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Month: February 2017

Any dog can bite: An overview of dog bite victim rights

Posted on by wmlawyers

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In her last few days in the White House, the Obama's dog Sunny has made the news by biting a White House guest. Multiple news networks reported the incident, allegedly involving an 18-year-old friend of Malia Obama. The guest was bit near the eye and needed stitches. The White House has not commented on the incident.

The Obama's dog is a Portuguese water dog. Typically, these dogs are not temperamental. According to Your Purebred Puppy, Portuguese water dogs are stable and sensible, and react to strangers in a friendly and polite way. They hold their ground and remain steadfast.

Although there are certain dog breeds known to be more prone to biting, we are reminded that all dogs can bite. Even calm, well-tempered dogs with no biting history.

What happens if I was bit by a dog in California?

In California, individuals who are bit or knocked down by a dog that was inadequately or improperly leashed can sue for injuries or death. This applies to both minors and adults.

The law protects individuals who were bit in a public place or a private place – provided that that individual was there lawfully. The law may not protect someone who was bit by a dog while trespassing on someone else's property.

Dog owners have a responsibility to retain control over their dogs. When they fail to do so, they can be held responsible. Victims of dog attacks may be eligible for significant compensation to cover medical bills, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, and other damages.

If you or a family member has been bit by a dog in California, you deserve to learn about your legal rights and options. Schedule a free consultation by calling 800-652-6137.

Oakland Wrongful Death Suit Receiving National Attention

Posted on by wmlawyers

Family Of Teen Killed By Fallen Limb At Lake Merritt Files Lawsuit Against City

Hoodline.com

Michael and Lisa Lewis have filed a wrongful death suit against the city of Oakland after their 16-year-old son, Jack Lewis, was fatally struck by a broken tree limb at Lake Merritt last December. 

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

AberdeenNews.com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Daily American Online

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

LancasterOnline

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

Cherokeemessengerrepublican

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

Okemah News Leader

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Statesville Record & Landmark

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

Mustang Times

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Roanoke Times

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Tulsa World

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

Barberton Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Lima Ohio

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Lynchburg News and Advance

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Opelika Auburn News

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Idaho Statesman

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Daily Progress

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Gettysburg Times- ?6 hours ago?

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Hickory Daily Record

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Morganton News Herald

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The News Tribune

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

News & Observer

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

The Goldthwaite Eagle

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Sun Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Olympian

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Oakland: Lawsuit over teen's tree-climbing death seeks to prevent such tragedies

East Bay Times

OAKLAND – Jack Lewis was known for his exuberance and adventurous spirit. The Oakland Technical High School junior was always the first to jump in the water or climb the tree, his loved ones say. Just over a year since the 16-year-old Oakland resident …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Lebanon Daily Record

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Olympian

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Oakland: Lawsuit over teen's tree-climbing death seeks to prevent such tragedies

East Bay Times

OAKLAND – Jack Lewis was known for his exuberance and adventurous spirit. The Oakland Technical High School junior was always the first to jump in the water or climb the tree, his loved ones say. Just over a year since the 16-year-old Oakland resident …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Fresno Bee

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Lebanon Daily Record

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Bellingham Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Myrtle Beach Sun News

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

SCNow
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

GoDanRiver.com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The San Luis Obispo Tribune

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Wichita Eagle

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Lexington Herald Leader

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Tri-City Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Fort Worth Star Telegram

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Townhall ?

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Miami Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Belleville News-Democrat

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Telegraph

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Charlotte Observer

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Bradenton Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Merced Sun-Star

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Washington Post ?

OAKLAND, Calif. – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

Greene County Herald

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Beaumont Enterprise

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

NewsOK.com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Dothan Eagle

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Houston Chronicle OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Washington Times OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family Sues California City After Falling Tree Crushes Teen

Buffalo River Review

At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree. The lawsuit filed Monday …

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Southern

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Elko Daily Free Press

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Coos Bay World ?

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

KPVI News 6

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

West Plains Daily Quill

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Sentinel

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Columbus Telegram

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Beatrice Daily Sun

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Bloomington Pantagraph

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Sioux City Journal

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Albany Democrat Herald

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Twin Falls Times-News

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Argus Press

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Casper Star-Tribune Online

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Courier-Express

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Corvallis Gazette Times

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Herald & Review

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Tand D.com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Audubon County Advocate Journal

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Napa Valley Register

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Montana Standard

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

TheReporter.Com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

TheReporter.Com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

WAAY

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Monterey County Herald

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Monterey County Herald ?

