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The Root Problem: How Trees Make Sidewalks Dangerous

By Renee Nordstrand on November 17, 2022

sidewalk buckled by tree

The power of nature is amazing. It’s hard to believe that a plant could be strong enough to damage a concrete sidewalk, but we see it happening all the time.

Over time, steadily growing tree roots can extend underneath a sidewalk. As the roots grow and expand, they will eventually disrupt the surface of the sidewalk. This creates substantially uneven surfaces that may cause pedestrians to fall and be seriously injured.

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Can a Trespasser Injured on Someone’s Property Pursue Compensation for Personal Injuries?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 17, 2022

no trespassing/keep out sign

Property owners are required to take reasonable care to ensure that any visitors on their property are kept safe from injuries. If the property owner does not maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors, they can be held liable if someone is injured on their property.

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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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The Do’s and Don’ts of Wildfire Insurance Claims

By Renee Nordstrand on December 26, 2020

burning wildfire with flames and thick smoke

The wildfires raging on the West Coast in 2020 mark the worst fires that California has experienced yet. Over 4 million acres have burned, and that number is likely to go up before the fires are fully under control.

While Californians are not strangers to fires, many who have lost their homes in this latest blaze may be left wondering what exactly their options are. Thankfully, wildfires are covered under most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies. If they are not, you are usually able to purchase fire insurance separately thanks to the California FAIR plan.

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Recent Regulations Make Santa Barbara Parks Safer

By Renee Nordstrand on March 16, 2020

colorful rope climb at playground

Parks and playgrounds are the perfect places to take the family for some fresh air. Santa Barbara has many amazing parks just waiting for the public to enjoy. However, there are some new rules you should be aware of before planning your family outing.

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A Retailer’s Responsibility for a Slip and Fall

By Renee Nordstrand on February 25, 2019

woman sitting on floor wearing high heels

When you’re out shopping in downtown Santa Barbara, you not only expect great customer service and good buys, but to be in a safe environment. And yet, slips and falls in retail stores are common and can be downright dangerous.

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What You Should Know About Liability After a Fall Down Stairs

By Renee Nordstrand on November 30, 2018

person with red shoes walking up the stairs

“Stair fall premises liability” might seem like a complicated subject, but it has a simple definition. It refers specifically to who is at fault when someone falls down a flight of stairs and is injured.

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Walk Up in the Club, then Trip and Fall

By Renee Nordstrand on July 31, 2018

lots of people dancing at a concert

Going out to a nightclub or bar after a long week at work is a great way to relax, have fun, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Santa Barbara. But what happens when a person gets seriously injured in a club incident? What happens if another disaster, like the Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island in 2003, the 2016 Oakland warehouse fire, or the famous Cocoanut Grove fire in 1942, rips through a crowded club?

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Watch Out for Cars Crashing Into Businesses

By Renee Nordstrand on July 3, 2018

red car crashing into ironworks busines

While we know that we take certain risks by getting behind the wheel of a car every day, there is a rare danger of being struck by a vehicle while sitting in front of the TV, eating at a restaurant, browsing in a retail store, or being at work.

Across the United States, there are about 60 collisions involving vehicles and buildings every day, often resulting in serious injuries and deaths.

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Did You Stay Safe This Spring Break?

By Renee Nordstrand on April 17, 2018

college students on the beach for Spring Break

Spring break is a great time to let loose and have some fun before the seemingly endless work and studying for finals. But whether you are a college student, or just looking to take your kids on a holiday to Santa Barbara, we at NordstrandBlack PC urge you to be careful and stay safe. Of course, no matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility that someone else will be reckless or irresponsible and hurt you.

Even though spring break is officially over, here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent accidents, and tips to keep you safe when someone else is being dangerous:

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Posted in: Premises Liability