Theme Park Accidents Due to COVID Understaffing

By Renee Nordstrand on November 12, 2021

an overcast sky with a large ferris wheel

Theme parks in Southern California are struggling to find workers to fill open positions as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, according to The OCR. Like other employers, theme parks are offering higher wages and other incentives to attract the employees they need, but in the meantime, staffing shortages in theme parks can lead to serious injuries for guests.

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Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Honored by Mayor Murillo

By Renee Nordstrand on November 2, 2021

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) was one of four local organizations honored during the 16th annual Santa Barbara Mayor’s Award ceremony by Mayor Cathy Murillo on Thursday, October 28, 2021. They were recognized for their outstanding support of people with disabilities.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

New California Ballot Initiative in 2022 Adjusts Limitations in Medical Negligence Cases

By Renee Nordstrand on October 5, 2021

An empty operating room in a hospital.

Medical professionals can be held liable in medical malpractice lawsuits for injuries they cause their patients through negligence. In 1975 California set a cap of $250,000 for medical malpractice noneconomic damages. These types of damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, and diminished quality of life. A new ballot initiative proposes to increase the $250,000 cap based on inflation since 1975.

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Posted in: Medical Law

Getting Treatment With Delta Fears

By Renee Nordstrand on September 15, 2021

an empty hospital wing with beds and medical machines

One of the greatest fears underlying the COVID-19 pandemic has been that the healthcare system would be overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of patients, and others needing care would have to be turned away. Now that the Delta variant is surging in California and other areas of the country, some hospitals have been forced to ration care. Despite the crowding in hospitals the pandemic has caused, you can still receive treatment if you have been injured in an accident.

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Posted in: COVID-19

How to Know if a Dog Is Dangerous to Your Child

By Renee Nordstrand on August 11, 2021

A brown and white bulldog sitting on the porch of a house

Many of our friends and neighbors across the country took the time to adopt dogs this past year, and we applaud their commitment to taking care of our furry friends. Unfortunately, most new dog owners discovered the difficulties of training and socializing a pet during lockdown. Dogs, especially ones that were rehomed or rescues, may have a hard time behaving around strangers, loud noises, and in new areas. Poor training naturally leads to more aggressive dogs, and they can be dangerous to children who do not know how to keep themselves safe.

No one wants to demonize man’s best friends, but it is important for parents to teach their children about aggressive dogs to avoid a painful and traumatic bite. At NordstrandBlack PC, we want dog owners and their neighbors to have all the information they need to keep themselves safe, which is why we are here to explain how to spot an aggressive dog and how to teach your kids to be safe.

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Who Is Liable for Injuries at a Rental Home?

By Renee Nordstrand on June 28, 2021

house on a cliff overlooking the beach and ocean

Airbnb and other vacation rental companies have become an increasingly popular way for people to rent out vacation homes, and more people than ever are flocking to the California coast. With the growing usage of these rental companies, there are more injuries than ever before — and these incidents raise important questions about liability that don’t factor into most vacation plans: if a renter is injured while staying at someone else’s home, who is at fault — the renter or the owner?

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Posted in: Premises Liability

How to Know If a Pool Is Safe

By Renee Nordstrand on June 2, 2021

swimmer diving into swimming pool

As the weather heats up, a lot of us are looking forward to fun get-togethers over the summer months. Backyard barbeques, visits to the beach, family road trips, and lots of pool parties. While “going to the pool” conjures up visions of fun with family and friends, it is important for everyone to keep pool safety in mind before going in for that swim.

Pools must be properly built and maintained by their owners, as failing to do so may lead to guests being injured or even killed. Whether an incident occurs in a pool at a private residence or a community recreational area, the owner of the pool may be liable for the victim’s damages.

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Posted in: Pool Safety

Can I Recover Punitive Damages After a Car Accident?

By Renee Nordstrand on April 14, 2021

legal scales sitting in front of a window

After being injured by another driver, you may be angry at the person who hit you, frustrated with the insurance claims process, and concerned about your future. A single drunk driving accident could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills, weeks to months in lost wages, and years of emotional trauma. Your best option may be to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages. In addition, in some cases, it may be possible for you to receive punitive damages in California.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

How Truck Weigh Stations Prevent Accidents

By Renee Nordstrand on March 30, 2021

a deserted semi-truck weigh station

As a California driver, you have likely seen the many weigh stations that line our major highways, including those here in Santa Barbara County. And what gets weighed? Vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 lbs. These weigh stations exist to ensure that large commercial trucks and trailers meet all California and federal safety standards and to ensure these vehicles are not overloaded.

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Posted in: Truck Accident

How Radars Enforce Speed Limits

By Renee Nordstrand on February 12, 2021

police radar drone flying in the sky

While enjoying the scenic highways that run through California, you may have noticed traffic signs that read, “Speed Limit Enforced by Radar,” or even some signs that say, “Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft.” Neither sign gives much description as to how the process works, however, and may leave you wondering how your speed is actually monitored. Here’s a snapshot of how it works:

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Posted in: Law & Information