Family Files Wrongful Death Claim Over Inmate

A year ago, an inmate at a Sacramento County jail died because a sheriff’s deputy and nurse refused to give him help. The inmate was constantly vomiting of blood for over at least 12 hours. The family of the deceased inmate is filing a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court. The lawsuit alleges that the inmate’s civil rights were violated.

The complaint also alleges that the death of the inmate was directly caused by the sheriff’s deputy and nurse’s failure to seek emergency medical care. This failure illustrates defective policies and practices at the Sacramento County Main Jail and Correctional Health Services.

The inmate pleaded for emergency care. Even other inmates pleaded on his behalf, but their pleas were wrongly ignored by the facility’s sheriff and nurse. As a result, the vomiting caused a tear in his esophagus which led to internal bleeding and death.

According to other inmates, the man pleaded with the sheriff as did other inmates.  However, the sheriff threatened to lock down the prison if people kept buzzing him and informing him of the inmate’s injuries. The sheriff said there was nothing that he could do.

According to the coroner, the death of the inmate was caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome in which damage is caused by excessive vomiting. Death by Mallory-Weiss is very rare because it is easily treatable. The inmate was 48 when he died.

Wrongful Death Claims

Tragically, numerous deaths take place that are easily preventable like the one told above. Regardless of the cause, whether it is from medical malpractice or a defective product, if a person wrongfully dies their family members are able to seek justice for their death.

A wrongful death claim is typically filed by a family member against the person or organization at fault for the death. By taking legal pursuit, victims can recover compensation for:

•          Medical expenses
•          Funeral and burial expenses
•          Lost source of income
•          Pain and suffering

If your family member or loved one was tragically killed as a result of negligence from a person or organization, you should speak to a wrongful death attorney immediately. A wrongful death attorney at The Law Offices of Andrew Wright can earn you the monetary compensation you deserve from a negligent party. Contact us today regarding your claim. 

California Ranks Number 1 in Dog Bites

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, California ranks number 1 in dog attacks. The Golden State also ranks number 1 in dog attacks for all postal workers. For cities with the most dog-bite related insurance claims:

·         Los Angeles ranks number 1

·          San Francisco ranks number 2

·         San Francisco ranks number 4

·          Sacramento ranks number 8

Unfortunately, thousands of people suffer from dog bite attacks every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 800,000 people suffer from a dog bite injuries that require medical care. Of these injured, half are children.

How to Prevent Dog Bite Attacks

In California, numerous pedestrians are mauled and killed by wild dogs and pit bulls. In recent events, one jogger was mauled to death by pit bulls, while a woman had her nose bite off by a Labrador mix. To prevent dog bite attacks from occurring and injuring innocent pedestrians, it is imperative to understand how to prevent and protect yourself.

•           Keep your distance from dogs you do not know. Avoid loose or unfamiliar dogs. Never try to pet one unless you get the dog owner’s permission.
•           Allow dogs to sniff you before you touch them.
•           Be gentle. Many dogs attack people because they feel threatened.
•           Do not interrupt a dog while the dog is either sleeping or eating. This may infuriate the animal.
•           Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. If you look directly into the eyes of a strange dog, the dog may see this as a challenge.
•           Don’t run away from a threatening dog. They may want to chase and attack you. If you encounter an unfamiliar dog keep your cool.
•           Teach children how to behave around dogs. Children tend to suffer more dog bites as they tend to want to play with dogs and unintentionally harass them. Also, never leave a child unintended with a dog.

Personal Injury Claims

If you or someone you know was recently injured in a dog attack, you should speak to a personal injury attorney immediately. With the legal assistance of a personal injury attorney, you may be able to win a substantial settlement against the dog owner for your pain and suffering. Contact us today regarding your claim. 

Wrong-Way Crash Kills Mother of 3

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, a mother of three was killed when she was struck by a wrong-way driver. The accident occurred in Mission Viejo near Santa Margarita Parkway and Los Alisos Boulevard around 11:40 PM. The wrong-way driver was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

According to witnesses, a driver of a Ford F-250 pickup truck was heading south on northbound Santa Margarita Parkway. The driver, then, collided head-on into a minivan. The mother driving the minivan was a 36 year-old women from Trabuco Canyon. Unfortunately, the mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The mother’s children are around the ages of 7 to 14 years old.

The wrong-way driver was taken to a nearby hospital and is listed as in critical condition. The driver is a 42 year-old male from Mission Viejo who has a history of driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol as investigators detected the odor of alcohol at the scene and the driver appeared impaired.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol greatly impairs the brain’s functions and abilities. Because alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the functions of the central nervous system. That means many functions are delayed and the person cannot act properly or normally. Alcohol affects a person’s information-processing skills. Thus, drinking alcohol before driving can greatly increase your risk of being involved in a dangerous accident.

Statistics and Preventative Measures

•          In 2006, approximately 17,600 people died in traffic crashes involving alcohol
•          In that same year, over 1.46 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In order to prevent dangerous drunk driving accidents, one should refrain from drinking and driving and not allow friends to operate any vehicles while intoxicated.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or someone you know was recently injured by a drunk driver, you should consult with a personal injury attorney regarding your injuries. A personal injury attorney will work to earn you a substantial settlement from the negligent driver for your pain and suffering. Contact us today. 

Worker Buried Alive on Job Site

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, a worker was buried alive. The accident occurred around 10 AM Saturday morning in North Charleston, South Carolina. The accident occurred when a 53 year-old construction worker fell into a hole at a construction site on Harley Street.

According to investigators, the victim was on a backhoe moving dirt when he apparently fell into the hole and the dirt covered him. A co-worker noticed that the victim had gone missing and began searching for him when he noticed the hole covered with dirt. The victim was found dead underneath the dirt. Officials are still investigating the case.

Workplace Injuries

Sadly, many injuries and deaths occur while at the workplace. Often times, these grave injuries and fatalities occur on dangerous construction sites that are in violation of safety standards. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 6.5 million people at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation. Potential risks for workers in construction include:

•          Scaffold collapse
•          Trench collapse
•          Falls from heights
•          Electric shock and arc flash
•          Failure to use proper personal protective equipment
•          Repetitive motion injuries

To help prevent injuries while working on construction sites it is imperative for employers to provide goggles for eye and face protection, helmets for head protection, and gloves for hand protection.  Employers are also expected to train employees on proper conduct when handling dangerous equipment.  

For solutions and other protective measures, visit the official website of the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration at www.osha.gov.

Workers Compensation Attorney

When injured at work, your employer’s insurance should cover your injuries, medical care, and lost wages. If for some reason, the insurance company is not providing you with adequate care and compensation, you should contact a worker’s compensation attorney immediately.

A worker’s compensation attorney will work to maximize your compensation potential and provide you with the treatment and benefits your rightfully deserve when suffering from a workplace injury. For a free consultation regarding your claim, contact the worker’s compensation attorneys at Rawa Law Group.  

Innocent Bystander Killed in Street Race

On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, a fiery collision killed one driver and damaged eight vehicles. The accident occurred in South Los Angeles and officials believe that street racing may have been the cause of the collision. The crash took place on W. Manchester Avenue near Broadway.

The innocent bystander killed in the crash was a male driving a Saturn. Unfortunately, the man was hit by a silver Pontiac causing the fiery crash. According to police officials, the driver of the Pontiac survived the crash and fled the scene.

Investigators report that the Pontiac was racing a Dodge Charger that was traveling against traffic. Around the same time the Pontiac crashed into the Saturn, the Dodge Charger slammed into a pickup truck. The driver of both the Dodge and pickup truck were taken to a nearby hospital.

Ultimately, eight cars were damaged in both of the car accidents. One bicyclist was also involved. Overall, three people were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries resulting from the street racing car accidents. Los Angeles Police Officials are still searching for clues regarding the driver of the Pontiac and encourage those with information to contact their South Traffic Division.

