the truck is likely responsible for the condition of the truck. For example, the company would have to perform inspections on the vehicle to make sure that it was safe on the road. The driver’s employer is also responsible for the driver, whether it’s properly training him/her or making sure that their licenses are up to date.

A Albemarle County, Virginia jury awarded the Aichs family $5.25 million for the death of their 16 year old daughter in 2008. The accident happened with a big rig truck, driven by Kenneth Barbour and owned by the Don B. Swisher Trucking Corp. It was alleged in the lawsuit that Barbour was not properly trained and supervised and that the company allowed him to drive the big rig truck with defective parts. The accident occurred when Barbour ran a red light at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Ashwood Boulevard. The jury awarded $1.75 million to each of the three family members but did not award any punitive damages because Barbour’s actions did not meet all the required thresholds of negligence.

Barbour also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving earlier this year. He was sentenced to two years in prison. If you have had a family member who was killed or injured in a big rig truck accident, or any other car accident, then you need to call an experienced attorney for a free consultation of your case. Call the law firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free consultation. Visit www.alawpro.com for more information on car and trucking accidents.

Do you want to learn more about big rig trucking accidents? Then go to Part 2: TRUCKING ACCIDENTS ACCOUNTED FOR SEVERAL DEATHS IN ALAMEDA COUNTY—FIND OUT YOUR RIGHTS FROM AN EXPERIENCED LAWYER (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Oakley is home to approximately 33,250 people and is a city in Contra Costa County. It is part of the Eastern Contra Costa County Bicycle Plan, which is an effort to increase on-street and off-street bikeways. The city also supports its residents’ active lifestyles by providing a wide range of recreational activities. Oakley offers dance classes, martial arts lessons, adult sports and leagues and numerous parks. There are also several soccer and baseball fields for the residents to use.

Did you know that if you are injured on public property, you may be entitled to compensation from the government entity that maintains that property? These types of cases depend on whether there was negligence involved. Negligence is a legal standard, and an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights. Call the law offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. You can go to www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys’ backgrounds and about the different types of law that we cover.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

Bookmark:

As part of Santa Clara County, Los Gatos has a population of 28,592 people. It is located near the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is considered to be a very upscale bedroom community. Most of the homes there are upwards of one million dollars and the Los Gatos downtown area has many upscale boutiques and restaurants. Los Gatos is a popular place to live for many Silicon Valley or San Francisco employees because it provides a quieter suburban area from the larger cities.

Personal injury lawsuits can vary—they can include wrongful death claims that occur from different incidents, brain and spinal cord injuries and even burn injuries. Have you been injured and want to be compensated for your injuries? The law firm Greenberg & Rudman LLP may be able to help you find out your rights in your situation. You can contact us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to talk to one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Please go to www.alawpro.com to read more about the different types of personal injury lawsuits that our office handles.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

Located within driving distance to San Francisco, San Jose, Belmont and Redwood City, San Carlos is part of San Mateo County. The city has a population of 27,718 people and is located on the San Francisco Peninsula. San Carlos is known as the “City of Good Living” because of its small town feel and its many shops and restaurants. The city may attract new residents and tourists with its Hiller Air Museum, its high ranking schools and efficient transportation system. San Carlos is serviced by SamTrans and Caltrain, as well as the San Carlos Airport.

Public transportation is a fast and efficient way for residents to commute to jobs within the city or to other cities in the Bay Area. However, it carries within it some risks as well. For example, if a bus or train accident occurs, there may be more casualties and injuries than a car accident. If you or a family member has been injured in a bus or train accident, then you need to call the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free and confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). You can go to www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys and the different areas of law that we cover.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Bookmark:

Burn injuries are not only caused by fire, but can be caused by electricity, chemicals, light, radiation or friction. These burns can affect the muscle, bone and nerves, and the injuries may scar the person physically and emotionally. Burns can be classified by different degrees, with first degree burns being the least serious and fourth degree burns being the most serious, and potentially threatening the life of the victim. If you have been injured in a burn accident, then you need to call the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

First degree burns generally only affect the epidermis, and includes redness and slight pain to the area. Second degree burns affect the dermis and may cause blistering of the skin or nerve damage. Third degree burns damage the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. Third degree burn victims may require skin grafting and may suffer loss of hair shafts. Fourth degree burns include damaged muscles, tendons and ligament tissue and may result in permanent damage to the hypodermis tissue. Many of these injuries are caused by cooking or scalding hot water, but some may be caused by house fires. When there is a fire involved, then doctors would likely treat the victim for smoke inhalation and possibly burn injury to the lungs.

Personal injury lawsuits require some element of negligence or recklessness by the wrongdoer. This kind of negligence can include improper maintenance by a landlord of your fireplace or electrical system. To learn about your rights and whether you have a personal injury case, you should call the experienced attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer. Visit www.alawpro.com for more information on burn injuries.

