California Injury Blog

The last few years have been a free-for-all for auto product liability attorneys; Toyota put out the faulty gas pedals, Mazda has been cited for brake defects and General Motors has recalled several Buick and Impala models for safety issues. With all of the defective auto parts that are getting so much press these days, it seems strange that the ones that have been causing the most damage have been in vehicles for many years, sitting dormant until a tragic circumstance evokes it’s defective design. Jaklin Romine experienced one of these deadly auto defects first hand, but has now gained a form of closure as she attained a level of justice in the form of a substantial verdict.

Continue reading "Auto Defect Lawyers Attain 24.7 Million Dollar Verdict for Client" »

Friends and family of a 14-year-old serious-injury auto accident victim gathered in Irvine Sunday night, the victim remaining in grave condition at a local hospital, according to the Orange County Register. The 48-year-old driver of the Mercedes-Benz and one of the other passengers has been released from the hospital, said Lt. Henry Boggs of the Irvine Police Department. The collision occurred at about 1:15 a.m. when the five people in a Mercedes-Benz collided with a Toyota pickup at the intersection of Irvine Boulevard and Culver drive, Boggs said.

Continue reading "Alleged Repeat DUI Offender Involved in Horrific Irvine Car Accident" »

Adriana Nicanor, 29, was critically injured in a Ventura car accident when she was ejected from the vehicle in which she was a passenger. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the single vehicle accident occurred on Highway 101 near Victoria Avenue in Ventura, the morning of May 16, 2011. Ricardo Avila, 24, was driving south when his car veered off the roadway, entered the shoulder and struck a concrete wall. Nicanor was ejected from the car as it rolled over numerous times after hitting the wall. She suffered critical head injuries and Avila sustained a cut to his finger. Avila was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

My thoughts and prayers are with Adriana Nicanor following this DUI collision. I wish her the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Ventura County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 63 injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Ventura. During that same year, Ventura County DUI collisions claimed 27 lives and injured 475 people.

Continue reading "Woman Suffers Head Injury in Ventura Car Accident" »

Parents are constantly on the look out for how to keep their children safe. Kids, on the other hand, believe themselves to be brave and unstoppable, and often make daring moves that end in minor injuries. Sometimes, more serious brain injury results from a variety of situations children are involved in. Parents can consider the following to help avoid accidents that cause brain damage.

Remember to teach your children how to act around or inside vehicles. When crossing streets, talk about the steps of stopping, looking both ways before crossing, and using crosswalks. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings, especially the actions of nearby vehicle. Inside cars, babies and young children must be harnessed in car seats, and older children must wear their seatbelts. Before operating the vehicle, make sure everyone is "strapped in."

Continue reading "Keep Your Kids Safe: Avoiding Brain Injury" »

Brain injuries are amongst the most debilitating injuries that one can receive, and they can be received through a variety of different forces. Brain injuries that happen after birth are categorized as traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries. Victims of severe brain injuries are usually handicapped for life, having to rely on their loved ones to help them do things that you and I might consider second nature.

Victims of brain damage are not completely helpless. Many survivors are able to perform tasks and overcome obstacles that their doctor's would have thought were impossible under the victim's circumstance. A positive attitude and a passion to live life to its fullest have proven to be powerful allies for those adjusting to their new lifestyle.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

If you received brain damage resulting from a head injury, chances are that it would be categorized as a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are usually caused by a direct blow to the head, where the force of the blow can break through the skull and damage the soft brain tissue. This type of TBI can be caused by:

Continue reading "Brain Injuries and How They are Caused" »

Living independently as a senior is a risky endeavor, but many feel that the chances of suffering a serious brain injury is worth living out the remainder of their lives on their own terms. Many families don't want their grandparents put into nursing homes, which is completely warranted considering the constant barrage of news pertaining to elder abuse, but they are burdened with the knowledge that their family member could fall victim to their aging body. If this is your situation, you may have more protective power than you think; informing your loved one of common hazards and how to avoid them could save their lives.

In the U.S., 1.4 million people sustain a serious head injury every year. Seniors are particularly susceptible, which explains why adults over 75-years-old have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths than any other group. With proper precautions, some of these falls and head injuries could have been avoided.

Continue reading "Eight Ways to Keep Our Elders Safe from a Brain Injury" »

Trying to keep your kids from suffering a brain injury is a daunting task. Every parent knows that trying to keep your child from hitting their head is like trying to save money at Disneyland. Bumps and bruises are ok -- they're a part of growing up -- but knowing the difference between a love tap and a serious head injury is a vital piece of information for anyone, especially mom and dad.

According to the Franklin Institute, Data from more than 2,300 hospitalized patients of all ages indicate that gender and age influence the outcome of serious brain injury. For children under ten years old, young girls were found to be four-times more likely to die from brain damage than boys. Although most children recover mental abilities quickly, "These kids have incredible learning deficits even when the IQ returns to normal," said Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, a University of Texas Neurologist. Responding to your child's head injury in a quick and effective manner could make all the difference in the world.

Steps to Prevent Brain Trauma

In addition to calling, if you child exhibits any of the following symptoms they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The evaluation will determine if there is serious brain trauma and what kind of treatment your child may need.

Continue reading "How to Respond When Your Child Suffers a Brain Injury" »

With a new year comes a new discovery that may prove to be invaluable for brain injury victims. For years researchers have suspected that males and females may experience concussions in different ways, and they seem to have been on to something. A report, which will appear in the January issue of the Journal of Athletic Training, documents that symptoms experienced by female athletes differ from those of males, and it could have led to countless misdiagnoses.

The study consisted of more than 800 high-school athletes who suffered a head injury in nine different sports over two years. The female athlete's symptoms, the report cautioned, could also lead sports-medicine staff members to attribute them to a different condition. The apparent lack of knowledge on the subject has left parents feeling helpless; how can you protect your kids when misdiagnoses have been the standard of care?

Continue reading "New Reports Allege Different Brain Injury Symptoms for Males and Females" »

Suffering from a debilitating head injury is a serious threat for seniors today. Since many of our elders would rather live independently, they are more prone to catastrophic injury accidents, leaving many seniors bruised and broken in an attempt to live out their days on their own terms. A very respectable battle, considering the mistreatment that many seniors face once they check into nursing homes, but with an aging body and no one to assist, a recipe for disaster can sometimes boil over. Staying alert and informed so that you or your loved one may recognize a hazardous area or situation could prevent a tragic brain injury.

The most common cause of traumatic brain injury in the elderly are falls (accounting for 61% of all TBIs in adults aged 65 and older). These falls can be very serious. In fact, seniors who fall are 4 to 5 times more likely than any other group to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or more.

Continue reading "Simple Steps to Prevent Senior Head Injury" »

Suffering a head injury could be a life-altering event, or a funny story you tell at the office Christmas party, the line that separates the two is thin. Understanding, and being able to implement, the following guidelines may prove to be an invaluable tool if you or a loved one is struck in the head. Due to head injuries being a routine occurrence, it is not unusual for someone who suffers brain trauma to downplay the severity of the situation, increasing the likelihood of permanent damage as a result of non-treatment.

Head injury is a general term used to describe brain trauma but can also incorporate other types of head traumas. A person suffering from a serious head injury could experience contusions (bruising of the brain tissue), a hematoma (blood clot), intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding from the vessels within the brain or its covering), or edema (swelling). Symptoms and effects resulting from head injuries vary and can easily go unnoticed.

Continue reading "What to Do If You Suffer a Head Injury" »

Tzu Tseng Wang, 89, is in critical condition after being injured in an Orange County car accident the morning of October 28, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard in Los Alamitos. Authorities say Wang was using the crosswalk when a Honda Civic struck him. Wang suffered multiple injuries to his head, legs and hip. It is not clear if the 60-year-old driver will be cited for the accident. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Critically Injured in Orange County Car Accident" »

Gustavo Gracia, 33, was killed in a California car accident the morning of September 17, 2009, after a big rig flipped over and crushed his car on the 5 Freeway in Oceanside, California. According to a news report in the San Diego Union Tribune, Gracia was in a Lexus sedan on the 5 Freeway's transition to Route 78 when the truck rolled on its left side while the driver was negotiating a turn and hit the sedan. Gracia suffered major head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver, 32-year-old Jerry Jimerson, sustained minor injuries. California Highway Patrol officials are looking into why the big rig, a 1996 Freightliner pulling a 32-foot cargo container, tipped over. Officials say they will perform a thorough inspection of the truck.

Continue reading "San Diego Fatal Car Accident Involves Overturned Big Rig" »

A 15-year-old girl remains in a coma after she suffered a traumatic brain injury in a San Francisco Bay Area pedestrian-car accident that happened at the street intersection of Healdsburg Avenue and Florence Avenue on July 3, 2009. According to The Santa Rosa Press Democrat news report, the girl was crossing the downtown Sebastopol street in a crosswalk when she was struck by a car driven by 65-year-old Linda Chilvers. Doctors are now saying that the teenager could be in the hospital for six to eight months at least.

My heart goes out to the family of this teenager, especially her parents. I wish this young girl the very best for a quick and complete recovery, although she probably has a long road ahead. Please keep her in your prayers.

Continue reading "Brain-Injured San Francisco Bay Area Teen Still in a Coma" »

Local residents in the Tamalpais Valley in the San Francisco area are crying out for better bicycle safety after 26-year-old Claire Diepenbrock suffered horrific injuries in a bicycle accident on May 26, 2009. According to a news report in the Marin Independent Journal, Diepenbrock was injured after she was hit by two cars while riding her bicycle in the busy stretch of Highway 1 near Tam junction. This roadway has apparently been the subject of numerous calls for speed limit signs and wider shoulders by community members over the years who believe a dangerous roadway condition exists on this roadway.

Community activists and local groups have been re-energized by Claire Diepenbrock's bicycle accident and resulting injuries. Many have sent out letters seeking changes to local politicians as well the as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Diepenbrock suffered multiple fractures to her skull, jaw, cheekbones and ribs, a broken clavicle and punctured lung. Doctors are still assessing the extent of her brain injuries and possible brain damage. However, she is said to be improving.

My heart goes out to the injured victim Claire Diepenbrock and her family members who are reeling from the shock of her terrible injuries. I hope and pray that she makes a complete recovery.

Continue reading "Bicycle Accident Spurs Concern about Dangerous Roadway Condition" »

Good planning and time management go a long way. People with traumatic brian injury often have difficulties with time management, organizing themselves and basic planning. If the family is disorganized around them, life will become difficult. Using practical tools like a family calendar, personal planning tools and dividing up duties and responsibilities, making sure everyone knows what is expected of them will help the family and the person with TBI.

An 8-year-old boy is in critical condition after he was injured in a Santa Ana pedestrian accident the evening of May 24, 2009, The Orange County Register reports. The boy, who has not been identified, was playing with several friends just before the Santa Ana car accident occurred. He apparently stepped onto Hickory Street and was struck by a southbound Toyota Previa, Santa Ana police officials said. The pedestrian accident occurred near Bishop Street. The boy was taken to an area hospital and is said to have suffered critical personal injuries.

