A husband and wife were injured in a Lancaster car accident after their bicycles was hit by a minivan. According to an Associated Press news report, the major injury collision occurred the evening of August 27, 2011 at a street intersection. Police say the couple was attempting to cross an intersection as was a minivan. At the time, the minivan was pushed into the cyclists' path when it was hit by another vehicle. The man sustained severe head injuries and is said to be in critical condition. The wife is said to be in stable condition. Both were wearing helmets. The man and his wife were riding with a group of about 20 riders. No one else was injured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to these injured victims. The male bicyclist here may have suffered severe head trauma or a brain injury. I wish both the very best for a speedy and full recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 35 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in Lancaster. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 22 fatalities and 3,725 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in 2009.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, the minivan was struck by another vehicle and this horrific accident occurred as a result of that collision. I trust officials are looking into what caused that initial crash. There are several questions that remain here. Was the minivan rear-ended by another vehicle at the intersection? Did impaired or distracted driving play a part? Was speed a factor in this bicycle accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Fault and Liability

In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held financially responsible for the resulting injuries, damages and losses. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and even long-term treatment and care. Victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that all the negligent parties are held liable.

Car Accident Attorneys in Lancaster

What do you think about bicyclist sharing the road with motor vehicles? Bicyclists should have the same rights as motorists No its not safe for anyone Bicyclists should have the right to choose where they ride Bicyclists under the age of 18 should always be riding in the bike lane Current Results

Lancaster Bicycle Accident Causes Critical Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 3-year-old boy was seriously injured in a Ventura swimming pool accident the morning of March 1, 2011. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the near-drowning incident occurred on Solano Verde Drive in an unincorporated area of Ventura County. A family member rescued the boy after he was found in the pool. The boy was not breathing at the time, but was said to be awake when emergency personnel arrived. The extent of the toddler's injuries is not known at this time. It is also unclear how the boy fell into the pool.

My thoughts and prayers are with the 3-year-old boy and his family following this Ventura County swimming pool accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

According to a 2007 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drowning incidents in the United States. The report also states that fatal drowning is the "second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years." Near-drowning incidents are extremely serious because they can result in catastrophic injuries, including brain injuries, when the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off.

How Did This Swimming Pool Accident Occur?

It is unclear from the report what may have caused this tragic accident. There are several unanswered questions here. Did the property owners have adequate fencing? Was the child unsupervised? Whose property was child on at the time and who was watching him? How could this terrible accident have been prevented? Was there fencing or a gate around the pool? How did the child get to the pool? I trust investigators are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what caused this near-drowning incident.

Liability Issues

This incident is another reminder for parents, grandparents and caregivers to always supervise children. All it takes is a few seconds of inattention for a fatal swimming pool accident or near-drowning to take place. Remember, if a swimming pool accident occurs on your watch and on your property, you could be held liable for the injuries and damages. If you own a swimming pool property, it would be in your best interests to install safety barriers before the spring and summer months. If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, please contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Seriously injured in a Ventura County swimming pool accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Ventura accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Ventura personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Child Injured in Swimming Pool Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Head trauma can happen at any time; we just hope that we will be able to handle it when it does. Unfortunately, many don't and they do not tend to the wound, and the situation, in the manner that would have benefited the victim the most. Whether it is a minor bump, or a catastrophic injury, knowing the proper steps to take in case of an emergency could save a life.

Minor head injuries may be cared for at home, but if is not always possible for an unlicensed professional to differentiate between minor and major. If you witness a serious head injury, make sure to contact a medical care provider immediately.

Head Injury Treatment

Determine whether the type of head injury is open or closed

1. A closed injury is when the head has experienced trauma, but it is internal and not outwardly apparent. If you are dealing with an open injury call 911 immediately. This does not mean that a closed injury is not life-threatening, only that further inquiry is needed to determine the seriousness of a closed injury.

Talk to the person and check for irregular breathing.

1. Because a person with a head injury can lose consciousness, obtain information regarding how the accident happened, their identity, emergency contacts, allergies, medical problems and medications taken, as they talk listen to their breathing. One of the most common signs of brain damage is irregular breathing.

Keep the person as still as possible.

1. Conduct a rapid body survey and locate other significant injuries. A serious traumatic brain injury may likely have an associated spinal injury, so you want to take precautions when dealing with the victim. If they are unconscious, treat them as if they have a severe back injury. Stabilize the head in line with the back if you can.

Prevent choking

1. If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the nose or mouth, there is a risk of choking. Try to prevent them from choking on their own fluids; when moving their head, keep their neck and body as one. Never tilt the head or move the neck alone.

Los Angeles Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious head injury, call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles brain injury attorney for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented more than 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

How to Treat Head Trauma is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Suffering from a serious brain injury is no laughing matter; millions of people suffer from debilitating brain damage and, more often than not, the incident that caused their horrific condition was easily preventable. For many, keeping in mind the top causes of brain injuries seems pointless, considering the countless ways that you could become a victim. For others, this article could prove to be invaluable and you could walk away relatively unharmed from a situation that would have caused you a lifetime of regrets.

Head injury is the leading cause of death and disability in persons under 45-years-old, occurring more frequently than breast cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury combined, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. With these types of numbers, it comes as no surprise that an estimated 5 million Americans have some form of disabling condition due to a traumatic brain injury. So what can one do to avoid suffering a life-changing head injury? Take necessary precautions while engaging in its leading causes.

Top Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by a direct blow to the head, where the force of the blow can break through the skull and damage the soft brain tissue.

1. Falls
2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
3. Sports
4. Firearms
5. Assaults/Physical Violence

For traumatic brain injuries, recognizing the danger and exercising caution is a step towards protecting you and your children from brain trauma. Unfortunately, for acquired brain injuries precautions, such as wearing a helmet, become more complex.

Top Causes of Acquired Brain Injuries

Acquired brain injuries occur on a cellular level. In other words, these injuries are sustained because cells throughout the entire brain are affected.

1. Asphyxia (when the body is deprived of oxygen for extended periods of time.)
2. Excessive blood loss
3. Injuries in which the chest has been crushed.
4. Stroke and heart attack
5. Certain illnesses and diseases
6. Exposure to toxic chemicals

Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious head injury, call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles traumatic brain injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have handled more than 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless

Top Causes of Brain Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

It is a well-established fact that understaffing is a problem that is at the root nursing home neglect and abuse. We constantly see examples of cases where a catastrophic injury or fatality could have been prevented if only the nursing home had adequate qualified personnel to take care of its patients. An Orange County jury has ordered St. Edna skilled nursing home in Santa Ana to pay $3.1 million to a woman who became brain-injured because she was given a morphine overdose at the facility. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, 57-year-old Barbara Lefforge was only at the nursing facility for less than six hours when the overdose occurred.

Prescription Error Leads to Overdose

Lefforge went to St. Edna in September 2007 to recover from tendon repair surgery. Her podiatrist mistakenly recommended 50 mg of morphine instead of Demerol. Lefforge's lawsuit alleged that the nursing home failed to catch the prescription error. Lefforge suffered an overdose, but the nursing home staff failed to monitor her reaction to the drug or take her to the hospital. This caused Lefforge's brain injury.

Jurors found that St. Edna was 90 percent responsible for the damages and that her podiatrist was 10 percent responsible. Lefforge was awarded $2 million for pain and suffering and $1.1 million in medical costs. The jury is also expected to award punitive damages in this case.

The Problem of Understaffing

The Register reports that St. Edna in Santa Ana is one of 25 nursing homes in California owned by the company Covenant Care, which is among hundreds of California nursing homes that serve Medi-Cal patients, which got $880 million in additional funding from the state since 2004 to increase staffing and salaries. However, non-profit news organization, California Watch, investigated and found that 232 of such skilled nursing facilities actually cut staffing and even let their patient to nurse ratio fall below the state minimum.

Nursing Homes Must Be Held Accountable

A study in 2003 by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) states that at least one in five of all nursing homes in the United States are plagued by serious deficiencies that place residents in immediate jeopardy or cause them actual harm. That number has very likely risen now.

The report also points out that the quality of care in these nursing homes drops significantly when residents receive less than three hours of the nurse’s and nurse’s aide’s time per day. That unfortunately happens in about 54 percent of nursing homes. Nursing aides in several facilities are paid $7 to $8 an hour for work that is strenuous and stressful. In most nursing home neglect cases that our Orange County personal injury law firm has seen, injuries and deaths at these facilities are directly related to the problem of understaffing and failing to train staff properly.

I'm glad that this Orange County nursing home was held accountable for their wrongdoing. They should also face punitive damages, which will hopefully act as a deterrent for other nursing homes from putting profits over the well-being of the customers they serve.

Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? What are some of the tips you would offer for those who are looking for the right nursing home?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Orange County Nursing Home Ordered to Pay $3.1 Million to Brain-Injured Victim is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 3-year-old boy was hospitalized after suffering a near drowning in an Orange County swimming pool accident in an Irvine, California, community pool the night of July 25, 2009, The Orange County Register reports. On July 26, 2009, another 3-year-old boy in Fullerton suffered a near-drowning in a backyard swimming pool accident, the newspaper reports. Both boys are said to be recovering.

The toddler in Irvine was apparently playing in a community pool in Irvine with his parents and older brother. The parents, who were out of the water, noticed the child was floating at the bottom of the pool. The older brother pulled the boy up from the bottom, officials said. A bystander gave the boy mouth-to-mouth resuscitation reviving him. The incident in Fullerton occurred in a backyard swimming pool. The boy's father apparently pulled him out of the pool and began to perform CPR. The child is reportedly recovering in an area hospital.

I'm extremely relieved that both these children survived these swimming pool accidents. It could have been a lot worse. I hope neither of these children suffered catastrophic or irreversible injuries as a result of their near-drowning. Please keep these little boys in your prayers.

Drowning accidents are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among children under 5, according to the Orange County Fire Authority's Web site. More than 80 percent of the drownings in Orange County occur in residential backyard pools or spas. Drowning or near-drowning can occur quickly, always without warning, without a splash and without a cry for help. Constant, effective supervision and pool safety barriers are a must to help prevent such tragedies. Just this year the OCFA reports 28 emergency responses in Orange County in connection with swimming pool accidents and six drowning fatalities. Near-drownings are also extremely serious because they can result in irreversible brain injury and brain damage when the extended submersion cuts off oxygen supply to the brain.

Drowning and near-drownings are entirely preventable. Please do not leave children unattended or unsupervised in the water. If you are with them, please make sure you are watching them constantly. Drowning can happen within a matter of seconds. If your child has been injured or killed in a swimming pool accident because of someone else's negligence--whether it's a daycare provider, club, caregiver or acquaintance--please understand that you have rights. If you would like to find out more information about your legal rights and options, please contact an Orange County personal injury lawyer. You may be able to seek compensation on behalf of your child to cover medical expenses and even long-term care expenses.

Two Children Injured in Separate Orange County Swimming Pool Accidents is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 6-year-old child is in the hospital after nearly drowning in a swimming pool accident the afternoon of July 18, 2009 in Chino. Chino police and firefighters responded after receiving calls about a possible drowning. While on the way to the call, they heard that someone on scene had pulled the child out of the community pool where he was swimming and had performed CPR. Paramedics administered first aid to the child, who was then airlifted to an area hospital. The child has been listed in critical condition. Police say other people were in the community pool when the near drowning happened. Family members of the child were also apparently in the area at the time. There is no further information about the cause of the near drowning incident.

My heart goes out to the family of this child. I wish the critically injured youngster the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep this child in your prayers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, in 2005, there were 3,582 unintentional fatal drownings in the United States. About 25 percent of these fatalities involved young children – 14 or younger. Four times as many children get emergency care for nonfatal injuries for every child who dies. In 2005, of all children aged 1 to 4 who died in the United States, 30 percent died from drowning. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention, in 2006, drowning was only second to car accidents as the most common cause of death in children aged 1 to 14.

Drowning or near-drowning is obviously a huge problem in Southern California, especially in the summer when most of us get together for poolside parties and barbecues. Our swimming pool accident attorneys are consulted in a number of cases each summer by parents of children seriously injured in swimming pool accidents--be it at a day camp, a community pool, club or neighbor's house.

If a child gets injured in your pool under your watch, you could be held liable for those injuries. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, it is critical to make sure that it is fenced and properly secured so children cannot wander in by accident. Constant supervision is also extremely important when children are playing the water. Drowning can happen silently and within a few seconds. Near drowning accidents can also result in catastrophic brain injury because when a person remains underwater even for a short period of time, oxygen supply to the brain could get cut off. The cost of treating such brain injuries can be extremely high and could even run into millions of dollars. If your child has been seriously injured in a swimming pool accident, please consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out how you can pursue your legal rights.

San Bernardino Swimming Pool Accident Critically Injures Child is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

An 11-year-old boy is in the hospital after a Porter Ranch swimming pool accident the afternoon of May 24, 2009, according to a CBS News report. The boy was pulled from a pool in Porter Ranch and was resuscitated by bystanders who performed CPR on him. The near drowning occurred at a community pool in the 19300 block of Crystal Springs Circle. The 11-year-old boy, who was wearing a life vest to swim, was apparently found floating face-down and not breathing after brief inattention by those watching him. The boy was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles in serious condition.

I'm extremely relieved that this child did not drown in the pool. I hope and pray that he did not suffer catastrophic injuries and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep this boy in your prayers.

This near-drowning swimming pool accident is a reminder of how these incidents can occur in a split second. It does not take an extended period of inattention or negligence. All it takes is a momentary lapse of attention for such a tragedy to occur.

Southern California has the highest number of swimming pool accidents in California. Los Angeles County has more than 200 near-drowning incidents on an average each year. Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties account for half of all near-drowning incidents in California.

In this particular case, it is not clear whether the boy was under the care of his parents or someone else at the time of the Porter Ranch swimming pool accident. It appears that his father was in the vicinity. Almost every summer, our firm represents a family whose loved one drowned or almost drowned because of the negligence of a homeowner or someone who was caring for the child at the time of the drowning or the near-drowning. It can happen without warning and very quietly. In this Los Angeles swimming pool accident, the boy was swimming in a community pool. It is not clear whether there was a lifeguard. If the child was entrusted to someone else's care at the time of the accident, that person can be held responsible for the accident and resulting injuries.

Near drowning can often result in catastrophic injuries because when a child goes underwater, oxygen supply to the brain can get cut off. This often results in severe brain injury that can cause permanent brain damage. If you believe your child was injured in a California swimming pool accident, you would be well advised to contact reputed California swimming pool accident attorneys who can give you the right advise and information about how to pursue your legal rights.

Porter Ranch Swimming Pool Accident Seriously Injures Boy is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers