A 9-year-old boy and an elderly woman were injured in a dog bite incident the morning of January 14, 2012. According to a news report in the Sacramento Bee, the brutal pit bull attack occurred at a home in the 7000 block of Third Parkway in South Sacramento. Police responded to a call from the home. When officers arrived they found an injured elderly woman and the boy with a head injury and severe injury to one of his arms. They say the child was attacked when he walked into the backyard. The boy was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. The woman is said to be recovering from her injuries. Deputies shot the pit bull when it tried to jump over a backyard fence and escape.

My heart goes out to both victims of this vicious dog attack. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite approximately 4.5 million Americans every year. About one in five dog bites require medical attention. In the year 2006, more than 31,000 people suffered serious injuries that required reconstructive surgery following a dog attack. Also, according to CDC statistics, more than half of all fatal dog bite incidents in the United States involve just two breeds of dogs – pit bulls and rottweilers.

Strict Liability in Dog Attacks

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the boy was in his own home or if he was visiting someone at the time. Under California's "strict liability statute," dog owners can be held liable for the injuries caused by their pets. 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."

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Injured dog bite victims often undergo quite a few medical expenses including emergency room costs, surgery, hospitalization, and even cosmetic procedures. Not all of these treatments may be covered by health insurance. In California, the dog owner's homeowner insurance policy will usually cover damages caused by a dog attack. Under certain circumstances, a landlord may also be held liable for allowing a dangerous dog to reside on the property. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of a vicious dog attack and ensure that victims are fairly compensated for their losses.

Several people were injured in two related Sacramento car accidents that involved a driver attempting to flee the scene. According to a New 10 report, the initial hit-and-run accident occurred at El Camino and Watt Avenue, while the second incident occurred on Cottage Way in Sacramento, the night of November 30, 2011. Officials say the male driver of a silver Mustang struck a Nissan while turning, fled the scene of the crash, and then collided head-on with a Chevy Cavalier. The occupants of the Nissan and the Cavalier were hospitalized with unknown injuries, and the Mustang driver and his female passenger suffered moderate to major injuries. It is not clear what charges the driver of the Mustang will face.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these accidents caused by the hit-and-run suspect. I wish all of the injured victims the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Sacramento Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 22 people were killed and 3,423 were injured in Sacramento car accidents. Countywide, 99 fatalities and 7,503 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, the driver of the Mustang not only struck the Nissan and injured its occupants, but in attempting to flee the scene struck another vehicle and injured its occupants as well, in addition to injuring himself and his passenger Appalling! It is unconscionable and illegal to leave the scene of a crash when someone has been injured.

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."

Liability Issues

I'm relieved to hear that the hit-and-run driver was apprehended. I trust officials are also looking into whether this driver was under the influence, speeding, driving recklessly, or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. Injured victims of hit-and-run car accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will fight for their rights and ensure that they receive fair compensation to cover all damages. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash, or, in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Nursing home neglect is reported to have contributed to the death of an 86-year-old patient in a Sacramento area facility. According to a news account in The Sacramento Bee, the woman was taken to the nursing home in March 2008 after she fell and fractured a vertebra in her back. Five weeks later, she was admitted to a hospital emergency room in septic shock and died. California Department of Public Health officials said the nursing home staff at Walnut Whitney Care Center failed to properly monitor her for a urinary tract infection and dehydration.

The nursing home has been slapped with a Class AA citation, the most severe penalty for nursing home neglect under state law. A spokesman for the nursing home says they have launched an internal investigation and intend to appeal the state's decision. They have also started training programs for their staff members to improve communication between caregivers and patients, the news report states.

My heart goes out to the family members of this elderly victim for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Poor Care in Nursing Homes

A number of nursing home fatalities and serious injuries throughout the nation are unfortunately the result of neglect and/or abuse. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in 2003, at least one in five of all nursing homes in the United States are plagued by serious deficiencies that place nursing homes residents in immediate danger or cause them actual harm. According to this report, quality of care in these nursing homes drops dramatically when residents receive less than three hours of the nurse's and nurse's aide's time per day. Sadly that's the case in about 54 percent of nursing homes.

Understaffing and Corporate Greed

Understaffing is a serious problem in a number of nursing homes. The corporations that run nursing homes keep staff levels and salaries low in order to maximize their profits. The result of such corporate greed is substandard care for residents. The nursing homes not only have inadequate staff, but are also staffed with people who are not qualified to do the job.

In such cases where negligence or abuse results in the death of a patient, family members of the deceased victim would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer to get more information about pursuing their legal rights. It is important to hold these companies accountable for their actions, because it is the only way to deter others from doing the same. It should not be acceptable for a nursing home to charge thousands of dollars each month and then fail to provide the promised level of care. It is up to residents and their families, unfortunately, to bring action against such unscrupulous companies, and to get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Lost a family member in a California nursing home 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 Sacramento nursing home negligence case. Call 866-594-7392. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California 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.

What are some of the tips you would offer to those looking to place loved ones in nursing homes?

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.

James Walter Murphy, 55, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a teen driver. According to a news report in The Sacramento Bee, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on the northbound Highway 99 close to 47th Avenue, the morning of November 9, 2010, when a Mercury Sable swerved out of control into the center median.

The 17-year-old driver then overcorrected swerving back into the northbound lanes where the car collided with Murphy's Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Murphy was thrown off the motorcycle. The teen driver fled the scene of the fatal car accident. Murphy was transported to a local hospital with major head injuries and died shortly after the car accident. Police caught up with the teen in his home, questioned him and released him to his sister. They do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved. Authorities say the teen could face felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter charges.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of James Walter Murphy for their profound loss. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 244 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. Also, countywide, 17 people died and 530 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in 2008.

Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident

Based on this news report, alcohol or drugs were not factors in this fatal hit-and-run car accident. It does appear that inexperience and reckless driving may have been contributing factors. The teen made a terrible mistake leaving the scene of a major injury car accident. When it comes to hit-and-run car accidents, "I panicked," or, "I was scared," are never acceptable for leaving the scene, which is an inhumane, irresponsible and immoral act. This young driver apparently made an unsuccessful attempt to dodge accountability. I'm relieved he was apprehended and I trust he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Lost a family member in a Sacramento 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 Sacramento motorcycle accident. Call 866-594-7392. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Sacramento 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.

What are some of the common hazards faced by motorcyclists on our roadways?

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.

A man who was killed in a pedestrian accident in Elk Grove the night of August 16, 2010, was identified as 34-year-old Eric Vernon Hayman. KXTV reports that the fatal collision occurred as the intersection of Elk Grove Boulevard and Waterman Road. Hayman was walking in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a Honda Del Sol. Hayman died at a local hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Hayman. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and friends for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

There were four fatalities and 366 injuries involving Sacramento car accidents in Elk Grove. In Sacramento County as a whole, 84 people died and 7,874 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, Hayman was walking in a marked crosswalk. It is not clear why the driver of the Honda Del Sol did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk. Was the driver impaired? Was he or she distracted? Was speed involved? Was there a dangerous condition at the intersection, which may have caused or contributed to this incident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what exactly occurred here. Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks under California Vehicle Code section 21950.

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she could be held liable for Hayman's wrongful death. An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families of victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case the city or public entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Are the crosswalks in your neighborhood well lit and clearly painted? What are some of the most dangerous crosswalks 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.

Pamela Hawkins, 52, was killed in a car accident the morning of April 19, 2010 after she struck another vehicle head-on. According to a news report in The Sacramento Bee, the fatal car crash occurred on Foresthill Road near Happy Pines Drive. California Highway Patrol officials said 56-year-old Graciela Mata was driving a GMC Acadia SUV west on the roadway when she was struck head-on by a Chrysler Sebring driven by Hawkins. Mata was transported to an area hospital with severe injuries. Officials say Hawkins was not buckled up and died at the scene. CHP investigators do not believe speed was a factor, but an investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the families of both these victims. I offer my deepest condolences to Hawkins' family. I hope Mata's injuries were not catastrophic and pray that she recovers quickly and completely from her severe injuries.

Car Accidents

There were 17 fatalities and 627 injuries as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, 22 people died and 1,418 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that Hawkins was the one who went over to opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with Mata's vehicle. There are several questions here. Officials say Hawkins was driving within the speed limit on that roadway. Was this the result of a distraction or inattention? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in Hawkins' vehicle which may have caused or contributed to this accident? Although officials say she was not wearing a seatbelt, I would be curious to find out whether Hawkins' fatal injuries were the result of a seat restraint system failure. I trust investigators are looking into these issues and more in order to pinpoint the cause of this crash.

If Hawkins is determined to have been at fault for this crash, Mata could seek compensation from Hawkins' estate or insurance company. Victims who are injured as a result of another person's or entity's negligence can usually seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering. An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of an incident and make sure that the victims' legal rights and best interests are protected.

In your opinion, what most commonly causes head-on collisions? We'd love to hear your comments and opinions on this subject.

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.

A man killed in a Sacramento bicycle accident the afternoon of March 6, 2010, after a Regional Transit bus struck his bicycle, has been identified as 46-year-old William Detore. According to a news report in the Sacramento Bee, the bus was westbound on L Street close to 5th Street, when the fatal collision occurred. Detore died at the scene. Police say a preliminary investigation shows that the accident was probably not the bus driver's fault although no final determination has been made yet.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of William Detore for their terrible loss. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sacramento Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 271 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Sacramento. Also, in Sacramento County as a whole, six people died and 569 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear whose fault this bicycle versus bus accident was. Officials say no "final determination" has been made. Police plan to examine the video cameras on the bus to help them with the accident reconstruction. I trust they will be looking into who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision and also whether the bus driver was impaired, distracted or in any way negligent at the time.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division."

However, if the bus driver is determined to have been at fault for this fatal bicycle accident, the transit authority could be held liable. If there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

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.

A man who sustained major injuries in a Sacramento car accident the night of January 31, 2010 caused by a suspected drunk driver has been identified as Sanjay Patel, 26. According to an ABC news report, Patel was riding his bicycle in the bike lane of Folsom Boulevard when 23-year-old Amira Fakira, driving a Ford Explorer SUV, drifted into the bike lane and struck him.

Fakira did not stop and dragged Patel for a quarter of a mile. She then struck another vehicle at which point Patel fell off. Fakira turned and continued to drive away, but was stopped by a Good Samaritan who took the keys off the ignition of the SUV when it was stopped at a red light and detained the suspect until officials got there. Officials arrested Fakira on suspicion of felony DUI and hit-and-run. Patel was hospitalized with major injuries.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident

I sympathize deeply with Sanjay Patel, the victim of this DUI car accident. My heart also goes out to his family. I wish Patel the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I applaud the courage of the Good Samaritan whose prompt action prevented this hit-and-run suspect from getting away. If she is found guilty of the charges, she should be held criminally and civilly liable for her actions.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

If the details of this news report are accurate, Fakira's actions were unconscionable. Not only did she strike and seriously injure Patel, but she also attempted to flee the scene of the crash, dragged him along the street and basically, left him to die on the street. Patel may not have survived had the Good Samaritan not intervened. However, now, it is Patel and his family who are faced with steep medical expenses and a tough road to recovery. In such cases, victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions. Patel could seek compensation to cover his medical expenses, cost of rehabilitation and even long-term care if that becomes necessary.

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.