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$1 Million Granted to Family of Former Town Official for Wrongful Death Claim

Los Angeles Lawyer — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:37:38 +0000

A jury awarded the family of a former Windham supervisor with more than a million dollars for a wrongful death claim filed against an Albany hospital last Thursday.

Thomas P. Meeham had been one of the known supervisors in Windham, New York and was re-elected as a town official nineteen times. While doing his role as a public servant with the community, Meehan also worked as a carpenter until he came into Albany Medical Center Hospital for a hip replacement on November 11, 2009.

The day after his surgery, Meehan still managed to walk but over the next two days, he had experienced events of dyspnea, a condition referring to the difficulty in breathing. He died the following day.

The family’s wrongful death attorney said those symptoms that Meehan had experienced are a sign that he is in the early stage of having pulmonary embolism. It is a condition wherein the main artery of the lung or one of its branches is blocked by a substance that has traveled through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body. A blood clot from the deep veins in the legs usually cause pulmonary embolism.

In their lawsuit, the family affirmed that Meehan’s attending physician – Dr. Aniko Felligi failed to request scans that could have determined the blood clots. Meehan could have survived from his seizure if he was administered with an anticoagulant.

The jury granted the family with a total of $1.4 million for economic damages, which included the decedent’s future earnings and the value of tasks he may have done.

The award value for the family’s wrongful death claim is higher than expected and the Los Angeles injury attorneys see the court’s decision engaging.

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce welcomes Mesriani Law Group’s Membership

Los Angeles Lawyer — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:23:27 +0000

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Mesriani Law Group in its roster of advocates. With the intention of further expanding its role in the community, the law firm has decided to become an official member of the Chamber mid-January this year.

Through the affiliation of Mesriani Law Group with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the former would have the opportunity to strengthen its partnership with local businesses, government, and community-based organizations in Santa Monica for the benefit of the development of the legal services sector in California.

High-caliber Los Angeles lawyers of Mesriani Law Group are very much accessible to efficiently and diligently help out victims of personal injury accidents and employment discrimination, as well as social security disability benefit claimants residing in Santa Monica.

Hit-and-run Driver Who Seriously Injured Woman in Green County Finally Surrenders

Los Angeles Lawyer — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:54:10 +0000

The driver who is believed to have caused the vehicle accident that killed a pedestrian last January 1 in Green County, Pennsylvania has surrendered to police.

The driver, 22–year-old Maris Chandler, is accused of hit–and–run charge as he struck and dragged to death Chelsea Robison. The accident occurred at Pit Gas Road in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania.

According to reports, right after the accident, Chandler jumped out of the car to flee in fear for his life, while Robinson sustained life-threatening injuries and was brought to a nearby hospital. Few days after the incident, Chandler finally showed up himself and surrendered to the authorities.

According to Chandler’s vehicle accident lawyer, Blaine Jones, the driver never intended to escape but he panicked after a racially motivated crowd attacked him ripping off his clothes. The attorney has said that the crowd called Chandler with racially discriminating names and threatened him.

Robinson’s mother is claiming that Chandler’s car struck into his daughter causing the woman to fell on the ground. Furthermore, she said that when her daughter was getting up, Chandler struck her again causing Robinson to roll under the car.

This is a very complicated story of a vehicle accident which involves racial discrimination concerns. Well, Chandler must wish for his win in this case which involves other relevant issues. It is imperative for him to have the smartest attorney in order for him to strengthen his defense.

In California, car accident victims should always be supported by an experienced and skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney so as to ensure that justice would be serve just in time.

Wrongful Death Claim Granted to Family of a Boy Killed in a Car Accident

Los Angeles Lawyer — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:10:27 +0000

Landers family was awarded with $1 million for their car accident wrongful death claim after losing their son to a drunk driver.

Leaving your kid to one of your most trusted relatives or friends for a weekend or a vacation trip will absolutely bring you peace of mind. However, this verdict must be seen as a warning to parents leaving or planning to leave their children behind for a weekend getaway or a vacation.

The family of a young boy who died in a drunk driving vehicle accident finally won the wrongful death claim they filed way back in 2009. The said drunk driving accident occurred on July 18, 2009. It was when the parents of a 12–year-old Matthew Landers left him under the custody of Randy Sonzanski – a close family friend for a fishing trip in Alaska.

The couple probably gave too much of their trust to Sonzanski, not knowing that the latter would be unmindful of taking good care of their son. Sonzanski being careless about Matthew, allowed the boy to ride on the car of Sonzanski’s friend – Daniel Armstrong upon knowing that Armstrong was already intoxicated by an alcohol.

Don’t drink and drive – that’s the golden rule that Armstrong violated. The worst thing is that the young boy is with him when his car submerged into the Alaskan river as a result of drunk driving. Matthew died from drowning in the river while Armstrong survived.

The police officers who conducted an investigation regarding the incident confirmed that there was a substantial blood alcohol concentration level found in Armstrong’s sobriety test.

Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more is strictly prohibited in Alaska. According to researches, having a BAC level of .05 may weaken the driving ability of most people. Therefore, 0.08 BAC level was set to be the lawful limit for drivers.

Finally, after several years of waiting, justice has come. Armstrong pleaded guilty and will be facing four years imprisonment. May this serve as a warning to would-be drunk drivers.

Having a quality time with each other might be one of the best moments for spouses. However, kids should never be overlooked in such instances. Take some time and effort in considering to bring your kids too on your vacation trip rather than leaving them under the custody of other people.

Jury Ordered Starbucks to Pay $7.5 Million for a Slip- and-Fall Accident Claim

Los Angeles Lawyer — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:15:59 +0000

This may be seen as a very notable consumer case against a retail giant by any Los Angeles slip-and-fall injury attorney: A man walked up for a cup of coffee at one of the best coffee shops in the world was not only served with coffee but also with a plateful of million dollars.

Finally, on December 29, 2011, a San Diego jury awarded a man and his wife with almost $7.5 million in their slip and fall injury lawsuit filed against Starbucks.

According to the report, the personal injury claim was filed by Anthony Zaccaglin and his wife way back in 2009 stemming from the slip-and-fall accident that happened at a North County Starbucks branch. Zaccaglin sustained a traumatic brain injury after slipping and falling inside a Starbucks shop in Melrose, Vista. Witnesses stated that Zaccaglin was walking towards the pick–up counter from the cashier when he fell and hit his head on the cash register.

Witnesses added that a manager from the said Starbucks branch just mopped the floor area where Zaccaglin passed to fetch his order and then slipped. An employee later apologized for not “dry mopping” the wet floor. However, an apology could not heal the wound as well as the serious effects that the incident brought into Zaccaglin’s life.

Zaccaglin suffered from complications arising from the slip and fall accident. He is also permanently unable to attend to his job as a chiropractor. His wife said that he is suffering from excessive fatigue, severe headaches and side effects from his medication.

Zaccaglin’s slip-and-fall attorneys said that Starbucks initially offered $100,000 to Zaccaglin and his wife but the couple turned down the offer.

A jury awarded Zaccaglin with about $6.5 million and his wife with $1 million for losing consortium. The total amount of their slip and fall injury claim could amount to $8.5 million including added costs.

Starbucks, feeling sorry for Zaccaglin but somehow disappointed with the size of the verdict are reviewing the ruling to know if they can do some appropriate steps regarding the jury’s decision.

It looks like the case was not yet resolved since Starbucks is looking for ways to make an appeal. Wherever it may lead, hopefully Starbucks will not only focus on its appeal but as well as on the safety of their premises to avoid similar slip and fall injury accidents to occur again.

Driver Who Hit the 12 – Year Old Girl Not Charged for Any Personal Injury Claims

Los Angeles Lawyer — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:26:04 +0000

After a hit-and-run incident killed a 12-year old girl at a Southern California freeway, the vehicle driver, John Sullivan, was never charged with any personal injury claim nor was cited for it.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Sullivan hit the 12-year old Eunice Flores who was crossing the road to pick up clothes scattered on the freeway after the suitcase had fallen from the roof rack of the car she was riding.

The incident happened last Christmas at the State Route 60 in Mira Loma, California. Sullivan saw the girl crossing the road but it was too late for him to avoid the collision. His vehicle struck Flores which caused the girl’s death.

Sad to say but the driver, Sullivan was never ticketed nor arrested for any violation because he was not at fault. Instead, the girl was to blame for the accident because she illegally crossed the road.

Under the California Vehicle Code Section 21954, a pedestrian crossing the road not within the pedestrian lane or marked crosswalk shall give a right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway. However, it also states that in this provision, drivers should still take some proper precaution for the safety of a pedestrian in the roadway.

In Sullivan’s case, probably it was too late for him to take some safety precaution since he doesn’t even have any chance of avoiding the girl when he saw her on the road.

Apparently, Sullivan doesn’t have any liability for the girl’s wrongful death. Now, the issue here is the reasoning of the 12-year-old girl’s adult guardian for allowing her cross the freeway filled with fast-moving vehicles, For sure, the girl was not alone riding the car and that she is with someone before the accident happened.

The negligence of the adult that was with the 12-year-old during the time of accident made the vehicle driver that struck her exempted for any personal injury charges and other offenses since it is the liability of the child’s guardian to protect and provide safety for the minor.

Major Routes in Great Plains Closed to Reduce Vehicle Accidents Caused by the Blizzard

Los Angeles Lawyer — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:37:18 +0000

Last Monday night Kansas’ Interstate 40, one of the major east – west route was closed due to the strong wind and snow that left several fatal accidents on the road.

Major highways were closed to prevent more vehicle accidents from happening in five states. There were about 100 rescue calls from different drivers, which were received by the Texas Panhandle.

Travelers through Kansas rearranged their plans and booked themselves into hotels. According to reports, in just a matter of 20 minutes, three dozens of hotel rooms were filled as drivers get off from the interstate 70.

Many vehicles during that time are sliding into a ditch, that’s why travelers chose to get off the road wait for the storm to calm rather than taking the risks.

Western Kansas has nearly 10 inches of snow which fell before sunset and several more inches were expected as the strong wind blows. This is the reason why many major roads were closed according to a National Weather Service meteorologist, Marc Rusell.

Schools in Manhattan canceled their classes for the day and Topeka was covered by a cold rain.

The Interstate 70 was among the roads that were still closed on Tuesday morning.

In Southwest Kansas, roads are entirely shut down due to cars sliding across the road and falling into ditches.

The blizzard left six dead and four of them were the result of a vehicle accident that occurred in Eastern part of New Mexico and on an icy road in Eastern Colorado.

The snowstorm that struck the region has turned roads into ice and made zero visibility.

In Northern New Mexico, all the roads from Raton to the Texas were closed by the snow and ice. It’s actually about 90 miles away in Oklahoma borders. Several highways there still remained closed early Tuesday.

Though snowfall started to pour gradually, the public was still warned by the weather service of the poor weather condition.

As expected, numbers of vehicle accidents in this coming holiday season will continue to increase. Apart from drunk driving a bad weather, condition would of course cause trouble to any driver.

Wrongful Death Claim Filed Against Pomona Police Department

Los Angeles Lawyer — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:29:54 +0000

After the fatal shooting of the Pomona Police Department against the 26-year-old Latino – Andres Avila, the Pomona Police Department is now facing wrongful death claim filed by the victim’s family.

The shooting incident occurred last October 16 at Avila’s own residence in 900 Block West Holt Avenue, Pomona. However, it all started on the 4th of July when a police entered and chased him for uncertain reason. Avila attempted to run for fear of his own life but he was beaten by the police. Said incident was recorded by Avila’s family through a cell phone video.

Due to that incident, Avila filed a written complaint against the police officer who trespass and beat him in his own house.

Three months later, Avila was shot by the same police officer who caused the disturbance in his house. Allegedly, Avila was asleep in his car when two police officers ordered him to step out and was then shot. Avila was pronounced dead on the spot.

