Recent Posts in Personal Injury Category

This week, criminal charges were filed against the owner of three pit bulls that attacked and fatally mauled a toddler.

The owner, 52 year old Steve Hayashi, has been charged with felony child endangerment and allowing a vicious animal to be at large.  Hayashi was charged after 2 year old Jacob Bisbee (Hayashi's step-grandson) was subjected to lethal dog bites.

Police say that the dog attack took place last week Thursday at 8:45 PM at the family's home.  Jacob had been at home with his grandmother, his uncle and 4 year old brother when he walked into the garage and was attacked by the three pit bulls.

While interviewed in a jailhouse, Hayashi said that the door to the garage is usually locked with a deadbolt that Jacob could not reach.  He said the toddler never went to the garage before, but he somehow managed to get in.

Hayashi told police, "By the time my wife found him, the dogs had already finished their attack. It was too late."  Jacob was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

If you have been a dog bite victim, discuss your case with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer by contacting the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.

Merely a week after a horrific bus accident that led to the death of six people on Highway 99 in Fresno, six of the survivors have decided to file a personal injury lawsuit against Greyhound and the drivers involved.  The lawsuit was filed by the plaintiffs this Wednesday in Sacramento by four adults and two children.

30 people reportedly survived the deadly bus accident.  At this time, the California Highway Patrol has not released its final report on what or who caused the accident.  However, attorneys for the plaintiffs say that Greyhound is responsible for making sure passengers get to their end destinations safely.

Lawyer for the plaintiffs, Steven Brady, told news sources, "There are reports that another vehicle had gone around the overturned SUV and safely able to avoid it.  Obviously the bus driver was driving at a speed that exceeded his physical ability to perceive, react, and avoid hitting the SUV."

The driver of the SUV, 28 year old Elsabeth Giorgis was also listed as a defendant on the lawsuit.  According to her attorney, Giorgis was driving in the slow lane the Greyhound bus clipped her, causing her to collide with the overturned SUV.  Her lawyer claims that Giorgis is being re-victimized after the accident and feels it is too soon for the plaintiffs to take legal action.

Involved in a Los Angeles bus accident?  If so, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to set up a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

Last week Thursday in South Pasadena, it is reported that a vehicle hit a curb, went airborne and then landed on the roof of a residence located on Orange Grove Avenue.  The car accident occurred following a high-speed police chase.

Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department chased the car from Panorama City to Pasadena as they believed the car was carrying a murder suspect.  During the chase, the car hit a curb and flew into the air.  Then, it landed on the roof of a nearby home at around midnight.

The driver of the vehicle, who was in fact a felon with an arrest warrant, sustained a spinal cord injury.  He was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital for treatment.

If you were involved in a car accident in Pasadena that left you with serious injuries, contact us to discuss your injuries and case with a Pasadena personal injury lawyer

In Massachusetts, twin sisters were found dead in their family's swimming pool.  Police say that the girls drowned after removing the pool's remote cover.

Officers were called to the residence this past Saturday at approximately 10:20 AM after they received reports of "babies in a pool".  They gave CPR to the two year old girls, Veronica and Angelina Andreottola, before taking them to Union Hospital.  Once they arrived at the medical facility, the girls were pronounced dead as a result of the swimming pool drowning.

The girl's mother, Crystal Andreottola, was at home when the accident occurred.  She said the girls managed to open the pool covering on their own, but police are still investigating.  Officers say that no charges will be filed as foul play was not suspected.

If you lost a child due to a swimming pool accident in Los Angeles, you should discuss your case with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our legal team.  Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

This week, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa confirmed that the politician underwent elbow surgery.  Mayor Villaraigosa suffered a broken elbow during a recent bicycle accident in L.A.

In a public statement, spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton said that the Mayor went through an operation on Sunday at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center.  She said that the procedure was successful and that the Mayor Villaraigosa is expected to make a complete recovery.  Hamilton also noted that the Mayor will return to his full schedule next week.

On Saturday evening, Villaraigosa had been riding his bicycle on Venice Boulevard when a taxi cab driver pulled in front of him abruptly.  Mayor Villaraigosa applied his brakes, fell of his bike and then landed on top of his elbow. 

Like Mayor Villaraigosa, if you have been involved in a bike accident, you should obtain medical treatment and then seek the advice of a Los Angeles personal injury attorney by contacting the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.

This Sunday, a man was killed during a traffic accident in Canyon Country.  Now, the police say that the man has been identified as 15 year old Eric Michael Gilhooley.

Police say that the accident occurred at approximately 10:22 AM.  Prior to the collision, a vehicle had been traveling westbound on Soledad Canyon Road when it struck the curb, hitting and killing Gilhooley.  The pedestrian accident took place near the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Gailxy Avenue.

Following the collision, police officers had to close roads for numerous hours to conduct investigations.  Detectives later determined that Gilhooley was standing on the curb when he was hit by a car that was driven by a 47 year old man.  The driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and it is reported that alcohol did not play a role in the crash.

At this time, no arrests have been made.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Clarita, it is important that you get help from a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer immediately.  Don't hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.