Prevalence of Street Racing

Today, street racing is glorified by popular films like the Fast and the Furious and various video games. However, this driving practice is highly illegal and leaves many innocent bystanders in harm’s way. Street racing is a clear disregard for public safety and may not only harm the driver, but nearby motorists and pedestrians as well.

The best way to prevent street racing accidents is to refrain from street racing and inform others of the dangers of drag racing. Street racing is not only dangerous, but punishable by fines, criminal charges, penalties, and even imprisonment depending on the situation.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or someone you know was recently harmed in an accident caused by a street racer, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. With the legal assistance of a personal injury attorney, you may be able to earn a substantial settlement for your pain and suffering caused by a driver taking part in a drag race. Contact us today. 

Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-And-Run Accident

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, a motorcyclist was struck and killed in Arcadia, California. The driver who struck the motorcyclist immediately fled the scene. Police officials are searching for clues regarding the driver at fault. The accident occurred on the West Foothill Boulevard around 7 PM.

When medical officials arrived at the scene, the motorcyclist was severely injured. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of his injuries. The motorcycle rider was a 32 year-old father and husband from Los Angeles, California.

The vehicle is believed to be a 2006 or 2006 blue Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with a rear spoiler. The vehicle is expected to have damage on the passenger side and may be lacking a side-view mirror. The cause of the accident is unknown, but somewhere along the boulevard the motorcycle rider and vehicle collided. The motorcyclist then hit a brick wall and came to a stop under a tree.

The street is notorious for drag racing as there are no lights for at least a mile and a half. Officials are unsure if the vehicle was racing. Anyone who has any information regarding the accident is encouraged to call the Arcadia Police Department.

How to Prevent Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents occur commonly and result in devastating injuries, if not fatal. After an accident, you should always remain at the scene and identify yourself. Stay at the scene until you receive confirmation from state highway patrol that it is okay to leave. Not doing so can lead to charges of a hit-and-run.

Committing a hit-and-run accident is punishable by fees, penalties, and even imprisonment depending on the situation. Often times, people will commit hit-and-runs so as to escape the legal consequences of the accident, but will face even worse penalties after being found by police officials.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or someone you know was recently injured after a hit-and-run accident you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. A personal injury attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering from a hit-and-run driver. Contact us today to receive the treatment you deserve. 

Jogger Killed by Pit Bulls in California

On May 9, 2013, a 63 year-old female jogger was attacked and killed by a group of pit bulls. The attack occurred in Palmdale, California during the morning hours. The woman was jogging when four pit bulls attacked her. A witness called 911 and honked her horn to try to stop the dogs.

When the deputy arrived, he saw one dog still attacking the jogger. He tried to chase the dog away, but the dog attacked him. Consequently, the deputy fired his gun at the dog and the dog ran off into the desert. Unfortunately, the woman died while on the way to the hospital.

Police officials are still searching for the four tan pit bulls. Police officials served a search warrant on a home nearby that had several pit bulls. The officials took away the eight dogs. Officials are not sure whether or not the dogs had collars or owners. Residents of the town have expressed concern regarding stray dogs roaming around. This is not the first time someone has been attacked by a stray dog.  

Dog Bite Attack and Injuries

A series of recent dog bite injuries and victims have us growing concerned about dog attacks. In another event, a woman’s nose was bit off by a stray dog. In California, a woman was mauled and killed by a random pit bull. Dog attacks have been occurring frequently and leave many innocent bystanders in harm’s way.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites each year. Unfortunately, half of these victims are children. Of the 800,000 that are injured, about 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department. Dog bite injuries can be extremely painful and serious requiring medical care. In some instances, they can lead to permanent facial disfigurement or scarring.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you were recently injured in a dog bite attack, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. A personal injury attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation from the dog owner for your dog bite injuries. Contact us today in order to seek legal retribution for your pain and suffering.