Serious Injuries
Motorhome driver killed in Merced crash
The driver of a motor-home was killed Monday afternoon when she collided head-on with an out-of-control pickup in Merced, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The crash happened just before 1 p.m. as the unidentified 51-year-old Soquel woman was eastbound on Highway 140 at Orchard Drive in the 1984 Toyota motor-home. The CHP said that Ninfa Contreras-Garcia, 51, of Planada was westbound on 140 and drifted onto the right shoulder of the roadway. Contreras-Garcia then over corrected and drifted into the eastbound lane where she slammed into the motor-home.
The motor-home driver was dead at the scene. Contreras-Garcia suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Merced.
There were three passengers in the motor-home. Heather McAllister, 28, of Fremont was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto with major injuries. Xavier Hilton, 16, of Santa Cruz was taken to Doctors’ Medical Center in Modesto with major injuries. April Harlamoff, 16, of Soquel was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto with minor injuries. The collision is under investigation.
Cause of the Merced Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the pick-up driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Merced County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Merced County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on July 17 remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liability litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
CHP Officer Struck By Big Rig
A California Highway Patrol officer was struck by a big rig while conduct a traffic stop, officials said. At about 11 p.m. Thursday, a 2002 Freightliner tractor-trailer combination driven by Manuel Ancelmo of Madera, was traveling eastbound on State Route 58 near Mojave.
Officials said Ancelmo was traveling in the right lane when he allowed his vehicle to drive upon the right shoulder. His vehicle then hit a CHP Ford Crown Victoria car that was parked with the officer inside, officials said.
The officer was conducting an enforcement stop on a vehicle, officials said.
The tractor-trailer continued and hit with the vehicle the officer had stopped for a traffic violation.
The second collision caused minor injuries to the five occupants of the stopped Chevrolet Uplander, officials said.
The CHP officer was taken to a local hospital and later released. Alcohol was not a factor in this collision.
The California Highway Patrol reminds motorists to move over a lane when they see an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the road.
Unfortunately, several similar accidents have killed or severely wounded road workers and emergency personnel.
The people in the Uplander are residents of Fresno.
Cause of the Kern County Crash
While this devastating Kern County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Kern County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury and wrongful death accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim
Fault and Wrongful Death Liability
Accidents involving big-rigs have unique and complex legal issues. If it is determined that the driver of the big-rig was at fault for this collision, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a California truck accident attorney. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney will be able to review the cause of the accident, and if warranted, arrange for an independent investigator to reconstruct the collision to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible. A skilled lawyer can also provide an explanation to the victim’s family on their legal rights in a wrongful death claim against the driver or any other parties at fault. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Demand accountability from the trucking company. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have handled complex trucking accident cases for twenty years. We have the litigation experience to handle complex trucking liability cases. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial. Remember, the trucking industry are a formidable foe and must be fought against aggressively.
The laws regarding wrongful death/”trucking accident” cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death/”trucking accident” lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your legal rights and those of your loved ones.
California trucking accident attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its “trucking accident” cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your “trucking accident” case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all wrongful death and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm.
If you have been seriously injured or a family member sustained fatal injuries involving a tractor-trailer rig you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your rights and preserve the evidence. The laws and time limitations can be complex so protect your legal rights by contacting the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today.
Teen from Santa Ana dies in fiery crash
A 17-year-old Santa Ana boy was killed in a fiery traffic crash Sunday in the Valley Glen area in the San Fernando Valley, the California Highway Patrol said.
Miles Eubanks, a back passenger in a 2004 Chevrolet, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the southbound 170 north of Victoria Boulevard, according to a CHP news release.
The crash occurred at about 6:30 p.m. when the driver of the Chevrolet struck a disabled 2007 Jeep in the No. 1 lane.
“The driver of the Chevrolet made a hard brake … but was unable to stop before rear-ending the Jeep,” according to the CHP news release.
Both vehicles were stopped in the No. 1 lane, with the Jeep in front, the CHP said.
The Chevrolet driver and his front passenger got out of the vehicle to check on the driver of the Jeep, the CHP added. Eubanks stayed inside.