In South Los Angeles, it is reported that police are looking into a hit and run accident that occurred on Thursday.  Police say that the car accident resulted in the tragic death of an 11 year old boy by the name of Natanael Garcia.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Garcia was hit at approximately 2:30 PM at Hoover and 76^th Streets, which are part of the Vermont Knolls neighborhood.

On Thursday evening, police described the suspect's vehicle as being a black or dark blue sports utility vehicle (SUV).  The say the vehicle had tan trim and stock wheels and are asking for the public's help in locating the driver.

If someone you love was killed during a car accident, such as a hit and run accident, it is in your best interests to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.  To discuss your situation with an attorney, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus now!

In Vallejo, California, a mother had filed a $16 million wrongful death claim against two men who killed her son.  The plaintiff, Teresa Courtmanche, is the mother of slain Fairfield Councilman Matt Garcia.

On Wednesday, Courtmanche filed her lawsuit in the Solano County Superior Court on what would have been her son's 24^th birthday.  On September 1, 2008, Garcia was shot and killed.  In her lawsuit, Courtmanche lists Henry Don Williams (convicted o first-degree murder) and Gene Allen Combs (convicted of second-degree murder) as the defendants. 

Courtmanche also listed Nicole Stewart, the getaway driver, as a defendant.  Stewart was never charged by police as she agreed to testify against Williams and Combs.

Prosecutors say that Garcia was shot in the head by Williams outside of a friend's home.  Williams and Combs had mistook Garcia for a drug dealer that had owed them money. 

If you lost a close loved one due to someone else's negligence in L.A., contact us today to discuss your loss with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

Dog bites are more common than most people would think and, unfortunately, the majority of dog bite victims happen to be young children.  If your child suffers a dog bite injury, here are some tips you should follow to protect him or her:

§  Try to stay calm.  You need to focus on your child's well-being and tending to your child, who may be in a great deal of pain.

§  Ask for help.  While you are tending to your child, ask for help from a friend, family member or neighbor who can gather the names, addresses and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the attack.

§  Seek medical help immediately.  Even if you think the dog bite was minor, it is important that your child is examined by a medical professional.

§  Speak with your child.  Ask for him or her to tell you exactly what happened.  In many dog bite cases, children do not provoke dogs, the attacks just happen.  Try to gather information about what the dog looked like and where the dog came from

§  Take pictures.  This measure can be taken when you have time (at the doctor's office or when you return home from the hospital.  Should you choose to take legal action in the future, these pictures will show the extent of your child's injuries.

The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus represents those who have suffered dog bit injuries in Los Angeles.  Contact us to discuss your injuries with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

This past Saturday morning, a serious truck accident on the 101 Freeway left a tow truck driver pinned against his big rig in Los Angeles.

According to reports, the tow truck driver was trying to assist a motorist on the freeway.  While working just north of Melrose Avenue, another car crashed into them at approximately 2:15 AM.   Police say that another person suffered injuries during the trucking accident as well.

California Highway Patrol officials said that both injured parties were taken to the hospital.  One victim was reported to be in critical condition on the way to the hospital. 

After the accident, two southbound lanes on the 101 Freeway had to be closed as police conducted investigations.  At this time, there is no additional information and police plan to continue their investigations to see what prompted the collision.

Were you injured during a truck accident?  If so, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and take the time to get informed of your legal options by consulting with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.  

After people have been involved in a major accident, such as a bus accident, they may suffer a vast array of catastrophic injuries.  One commonly suffered injury during accidents happens to be spinal cord injuries.   If people have suffered spinal cord injuries, they will most likely experience symptoms and when they notice these after-effects it is imperative that seek medical treatment.  Some common spinal cord injury symptoms are:

§  difficulty breathing

§  loss of sensation or movement

§  loss of bowel or bladder control

§  spasms

§  pain or tingling in limbs

When accidents have occurred, it is important that people get medical treatment if they experience emergency spinal cord injury symptoms such as:

§  extreme pain in backs, necks or heads

§  lack of coordination or weakness in limbs

§  loss of balance

§  oddly position neck or back

If you suffered a spinal cord injury in the city of Los Angeles due to another person's recklessness or negligence, now is the perfect time to contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and discuss your case with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

If you were involved in a serious construction accident, one of the things you may be wondering is if you can file a personal injury claim.  You may or may not know that by filing a construction accident lawsuit, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages and also your pain and suffering.  However, before you move forward with your claim, you must prove another person's negligence was involved.

When filing construction accident claims, victims must prove 1) other people's negligence caused accidents and 2) other people's negligence led to their suffering injuries, whether physical, emotional or financial.  If people can prove these elements, they may be able to move forward with filing a claim and successful claims will result in a settlement or personal injury award.

Anytime victims of construction accidents have decided to take legal action, whether against their employers or general contractors, it is important that they hire a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.  To speak with a personal injury attorney about your case, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.

On June 17^th, it is reported that a woman named Loretta Boston filed a lawsuit against Target Corporation in Madison County Circuit Court.  According to Boston, she suffered injuries after her slip and fall accident at the well-known retail store.  She claims she slipped on wet carpet and fell on May 7, 2009.

