California has it all; sunny beaches, snowy mountains, beautiful weather, and incredible food, but layoffs are putting a damper on the golden state that is rubbing everyone the wrong way. The Bisnar and Chase California wrongful termination attorneys are reaching out to all those who feel that their employers did not operate within state laws when they were let go. Those who feel that they may have a claim against their employer can contact Bisnar and Chase for a free case evaluation by calling 1 (800) 259-6373.

Mass Layoff Statistics

Californians have been struggling for years to keep their jobs. Statistics related to mass layoffs are a constant reminder that although things have gotten better, many Americans still cannot count on their employers to provide a long-term work environment. The following are statistics gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Employers took 1,331 mass layoff actions in November involving 129,887 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filing for unemployment insurance benefits during the month.
• In November, the national unemployment rate was 8.6 percent, down from 9.0 percent the prior month and from 9.8 percent a year earlier.
• The manufacturing sector accounted for 25 percent of all mass layoff events and 30 percent of initial claims filed in November

If you feel you have been wrongfully terminated, you may have a claim for compensation and should speak with a California employment attorney.

California Employment Attorneys

Whether you were not paid fair wages for your services or were wrongfully terminated, speaking with a Bisnar and Chase California employment lawyer will give you free, helpful information to find out what your options are. Bisnar and Chase offers a free professional consultation and works on a contingency fee basis. This ensures that you will not have to pay them if your case is not won.

Call 1 (800) 259-6373 to get FREE LEGAL ADVICE

Wrongful Termination Attorneys in California Take Layoffs Seriously is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

January 8, 2012--Zephyrhills, FL--a 19-year-old California woman was killed on January 5 when the car in which she was a passenger ran a red light and struck a tow truck.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Jolee Ann Tarrant, of Shingle Springs, CA, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, although she was wearing a seat belt.  The driver of the car, 20-year-old Hayley Marie Mann, of Temple Terrace, FL, was taken to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries.  The driver of the tow truck was not injured in the crash.

I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Tarrant, and my heartfelt hope that Ms. Mann will make a full recovery.

Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, young drivers have the highest numbers of accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, of any group of drivers.  According to the Center for Disease Control, or CDC, persons aged 15-24 account for only 14 percent of the population of the United States, yet they account for 30 percent of all traffic accidents.  Teens are more likely to die in a car accident than from any other non-medical cause.

The reasons for the high numbers of accidents with young people could include inexperience in handling the vehicle, a higher level of risk-taking, and being more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving or using cell phones while driving.

What Caused This Accident

While the police reported that the driver of the vehicle ran a red light, it remains to be seen what caused the driver to lose control of her vehicle.  It is possible that distractions from within the vehicle, such as talking to her friend or talking or texting on her phone, were to blame.  It is also possible that there was some other factor which is as yet unknown, such as another driver causing her to lose control of the vehicle, or condition of the road being hazardous.

An expert California car accident attorney should investigate all aspects of the crash to determine the true cause of the driver running the red light before proceeding to a civil suit.

Liability Issues

Many cases which appear straightforward are found to have unknown circumstances which change the liability picture.  At present, it seems obvious that the driver of the car ran a red light, a clearly dangerous act, and in doing so injured herself and her friend.  However, further investigation is necessary to clear up some questions about this accident.

For example, was the driver distracted, which caused her to run the red light?  Did she have some medical problem which resulted in a loss of consciousness?  Was there a hazardous road condition or an unknown driver who interfered with her and caused her behavior?

A professional Orange County personal injury attorney will look closely at all possibilities before assigning liability in this case.

California Woman Killed in Florida Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

The Huntington Beach driver of a fatal hit and run car accident that occurred in May was sentenced to 180 days for fleeing the scene of the accident and for vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. On Macy 15, 2011 Adam Carl Garrett was exiting the I-405 freeway at Warner Avenue when his Toyota Camry hit bicyclist Hung Khac Do.

Garrett fled the scene of the Huntington Beach car accident leaving Do lying on the ground. Garrett neither contacted police or paramedics before driving to his home in Huntington Beach. Do was discovered a short time later by a passing vehicle who stopped and called 911. Do was rushed to the local UCI Medical Center in Orange where he was pronounced dead roughly 40 minutes later.

On Thursday, January 5, 2012 the judge sentenced Garrett to 180 days in jail, 200 hours of community service, three years of probation, and $14,000 in restitution to the family of the deceased.

Our deepest sympathies are sent to the friends and family of Hung Khac Do.

Hit and Run Statistics

Statistics provided by the California Highway Patrol estimate that over 7.8% of the deaths that have been caused by a traffic accident were a result of a hit and run case. The national average of deaths attributed to a hit and run is 3.6%. California is nearly double the national average for deaths caused by hit and run accidents.

California Vehicle Codes and Laws Regarding Hit and Run Cases

A driver in the state of California can be cited with California Vehicle Code 20001 VC, which handles felony hit and run charges, if the case fits one of several criteria. The driver must have failed to stopped at the scene of the accident, they must have failed to properly identify themselves to those involved in the accident and law enforcement, and there must have been injuries or fatalities as a result of the accident.

Victims and their families who were involved with hit and run accidents may be able to seek further compensation for their pain and suffering, damages and medical expenses. Even if the criminal courts have ordered restitution, further compensation could still be available to the victims and their family. If you or a family member have been involved in a felony hit and run accident, seek the help of skillful Huntington Beach car accident attorneys. Free consultations are offered to help assess if you have a case and what compensation you may be able to get by pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death suit.

Driver of Fatal Hit and Run Accident Ordered to Jail Time is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

As the holiday season approaches, it gets increasingly commonplace to see DUI collisions on California's roadways. According to an Insurance.com report of DUI citations issued between November 1, 2010 and October 31, 2011, a number of California cities feature among the top cities in the United States for DUIs. San Diego ranks first, Los Angeles ranks second and San Francisco ranks fifth among big cities with the most number of DUIs. San Jose, which ranked second in the report from 2009, was ranked seventh in the most recent report.

A few reasons why California is so prominent on this list may include a lack of public transportation, the number of drivers on the roadways, and a motivated police force. A Fox Business news report on these findings points out that having a high percentage of DUI citations does not necessarily mean that a city has the highest number of drunk drivers. California's law enforcement agencies are well known for conducting DUI patrols and checkpoints. Some experts say that could be one of the reasons why larger California cities such as Los Angeles have a higher number of drunk driving arrests.

DUI Statistics and Law

The Federal Bureau of Investigations reported 1.4 million DUI arrests in the year 2010 across the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports in the year 2009, about one-third of all accident fatalities (which accounts for 11,000 people) occurred in car accidents that involved a driver with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.08 percent.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

Preventing DUI Collisions

If you plan on consuming alcohol during this holiday season, it would be in your best interests to designate a non-drinking driver to take you home, to call a friend or family member for a ride, to call a taxi, or to stay at the location of the party until the next morning. If you see a driver swerving on the roadway, pull over and call the authorities. If you are out drinking this New Year's Eve and you are a member of AAA, remember that they offer a complimentary Tipsy Tow service that can provide you with a ride. AAA drivers will travel up to seven miles from the party to your home.

