Recent Blog Posts

Women Convicted of Nursing Home Abuse Released

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:46:00 GMT

Two Minnesota women who were convicted on charges of nursing home abuse were released after serving less than half of their 180-day jail sentence according to Freeborn County jail records. The young women who worked at the nursing home were convicted of both sexually and psychologically humiliating the residents. The women were remorseful, stating that their actions were "extremely harmful and dumb," but their actions did not go unpunished. Nursing home abuse is a shameful practice, and both convicted women were made aware of this fact.

Nursing home abuse is a sad reality and can take many different forms. It is often difficult to spot because senior citizens feel defenseless as the victims of these crimes and do not tell anyone about it. It is especially hard to notice if the abuse is not physical in nature. They may feel threatened by their abusers and afraid to speak out for fear of harm, whether the threat of harm was ever actualized or not. Psychological and emotional abuse of senior citizens can take on many different forms, such as harassment, embarrassment, or verbal threats.

If you know someone who is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, then you should seek legal help immediately. Trusted attorneys at the Pacific Attorney Group are experienced in dealing with cases such as this and can help victims receive justice after abuse. Keep a watchful eye out for signs of nursing home abuse so that you can seek the help of a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our firm when it happens. Contact a Los Angeles nursing home abuse attorney from our firm today if you believe that you have a viable personal injury claim.

Employee Exposed to Radiation during Workplace Accident

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:30:00 GMT

A reactor plant in California has just released information this week about a workplace accident. According to the press statement, a man fell into a reactor pool but is expected to recover. The victim was employed by an outside contractor to work on the reactor. At some point the man leaned over the reactor pool to pick up a flashlight but fell over the railing instead. The pool is reported to be 20 feet deep and surrounds the reactor to keep it cool. Luckily the man was wearing a life vest at the time of the workplace accident.

Although the man was checked out by medical personnel and reportedly went back to work immediately, he is said to have received 5 millirems of radiation. This level is not considered to be a dangerous dose - a comparable dose is that released by a chest x-ray. Just days after the man fell into the pool one of the reactors suffered a small leak and had to be shut down. If you sustained injuries while on the job in Los Angeles, contact the Pacific Attorney Group today to have your case reviewed by an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can inform you of options such as filing for workers' compensation benefits.

Drunk Driver Hits Church Bus, Injures 12

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:08:00 GMT

Early last Saturday twelve people were injured when the van they were riding in was suddenly hit by a man driving a BMW. The accident took place at western Avenue and Sixth Street in Los Angeles. The injuries were not severe, reports say, likely because of the bus' size but the impact of the crash caused both vehicles major damage. Although most of the injuries were minor, one person is reported to have suffered fairly severe injuries. The man driving the BMW whose identity was not released was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drunk driving.

Drunk driving almost always causes people harm. In fact, it is estimated that more than 11,000 fatalities are caused every year because of driving under the influence. Bus accidents are most typically caused by the bus driver because there are more risks when driving a bus and they tend to cause more damage. In this case, however, it was a commercial passenger vehicle that caused the damage to the bus and the injury to the passengers. The extent of the BMW driver's injuries were not reported, but he likely sustained injuries as well.

If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident that you did not cause, you are entitled to compensation. Those who drink and drive put other drivers and pedestrians at risk, and often cause them harm and in some cases death. As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you have the right to seek the legal help of a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from the Pacific Attorney Group. Our lawyers are experienced in handling cases of drunk driving and related accidents, so if you have been injured at the fault of another, contact a Los Angeles drunk driver accident attorney from our firm today.

Police Believe Inclement Weather Caused Truck Accident

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Police in California are still investigating a truck accident that does not seem to have been caused by inclement weather. A tractor trailer that went off the roadway is proving to be a mystery to the investigating officers. According to the police report, that section of roadway has caused multiple traffic problems in the past. It appears as though the truck straightened out on a curved section of roadway, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Although the roadway was wet, it did not appear to be icy when the accident occurred. Based on the tire treads found at the scene, it appears as though the driver did not attempt to stop the vehicle at any point during the skid. This leads police to believe that the driver may have either fallen asleep or suffered a medical accident behind the wheel. The driver, 62-year-old C.C., was pronounced dead on the scene. If you or someone you care for sustained injuries during a major truck accident, take the time to contact the Pacific Attorney Group so you have the opportunity to have your case evaluated by a knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our team.