That’s when the driver of a Lexus SUV rear-ended the Chevrolet while it was stopped in the No. 1 lane, the CHP said. The Chevrolet overturned and caught on fire.
Eubanks was unable to escape before the vehicle was consumed by fire, the CHP said.
Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced Eubanks dead at the scene. The front passenger of the Chevrolet was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injures.
Cause of the Valley Glen Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the Lexus-SUV driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Los Angeles County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Los Angeles County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on July 8 remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liability litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
Highway 113 in Sutter County blocked until 4 p.m. after chain-reaction accident
Four people were injured in the series of crashes that occurred at a road construction site where traffic was stopped in the southbound direction on CA Highway 113 in rural Sutter County
An oncoming big rig traveling southbound either failed to brake or his brakes did not correctly function, according to the CHP. His rig failed to stop, rear-ending a Dodge pickup pulling a boat.
The boat went off the right shoulder and the pickup went left into a canal. Before the Dodge pickup went off the road it rear-ended a Ford pickup that was carrying a white powdery substance used in agriculture to prevent sunburn on plants and trees.
The powder was spread over the pavement and along the highway. The two pickups ended up on the left side of the road and were pinned by the big rig down off the roadway.
The Ford pickup also rear-ended a Honda car, which was then shoved into a big rig hauling logs.
The CHP said the driver and passenger in the Honda and the Ford pickup driver were taken to the hospital by helicopter. The driver of the Dodge pickup was transported by ambulance.
Conditions of those transported to the hospital were not immediately available.
Cause of the Sutter County Crash
While this devastating accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Sutter County lawyer who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Liability for Serious Injuries in Car Accidents
Seeking immediate counsel from an experienced Sutter County automobile accident attorney is well-advised following a car crash. In severe accidents such as this one the victims would benefit from speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding the protection of their legal rights and the compensation they are entitled to. And while it is uncertain who is liable for this incident, an attorney can also hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident and determine who is responsible.
Attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a catastrophic injury. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its catastrophic injury cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your catastrophic injury case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all catastrophic injury and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible parties who caused you or your family member catastrophic injuries!
If you or a family member sustained catastrophic injuries you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler, an experienced law firm, immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve the evidence. The laws and time limitations can be complex so protect your legal rights by contacting the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today.
July 4 accidents include boat propeller severing man’s leg at Lake Mead
About 1 p.m. at the lake’s Sandy Cove, about 9 miles northeast of the Hoover Dam, a man was hit by a boat propeller, severing his right leg, said Randy Lavasseur, assistant chief ranger at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Park rangers responding to the accident were able to control the man’s bleeding but could not fly him out due to windy and rainy weather conditions. The man was transported by ambulance to the University Medical Center.
Near Echo Bay, about 26 miles northeast of Hoover Dam, bystanders rescued a 19-year-old Hispanic male after he had difficulty swimming and drifted in and out of consciousness, Lavasseur said.
Rangers found the man without a pulse, not breathing and foaming at the mouth. They performed CPR and brought him back to life a minute later and cleared his airway until transport could arrive. The man was then airlifted to University Medical Center.
The conditions of both men were not released.
The monsoon-like weather also led to six vessel accidents, two disabled vessels, four emergency calls and 13 visitor welfare checks, Lavasseur said.
Among those rescued were five people whose boat had capsized. Lavasseur said only one person was wearing a lifejacket while the other four were clinging onto the boat when rangers arrived.
Boating Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability
The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, sinking’s, capsizing and boat disappearances.
Boating accidents occur very quickly and in many different places. Lakes, canals, rivers, inter-coastal waterways and oceans are where tragedies normally occur. Last year in California, there were 744 boating accidents involving 439 injuries and 44 fatalities.
According to the United States Coast Guard each year there are more than 8,000 boating accidents in the U.S. that result in 4,000 serious injuries and 800 deaths.
Many times a boater will have been speeding or may have had too much alcohol.
There are specific boating laws that must be followed or fatalities can occur. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is familiar with the different state’s boating laws. We know the boating liability issues and will inform you of your true state, local and Federal boating rights and legal options which will result in successful outcome in your case.
It is a general rule of law that the operator of a boat and its owner has a duty to exercise a reasonable degree of care in order to prevent injuries to others. The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, sinking and boat disappearance. Boating injuries usually occur because of a reckless or careless operator, alcohol, boat malfunctions or an inexperienced boating (captain) operator.
Operators of boats have a legal obligation to operate their watercraft in a safe and prudent manner. The overwhelming majority of boating accidents are caused by factors that can be controlled by the operator of the boat. The primary cause of boating accidents nationwide was operator inattention, followed by careless/reckless operation, operator inexperience, operating at an unsafe speed, and failure to have a proper lookout.
Common violations of the duty of ordinary care in a maritime setting include a failure to warn against foreseeable harm, violations of “rules of the water,” such as excessive speed, failure to have proper lights, failure to yield, intoxication and others. Owners may also be held liable under the theory of vicarious liability. For example, an owner may be held liable for an operator’s failure to warn passengers of intended maneuvers, overloading the boat or permitting the guest to sit in a dangerous position.
Accidents involving bystanders, such as swimmers or water skiers, are typically treated in the same manner as cases involving social guests. The law and courts where the accident occurred will generally control any lawsuits brought by injured bystanders unless the defendant boat owner asserts admiralty jurisdiction.
The laws regarding boating accident (drowning) cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced boating fatality lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.
The wrongful death attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one in a tragic boating fatality (drowning) accident. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death/drowning/boating fatality cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your boating fatality/drowning accident case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for the trial of your case. As in all wrongful death and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our atorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has the successful track record and reputation for aggressively representing our clients for recovering tens of millions of dollars in boating fatality cases in both State and Federal Counts.
Multi-Car Crash Forces Partial Closure Of 14 Freeway In Agua Dulce
The highway through the San Gabriel Mountains rises to a summit elevation topping 3,200 feet.
Cause of the Santa Clarita Crash
While this devastating Los Angeles County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Los Angeles County personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Liability for Serious Injuries in Car Accidents
Seeking immediate counsel from an experienced Los Angeles automobile accident attorney is well-advised following a car crash. In severe accidents such as this one the victims would benefit from speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding the protection of their legal rights and the compensation they are entitled to. And while it is uncertain who is liable for this incident, an attorney can also hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident and determine who is responsible.
Attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a catastrophic injury. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its catastrophic injury cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your catastrophic injury case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all catastrophic injury and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible parties who caused you or your family member catastrophic injuries!
If you or a family member sustained catastrophic injuries you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler, an experienced law firm, immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve the evidence. The laws and time limitations can be complex so protect your legal rights by contacting the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today.
Cal-OSHA investigating Arvin tank explosion that kills one, critically injures another
ARVIN — The explosion of a decommissioned crude oil tank in a vacant field just north of a stretch of businesses killed one man, critically injured another and left questions unanswered about what safety procedures the men used as they worked on the tank.
The men were using a torch to dismantle pipes on top of the tank when vapors inside ignited, blowing the 16,800-gallon container some 30 feet in the air and a distance of 79 feet, firefighters reported.
Arvin resident Cesar Martinez, 24, was carried some 50 feet into the air and more than 100 feet away, Kern County Fire Department Capt. Derek Tisinger said. Martinez died just after 9 a.m.
The other worker, identified by their employer Sky-Brand Services as 33-year-old Eric Robles, was thrown into a nearby chain-link fence.
The workers believed the tank was empty, Tisinger said.
The incident happened in the 300 block of Campus Drive, in a field a couple of hundred feet behind a Dollar Tree.
There was no resulting fire and no other people were injured, officials said. No evacuations were required.
Iram Rocha was in the area talking to an Arvin police officer when it happened. He said he saw a big piece of the tank fly and a man’s body fly through the air.
“You could feel it all over,” Rocha, speaking through a Spanish translator, said of the blast.
The person he saw had suffered obvious head trauma, Rocha said. Rocha was so shaken by what he observed that he walked to a patch of grass behind a nearby Burger King just to be alone and get his emotions under control.
Cal-OSHA investigators determined the two men were assigned to demolish the tank and that Martinez was removing pipe that was to be recycled as scrap metal, agency spokesman Peter Melton said.
“He was using a cutting torch on an enclosed pipe, and apparently gas might have escaped and it ignited,” Melton said. It was unclear who owned the tank and when it was decommissioned, he added.