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

WWSB ABC 7

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Clay Center Dispatch

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

WBAL Radio

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

El Paso Inc.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Bristol Herald Courier

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Grand Island Independent

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Bryan-College Station Eagle

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Scottsbluff Star Herald

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Yakima Herald-Republic

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Greensboro News & Record

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

The Daily Nonpareil

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Watertown Daily Times

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Waco Tribune-Herald

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Clearfield Progress

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Family sues California city after falling tree crushes teen

Bowling Green Daily News

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – At least four people in California have been killed when decaying trees have snapped over the past 16 months, including an Oakland teen whose family is suing the city over his death last December while he was climbing a tree.

Auto recall woes continue with recent Ford announcement

Posted on by wmlawyers

2014 has been a year of significant automotive recalls. In addition to the General Motors recall scandal over faulty ignition switches, several other automakers have recalled about 14 million vehicles due to faulty and dangerous air bags manufactured by a Japanese company called Takata.

Not one to be left out, America’s other home-grown auto company is issuing its own air bag-related recalls. Ford recently recalled approximately 745,000 vehicles for an (unrelated) problem that could prevent air bags from deploying during a car accident. With this latest announcement, Ford has recalled about 3.9 million vehicles in the United States in 2014; an amount more than three times higher than its recall total for last year.

If you are a Ford owner and have not been informed directly, here are the details of the recall. Models impacted by the recall include The C-Max, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ. All sedans and sport utility vehicles have 2013-2014 model years.

As readers may remember, the scandal over the GM recall involved allegations that certain GM officials have known about the dangerous and deadly ignition switch defects for at least a decade. The problem has been linked to dozens of injuries and deaths.

Thankfully, this latest Ford recall has not yet been linked to any accidents or injuries, according to news sources. That will hopefully still be the case once the recall repairs have been completed.

With millions of vehicles recalled this year alone, Americans are beginning to wonder if any cars are reliable and safe. They may also be wondering if any of these companies are trustworthy. Perhaps it is time to give federal regulators better funding and more authority over the auto industry.

Source: The New York Times, “Ford Recalls 745,000 Vehicles for Fault That Could Disable Air Bags,” Christopher Jensen, Sept. 26, 2014

Central California man killed in vicious pit bull mauling

Posted on by wmlawyers

It is commonly thought that the way children behave is a reflection of how they are being raised by their parents. This is not always the case with children, but it does tend to hold true with the temperament of dogs.

Dogs don’t always behave in the way that they should, but most are nonetheless friendly toward all humans that they come into contact with. When dogs are vicious and attack strangers, it is often because of how they have been treated or trained by their owners. And even if a dog has no prior history of aggression before attacking someone, its owner can still be held liable in a dog bite personal injury lawsuit.

A case in nearby Modesto is a tragic example of how dangerous dogs can be when they are allowed to become aggressive and are not controlled by their owners. According to news sources, a 59-year-old man was mauled to death in his own backyard by four pit bulls owned by a neighbor. The man’s 77-year-old mother was also attacked. She survived but had to be put into a medically induced coma due to her severe injuries.

A county sheriff who responded to the scene noted that “I have never seen this level of viciousness in any animal. This is just shocking.” Law enforcement officers shot and killed two of the dogs during the attack, and then killed the other two when they charged at officers trying to catch them.

It’s possible that the pit bulls’ owners will face criminal charges in addition to any civil lawsuits filed by the victims’ families. Vicious attacks like this are almost always preventable, and dog owners cannot afford to take their responsibilities lightly.

Source: The Los Angeles Times, “Pit bulls maul man and his mother, killing him and putting her in coma,” Veronica Rocha, Oct. 15, 2014

City and school district blamed for child’s bus accident death

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Assigning liability for automobile accidents seems to be pretty straightforward. But there may be more to consider than just which vehicle collided with the victim and why. Auto accidents are sometimes caused by dangerous road design, poor urban planning and other factors that are not immediately noticeable.

A recent wrongful death lawsuit is a good example. It was filed by the parents of a Modesto, California, family after their 5-year-old son was struck and killed by a city bus. The bus driver is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Instead, the plaintiffs believe that the city and the school district are at fault.

On the day of the fatal accident last March, the young boy had just been let out of his kindergarten class for the day and was crossing a two-lane, residential street to meet his mother on the other side. This is when he was struck and killed by a city bus that did not have time to stop.

In their lawsuit, the boy’s parents allege that the city should have chosen a different route for city buses – one that didn’t include a residential street near an elementary school. At the very least, the bus should not have been running on that route during times when children were being dropped off and picked up from school.