Drunk Driving Accident Claims Life of 17-Year-Old

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:20:00 GMT

One teenager has forever changed the course of his own life and that of his fellow classmate by driving drunk. The teen is likely to spend years behind bars for killing his friend in a drunk driving accident three weeks ago in the state of North Carolina. The police report shows that G.P., 17, was driving his SUV last week when he lost control of the vehicle. He is believed to have been traveling at a speed of 75 mph when he struck a tree head-on. During the drunk driving accident, his passenger suffered blunt-force trauma to her head which caused fatal injuries.

Responding officers conducted routine tests and found the driver's blood-alcohol level to be 0.29. This is nearly four-times the state's legal limit of 0.08. His passenger was also found to have a high BAC of 0.12. G.P. has since been charged with provisional DWI, having an open container of liquor, possession of marijuana, and felony death by motor vehicle. The victim was a 17-year-old female who attended the same school as G.P. If you lost a loved one due to another person's recklessness, now is the time to contact the Pacific Attorney Group to discuss your options with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our team. In some cases, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim for your tragic loss.

ATV and Horse Drawn Buggy Collide

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:10:00 GMT

A serious crash between an ATV and a horse-drawn buggy in Ohio caused multiple injuries last week. Now, police are still investigating the crash that injured both drivers. According to the police report, the man riding the ATV struck the back of the buggy. The impact threw J.H. from the buggy and caused him to be dragged several feet by his own horses. J.V., the man on the ATV, was also thrown off as his vehicle overturned. Police found that J.V. was not wearing a helmet while riding the ATV.

Both men were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. At this time, police believe that alcohol may have been to blame for the accident. However, this will not be confirmed until the blood work results have been returned. If you have recently been hurt in an accident, you may have suffered serious injuries. Did you know that there are specific laws in California that offer protection to victims like you? To learn more, contact the Pacific Attorney Group to arrange a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our office.

LA County Sheriff's Official Arrested for DUI

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:34:00 GMT

Early Tuesday morning, February 7, a woman who is a top official with the LA County sheriff's department was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. California Highway Patrol reported that she was found inside her car which was stopped in the middle of the Foothill Freeway. CHP said she had passed out and was resting her head on the steering wheel. After taking an intoxication test, her blood alcohol level proved to be more than twice the legal limit. This isn't the first time Salazar has been in this situation. In 2009, she was convicted of DUI and placed on probation but not removed from her position with the LA County sheriff's department. After this particular incident though, she has been told to take leave.

Drunk driving accidents lead to more than 11,000 fatalities a year and it is estimated that about 30% of Americans will be involved in an alcohol related accident sometime in their lifetime. In this case, the woman in question's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. The recognized legal limit is .08 and if a driver possesses this level or higher, they are considered legally intoxicated. No injuries were reported in this instance, but that is fortunate. More often than not, when a person is legally drunk and driving, there is an automobile accident that usually harms themselves and others.

If you have been injured because of a drunk driving accident, depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be missing work, need extensive repair to your car, and in the worst cases you could even be suffering the loss of a loved one. If you were not the cause of this accident, you should definitely not be the one paying for it. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney with the Pacific Attorney Group will be able to get you back in the game after an accident. We know that this is no doubt a difficult time for you, but you can trust the legal expertise of our team to get you the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to contact a Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorney from our firm today.

Pfizer Birth Control Pills Recalled

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Pfizer recently announced its recall of over 1 million packets of birth control pills throughout the United States. The company stated that the pill may not contain the necessary amounts of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. Although the drug isn't a threat to a woman's actual health, it could cause unwanted pregnancies for many women.

The particular birth control tablets in question are Lo/Ovral-28, Norgestrel, and Ethinyl Estradiol. An investigation proved some cause for concern in that some of these packs may contain an incorrect amount of the ingredients that should be included in order for the tablet to work. The pills that are being recalled had been shipped to warehouses, pharmacies, and clinics all around the nation.

Sometimes drug manufacturers fail to warn about side effects of the drugs they are producing and in cases such as this, they fail to make the drug properly. Thankfully this case didn't prove any women to be at risk for health complications, although there was a serious risk of pregnancy while taking the pill. A Los Angeles drug injury lawyer from our firm knows how to deal with companies such as Pfizer. If you have been harmed or suffered adverse effects from defective drugs, contact a defective drug attorney from our firm immediately.

Lower Levels of Lead Found to Harm Children

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:35:00 GMT

New research in the science community has revealed that lower levels of lead can harm children. Years ago, the lead levels reported to pose harm to children were set at 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. However, last fall, the National Toxicology Program released new findings. In the findings, it was stated that levels lower than 10 can be threatening to children. Now, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are asking that the definition of child lead poisoning be lowered to 5 micrograms per deciliter of blood.

High levels of lead are extremely dangerous to children, even unborn children, and adults. When people are exposed to high levels of lead they can experience coma and convulsions. In some cases, people can even die from lead poisoning. It is also important to note that a child's exposure to low levels of lead can produce unfortunate consequences. For example, exposure to low levels of lead among children under the age of six may lead to learning disabilities or reduced IQs. With this being the case, parents must be mindful of their child's exposure to lead, particularly lead-based paints. Were you or your child endangered due to lead poisoning? If so, discuss your case with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our team as you may be able to file a claim to seek damages. Take the time to contact the Pacific Attorney Group and arrange your initial consultation.

Family Settles Lawsuit with CHP Over Graphic Car Accident Photos

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:15:00 GMT

In Los Angeles, California, it has been reported that a lawsuit was settled this week. The suit was filed by the family of an Orange County teenager, N.C., that was killed during a car accident. The defendant was the California Highway Patrol (CHP) which allegedly lost control of graphic photos from the scene of the fatal collision. When asked about the lawsuit, the family's attorney told news sources that the settlement just may allow the family to move forward after the unexpected death of N.C.

According to news sources, the photos showed N.C. inside of her father's vehicle nearly decapitated and seriously injured. When officials with the CHP arrived at the car accident, they took pictures of the scene as well as N.C. for their investigation. However, those photos managed to appear on thousands of websites even though the CHP never intended for the graphic images to be distributed. After the images surfaced, it was reported that the photos may have been leaked by two employees with the CHP. As part of the recent settlement, the CHP says that it will work together with N.C.'s family to get photos removed from websites as soon as possible. Were you seriously injured in an auto accident in the city of L.A.? If so, it is advised that you consult a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our office who can review your case and advise you of your options. To enlist our help, contact the Pacific Attorney Group today.

Ravine Car Crash Leaves One Dead and Two Badly Injured

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:05:00 GMT

In Los Angeles, one person is dead and two were badly injured after a crash that took place on Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest area. The cause of the crash is still pending investigation. What is known is that the car swerved off the mountain road, causing it to plummet 500 feet down a ravine.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Guillermina Saldana, one male passenger escaped the crashed vehicle, which is how authorities were notified of the accident. Of the two other individuals left in the car after the accident, one of them, 18-year-old Tujunga resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other individual left in the car as well as the one who escaped for help both sustained serious injuries.

Car crashes are traumatizing and leave people scared, injured, and sometimes dead. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of an auto accident, you may be liable to receive compensation. Seeking the help of a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our firm will guarantee that you have ample legal experience and professionalism on your side. Lawyers from the Pacific Attorney Group understand that after an automotive accident you will be facing possible property damage, personal injuries, and many other various issues, so contact a Los Angeles auto accident attorney from our firm today. Your first consultation is free of charge.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:21:00 GMT

When a person dies, there is no doubt that their loved ones want closure, especially when that loved one has died unexpectedly and without any warning. There are some cases in which the cause of death constitutes a wrongful death claim so it is important to understand what exactly a wrongful death is. The defendant is the one being tried to determine if they were responsible for the death of the victim. In some cases the defendant is an individual, but if the defendant is a company, a wrongful death suit is the only option in retribution for damages.

The way to tell the difference between a case of wrongful death and a standard criminal prosecution case rests on a handful of factors. It can only be a wrongful death case if the defendant owed the deceased a duty, if the defendant's negligence caused the deceased harm or resulted in death, and if, by sustaining injuries or a fatality, the family of the deceased suffered financial loss. Also in standard criminal prosecution cases, the standard of proof "beyond a reasonable doubt" is used. In wrongful death suits, the "burden of proof" method is used and is shifted onto the defense to prove they were not at fault for the death.