Want to know more about burn injuries? Then go to Part 1: FIRE DEATHS MOST LIKELY IN HOMES—CONTACT SANTA ROSA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS FOR YOUR FIRE RELATED INJURIES (Part 1 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BURN INJURY , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

As the cold winter and the holiday season rolls around, more and more families are lighting their fireplaces and enjoying the fire. However, fire, whether intentional or unintentional, pose significant dangers to children and adults alike. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Deaths from fire and burns are the fifth most common cause of death in the United States;
• In 2008, someone died in a fire every 158 minutes, on average and someone was injured by fire every 31 minutes;
• Four out of five fire deaths happened in homes;
• In 2008, there were 403,000 house fires, 2,755 deaths and 13,560 injuries;
• Many victims of fires do not die from burns, but rather from smoke inhalation or toxic gases;
• The groups that are most at risk are children four and under, senior citizens, people living in rural areas and people living in manufactured homes or substandard housing;
• Almost half of the home fires happen in homes without fire alarms;
• Most house fires happen in the winter months;
• About 40% of residential fire deaths happen as a result of alcohol use;
• Smoking is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.

Have you or a member of your family been injured or killed as a result of a fire and because of someone else’s negligence? If so, then you and your family may be entitled to compensatory damages for your injuries. Call the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay costs or fees unless we win the case for you. Check us out at www.alawpro.com for more information on personal injury law and related injuries.

Would you like to know more about burn injuries? Then go to Part 2: BURNS CAN BE CREATED BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT FORMS—DO YOU HAVE BURN INJURIES AND WANT TO BE COMPENSATED? CALL SAN JOSE FIRM GREENBERG & RUDMAN LLP FOR FREE CONSULT (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BURN INJURY , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

Many drugs are developed to remedy everyday conditions, which patients may take for years and years. However, there are some drugs that have side effects that do not arise until years in the future, and depending on how the company advertised the drugs, they may be responsible for the damages that the drugs caused. The drug Prempro is used to help the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal symptoms. The drug is produced by Pfizer and includes side effects like headaches, stomach pain and breast pain.

An Illinois jury awarded Connie Barton an alleged $75 million in punitive damages because of her use of the drug, and her subsequent development of cancer. The jury award has been sealed because of the upcoming personal injury cases on the same drug. The jury found that Pfizer’s Wyeth branch acted willfully and wantonly in the marketing and selling of the drug. There have been several jury awards against Pfizer, including a $99 million verdict to three women in Nevada. However, that award was reduced to $35 million and is waiting for appeal.

In Barton’s case, the jury decided that Prempro helped to cause the cancer and that the manufacturer failed to warn Barton and her doctors adequately about the drug’s risks. The attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements for their clients. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience. Please go to www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys and about pharmaceutical personal injury cases.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PHARMACEUTICAL

Bookmark:

Bicycle riders are on the road for many reasons—some may be biking to work or school, others may be training for bike races and still others may be just biking for fun. However, biking on the road carries with it many dangers, especially on busy roadways and with large vehicles. Although there are bike lanes on more and more roads, some drivers are still reluctant to share the road with bicyclists, and may still not be as aware of the dangers involved. Have you been involved in a bicycling accident because of someone else’s negligence? Then you need to call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

On November 2, 2009, an Alameda-Contra Costa Transit bus hit and killed a bicyclist in Hayward. The accident happened near the intersection of Lustig Court and Huntwood Avenue. The streetlight at the intersection wasn’t working and it was around 6:50 p.m. when the accident happened. The bicyclist was killed at the scene, but none of the passengers on the bus were injured. The accident is still being investigated, and per standard procedure, the bus driver was placed on administrative leave.

Being involved in an accident with a large vehicle like a bus can also be extremely detrimental to your life. Buses may cause more damage than smaller cars, especially if the bus was unable to stop quickly or move out of the way. The attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP may be able to help you in your case. Give us a call now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not pay costs or fees unless we win the case for you. Visit www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys’ backgrounds and bus accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Positioned east of San Francisco, Pleasant Hill is located in Contra Costa County and has a population of 32,837 people. The city is also home to two colleges: Diablo Valley College and JFK University. There is also the Pleasant Hill Farmers Market as well as many other city funded activities, including the Art, Jazz & Wine Festival and Teddy Bear Tea. The area is serviced by Highway 680 and BART.

Being injured in an accident because of the negligence of another person may significantly impair you from working and taking care of your family. Call the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP to learn about your rights and what you may be entitled to in a lawsuit. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Please visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on the different types of personal injury lawsuits.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Morgan Hill is located within driving distance to Gilroy, San Jose and Santa Clara. It has a population of about 33,556 people and is part of Santa Clara County. The city is considered to be a bedroom community to nearby Silicon Valley; residents may also commute to different parts of the Bay Area. Morgan Hill is serviced by Highway 101, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain and the Monterey-Salinas Transit system.

Have you or a family member been injured in a car accident and want to be compensated for your injuries? Every case is different and depends on the circumstances of the case. Give the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP a call to get a free consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We may be able to help you in your case. Please go to www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys and the different areas of law that we practice.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Located in San Mateo County, Foster City is an affluent community that is home to about 29,000 people. Foster City may be considered to be part of the Silicon Valley because of its proximity and the various high-tech companies within the city limits. Foster City is well known for its 19 parks, which allows residents and visitors to play tennis, baseball, soccer and enjoy rollerblading and biking trails along the San Francisco Bay.

There is also a teen activities center and many other activities that the city offers. But did you know that if you are injured on public property because of the negligent maintenance of the city, then you may be able to obtain compensation for your damages? Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. You can also go to www.alawpro.com to find out more about premises liability and slip and fall injuries.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

Bookmark: