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

By Renee Nordstrand on February 28, 2024

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

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

What You Need to Know About Personal Injury Laws and Children

By Renee Nordstrand on February 3, 2021

young child with a bruised face and bandaged hand

It is every parent’s worst nightmare to see their child severely injured. All parents want to protect their children, but sometimes, other people behave negligently, and children become injured as a result. There are a number of ways that a child could become seriously hurt, such as through dog attacks, slip-and-falls, swimming pool accidents, and so on. While parents can’t protect their children 100% of the time, especially when others are grossly negligent, they can file a claim to recover proper compensation on their child’s behalf.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

How to Minimize the Effects of an Electrical Injury

By Renee Nordstrand on December 3, 2020

an electrician making repairs

While electricity has revolutionized the way we live our lives, the truth is that it can be a very dangerous source of energy. Electricity, when not properly controlled, can very easily lead to catastrophic injuries, and even death. Knowing how to properly respond to an electric shock could be the difference between life and death.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

California Wildfires: Are Utility Companies Liable?

By Renee Nordstrand on December 20, 2018

large electrical construction powerline tower

This is the question a lot of people are asking as thousands of Californians continue to reel from the devastating wildfires this year and last.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Should I Handle My Own Legal Case?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 28, 2018

business lawyer with two stacks of files and paperwork

Simply put, you should never try to represent yourself in a California legal proceeding, whether you face a criminal charge against you, a lawsuit that you wish to file against someone else, or a lawsuit filed against you. The stakes are high, and you should always speak to a lawyer first about your situation. We may advise that there are steps you can take to help your own case, but generally, hiring a lawyer will ensure the best outcome.

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Posted in: Personal Injury