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Family of Drowning Victim Files $12 Million Claim against United Water Conservation District

By Renee Nordstrand on November 18, 2009

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/13/united-denies-12-million-claim-filed-in-piru/

The family of 9-year-old Denise Arredondo, who drowned at Like Piru in May, has filed a 12 million dollar wrongful death claim against the lake’s owner, the United Water Conservation District, the Ventura County Star reports.

The claim alleges that the district knew the lake was unsafe and that there were no posted “no swimming” signs in the area to warn people who were unaware of the lake’s drop-offs and unidentifiable underwater cliffs.  Denise’s family went to the lake to swim at the suggestion of district employees.  Denise drowned after swimming into a drop off area.  

My thoughts are with Denise’s family in this time of sadness and grief. 

Although the article does not give very much detail regarding the liability in this situation, it appears that it is at least possible that the United Water Conservation District could be liable for recommending the family swim in an area they knew to be unsafe. 

Experienced personal injury attorneys will take actions that benefit and compensate family members who have been faced with the death of a loved one due to another party’s negligent actions.  In times of grief and insecurity, you need compassionate, skilled attorneys who understand the system and will do everything possible to help you regain a sense of stability.

Family of Santa Ana Hit and Run Victim Seeks Answers, Asks Driver to Come Forward

By Renee Nordstrand on October 30, 2009

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/driver-huang-amormino-2629413-light-pickup

The driver who struck and killed a Santa Ana wife and mother as she crossed the street at a marked crosswalk remains on the loose today as the woman’s family pleads for him to come forward, the Orange County Register reports.

Zhen Huang, 48, was struck in the crosswalk and dragged for 15 feet by a light blue pick up truck that was turning left onto the street she was crossing, Magnolia Avenue.  Huang was less than a block away from her home when she was hit.  Investigators have determined that the truck was traveling at approximately 25 m.p.h, and may have been trying to beat a yellow light before it turned red.  Authorities believe the driver was a male, whose truck had a work rack in its bed.  If you have information regarding this accident, please call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 866-TIP-OCSD.

I offer my support and wishes for the Huang family as well as the OCSD as they continue their investigation, and I hope the individual that caused this terrible incident is found and held fully liable for his actions.

When a loved one dies because of the negligent actions of another person, family members need experienced and compassionate wrongful death attorneys who can protect their legal rights, pursue compensation, and guide families in recovering from their loss so that they can move forward with their lives.  If you find yourself in this situation, call Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand today for a free consultation.

Elderly Bicyclist Hit and Killed by Pick Up Truck

By Renee Nordstrand on October 22, 2009

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/smyser-woman-bicyclist-2618890-yorba-linda

An 80-year-old Placentia resident was struck and killed by a pick up truck while riding her bicycle in a Yorba Linda crosswalk Wednesday evening, the Orange County Register reports.

Edelgard Owens was attempting to cross Propsect Avenue’s crosswalk on bike at about 5:40 p.m., when a Chevrolet pick up truck turning left onto Prospect struck the bicyclist, who was later pronounced dead at Placentia-Linda Community Hospital.

The driver, initially suspected for driving under the influence of alcohol, was released from police custody after police determined she was not drunk.

Many questions remain about this accident as police continue their investigation.  Why did the driver not see the bicyclist?  Was she distracted by a phone call, text message, or conversation with a passenger?  Investigators are seeking to answer these questions so that Ms. Owen’s family can take the next appropriate steps.

In situations such as this, the legal expertise and knowledge of wrongful death attorneys will help families of deceased victims receive monetary compensation.  We will hold the responsible parties fully liable and ensure that your concerns and needs are met effectively.

Drunk Driving Crash Kills 2 on Highway 118

By Renee Nordstrand on September 29, 2009

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/28/2-killed-2-injured-in-suspected-dui-crash/

Two well-known Ventura County DJs were killed early Sunday morning when their car was struck head-on by an alleged drunk driver.  David Joseph Garcia, 34, of Port Hueneme and Alex Estrada, 33, of Ventura were returning from a charity fundraiser, Relay for Life along with Garcia’s wife, Sonia, who was seriously injured and remains in intensive care as of Monday.

The incident occurred at 5:36 a.m.  David Garcia was driving eastbound on Highway 118, when the drunken driver, who was heading west in the eastbound lane, collided with Garcia’s car.

According to the Ventura County Star, 30% of the 27 traffic deaths in 2009 in Ventura County roadways patrolled by the CHP have involved drunk drivers.

My thoughts are with the Garcia and Estrada families in their time of loss.

If a drunk driver has claimed the life of a loved one, accident attorneys can help to compensate you for medical expenses, funeral costs, property damage and losses of expected income, companionship, support, parental guidance and others, as well as for pain, suffering and grief. Punitive damages may also be awarded in some cases.

Family of Man Killed in Golf Accident Awarded Large Settlement

By Renee Nordstrand on September 1, 2009

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/schwartz-payne-golf-2508548-course-curb

The family of an Irvine, California man who was killed at an annual golf retreat in 2007 was awarded a $1.5 million settlement this week after a jury found the golf course responsible for the incident that led to his tragic death.

Edwin Payne, 65, was golfing at the Pala Mesa Golf Resort in Fallbrook with work colleagues when he attempted to make a U-Turn at the second hole.  Payne was unable to make the tight turn and lost control of the cart, sending him over a small curb and down a 40 foot slope, eventually plunging off an 80-foot cliff and onto Highway 395.

The golf course had no signs warning golfers that beyond the curb and surrounding foliage lay an 80 foot cliff.

This incident could have been prevented had the golf course taken steps to warn their patrons of the dangerous nearby cliff.

In situations like this the victim’s loved ones and families can consult with experienced personal injury attorneys to pursue legal action.  Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand will prove a company’s responsibility to maintain a safe premise and protect all patrons from harm with prominently displayed signage.  We can help attain fair compensation to cover the damages that come with serious injury or death.