Avila’s family together with their California personal injury attorney filed a wrongful death claim against the Pomona Police Department regarding two incidents executed by the same police officer.

The Pomona Police Department had not given their comments yet while referring the inquiries to the Sheriff’s Department since the latter is the one handling the investigation.

Apparently, there is a deep root to this incident and it seems that the police officer abused his authority. Aside from the wrongful death claim, he might also possibly face an administrative case. Hopefully, justice will be found and may the guilty be held responsible for his deeds.

2 – Year Old Kid Sustained Brain Injury After Mother Glued Her on the Wall and Beat

Los Angeles Lawyer — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:16:22 +0000

Mother, mom, mama, whatever you want to call her – would still be a loving mother to her very child no matter what happens. Mothers as they always had in the past – fulfill their role in raising children with all the love and care they could bring.

This brief definition of a mother obviously does not apply to a woman from Dallas who glued her 2 – year old daughter’s hand on the wall and extremely beat the baby until she was unconscious.

The 22 – year old Elizabeth Escalona will now be facing charges, particularly if her daughter dies after the brutal experience that she had suffered from the hand of her own mother.

Escalona’s family and friends said that they knew even before that Escalona was a bad mother. According to them, she would always beat her children as a way of punishment. However, they have never thought that it would come to the point that Escalona would beat her child to death.

Escalona’s 2 – year old daughter is now in the hospital and is in critical condition from a head injury after Escalona’s beating. Based on doctors’ findings, bruises are all over the little girl’s body and she has a broken rib. Her head injury may eventually lead to permanent brain damage.

The child was reportedly dragged by her mother by the feet from the kitchen to the other part of their apartment. She put glue on her daughter’s hand and fastened it on the wall which causes the same to bleed and then she beat the child using her shoe and a belt. Still discontented, she also kicked the girl in the stomach and beat it once with what the cops called a “jug of milk”.

According to Escalona, the little girl had stained her pants; therefore, she just deserve punishment. The bad mother already considered this as a mortal sin.

When Escalona was done on her poor daughter, she called her mother and said that something went wrong with the kid. When the grandmother arrived, she immediately took the unconscious child to the hospital.

The little girl’s three other siblings are already in a protective custody while Joselyn is still in an unconscious state and it’s not yet determined whether she’ll survive or not from the personal injury she sustained.

It’s very hard to understand why there are such mothers who can afford to hurt their own children. Brain injury claim are just some of the charges she might be facing. Now, she’ll be the next one to be punished.

Spinal Cord Injury from Rugby Game Reduced in Scotland

Los Angeles Lawyer — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:45:54 +0000

For the past three years, spinal cord injury victims from rugby game are ever increasing in numbers which has been an alarming issue for Scotland.

Rugby is a kind of football game which is named after the Rugby school at the United Kingdom where the game originated. The game is played by allowing ball handling, but no one is allowed to run with it in their hands towards the opposition’s goal. This sport often causes serious personal injuries to players.

Way back in 2009, Scottish international rugby player Thom Evans was forced to end his rugby career at a very young age due to the severe spinal cord injury he sustained from the game after colliding with Wales player – Lee Byrne.

The increasing number of school boy rugby players suffering from spinal injuries had caused the proper authorities concerned to find ways to avoid or even reduce personal injuries that can be sustained from the game.

As a resolution to the predicament, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), being seriously affected by the past consecutive accidents for years, had set new rules changing several traditional regulations of the game.

The new set of rules had been actually implemented last year and since then, there have been no serious spinal cord injuries recorded among school boy players.

Under the new rules, school boys under the age of sixteen are not allowed to play in under – 17 and under – 18 level matches of the game. Furthermore, teachers, coaches and referees are required to undergo a special safety training course.

Now, the Scottish rugby association is proud to present the outcome of their new set of rules which has reduced and actually stopped the growing number of spinal cord injury victims from rugby game.

If only a new law has been set earlier, then such spinal cord injury and other personal injury related to the game could have been avoided. However, it was never too late for the new generation of rugby players.