I Was Bitten by a Dog! Who Is Responsible?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 30, 2017

two angry dogs fighting

In California the owner of a dog is liable for damages if that dog bites someone.

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Hit by a Drunk Driver and Injured? Now What?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 25, 2017

car key laying next to alcohol and a rose

Seek immediate medical care for any injuries you suffer.

When you feel new symptoms that you might not have realized immediately after the collision, return to a medical provider to be sure your symptoms are noted and treated.

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Drive Safely in Residential Neighborhoods

By Renee Nordstrand on September 22, 2017

children playing near a sewer grate

Did you know that in the United States, there are more children killed by motor vehicles, comparatively, than other first-world nations? Even though our healthcare system gives a child injured in a crash a better chance of survival, it’s not enough.

Driving through residential neighborhoods is different from cruising along a highway—it can require more care and caution. In particular, drivers must be careful of children who may run into the street.

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What Are Common Ways Driver Negligence Can Cause a Bike Accident?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 8, 2017

bicycle chained to a post at night

In California, drivers must legally ensure there is at least a three-foot buffer between their vehicle and someone on a bicycle when passing the bike. Drivers, however, do not always provide this much space and can come dangerously close to the cyclist when passing by. One study actually found that drivers tend to keep their vehicles closer to cyclists wearing helmets and other protective gear. The presence of such gear can subconsciously make a driver feel the bicyclist is somehow safer than he or she really is in the presence of a heavy, fast-moving vehicle!

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Slip into the Shoes of a Caregiver at One-Night-Only Event

By Renee Nordstrand on September 6, 2017

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital caregiver event

It’s tough being a caregiver.

In 2015, approximately 43.5 million Americans provided unpaid care to someone they knew. The value of the services they gave? An estimated $470 billion dollars.

Though there are professional (formal) caregivers who are paid for what they do, most caregivers are informal caregivers—that is, they’re unpaid individuals who assist others with activities of daily living or medical conditions.

On September 25th, Renée J. Nordstrand and her fellow board members of the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation invite you to attend an educational event focused on caregiving. The event will be held at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara at 5:30 p.m.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

Is Failure to Perform a C-Section Considered Malpractice?

By Renee Nordstrand on June 13, 2017

swaddled sleeping newborn baby

Yes, failing to perform a C-section when necessary, or performing one too late into a delivery, can certainly be considered medical malpractice. The details of each specific case will impact whether such an event is legally malpractice, but it is worth investigating and considering a civil suit when appropriate. There are numerous medical reasons to perform a C-section, including fetal distress and extended labor, placenta previa, and if the mother has had a C-section in the past. If a doctor in California fails to notice these factors in a reasonable time and either fails to perform a C-section or does so too late to prevent birth injury, then it can be grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Unsafe Lane Changes and Truck Accidents

By Renee Nordstrand on June 7, 2017

parked red semi with sunset in the background

Unsafe lane changes are among the most dangerous and common ways motorists end up colliding with a large truck in California. Many people see large trucks with their drivers high up and assume the truck driver must have a great view of the road. While the elevation does tend to give a truck driver excellent perception in front of a truck, in reality there are several large blind spots truckers also have to deal with. Knowing these blind spots and avoiding them can keep you from a potentially deadly collision.

While truck drivers should always be aware of their environments and know if a vehicle is beside them, this may not always be the case. All too often, situations on a road may force a truck driver to suddenly change lanes, and anyone in the truck’s blind spots can be in peril.

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Posted in: Truck Accident

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall

By Renee Nordstrand on January 11, 2017

samsung galaxy cellphone displaying apps

Why you need to return your Samsung Galaxy Note 7

South Korean cell phone maker, Samsung, has issued a voluntary recall for all Galaxy Note 7 smart phones bought before September 15, 2016. The reason for the recall is that the lithium-ion battery in these smart phones can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious burn hazard. Approximately 2.5 million phones have been recalled.

If you have a Galaxy Note 7 that you purchased before September 15, 2016, you should stop using it immediately and turn off the power. Contact your wireless provider or the outlet where you purchased the phone and arrange to have it exchanged for a safe model.

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Posted in: Product Liability

Calling an Uber on New Year’s Eve

By Renee Nordstrand on December 29, 2016

New Year’s Eve is often a night when people indulge themselves with food and alcoholic drinks. Often times people who have consumed alcohol think that they can drive safely, which often leads to dangerous situations for all. We absolutely discourage drinking and driving. Instead, please consider other designated driver options for your safe return home.

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Posted in: Car Accident

Be Wary of Premises Liability During the Holidays

By Renee Nordstrand on December 23, 2016

Most holiday shoppers hope for bargains and deals when they think of the local malls and shopping centers. During this busy time of year the reality is that not all retail establishments take adequate precautions to protect the safety and security of their clientele and visitors.

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Posted in: Premises Liability