In some instances, families of people who have died due to tobacco-related diseases have attempted to file wrongful death suits against big tobacco companies. Tobacco companies are found not at fault for tobacco-related deaths because after they warn consumers that smoking can be dangerous and potentially fatal, consumers are smoking of their own volition. Successful wrongful death claims, for example, may deal with an employee who was injured on the job due to faulty material that their company is responsible for.

If you believe that a loved one or someone you know has died as a result of a wrongful death, it is very important that you contact a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney at Pacific Attorney Group will be committed to fighting for their clients so that each and every family who has seen a loved one die due to negligence gets the justice and compensation they deserve. Call today to speak with an attorney about your case.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:13:00 GMT

If you have made the decision to move your loved one to a nursing home, you understand how important it is for the nursing home staff to be fully trained and capable of providing high-quality care. Once an elderly individual is submitted to a nursing home, he or she is completely reliant upon another person for food, cleanliness and overall health. Tragically, nursing home abuse has become a common practice, and experts believe that for every case of nursing abuse, about five more go unreported. Recent studies also show that between one and two million elderly Americans older than 65 years of age have been neglected, exploited or mistreated by someone that they depend on for care and protection.

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, there are signs that you can look for when you go to visit. Some of the most common indicators of physical abuse include not giving enough medication, giving too much medication, open cuts or wounds, bruises, welts, or forcing an elderly person to stay in their room. Your loved one may also be a victim of neglect, and may be dehydrated or suffering from bed sores or malnutrition as a result.

Verbal and emotional abuse can be especially harmful to an elderly person's self-esteem. If you notice that your loved one is becoming increasingly withdrawn or non-communicative, or is displaying unusual behavior, contact a Los Angeles nursing home abuse attorney immediately. By taking legal action, you will improve the quality of life for your loved one and countless others as well. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help you file a claim against negligent nursing home staff, so call today.

Woman Dies after Husband Falls Asleep at the Wheel

Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:55:00 GMT

A couple was driving home Thursday morning after working a graveyard shift when the man fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed the car, killing his wife who was riding in the passenger seat. The fatal accident occurred in Canoga Park and the car was driving west on Vanowen Street when the man dozed off and hit a tree and a parked car.

The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division has investigated the accident and concluded that no drugs or alcohol were involved. The wife was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, and was pulled out of the vehicle by her husband before she passed away at the scene. When a tragic car accident, such as this one, leads to a fatality, relatives of the deceased victim may choose to file for a wrongful death claim to hold the driver accountable for his or her negligence.

These claims do not always depend on the ability to prove that the driver was intentionally irresponsible, and a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help you determine if your situation qualifies for a wrongful death claim. The period of time surrounding a tragic loss can be emotionally devastating and challenging. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for answers to your tough questions and caring legal support.

How Does Fatigue Affect Driving?

Los Angeles Accident Attorney — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT

If you have ever yawned while driving, then you know how difficult concentrating when you're tired can be. Driving by itself is a rigorous task and requires the attention of the driver to be sharp. When one is sleepy, concentration can fail and it can be easy to daydream, lose focus and even begin to drift off. This is typically on par with drunk driving, however, instead of a substance impairing the driver, they are affected by the physiological and psychological condition of exhaustion. So how does one know if they are officially classified as a tired driver? The following symptoms can be a red flag to fatigue:

Excessive daydreaming;
Drifting between lanes;
Yawning / stretching while driving;
Feeling impatient and irritable;
Having "heavy eyes; and
Being slow to react

It has been shown that drivers who suffer from this level of exhaustion can often be unable to remember the last few minutes of driving. This means that they are a hazard not only to themselves, but to every other driver that they are sharing the roadway with. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was found that of these "sleepy driving accidents," men were more likely to be involved and over two thirds were attributed to people younger than 30.

If you have been injured in an auto accident that was caused by a fatigued driver, then you likely have grounds to file a personal injury claim. It is highly encouraged that you work with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to help you protect your legal rights at a time such as this. Contact Pacific Attorney Group if you would like to learn more about how we can help you determine the cause of the accident, outline liability and help you seek the comprehensive compensation that you deserve.