The plaintiffs also say that parents frequently complained that the school lacked safe areas to drop off and pick up students, and that student release practices were unsafe in light of the busy traffic around the school. The school district allegedly ignored these complaints until after the fatal accident, the parents say.

These are safety concerns that probably exist in many cities throughout California and around the country. And although changes appear to have been made after the fact, a child’s life is far too high a price to pay for common-sense safety reforms.

Source: The Modesto Bee, “Kindergartner’s parents file wrongful-death claims against Modesto, Modesto City Schools,” Kevin Valine, Sept. 30, 2014

Family’s wrongful death lawsuit sought changes in street safety

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When a loved one has been killed by the negligence of another person, it is perfectly appropriate to seek compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. It may also be necessary in order to reimburse expenses like medical bills, funeral costs and loss of earning potential.

For many plaintiffs who pursue wrongful death claims through an Oakland wrongful death lawyer, however, money is not their only motivation, or even their primary goal. A lawsuit can bring about changes to make sure that no one else has to suffer a fate similar to either the victims or their families.

In late September, a family received a $1.12 million settlement in their wrongful death lawsuit, following the 2012 death of their 12-year-old daughter in nearby Novato, California. The girl’s parents stressed, however, that their lawsuit was not about the money – it was about safer streets.

In September 2012, the girl was riding her bicycle home from middle school. She was struck and killed by an SUV driver who had been speeding and driving inattentively. The family claims that the road itself is dangerous and that changes need to be made.

In 2009, a memo from the city describes the area near the accident as “heavily traveled by pedestrians.” It also notes that “classes and sports teams use the path” and “they often make mid-block crossings.” The speed limit at that time was 45 miles per hour. It was never changed.

The attorney representing the victim’s family has said that there are some simple and inexpensive changes that could make the stretch of road much safer. These include two additional stop signs, a crosswalk and a lower speed limit. Unfortunately, the city did not agree to conduct a safety review of the area as part of the lawsuit settlement.

Poor city planning can create hazardous conditions that make fatal accidents more likely. Although these hazards are not always predictable in the planning stage, city officials should be willing to respond to safety complaints from citizens and make changes as necessary. If they refuse to mitigate an identified hazard, they may be held liable for any injuries or deaths that result.

Source: KTVU, “Family of Novato accident victim settles wrongful death lawsuit,” Debora Villalon, Sept. 29, 2014

Latest recall scandal has no easy solution in sight

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2014 has been a big year for auto recalls. The General Motors ignition switch recall scandal was apparently the tip of the iceberg, and many other automakers have either announced or expanded recalls since then.

Among the most pressing recalls at present is one that isn’t just limited to a single automaker. Rather, a single defective part has prompted 11 automakers to recall some 14 million vehicles over the past two years. What do all these vehicles have in common? The answer is an allegedly defective air bag propellant that can explode, sending shrapnel into the cabin of the vehicle.

These defective air bags were manufactured by Takata, a Japanese auto parts supplier. According to news sources, the propellant used to rapidly inflate air bags is either too strong or otherwise unstable. The canister containing the propellant can explode even during minor car accidents. And when it does, metal shards can essentially become bullets. At least three deaths and more than 100 injuries have already been linked to the defective auto part.

Unfortunately, there is a problem beyond the initial defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is so concerned about the defect that it is warning vehicle owners to “act immediately” to have them replaced. But in many cases, acting immediately is not an option.

Takata does not have replacement parts available for all who need them. This means that repair shops and dealerships cannot fix the problem and are sending customers away.

Toyota is considering simply disabling the air bags until replacement parts are available. Car owners would be urged not to use the front passenger seat. This is obviously not an ideal situation. But under the circumstances, no air bags at all would likely be safer than the defective ones.

A better solution than disabling air bags would be to give consumers loaner cars to drive until their cars are fixed. But most automakers will likely avoid this option if they can due to the costs involved.

The automobile market worldwide is highly competitive and predicated on manufacturing volume. In their efforts to manufacture vehicles quickly and cheaply, automakers cannot continue to cut corners and forego quality control measures. Human lives are too high a price to pay for sales profits.

Source: The New York Times, “Few Answers After an Alert on Takata Airbags,” Hiroko Tabuchi and Christopher Jensen, Oct. 21, 2014

Brightly colored laundry pods sicken thousands of kids each year

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Many of the products we buy come with warning labels that can seem unnecessary. Common sense is usually more than adequate when it comes to using a given product safely and correctly. But these labels are nonetheless important.

In many cases, products that are safe for adults might be hazardous or even fatal when in the presence of children or pets. As one example, a surprising number of child injuries in recent years have been attributed to brightly colored laundry detergent pods. Young children often mistake them for candy and try to eat the poisonous products.

A study recently published in the journal “Pediatrics” found that during 2012 and 2013, laundry pods injured or sickened more than 17,000 children under the age of 6. Approximately 80 percent of kids tried to ingest the pods.

The concentrated chemicals in these pods make them much more dangerous than regular laundry detergents. One of the study’s co-authors noted that “sometimes the chemicals get into the eyes, sometimes they are swallowed. And if they are swallowed, they can cause severe burns to the esophagus and the stomach.” Some injuries are mild enough to be treated at home. In other cases, however, children may need to spend two or three days in a pediatric intensive care unit.

So what conclusions should we draw from such data? Obviously, parents have an important role to play in making sure that laundry pods and other dangerous-but-attractive products are not within reach of their young children. But product manufacturers also have a responsibility as well.

In a recent news article, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy explained that “when you are designing a new product you need to be thinking about the most vulnerable part of the population and how it will interact with the product. In this case, it is kids.” From a product design standpoint, this could mean making the products less colorful and eye-catching. It could also mean designing packaging in such a way that it cannot easily be opened by children – much like most pill bottles these days.

Product manufacturers cannot prevent all injury scenarios in which products are misused by consumers. But they can and should respond to the most common threats, especially those affecting young children.

Source: Today, “Thousands of children at risk from eating laundry pods, study finds,” Linda Carroll, Nov. 10, 2014

Drunk driving accident victim’s family sues driver’s workplace

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When a loved one is lost in a tragic car accident, many families seek answers about why the accident happened. In cases involving a drunk driver, families may sue for wrongful death. In one case, a California family is suing the workplace of the driver in question, stating the employer could have prevented the accident.

The accident, which occurred in 2012, involved a 31-year-old-man and a 55-year-old woman. According to reports, the 31-year-old man died after his vehicle was struck by the vehicle driven by the women. The woman is currently serving a prison term of 55 years to life for her role in the man's death.

According to reports, the woman was drunk at the time of the accident. She was also a substance abuse counselor who said she was on her way home from work at the time of the accident. Reportedly, the treatment center where the woman worked denied that she was working that day.

Witnesses allegedly report that the woman demonstrated signs of drug or alcohol abuse prior to the accident, including sometimes at the workplace. According to witnesses, the woman occasionally dozed off while in treatment sessions with patients at the facility.

According to the plaintiffs' attorney, the facility reportedly tested clients for drug or alcohol use, but did not test staff members. The plaintiffs are alleging that the facility could have prevented the accident by offering treatment to the woman or letting her go from employment had they paid more attention to her condition.

The facility, in the meantime, reports that the accident occurred long after the facility was closed for the day. A spokesperson also noted that time sheets didn't indicate the woman was working that day.

Families who lose loved ones in such incidents have a right to seek answers and compensation from any entity that could be at fault. Because some burden of proof rests on the plaintiff in such cases, understanding legal options for pursuing a case may help with the final outcome.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Suit filed against Torrance rehab center in fatal drunk driving case" Ruben Vives, Nov. 20, 2014

Please watch for pedestrians as you adjust to fall time change

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Humans are creatures of habit and routine. In many ways, this is a good thing. The fact that we can automatize many behaviors saves brain power and allows us to shift focus to other thoughts or activities as needed.

The downside to this skill, however, is that unexpected changes in routine can really throw us for a loop. Your daily commute to and from work is a good example. You may have already noticed this week that your drive home occurred in the dark or while the sun was going down. This was because daylight savings time came to an end and we all set our clocks back by one hour. This sudden change is more than just an annoyance. According to safety experts, it could actually increase your risk of being involved in a car or pedestrian accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that it usually takes drivers several weeks to adjust to the changes that come with just a one-hour time shift. The evening commute could be especially dangerous because people are driving home with less daylight while children may be walking home from school under the same conditions. Visibility is reduced, which means that everyone needs to be more attentive and cautious when walking, biking or driving.

Until you adjust to the time shift and the corresponding change in daylight, please do your part to make sure that you can see and be seen by others on the road. Although your commute may be a comfortable routine, it is especially important to pay careful attention to your surroundings at this time of year.

Source: TurnTo23.com, “NHTSA says it takes motorists several weeks to adjust to time change,” Mark Christian, Nov. 5, 2014

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