Archive for June, 2011

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27
Jun

California Highway Workers Killed On The Job

June 27, 2011

California highway signs are passing along the message to beware of construction workers. Three on-the-job deaths have occurred in less than seven weeks. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that more than 700 Caltrans programmable message boards are flashing a message to look out for workers, rather than the normal traffic warnings and drive times.

The accident occurred on an off-ramp of Interstate 15 in San Diego. The 52-year-old worker was picking up litter when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. All of the group’s maintenance workers were pulled off the job following the accident for a “Safety Stand Down,” which is a program designed to remind workers of safety procedures. Only workers on major construction projects, such as the Bay Bridge east span, were exempt.

Caltrans spokesman, Matt Rocco, says that safety training will continue for managers and supervisors and messages will continue to be displayed on signs to warn drivers of upcoming construction. He stated, “We’re all responsible for the safety of those workers. We want people to know that when they see them, they should slow down and move over.”

The workers’ compensation and Wrongful Death Attorneys with Berg Injury Law may be able to help you if you or loved one were injured or killed by no fault of your own, while on the job. Contact us immediately by filling out a free consultation form.

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20
Jun

Insurance Companies Still Raising Rates

June 20, 2011

Despite today’s economy, the public is still seeing increases in the prices paid for essential services such as insurance. San Francisco Chronicle affiliate, SFGate.com, reported that although most policy holders throughout the entire insurance industry will see an increase in policy rates, some insurance companies are backing off of their originally proposed increases for fear of protest from policy holders.

Aetna agreed to lower the increases beginning July 1 for around 43,000 policyholders from 17.9% t to a 12.2% rate hike. They are the third major insurance provider to lower proposed increases in the state of California. Anthem Blue Cross recently lowered increases for roughly 600,000 customers and Blue Shield of California abandoned the idea of increases that could go as high as 87% for some policyholders.

The retreat by insurers comes in the light of major scrutiny by the state’s Department of Insurance. Speaking on the recent announcement from Aetna, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones reminded Californians that despite the reduced increases, policyholders have endured hikes year after year. He used the opportunity to further discuss and promote Assembly Bill 52, which would give him the authority to reject excessive rate increases by insurance companies.

Before settling with an insurance company, contact a California Personal Injury Attorney with Berg Injury Lawyers.

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13
Jun

Protestors Feel Authorities Did Not Do Enough For Drowning Victim

June 13, 2011

On Sunday, a group of Alameda protesters waded into the waters off the shore of Crown Memorial State Beach to demonstrate how easy it would have been for police and firefighters to rescue a suicidal man that drowned last month. The Oakland Tribune reports that about 10 people waded into chest deep water with approximately the same weather and tide conditions of last Memorial Day, when the man drowned.

“We want to put to rest all this nonsense,” said Liz Williams, one of the protesters. “We want to take one argument off the table and show that these guys were cowards.”

They say authorities responded incorrectly last month, when they left a 53-year-old man in the water to drown because of bureaucratic red-tape that left all first responders with their hands tied due to a lack of training or resources to enter the water after the man.

According to NY Daily News, an Alameda police spokesperson said that their officers did not enter the water because the suicidal man posed a possible threat to them. Fire officials say the departments water rescue program was cut in 2009, when it lost funding. Since then, firefighters have not been trained in water rescues.

California Wrongful Death Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers understand the needs of a victim’s family and may be able to offer a voice for their lost loved one. Get your free case consultation now.

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6
Jun

Two Firefighters Die In Diamond Heights House Fire

June 6, 2011

Two firefighters have died as a result of a house fire in the Diamond Heights area of San Francisco. KCBS-San Francisco reports the announcement came at a news conference Saturday morning led by San Francisco Fire Chief, Joanne Hayes-White. The announcement was made with the Chief surrounded by friends and family of the victims and more than 100 firefighters. The two men are the first firemen in the department to die in the line of duty in over a decade.

Reportedly, firefighters responded to the call on Thursday about the blaze at the 100 Block of Berkeley Way. The two men were among the first firefighters to enter the four-story home shooting flames high into the sky. At some point while inside, the men were caught in a flashover. A flashover is a surge of flame that overtakes a room, when everything within those walls suddenly ignites at once.

The men were severely burned and transported to San Francisco General Hospital. The first firefighter died Thursday after going into cardiac arrest. The second held on nearly forty hours before passing.

According to the American Burn Association, 3,500 people died in 2010 due to burns sustained in a fire. Dealing with the aftermath of a severe burn can be difficult. From financial burden to physical and mental stress, there are many struggles burn victims must overcome. The California Fire and Burn Injury Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers may be able to help struggling burn victims get the care and compensation they deserve.

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