My heart goes out to the parents of this child and his friends, the other children, who saw him get hit by the truck on the street. I hope that this boy has a speedy and complete recovery. I can only imagine the strain this family must be going through. Please keep this young victim and his family in your prayers.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were nine fatalities and 127 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana. In all of Orange County, 41 deaths and 726 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident Injures 8-year-old Boy" »

Two 12-year-old boys suffered serious personal injuries in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident the morning of May 6, 2009, CBS News reports. The boys were struck by a car in the 12100 block of West Wicks Street, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said. One boy reportedly suffered a broken femur and the other child possibly suffered a head injury. Police were still investigating the circumstances of this pedestrian-car accident.

My heart goes out to these two children who were involved in this horrific pedestrian accident. I hope and pray that they are doing better and that their personal injuries were not catastrophic. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 90 deaths and 2,690 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. In 2007, in Los Angeles County, there were reports of 210 deaths and 5,095 injuries involving pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Injures Two Children" »

A man is in serious condition after he was injured in a Seattle car accident while riding on his motorcycle, the Seattle Times reports. The accident occurred the night of April 15, 2009 when the man was riding with two other motorcyclists on the Duwamish Avenue South access road. When the group turned south on to Duwamish Avenue South, one man lost control of his motorcycle, skidded along the road and landed along the jersey median. The man suffered head injuries and became unconscious. Other motorcyclists attempted CPR on him until paramedics arrived. The injured motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital where he is said to be in critical condition.

My heart goes out to this motorcyclist who is fighting for his life. I hope and pray that he recovers quickly and completely from his serious head injuries. Please keep him in your prayers.

The number of motorcycle accidents in Washington State is apparently increasing at an alarming rate. Washington State Troopers say they are concerned about the high number of fatal motorcycle crashes occurring so early this year. So far, just in the first part of 2009, there have been five fatal motorcycle accidents in Washington State. Total motorcycle fatalities reached 75 in 2008, an increase of nine incidents from 66 in 2007. In all, Washington State Patrol troopers have investigated 584 motorcycle collisions in 2008 resulting in 200 injuries.

Continue reading "Seattle Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorneys: Man Suffers Severe Head Injuries in Seattle Motorcycle Accident" »

A woman, who suffered severe brain injuries that left her permanently disabled after her car was broadsided by a Los Angeles Police Department vehicle will get $4.5 million in a settlement approved recently by the Los Angeles City Council. According to this news report, Sandra Griffin was sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked Nissan Altima just before midnight on September 9, 2006, when an LAPD patrol car driven by Officer Scotty Stevens struck her.

The crash apparently occurred when Stevens swerved to avoid hitting another car that was blocking lanes at the intersection of Imperial Highway and Success Avenue. Griffin and her passenger reportedly suffered “extreme and severe mental anguish, shock, anxiety, severe injuries to their nervous systems as well as severe mental and physical pain and injury,” according to the lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Personal injury cases that involve traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries that have resulted in permanent disability are extremely tragic. Most of these victims require 24/7 care and become dependent on someone else to perform ordinary functions such as eating, dressing, bathing and moving around. It may seem as if Sandra Griffin “won” a lot of money in this settlement. But this is no victory and the settlement is no jackpot.

Continue reading "Woman Brain-Injured by LAPD Cop Car Gets $4.5 Million" »

A jury in Twentynine Palms, Calif., has awarded $15 million to the family of a 17-year-old local boy who suffered severe brain injuries in a 2005 traffic accident in Joshua Tree, which was reportedly caused by the negligence of a Southern California Gas Company employee. According to a news article in the Hi-Desert Star, Darryl Whitley of Yucca Valley reportedly ran the red light and struck the vehicle on the passenger side where the boy, Kyle Tilton then 14 years old was sitting.

Kyle’s auto accident injuries included the brain injury, a collapsed lung, eight broken ribs and major internal injuries. For the rest of his life Kyle will have to live with a condition called “frontal lobe syndrome,” which hampers his ability to reason as well as to plan and execute tasks. The $15 million will go toward the medical treatment and a lifetime of care Kyle desperately needs, his attorney told news reporters.

Continue reading "California Brain Injury In Auto Accident Results In $15 Million Award" »