Dangers of Drunk Driving

Victims of DUI collisions often suffer devastating injuries that adversely affect their quality of life. They may require expensive medical procedures, hospitalization, rehabilitation services, and prolonged periods of time away from work. In such cases, victims would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Three California Cities Are on Nation's Top 10 DUI List is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A 61-year-old woman was seriously injured in an Imperial County car accident involving a hit-and-run driver, the afternoon of December 3, 2011. According to a KSWT news report, the hit-and-run accident occurred on Levy Road near the Interstate 8 in Winterhaven. Officials say the woman was walking her dog when a full-size tan pickup truck struck her, backed up and drove off. The victim was left unconscious on the roadway. She suffered major injuries including a hip displacement. Officials are seeking the community's help to find the hit-and-run driver.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman who has been severely injured in this hit-and-run car accident. Please keep this victim and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Imperial County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and three were injured in pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. During that same year, five fatalities and 22 injuries occurred involving pedestrian accidents countywide.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, the driver of the pickup struck a 61-year-old woman who was walking her dog and then appears to have deliberately backed up and left the scene of the crash without calling the authorities. The motorist left the victim lying on the roadway, injured and exposed to further danger. In my opinion, this driver's actions were absolutely deplorable. It is not only inhumane and irresponsible to leave the scene of an injury crash, but it is also illegal.

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

The authorities are searching for the driver and the tan pickup involved in this crash. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

Injured victims of hit-and-run accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their rights are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to inform victims in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Woman Injured in Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Mariah Redman, 14, was killed in a Siskiyou County car accident after a 1997 Ford Expedition rolled down an embankment with her and five other occupants inside. According to a news report in The Times-Standard, the fatal car accident occurred on the Interstate 5 in Mount Shasta, the afternoon of November 27, 2011. Officials say Bernice Butterfield, 33, attempted to change lanes before realizing a vehicle was in her blind spot. She attempted to steer the Expedition back into her lane when she lost control and the vehicle left the roadway. Redman suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Butterfield sustained moderate injuries in the crash. Passengers John Harris, 34 and Jarimiah Smith, 18, suffered major and moderate injuries respectively. Two young boys, ages 6 and 9, were injured as well.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Mariah Redman following this devastating rollover accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this terrible accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Siskiyou County Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), no one was killed but 12 people were injured in Mount Shasta car accidents. During that same year, there were eight fatalities and 220 injuries sustained in Siskiyou County car accidents.

What Caused This Tragic Accident?

Based on this news report, the vehicle veered out of control after the driver of the SUV attempted to change lanes without checking her blind spots. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

However, it is unclear as to whether an auto defect or the defective design of the Ford Expedition SUV also caused or contributed to this rollover accident. Ford SUVs have a high center of gravity and narrower track width, which makes them more prone to tipping or rolling over.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current condition unaltered so an expert can carefully examine it for product defects, malfunctions, design flaws, and other evidence. An experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases relating to Ford SUVs will be able to advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Ford Expedition Rollover Accident Proves Fatal for Teen is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

The California Department of Public Health has fined a Grass Valley facility after findings of nursing home neglect. According to a news report in The Sacramento Bee, state investigators found that Crystal Ridge Care Center failed to use a mechanical lift as directed in its own policy, which resulted in a fall and death of a resident. The nursing home has been fined $75,000 and received a Class "AA" citation, which is the most severe penalty for nursing home negligence under California law.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members of this nursing home resident who was apparently a victim of incompetence and neglect on the part of facility staff. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey of nursing homes released in March 2010, California is one of few states in the country with 20 or more nursing homes that are "special focus" or have an extremely poor quality of care. Among the most common reasons for nursing home abuse or neglect include understaffing and lack of proper training for staff members.

GAO studies also found a connection between for-profit nursing homes and poorer quality of care. The more that a nursing home goes after profits, the more they tend to neglect their residents and patients. Some for-profit corporations that run nursing homes add to their profits by keeping staffing levels low in their facilities and hiring cheap, unqualified and untrained aides to take care of residents.

Putting Profit before People?

It is not entirely clear as to what factors contributed to the tragic death of the resident at Crystal Ridge. I trust investigators are establishing whether understaffing or lack of training led to that incident. I sincerely hope corrective measures are being taken at that facility so these types of tragedies can be avoided in the future.

If you are a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, or if your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, please remember that you have rights. An experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled nursing home neglect and abuse cases, will be able to provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights. Negligent nursing homes that deliberately cut staffing levels and put their patients in harm's way must be held accountable. It is never acceptable, in my book, to put profits over people.

California Nursing Home Slapped with Fine after Patient's Death is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

The fact that these Depuy defective hip implants are still lingering around is disgraceful. Thousands have found these implants to be defective over the last several years, and things aren't getting any better. In August 2010 the manufacturer of the implants, Johnson & Jonson, recalled the some 93,000 devices and have been in fighting legal battles ever since. Injury and corrective surgery have been the results of this hazardous medical product.

The two devices recalled by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, DePuy Orthopedics, are the ASR XL Acetabular System and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System. Johnson & Johnson is also facing charges that they were aware of the problems with the implant as early as 2008. They knew corrective surgery was a common result of the implant but failed to make that data public for two more years.

People that have had the Johnson & Johnson implants are being advised to consult with their surgeon to find out if another surgery is necessary. If you've been affected by this defective product, please call a qualified personal injury to rectify the problem. Don't let large companies like this get away with releasing defective products to the public. They need to be held accountable for their negligent actions, and the right attorney can help you get the just compensation you deserve.

Depuy Hip Implant Defects Not Going Away is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Long Beach resident Rafael Villalobos, 44, was killed in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing, the afternoon of September 4, 2011. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Topanga Canyon Road north of the Pacific Coast Highway in Topanga. It is unclear what caused him to lose control of his motorcycle on the canyon road. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Rafael Villalobos following this tragic motorcycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 448 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. During that same year, there were 83 fatalities and 2,719 injuries reported involving Los Angeles County motorcycle crashes. Also, in 2009, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured in Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to who or what caused this motorcycle accident. There are several unanswered questions here. Was the motorcycle defective in any way? Was another motorist involved who failed to remain at the scene of the crash? Did a dangerous roadway condition or a faulty roadway design contribute to this crash? Was this accident the result of an auto product defect or mechanical malfunction? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If an auto defect caused this crash, the vehicle manufacturer or the maker of the defective product can be held liable for the motorcyclist's wrongful death. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident, then, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident. An experienced California motorcycle accident attorney will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the legal rights and best interests of the victim and his or her family are protected.

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

Many drivers feel that motorycylists are much more difficult to see. Do you think the automobile drivers are 100% at fault or that motorcylists should have to wear more visible clothing? Drivers are 100% at fault Motorycyclists should wear bright colors Other (write in the comment box) Current Results

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Darla Napora, 32, was killed in a dog bite incident on August 11, 2011 after she was mauled to death by her family's pet pit bull. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal dog attack occurred in Darla and Greg Napora's Pacifica home sometime after noon. Officers who responded to the home found Darla Napora severely injured and lying on the living room floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband told officials that their pit bull had attacked his wife when he was away at work. Officers shot and killed the dog as it approached emergency crews who were trying to treat Napora.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Darla Napora for their heartbreaking loss. She was apparently pregnant at the time. Tragic! Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

This is the second fatal pit bull attack in the San Francisco area over the last year or so. Last year, 2-year-old Jacob Bisbee was killed by a pit bull in his step-grandfather's garage. In June 2005, 12-year-old Nicholas Faibish was killed by his family's pit bulls in his San Francisco home.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls, followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each).

This dog bite fatality finding is consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks. These breeds have also been responsible for numerous catastrophic injuries including limb amputations and permanent disfigurement.

Dog Owner's Liability

Based on this news report, Napora was brutally mauled by her own family's pet. Pit bull advocates claim that these dogs are the gentlest and most loving pets. However, statistics show otherwise. This is a clearly dangerous breed. It is never clear what makes them turn violent. Most of these attacks appear totally unprovoked.

In this case, Napora was killed by her own dog. But in cases where dogs attack visitors or neighbors, dog owners can be held criminally and civilly liable. 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."

How Victims Can Protect their Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack caused by someone else's negligence, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will hold the negligent dog owner liable. Injured dog bite victims may receive compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Families that have lost loved ones can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses in addition to other damages.

Pacifica Woman Killed in Pit Bull Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal