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The Role of Expert Witnesses in Santa Barbara Personal Injury Cases

By Renee Nordstrand on December 20, 2025

A professional woman testifies at a courtroom podium with a judge seated in the background, representing the role of expert witnesses in Santa Barbara personal injury cases.

Finding the right expert witness to support your personal injury claim can make a huge difference, especially if your case goes to trial. A respected expert who knows how to break down complicated information and explain it to a jury is an invaluable asset in the courtroom.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

The Importance of Medical Documentation in Personal Injury Claims

By Renee Nordstrand on December 15, 2025

A doctor and patient review medical documents together at a desk with a stethoscope nearby, illustrating the importance of medical documentation in personal injury claims.

Your medical records are one of the most powerful tools in a personal injury claim. In fact, providing comprehensive and accurate medical documentation often determines whether an injured person receives fair compensation that covers the cost of their injuries and damages.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Getting Compensation for the Long Term Effects of Amputation in Santa Barbara

By Renee Nordstrand on October 28, 2025

A person with a prosthetic leg sits on a couch with their hand resting on the amputation site, representing the long-term physical and financial effects of limb loss and the need for compensation in Santa Barbara injury cases.

An amputation is a life-changing injury. Whether it is caused by a traffic accident, defective machinery, unsafe premises, or some other type of tragic event, losing a limb has a profound impact on your day-to-day activities.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury in a Santa Barbara Personal Injury Lawsuit?

By Renee Nordstrand on October 2, 2025

A woman lies unconscious in a hospital bed with a nasal oxygen tube and medical monitor in the background, representing a severe catastrophic injury that may qualify for a Santa Barbara personal injury lawsuit due to permanent and life-altering harm.

If you experienced a serious accident in Santa Barbara that has left you with permanent damage, you are likely dealing with a catastrophic injury. This has significant implications for your personal injury lawsuit, long-term care, and the total compensation you may receive.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

California’s E-Scooter Laws: What Every Rider Should Know

By Renee Nordstrand on September 24, 2025

erson wearing black high-top sneakers and rolled-up jeans standing on a black electric scooter on a paved path, with blooming purple flowers and greenery in the background

In recent years, electric scooters (e-scooters) have exploded in popularity across California, particularly in cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

The Risk of Injury We Face on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

By Renee Nordstrand on March 11, 2025

Men in green hats drinking in a bar. Saint Patricks day celebration.

It seems like everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with going out and having some fun, but St. Patrick’s Day and the closest weekend to it is a time of increased injuries and fatalities. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 57 people were killed in alcohol-related automobile crashes during a recent St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 

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Posted in: Personal Injury

New CA Laws for Cyclists, Drivers, Pedestrians, and E-bikes

By Renee Nordstrand on February 14, 2023

Mans hands signing a document with a pen

Four new laws, effective on January 1, 2024, will impact safety on California roads for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and electric bicycle (e-bike) riders.  

  • AB 2537 calls for changes in driver education curricula in grades 7-12 and requires the DMV to create a video regarding proper conduct for peace officers during a traffic stop.
  • AB 2773 requires peace officers to inform drivers why they are being pulled over.
  • AB 2147 limits the circumstances when a pedestrian can be stopped for jaywalking.
  • AB 1909 alters laws regarding e-bikes and where they are allowed to operate.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Why You Shouldn’t Settle Until You’re 100% Medically Stable

By Renee Nordstrand on December 14, 2022

doctor handing over prescription

When you’ve suffered serious injuries caused by somebody’s careless behavior, you’ll probably want to resolve the matter quickly. After all, you have other things to focus on — overcoming the trauma, getting back to work, and resuming your daily activities.

There’s a natural desire to finalize the legal process and start putting your life back together. But it’s important to be patient and make sure your injuries have completely healed before accepting a settlement, or resolved to a point when your medical providers know your long-term prognosis.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Does Someone You Love Suffer from Aphasia?

By Renee Nordstrand on July 15, 2022

detailed brain scan

Aphasia is a neurological condition that impairs your ability to speak or understand others. Strokes and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are the two leading causes of aphasia. TBI results from a blunt force trauma to the head, and it may result from an automobile collision or other type of accident such as a fall.

Aphasia can also be a sign of serious medical disorders such as dementia, infection, or Alzheimer’s Disease. If you notice that you or a loved one is having difficulty speaking, reading, or understanding words, make sure they get medical attention right away.

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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