Sky-Brand partner Dale Hill said Martinez and Robles were removing steel pipeline from the exterior of the tank. He said the company has done similar work on numerous oil tanks and hasn’t had problems.
“We do everything we can to make sure every precaution is being taken,” Hill said
In the oil industry, however, the common practice is to keep all flames at least 50 feet away from an oil tank, said Bakersfield oilman Chad Hathaway.
“Fire and gas, they don’t make a good combination,” he said.
Sky-Brand specializes in site cleanup and demolition work, removing scrap metal and selling it, Hill said.
He said he hadn’t yet been able to talk to the Martinez family, and they were being looked after by family and friends. He said the accident has left him and others devastated and the business is looking to see what the final investigation turns up.
Martinez had been employed by Sky-Brand for two years, Robles for six months, Hill said.
The tank’s operator of record was Davis-based Sun Mountain Oil and Gas, according to the California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources. The division also reported that the accident took place in the H.S. Jewett lease in the Mountain View oil field.
Sun Mountain Oil and Gas could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Arvin Police Chief Tommy Tunson walked around the blast area, surveying the scene. Arvin police provided traffic control and made sure residents didn’t cross the yellow emergency tape roping off the area.
Tunson described the incident as very tragic and he expressed his condolences to the family of Martinez and Robles. He said firefighters responded immediately and did an excellent job.
Police will not be involved in the investigation as it’s an industrial accident, he said.
“If the wrong thing is done I guess anything can happen,” Tunson said regarding the power of the explosion.
The explosion was not close enough to impact Arvin High School operations, but some kids who walk home on Campus Drive were rerouted, said John Teves, spokesman for the Kern High School District.
Fourteen county firefighters responded to scene, where they were assisted by the county’s Environmental Health Services Department, Hall Ambulance, Arvin Police, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and a chaplain from Kern Medical Center, Tisinger said.
Cal-OSHA’s Melton said the agency’s investigation could take up to six months, during which time it hopes to find out exactly what the two men were doing, what safety precautions were taken, what regulations apply to demolishing such equipment and whether the right tools were being used.
Beyond Workers’ Comp
Many injured construction workers assume they are only able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for injuries on the job site. A careful analysis of the accident by an attorney experienced in construction injury claims may reveal other sources of financial compensation. If an employee of another subcontractor was responsible for the falling debris that injured you, we may pursue an injury claim against his or her employer, for example. A general contractor who failed to maintain a safe workplace may also be liable.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have a long history of winning impressive results for construction injury victims and the family members of those who died a wrongful death due to construction accidents.
Demand accountability from those responsible for the dangerous conditions of the construction site accidents. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have twenty years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial.
The laws regarding construction accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced construction accident lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.
Fires and explosions are sudden and devastating, destroying homes and buildings, and causing physical injuries and death. Burn injuries are painful and disfiguring, and require long recovery periods. Smoke inhalation, and inhalation of toxic fumes and gases from flammable fabrics and furniture stuffed with polyurethane foam, cause added injury and increase the likelihood of death.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler regularly represent plaintiffs in cases of catastrophic injury and wrongful death in fires and explosions caused or exacerbated by unsafe premises, unsafe construction sites, and unsafe products.
Faulty electrical wiring and furnaces, gas leaks, malfunctioning or absent smoke detectors, inaccessible or inadequate escape routes, the pressence of flammable fabrics and furniture, and the presence of dried vegetation that can fuel wild and urban interface fires are all examples of sources of liability for property owners or product manufacturers.
Determining the cause of a fire or explosion requires extensive experience and thorough investigation involving engineering, electrical, and gas line experts as well as fire scene experts. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has the experience and the resources to effectively prepare and litigate cases on behalf of plaintiffs and family members injured or killed in fires and explosions.
With over 20 years of experience, Gary A Kessler has earned the respect of our colleagues and the courts in California and nationwide for our personal injury work. We have achieved a winning record on behalf of our clients, and we are proud of our successful cases that lead to safety improvements through strengthened laws and product recall.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a fire, we encourage you to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today for a free consultation.
Girl, 12, dies in Kern County crash
A 12-year-old Wasco girl died in a crash Friday evening in Kern County when a big rig driven by a Lemoore man ran a stop sign, striking the car she was riding in, the California Highway Patrol said.
The girl was one of four people in a northbound 1993 Geo on Palm Avenue when the big rig driver, Howard Young, 56, failed to yield at a stop sign as he traveled west on McCombs Avenue near Wasco, the CHP said.
Injuries included a broken leg and lacerations.
The three other people in the Geo — all from Wasco — included the driver, Carlos Ortiz, 23, the CHP said.
Cause of the Kern County Crash
Although the CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision, based on the information reported, it appears that the driver of the big-rig may be responsible for this accident. While this devastating Kern County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Kern County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury and wrongful death accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim
Fault and Wrongful Death Liability
Accidents involving big-rigs have unique and complex legal issues. If it is determined that the driver of the big-rig was at fault for this collision, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a California truck accident attorney. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney will be able to review the cause of the accident, and if warranted, arrange for an independent investigator to reconstruct the collision to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible. A skilled lawyer can also provide an explanation to the victim’s family on their legal rights in a wrongful death claim against the driver or any other parties at fault. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Demand accountability from the trucking company. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have handled complex trucking accident cases for twenty years. We have the litigation experience to handle complex trucking liability cases. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial. Remember, the trucking industry are a formidable foe and must be fought against aggressively.
The laws regarding wrongful death/”trucking accident” cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death/”trucking accident” lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your legal rights and those of your loved ones.
California trucking accident attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its “trucking accident” cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your “trucking accident” case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all wrongful death and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm.
If you have been seriously injured or a family member sustained fatal injuries involving a tractor-trailer rig you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your rights and preserve the evidence. The laws and time limitations can be complex so protect your legal rights by contacting the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today.
Man Killed in Early Morning Collision on I-680
A 29-year-old man was killed and a woman in another car injured in an accident on northbound Interstate Highway 680 in Milpitas this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The two-car crash between a 2004 BMW and a 2000 Honda was reported at 3:23 a.m. just south of Calaveras Boulevard, CHP officials said.
The BMW, driven by a 29-year-old San Jose man, was stopped on the freeway.
The man appeared to have passed out behind the wheel with the car’s hazard lights on, witnesses told the CHP.
The stopped car was then struck from behind by the Honda, driven by a 40-year-old Milpitas woman.
Both drivers were taken to Regional Medical Center in San Jose, where the San Jose man succumbed to his injuries.
The woman was treated for moderate injuries, the CHP said.
Both drivers wore seatbelts. The CHP said the man may have been driving under the influence.
Three lanes of northbound I-680 were closed for two hours following the fatal collision, the CHP said.
The man killed this morning has yet to be identified, according to the Santa Clara County coroner’s office.
Cause of the Milpitas Crash
While this devastating Santa Clara County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Santa Clara County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on June 16 remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liability litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
Elderly man attacked by pit bull
An elderly man was attacked by a pit bull Thursday, June 14, in Hemet before a good Samaritan came to his assistance and took him to the hospital, animal control officials said.
The man, in his 70s, had just gotten off of a bus and was walking toward the Hemet Valley Mall on Thursday morning when a group of pit bulls came running out of a yard in his direction, Animal Control Supervisor Daryl Hitchcock said.
The man fell and one of the dogs bit him repeatedly while the others ran around the general area before being scurried away back into their yard, Hitchcock said.
A passer-by, Jeri Berglund, said she saw the attack and stopped her car to help while screaming for the dogs to stop. Berglund eventually put the man in her car and drove him to Hemet Valley Medical Center, where he was treated.
“He kept saying he was going to die and pass out,” Berglund said. “He couldn’t even get out of the car when I got there.”
Hitchcock didn’t have specific information about the condition of the man, whose name was not released, but he said the man would be OK.
“All in all, for an elderly gentleman, he did really good,” Hitchcock said. “I have a feeling it would have been a lot different if all the dogs out there had chewed on him. He was lucky.”
When officers from the Ramona Humane Society, which provides animal control for the city, arrived at the dog owner’s house at Western and Latham avenues, they found seven pit bulls, Hitchcock said. Hemet Municipal Code allows for up to three dogs per residence.
Hitchcock said the dog that bit the man was taken and will be kept in quarantine for 10 days. After that, authorities will decide whether to euthanize it.
Hitchcock said the department also will address the fact that there are too many dogs on the property. He said the owners had recently gotten the dog and were “very eager” to give it up.
Dog Attacks and personal injury liability
CALIFORNIA DOG BITE STATUTE SECTION 3342
Under California Law, it is no longer necessary for the Plaintiff to prove that the dog was known to be vicious or had a propensity to bite. One bite alone is sufficient for liability. Dog owners do not get a second chance in California. They are liable for any injury their animals cause regardless of whether the animal had bitten anyone previously. Under California Dog Bite Statute Section 3342 the Plaintiff must prove in a dog bite case the following:
- Defendant owned the dog;
- The dog bit the Plaintiff;
- The Plaintiff was lawfully on the premises (express or implied consent to be on the premises) where the bite occured; and
- Plaintiff sustained injuries from the dog bite.
What You Should Do If You Or A Loved One Has Been Bitten By A Dog:
- Take pictures of your injuries immediately;
- Consult law enforcement and request that a police report be made;
- Keep copies of all medical bills and records;
- Continue to take pictures of the bite(s) as the wounds heal;
- Be sure that your doctor is qualified and determine if you are a candidate for plastic surgery to get rid of the scarring;
- If an adult who is employed sustained injuries and lost wages, keep a record of economic loss.
WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU!
Demand accountability from dog owners. Settling dog bite claims can be difficult and complex. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have 20 years of litigation experience and we know how to handle the insurance companies. We are prepared to front all of the costs required for the necessary investigations and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial. Are the other law firms you are considering willing to front all costs?
In a dog bite case, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict of what we recover for our attorney’s fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorney’s fees or costs are owed to our firm. Thus, in all personal injury cases, our fees are recovered as a percentage of any settlement or verdict awarded to our clients.
Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible parties who caused you or your family member catastrophic injuries!
If you or a family member sustained serious dog bite injuries contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler, an experienced law firm, immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve the evidence.
2011 statistics
- 31 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2011. Despite being regulated in Military Housing Areas and over 650 U.S. cities, pit bulls led these attacks accounting for 71% (22). Pit bulls make up less than 5% of the total U.S. dog population.2
- Notably in 2011, adult victims of fatal pit bull attacks more than doubled the number of child victims. Of the 22 total pit bull victims, 68% (15) fell between the ages of 32 to 76, and 32% (7) were ages 5 years and younger.
- The year 2011 also marks an increase in pet pit bulls killing their owners. Of the 8 total instances this year in which a family dog inflicted fatal injury to its primary caretaker, the dog’s owner, 88% (7) involved pet pit bulls.
- Together, pit bulls (22) and rottweilers (4), the number two lethal dog breed, accounted for 84% of all fatal attacks in 2011. In the 7-year period from 2005 to 2011, this same combination accounted for 73% (156) of the total recorded deaths (213).
- The breakdown between pit bulls and rottweilers is substantial over this 7-year period. From 2005 to 2011, pit bulls killed 127 Americans,3 about one citizen every 20 days, versus rottweilers, which killed 29; about one citizen every 88 days.
- Annual data from 2011 shows that 58% (18) of the attacks occurred to adults (21 years and older) and 42% (13) occurred to children (11 years and younger). Of the children, 62% (8) occurred to ages 1 and younger.
- 2011 data also shows that 39% (12) of the fatal incidents involved more than one dog; 26% (8) involved breeding on the dog owner’s property either actively or in the recent past, and 6% (2) involved tethered dogs, down from 9% in 2010 and 19% in 2009.
- Dog ownership information for 2011 shows that family dogs comprised 65% (20) of the attacks that resulted in death; 74% (23) of all incidents occurred on the dog owner’s property and 29% (9) resulted in criminal charges, up from 15% in 2010.
- The states of California and Texas led fatalities in 2011, each with 4 deaths; pit bulls and their mixes contributed to 88% (7) of the 8 deaths. North Carolina, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia each incurred 2 deaths.
- 2011 Fatal Dog attacks by breed
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