California Injury Blog

Published on: November 30, 2012

Teen Who Drowned in Swim Class Spent 17 Minutes Underwater, Report Says

By Brian Chase

Malvrick Donkor, 14, a high school student, was fatally injured in a swimming pool accident during a lesson. According to a news report in The Gothamist, the teenager was allegedly underwater and unnoticed by instructors for 17 minutes while other students swam around him. Surveillance tapes showed Donkor climbing down a ladder into the deep end and then sinking. He was not noticed until another student spotted his body underwater and told the teacher, who pulled him out. The male swim teacher has since been placed on administrative leave and the pool has been closed. The incident is under investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Malvrick Donkor for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Donkor was reportedly an immigrant from Ghana. His loved ones will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
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Published on: November 29, 2012

Watch Out for Dangerous Toys this Holiday Season

By Brian Chase

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group last week released its 27th annual Trouble in Toyland report, noting that there are still many toxic and dangerous toys on store shelves. Risks posed by these toys, according to a CNN news report, include choking, strangulation, lead poisoning and lacerations. The toy industry has, of course, flippantly referred to the group’s report as “needlessly frightening.” But hard numbers tell a different story. Over the years, the organization’s findings have led to more than 150 product defect recalls and other regulatory actions.
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Published on: November 29, 2012

Feds Shut Down Peanut Butter Factory after Salmonella Recalls

By Brian Chase

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended production at Sunland, Inc. after several batches of the manufacturer’s peanut butter were linked to a widespread salmonella outbreak leading to a nationwide recall of Sunland nut products. According to a news report in the Christian Science Monitor, this is the first time FDA officials have used the authority granted them by the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010. Two years ago, President Obama signed a bill into law giving the federal agency the power to shut down food producers over public health issues.
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Published on: November 26, 2012

Is a Personal Injury Settlement Community or Separate Property in a California Divorce?

By Brian Chase

In this article, we discuss personal injury settlements and whether the money received may be community or separate property. We thank Orange County divorce attorneys, Farzad Family Law for their contribution to this article. Nothing in this article is legal advice. It is not intended to apply to your specific situation. Please ensure you retain an experienced family law attorney to provide you with the advice you need on this topic and to represent you. Also, California law can change and this article is not updated with the current law. That is another reason you should always consult with an attorney before you make any decision on your specific matter. Continue reading →

Published on: November 21, 2012

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

By Brian Chase

Triple A projects that this year 43.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, which is an increase of 0.7 percent over the 43.3 million people who traveled last year. AAA has also said that this year, about 90 percent or 39.1 million people plan to travel in a vehicle. This is a slight increase compared to last year. While Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday and a time when families get together, it is also a time when a number of auto accidents occur due to increased traffic on our roadways.
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Published on: November 20, 2012

Judge Refuses to Dismiss Teacher Employment Lawsuit

By Brian Chase

November 19, 2012–Los Angeles, California–A lawsuit seeking to overturn five California laws that govern teacher employment has been approved by a judge for trial, according to CBS News. These laws concern teacher dismissal, and the judge’s opinion states that there are constitutional issues involved in the suit that protect children’s rights to a fair education.
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Published on: November 15, 2012

Five-Hour Energy Drinks Linked to 13 Deaths

By Brian Chase

Federal government officials and the New York Attorney General’s office are investigating claims that the drink 5-Hour Energy led to 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations over the last four years. According to an ABC news report, the popular energy shot, which comes in two-ounce packages and packs a powerful caffeine punch, is being linked to serious side effects and death. Researchers are particularly looking into the effects of using multiple cans of the drink at once. Each can is said to have the caffeine content of two cups of coffee.

This is the second time in one month that the Food and Drug Administration has singled out energy drinks. In October, Monster Energy was linked to five deaths. The manufacturers point out that these are just claims and allegations and that there are no proven links. Company officials maintain that their products are harmless and that there is no evidence to show that the drinks directly caused the deaths.
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Published on: November 7, 2012

Bicyclist Killed in Buena Park Car Accident

By Brian Chase

A 20-year-old man was fatally injured in a bicycle accident after he was struck by a vehicle at a street intersection. According to a news article in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred at the intersection of Knott and La Palma avenues, the evening of November 5, 2012. Police say the man died from his injuries at a local hospital. The male driver of the vehicle that hit the bicyclist was also transported to a hospital with minor injuries. Investigators are looking into whether the driver or the bicyclist had the right-of-way. Anyone who saw this accident is asked to contact Buena Park police at 714-562-3940.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends of this deceased victim. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this man.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

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Published on: October 30, 2012

Two-Car Collision in Malibu Leads to Fatality

By Brian Chase

October 29, 2012–Malibu, CA–The Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was closed part of Saturday due to a fatal collision between two vehicles, according to ABC News. The PCH was closed for several hours as investigators pieced together what happened in the accident that occurred just after 8:00 a.m.
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Published on: October 24, 2012

Teen Who Hit 8 People Will Not Be Charged

By Brian Chase

October 22, 2012-Hemet, CA-A teenager who struck eight individuals with his truck on May 20 outside a high school will not be charged with any crimes, according to the Hemet Police and ABC News.
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