The Newport Beach personal injury law firm of BISNAR CHASE has filed two auto products liability lawsuits against Nissan on behalf of one plaintiff who was rendered a permanent paraplegic, and family members of another victim who was killed. Both were involved in California car accidents where Nissan's defective seatbacks collapsed and caused the catastrophic and fatal injuries. The defective car seats in the Nissan vehicles in which these victims were traveling were the primary cause of the catastrophic injury and fatality.

Victim Rendered Paraplegic

The first case involves Chatsworth resident Phillip Bloom the victim of a head-on collision on Route 18 in Victorville, California, in October 2009. In this case, Bloom was a rear seat passenger in a Nissan Xterra. The lawsuit, which was filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court, states that the Xterra's rear car seat cushion latching system and restraint system "catastrophically failed" and the seat snapped from the floor bracket. The defective car seatback caused Bloom's body to be violently tossed in the interior of the vehicle during the crash. He suffered major injuries including broken bones, abdominal injuries, and an L2 spinal fracture that led to permanent paraplegia.

Fatal Rear-End Collision

The second lawsuit involves an incident where the victim Brook David Boynton was killed in a rear-end collision. This fatal crash occurred on Route 73 near Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of his mother Johnella Boynton and Caitlyn Buckspan, the administrator of his estate, in Orange County Superior Court, states that the seat of Brook's 2004 Nissan Murano broke and collapsed backwards on impact. Boynton's body submarined out from underneath the shoulder and lap belts causing him to be forcefully ejected from the vehicle. He died at the scene.

Holding Automakers Accountable

Brian Chase, lead attorney, auto defects expert, and partner at BISNAR CHASE, says both of these tragic car accidents and catastrophic injuries were caused by the defective car seats in Nissan vehicles. Chase points out that automakers and equipment manufacturers are putting profits before people and justifying cost-cutting measures at the expense of human safety.

As Chase puts it, this is an important and widespread issue "that warrants national attention." Innocent lives have been lost. We continue to see people's lives being turned upside down with catastrophic injuries. Phillip Bloom's life will never be the same again. Were a few hundred dollars saved by the auto maker worth this man's ability to live his life? Were these profits worth Brook Boynton's life? Absolutely not. Every member of the BISNAR CHASE team will fight hard for the rights of these innocent victims and their families.

BISNAR CHASE Files Two Lawsuits against Nissan over Defective Car Seats is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Charles Edward Piddisi, 52, was killed in an ATV accident while riding in San Bernardino County. According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the fatal off-road accident occurred in the Durmont Dunes area of rural Baker the night of March 18, 2011. Piddisi was riding a Yamaha 350 four-wheeled ATV toward the top of a sand dune when he was launched 150 feet and fatally wounded. Police believe the man was riding at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident. It is unclear, however, why he lost control of the ATV. The California Highway Patrol is investigating this fatal accident.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Charles Edward Piddisi following this tragic ATV accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

ATV Accident Statistics

According to The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 376 people were killed and 131,900 were injured in ATV related accidents throughout the United States in the year 2009. In 2008, there were 616 reported fatalities and 135,100 personal injuries reported as a result of ATV accidents nationwide. CPSC studies state that the actual injury numbers are higher because many ATV accidents go unreported. ATV accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injury or death.

What Caused This Fatal ATV Accident?

ATV’s can be incredibly fun and exciting to ride. Unfortunately, they are also notorious for defective design and instability especially while riding in uneven terrain. Whenever someone is killed or injured in an ATV accident, it is important to determine exactly what caused the crash. Was the ATV rider wearing safety equipment and protective gear? Was the accident caused by a defective product – in this case the ATV? Was there a design flaw, which caused the rider to lose control? These are some of the important questions, which must be answered when investigating ATV crashes.

Liability Issues

Several models of Yamaha ATVs have been recalled over the years for a range of product defects including manufacturing issues and design flaws. If it is determined that an inherent product defect or design flaw caused this accident, the product manufacturer could be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In such cases, it is important that the vehicle be preserved in its crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be examined thoroughly by an expert for evidence of product defects, design flaws or other malfunctions. Families of victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

Lost a family member in a San Bernardino County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

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

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

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A worker sustained fatal job injuries after being crushed by equipment at a Long Beach rail facility. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the fatal workplace accident occurred in the 2400 block of East Sepulveda Boulevard the morning of September 18, 2010. The worker was standing under a crane and doing repair work when the accident occurred, a fellow worker told the Times. The victim died instantly. Another worker, who was in the area, was also pinned under the crane and sustained injuries. But, the extent of his injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of this deceased worker for their tragic loss. My heart also goes out to the injured worker. I wish this worker the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Crane Safety

Moving large, heavy loads is a part of everyday operations in manufacturing facilities and at construction sites. There are a number of federal and state safety standards, which govern the operation of cranes at work sites. Workers must undergo extensive training both to operate the crane and to understand safety procedures. There are significant safety issues to be considered both for crane operators and for those working in proximity to the cranes. Failure to follow proper safety procedures can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.

What Caused This Accident?

In this particular case, it is not clear how or why the fatal accident occurred. There are many questions to be answered here. Who was operating the crane? What was the worker repairing? Was there any equipment malfunction or failure involved? How many others were working in the area? Was the crane malfunctioning? What caused the crane collapse? Who was responsible for the crane's maintenance? I trust investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are examining the circumstances of the accident and what caused it.

Third Party Claims

In such cases, families of deceased workers as well as injured workers can receive workers compensation benefits. However, these benefits are sadly inadequate especially when it comes to compensating a seriously injured worker who has suffered permanent disabilities and cannot return to work, or a family that has suffered the loss of its primary wage earner.

An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether there is a "third-party claim" here. Such claims are usually filed against an individual or an entity other than an employer whose negligence may have caused or contributed to the accident. Examples of third parties include contactors, sub-contractors, equipment maintenance contractors or manufacturers of defective products. Such claims are usually worth much more to workers and their families than workers compensation benefits.

Have you suffered a work-related injury? Do you believe you were fairly compensated?

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.

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Health officials in California are warning consumers about packaged spinach products that have been recalled over food poisoning concerns. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the baby spinach products were recalled by Ready Pac Foods Inc. because of possible E. coli contamination. California Department of Public Health officials say that the deadly bacteria were found in routine surveillance samples. So far, no illnesses have been reported. The recalled spinach bags were produced and distributed in California between June 21 and June 27 and were sold in six-ounce packages under the Ready Pac label.

E. coli Symptoms

E. coli infection has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries or even death. The most common symptoms of an E. coli infection include abdominal cramps, chills and bloody diarrhea. The bacteria mostly affect the elderly, the young and those with weak immune systems. Often E. coli infections may not be serious. However, in some cases, an E. coli infection may lead to a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause permanent kidney damage or even death.

Liability Issues in Food Poisoning Cases

In this particular case, officials say there have been no illnesses. However, consumers who eat contaminated foods and are stricken with food-borne illnesses do have legal rights. Food producers and manufacturers have an obligation to consumers to put safe foods in the market. They are also required under federal and state food safety laws to keep the food production and distribution areas clean and store food at the right temperatures. The responsibility to serve safe food to consumers also falls on restaurants and other establishments.

If you have been sickened by badly or improperly manufactured or stored food, you can seek compensation for any injuries or damages caused such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering and any diagnostic tests or additional costs incurred as a result. In cases where food poisoning results in permanent organ damage or catastrophic health effects, injured victims can also seek compensation for the cost of long-term care. An experiencedCalifornia personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you in such cases about your legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims and their families.

Have you ever suffered from food poisoning? We invite you to share your experiences with us.

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Nicholas Norman, 5, died in a swimming pool accident in a backyard pool the night of June 20, 2010. According to a 10news report, Nicholas was found floating face-down in the pool behind a next-door neighbor's home on Loma Alta Drive in San Diego. Police officials said he was pronounced dead in a La Mesa hospital shortly after he was found. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the parents of Nicholas Norman. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this little boy whose 6th birthday was just around the corner. Tragic! Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Fatal swimming pool accidents, especially those involving young children, are all too common in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that nationally more than one in four fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger and for every child who dies from drowning, another four were treated for submersion injuries. The CDC also found 30 percent of the children 1 to 4 years old who died in 2005, died by drowning. Many suffer catastrophic injuries as well.

Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear how or why the drowning occurred. The article states that the boy was found in the neighbor's pool. There are a number of unanswered questions here. Was the boy playing at the neighbor's house? Who was watching him at the time? Was he unsupervised? Was he alone at the time? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine the cause of the accident.

Usually in such cases, the individuals or caregivers responsible for watching the child at the time could be held liable. If a child visits your house and drowns in your pool, you could be held liable. This is just the start of summer and we've already had about a dozen drowning incidents and near drowning incidents in Southern California.

If your child has been injured in a swimming pool accident, please seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to get more information about your legal rights and options. In cases where a child has suffered major injuries in a near-drowning incident, the child's parents can seek compensation from the responsible party for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. In fatal cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, a wrongful death claim may be filed.

What precautions do you take at home or when you attend a pool party to avoid a swimming pool accident?

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.

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A worker sustained critical job injuries the morning of June 19, 2010 after he fell into a multi-blade grinder and lost both his legs. According to an ABC News report, the major injury accident occurred at the Jobbers Meat Packing Company at Fruitland Avenue and Downey Road in Vernon. The worker's leg was amputated above the knee by the machine, which is described as a type of meat grinder. The worker was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. Officials are looking into how this horrific accident occurred.

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I sympathize deeply with this injured worker and his family. I wish him the very best for a speedy recovery. He probably won't be able to return to work because of the leg amputations. He and his family will be in my prayers.

Worker Injury Statistics

According to Cal-OSHA's 2005 statistics, 76 workers died in construction and industrial accidents in California as a result of contact with equipment. Totally, 453 California workers were killed in 2005 in industrial accidents. On-the-job accidents also lead to a number of catastrophic injuries each year.

Cause of the Accident

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why the worker fell into the meat grinder. There are several questions to be answered here. Was the worker trained for the job? Was he advised by his employer of all safety procedures to be followed while operating the machinery? And did he follow those procedures? Was there a dangerous or unsafe condition that led to the accident? Was this accident the result of malfunctioning equipment, which had not been properly maintained? Was the equipment defective? These are all important questions that must be answered in order determine the cause and liability.

Claim for Compensation

In cases where workers have sustained catastrophic injuries, they will no doubt receive California workers compensation from their employers. However, in California, workers compensation benefits prove inadequate and may not fully cover medical expenses and lost wages faced by seriously hurt workers and their families.

Injured workers should consider filing a "third-party claim," which seeks compensation from a negligent party other than an employer. For example, if a defective product caused the accident, then the manufacturer of the defective product could also be held liable. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer experienced in handling third-party claims will be able to advise injured workers and their families about their legal rights and options.

What are the biggest challenges faced by injured workers and their families in the aftermath of a workplace accident?

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.

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Three workers sustained serious job injuries after a scissor lift they were working on 20 feet in the air fell onto the street in Glendale. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the accident occurred on the north side of the Glendale Galleria the morning of June 14, 2010. The men were doing work on an exterior planter box outside a second floor window at the corner of Broadway and Orange Street. The lift suddenly became unstable and fell onto Broadway. The workers, who are believed to be part of the maintenance crew at the Glendale Galleria, were transported to local hospitals.

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My heart goes out to these injured workers. I hope they have not sustained catastrophic injuries. I wish them all a speedy and complete recovery, and will keep them in my prayers.

Fall Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008, fatal work injuries involving falls decreased 20 percent in 2008 after a sharp increase in 2007. The 847 fatal falls reported in 2007 was an all-time high. Fatal falls to a lower level, which accounted for 85 percent of all falls, had decreased by 23 percent in 2008. Fatal falls from roofs were down 26 percent and falls from ladders decreased by 14 percent.

Seeking Compensation

These numbers are no doubt good news. However, serious and catastrophic injuries frequently result from falls. For workers who make a living doing what they do, and for their families, a serious injury can cause tremendous emotional and financial strain. Injured workers are covered under California workers compensation benefits, but these benefits are extremely inadequate when it comes to helping cover medical expenses or lost wages.

Third-Party Claims

In such cases, workers and their families might want to look into whether they have a third-party claim, which is a claim filed against a party other than the employer. Examples of third parties are contractors, sub-contractors, defective product manufacturers or firms in charge of maintaining the equipment used for the work. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise workers about whether they have a valid third-party claim. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured workers and their families.

Have you or someone you know suffered an injury on-the-job? What were some of the toughest challenges you faced on the road to receiving compensation?

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.

Maintenance Workers Seriously Injured at Glendale Galleria is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A dog bite incident in Stockton involving two pit bulls and several dogs, left three people injured, including a 6-year-old girl who sustained severe injuries. According to a news report in The Stockton Records, the dog attack occurred the afternoon May 16, 2010 when a babysitter was caring for the girl and another 10-year-old boy. It is not clear how exactly the attack broke out.

Police had to shoot the two pit bulls that apparently injured the two children and the babysitter as well as other dogs in the house. The girl is said to be the daughter of the dog owner. She sustained a broken arm and bites all over her body that will require surgery. Her injuries are thankfully not life-threatening.

I'm glad to note that no one was fatally injured in this pit bull attack, which could definitely have been a lot worse. The girl is lucky that she did not suffer any catastrophic injuries. I wish her and the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Dog Bite Law and Compensation for Victims

California has what is known as a "strict liability statute" when it comes to dog bites. California's Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness." Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and even cost of cosmetic surgery. In many cases, the dog owner's homeowner's insurance coverage will also be able to compensate the injured victim.

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced
California personal injury lawyer who will fight for their legal rights and make sure that the negligent dog owners are held liable.

Do you believe that your city's dangerous dog laws protect you and your community?

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.

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A man was injured in a Costa Mesa pedestrian accident after he was struck by a vehicle as he was crossing a street after exiting a local bar. The Orange County Register reports that the injury collision happened outside the Shark Club on Baker Street the night of May 13, 2010.

The man was walking north across Baker with his wife, when a car struck him and fled the scene. The suspect vehicle is described as a 2001 Toyota with a license plate number of "4NHD477." The victim was taken to a local hospital and is believed to have sustained a concussion. However, his injuries are not life-threatening. If you have information about the hit-and-run suspect or the vehicle, please call Costa Mesa police at 714-754-5252.

Hit-and-Run Suspect Sought

I sympathize with this victim who has apparently sustained severe injuries. Thankfully, he did not suffer any catastrophic injuries, which this accident no doubt had the potential to cause. I wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery. Please keep this man and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Based on this news report, police say there was no crosswalk at that location, but that pedestrians can legally cross at that location when it is safe to do so. The driver of the Toyota should have stopped at the scene, regardless of whether or not this accident was his fault. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation of California law under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering and other related damages. In such cases, an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run car accident or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the most dangerous streets for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

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.

Man Injured in Orange County Pedestrian Accident Involving Hit-and-Run Driver is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

One woman sustained injuries in an Orange car accident after her vehicle was involved in a crash with another vehicle at an intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the driver of a Ford Taurus had to be extricated from her car after it was T-boned by a Nissan Altima at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Glassell Street the morning of May 13, 2010. The driver of the Nissan was uninjured. The driver of the Ford Taurus was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

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My heart goes out to the injured driver and hope she was not seriously hurt in this side-angle collision. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 829 injuries involving car accidents in Orange. In Orange County as a whole, car accidents claimed 152 lives and injured 13,414 people during the same year.

Side-Angle Collisions

Based on the information provided in this news report, this collision occurred at a street intersection. This was a broadside or "T-bone crash," meaning it involved a collision occurring at a right angle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most deadly side-angle crashes in the year 2005, nationwide, were broadside crashes that occurred at street intersections.

The federal agency estimates that about 62.5 percent of all fatal side-angle crashes each year are broadside crashes. These T-bone crashes have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries or even death because the sides of vehicles are not as protected from the impact of a collision as the front or back of a vehicle. It is only recently that some vehicles have side curtain airbags to protect occupants.

Fault and Liability

In this particular case, it appears that one of the drivers may have failed to yield right-of-way or run a red light at the intersection. I trust officials are looking into who was at fault. If the driver of the Nissan was at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused to the injured driver of the Ford. In such cases, injured victims can claim compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, property damage, surgery, therapy and other related damages. The best Orange County personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the precautions you take at street intersections to avoid broadside crashes? Please share your ideas with us.

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