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12
Dec

San Diego Family Files Lawsuit in Connection With Jet Crash

December 12, 2011

Relatives of a San Diego family have filed a lawsuit against the United States government in connection to a 2008 military jet crash that killed four members of their family. The Sacramento Bee reported today that a man and his father-in-law are the plaintiffs in the case contending mechanical and human errors by the Marine Corps pilots and crew were the reason their wives and two young children were killed when the jet crashed into their home.

It was December 2008 when the Marine Corp pilot-in-training made radio contact with air traffic controllers saying that he had experienced an engine failure. Rather than landing safely at a nearby Navy base, which Marine investigators admitted was possible, the pilot chose to eject and watched as the jet slammed into two homes in a residential area.

Since the Marine Corps has accepted responsibility for the crash, a two-day non-jury trial will begin today to determine the amount of money the government owes the family for their loss.

If you and your family are overwhelmed by the sudden loss of a loved one due to an accident that was not their fault, talking with a California wrongful death attorney can at least help you make sense of the legal and financial ramifications of your loss.

The California Wrongful Death Attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are experienced and compassionate individuals that want to help you get what you need. Contact us today by filling out a free initial consultation form.

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5
Dec

Cigarette Blamed For San Francisco Fire That Injured Two

December 5, 2011

Cigarettes are not only hazardous to your health because of the smoke, but also because of the fire hazard they create. A lit cigarette is being blamed for starting a fire in a San Francisco apartment building that left one resident and a firefighter injured. According to CBS –San Francisco the blaze erupted at around 8:00 in the morning on Sunday at 347 Eddy Street.

Firefighters who responded to the scene stated an initial investigation showed that the fire originated with a cigarette butt that was thrown down in a lightwell and not properly extinguished. The fire grew until it consumed nearly six stories of the building. Although the fire remained mostly contained in the lightwell, flames had managed to seep into several surrounding walls. This meant firefighters had to tear out walls in several residencies and hallways in order to fully extinguish the flames.

No injuries were reported except for a firefighter and resident who required treatment for smoke inhalation. They were both taken to a local area hospital where they received treatment and were released.

Firefighters say the best way to avoid an accident like this one is to not smoke indoors and to always use proper cigarette receptacles to fully extinguish a cigarette or cigar when done.

The California Fire and Burn Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers have years of experience handling cases where victims were injured in fire that started at no fault of their own. Learn more about the firm by watching this informative video.

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28
Nov

Concussions Receiving Attention From Media And California Lawmakers

November 28, 2011

Media coverage of the long-term effects National Football League (NFL) players have suffered from concussions has forced changes to the way high school athletes and their parents  and coaches are approaching these injuries. According to the Sacramento Bee, a new California state law will regulate how officials and teams must handle the injuries.

One research group’s findings explain that concussions may be the cause of a degenerative brain disease, which hundreds of ex-professional athletes have suffered from. These findings have had such an influence on some players that they have not gone back to the sport after receiving a concussion.

One California football player suffered three major concussions during the span of his high school football career. When the fourth major trauma occurred, he decided to call it quits.

California will begin enforcing new guidelines in January for the way sports officials handle head injuries. Referees have the right to remove a player from a game if they suspect a concussion. That player is not allowed back on the field, for practices or matches, until cleared by a healthcare specialist. Parents and coaches are also now required to sign a waiver form saying they understand the symptoms and effects a concussion could have on a student-athlete.

The California Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers are encouraged by the new regulations lawmakers have put in place, and urge parents, coaches, and athletes to be mindful of concussions while on the field.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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21
Nov

California Court Rules Against Cell Phone Use At Stoplights

November 21, 2011

Next time you are at a stoplight and itching to call someone, think again. The San Francisco Chronicle reported last Tuesday that the state court of appeals upheld that a driver who is stopped at a red light is still technically driving, and therefore prohibited from using a hand-held cell phone.

The debate began in December 2009 when a California motorist was pulled over and cited for using his cell phone while at a stop light. The man appealed the citation, saying the law that prohibits the use of cell phones while driving only applies if the vehicle is in motion.

The First District Court of Appeals in San Francisco stated the law was intended for all motorists on state roadways, even if they may be temporarily stopped. The Deputy Attorney General called it a “common sense” ruling, but lawyers for the defense stated they would take the case to the next level at the state Supreme Court.

Attorneys for the defense base this decision to pursue the case further on a 1991 case, in which, a man’s DUI arrest was thrown out because he was technically found asleep behind the wheel of a running–but legally parked–car.

The California Auto Accident Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers always discourage the use of cell phones while driving; but would like to know your opinion. Can a ticket be issued for using a cell phone while driving if the vehicle is not moving? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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14
Nov

$73 Million Awarded In California Lawsuit Against Ford

November 14, 2011

A Sacramento, California, jury awarded $73 million dollars in damages to plaintiffs in a case against Ford Motor Company Thursday. According to The Sacramento Bee, the judgment came after seven years of litigation surrounding a passenger van accident caused by separation of tread from a tire on the van.

The accident happened on April 9, 2004, as a group of church members headed home from a concert. During the drive, the van began to shake violently as the tread of a Goodyear tire began to peel off. The driver of the van attempted to pull over, but lost control and the van rolled several times before coming to rest. The 48-year-old driver of the van and the front passenger were killed in the accident, while several other suffered injuries.

In court Thursday, the attorney for the plaintiffs told jurors that Ford and Goodyear failed to alert the customers about a $2 billion recall on the tires. The jury agreed, and with a vote of 10-2, the award was given. The jury also gave a small award after they found that the van’s design was partially at fault for the crash. Ford stated they plan to appeal the decision.

The California Car Accident Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers often handle cases where victims were injured because of faulty auto parts. If you have been injured because of a manufacturer’s negligence contact us immediately.

Popularity: 2% [?]