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Could Santa Barbara Soon See Worse Earthquakes?  

By Renee Nordstrand on January 7, 2020

aerial view of beach, shoreline, and ocean

In February 2017, a research team including professionals from U.C. Riverside announced that the Ventura-Pitas Point fault is likely more powerful than anyone had previously suspected. The fault, which lies under the City of Ventura and runs offshore, coming up beneath the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta, appears to be shallower than researchers once thought, which could lead to more violent shaking in the event of an earthquake.

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How Downed Power Lines Can Harm

By Renee Nordstrand on October 31, 2018

upward view of electric powerline pole

Living in Southern California means we don’t have to worry about hurricanes or blizzards, but earthquakes, mudslides, and strong winds still cause havoc. One of the biggest risks after these events is downed power lines. You should always assume a downed power line is live, and if you can see it, do not approach it or let anyone else go near it. Report downed power lines immediately to the City of Santa Barbara’s utility services, because it is their responsibility to remove the dangerous obstruction and keep residents safe.

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Airbnb Liability and Legality in Santa Barbara

By Renee Nordstrand on August 28, 2018

person using Airbnb app on their phone

In recent years, services like Airbnb have grown in popularity. But renting the home of a virtual stranger carries some risks, especially when it comes to liability for any injuries you may suffer from an unsafe premises.

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Woman Injured on Huntington Beach Sidewalk Files Claim for $100,000

By Renee Nordstrand on February 27, 2010

https://www.ocregister.com/2010/02/26/woman-who-fractured-femur-on-sidewalk-wants-10000/

A seventy-one year old Huntington Beach resident has filed a claim against the city of Huntington Beach following a sidewalk fall, the Orange County Register reports.

Sharon R. Peterson fractured her femur when she fell while walking on Modal Drive on October 7, 2009, the claim states.  An uneven portion of sidewalk caused Peterson’s fall.  She claims the city was negligent in its maintenance and proper care for the sidewalk.

This incident is a clear example of a premises liability case.  These cases occur when an injury is caused by hazardous property conditions or property owner negligence.  In this situation, the city of Huntington Beach was negligent in maintaining the city sidewalks, and therefore may be held liable for the injuries sustained on city property.

If you have been injured due to dangerous property conditions, please contact experienced premises liability attorneys today for a free consultation.

Orange County Woman Files Claim Against Newport Beach Following Traffic Incident

By Renee Nordstrand on February 2, 2010

https://www.ocregister.com/2010/02/01/woman-hit-by-taxi-wants-2-million/

24-year-old Brandi Lynn Sutton has filed a 2 million dollar claim against the city of Newport Beach following injuries she sustained at a poorly lit crosswalk, the Orange County Register reports.  Sutton was crossing West Balboa Boulevard and 26th Street in the crosswalk at approximately 2 a.m. when she was struck by a taxicab in August.  She sustained serious injuries, including a broken leg and a concussion, in her fall.

In her claim, Sutton alleges that faded crosswalk paint and a malfunctioning streetlight prevented the taxi driver from being able to see her in the crosswalk, and that the city of Newport Beach is therefore liable for its dangerous property conditions.

An area of the law that lawyers refer to as “premises liability”, governs injuries that are caused by hazardous property conditions or property owner negligence.  This can include anything from swimming pool accidents, to amusement park accidents, to dangerous road design.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to any of these factors, or other dangerous property conditions, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to cover medical bills, lost earnings from work, and future medical treatment.  Please contact aggressive and skilled personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.

Huntington Beach Teen Reaches Settlement with City Over Waveboard Crash

By Renee Nordstrand on February 1, 2010

https://www.ocregister.com/2010/02/01/teen-gets-30000-from-city-after-waveboard-crash/

A fourteen-year-old Huntington Beach boy has reached a settlement with the city of Huntington Beach following injuries he sustained in a waveboard crash on a city alleyway in 2008, the Orange County Register reports.

Waveboards, which are similar to skateboards, allow riders to feel as though they are surfing or snowboarding because the rider must swivel backwards and forwards in an “S” shape in order to move.  The boy, Douglas Young, fell while riding a waveboard in a City alleyway that was undergoing construction. Young suffered two broken bones in the fall.

Young’s attorney, Eric Traut, alleged that the City was liable because the alley had large potholes and loose, dangerous debris that posed a threat to Young and other children in the area that frequently used the alleyway for outdoor activities such as waveboarding or skateboarding.

City attorney Jennifer McGrath denied liability, citing the fact that Young was using a challenging type of board in which falling is an expected result.

Young was awarded a $30,000 settlement.

If you have been injured while waveboarding, skateboarding, biking, or even walking due to dangerous property conditions, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney today to learn about your legal options and rights.