Her lawsuit states that, "the Plaintiff was moving from the carpeted to the non-carpeted surface, her foot slid on the carpeting and onto the adjacent area, causing Plaintiff to fall to the floor."  Boston asserts that because of the accident and her injuries, she has experienced continual pain and suffering.  She also says that she has incurred medical bills and lost her normal quality of life.

Boston blames Target for causing her slip and fall accident.  She said that the store and its employees should not have allowed the carpeting to remain slick and slipper after cleaning.  Boston also says that the store failed to warn customers of the dangerous condition. 

She is currently seeking $50,000 in damages.

Have you been injured during a serious slip and fall accident?  If so, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and discuss your case with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

In Sterling Heights, a two year old boy that was found floating face down in his family's swimming pool has died.

On Monday, his family made the decision to disconnect the life support systems of young Joseph Daignault.  Sterling Heights Police Lt. Luke Riley said that the boy died shortly after.

Last week Wednesday, Joseph's older siblings were in an above-ground swimming poll before he supposedly climbed a ladder and went into the pool by himself.  He entered the pool at approximately 6:45 PM while his mother was home.  However, his mother did not notice that he was missing until a few minutes later.

Since the accident, Joseph had been on life support at Children's Hospital of Michigan until the family decided to disconnect him from support.

Swimming pools can be extremely dangerous if kids are left unsupervised.  If your child was injured during a swimming pool accident and you believe negligence was involved, we encourage you to contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

According to the Placer County District Attorney's Office, a man from the Antelope Valley who pled guilty to hitting and killing a pedestrian with his vehicle will be sentenced in August.

The District Attorney's office says that the man, Jeremy Sarguis, is expected to receive sentencing on August 10.  In May, Sarguis pled guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death as well as two counts of conspiracy.

During the morning hours of February 4^th, Sarguis hit a 47 year old woman by the name of Vickie Janell Scott on Interstate 80.  Instead of stopping, he fled the scene of the car accident and conspired with his two passengers to repair and clean his car.

Now, Sarguis faces five years in state prison for his offense.

If you were injured due to the negligent actions of a driver in Antelope Valley, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to discuss your case and injuries with an Antelope Valley personal injury attorney.

On Thursday morning, it is reported that a man from Granada Hills had to be rushed to a local hospital due to a serious arm injury.  According to reports, the man had been driving a box truck on Highway 118 in Simi Valley when his vehicle overturned, resulting in an injury.

Police say that the man, 55 year old Hector Garay, was entering the eastbound ramp on Sycamore Avenue when he veered to the right and hit a curb.  His truck then overturned, causing him to suffer injuries.

Garay told police that at the time of his truck accident, he was wearing his seatbelt.  However, he said that during the crash, his seatbelt became undone, causing him to fall to the right side of the vehicle.  His arm was then pinned under the truck and he had to be transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The CHP says that the accident will remain under investigation.

If you have been harmed during a truck accident in Simi Valley, now is the right time to discuss your case with a Simi Valley personal injury lawyer.  Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today!

In Los Angeles, it is reported that a motorcycle officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) died this week.  The officer, Phillip Ortiz, died on Tuesday at 5:50 PM at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California.

Two weeks ago, Officer Ortiz was critically injured during a motorcycle accident.  The incident occurred on June 9^th when Ortiz pulled over a SUV on the right shoulder of a highway near Interstate 10.  While performing the stop, Ortiz was hit from behind by a car that was trying to pass slower moving traffic. 

When the car struck Ortiz, it pushed him and his motorcycle directly into the SUV, which had stopped.  The officer was pinned between vehicles when rescuers arrived at the scene and extricated him.

Officer Ortiz remained in a coma until his recent death.

Were you involved in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident that left you with pain and suffering?  If so, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and set up a time to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of 50,000 cribs.  The Commission recalled stationary-side cribs that were manufactured by Child Craft because the cribs presented a potential hazard for entrapment and child injury.

In the past three years, the Commission has recalled over 7 million cribs in the United States.  It is working tirelessly to improve product safety and has new rules for cribs in the works.

The recent recall was announced after the Commission received four injury reports from people who said their children became entrapped between the dowel and the crib's stationary front side.  In two of the reports children's heads became trapped, which could have easily led to strangulation.

The crib is currently sold under the name of Crib N Double Bed and has been made available to the public by Babies 'R' Us from 1998 to 2009.  The crib retails between $600 and $650.  When assembled upside down, a five inch gap is created and leaves room for potential child entrapment. 

If your child sustained injuries due to third party negligence in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and have your case reviewed by a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

In California, a recent tour bus accident led to 10 people suffering injuries.  Police say that the accident involved a bus and a car and led to 3 people suffering injuries that are considered critical.

On Thursday at 10:00 AM, the accident occurred on a boulevard in suburban Rosemead, which is located east of Los Angeles.  According to County fire Inspector Matt Levesque, there was a rear-end collision that led to one of the vehicles being pushed into oncoming traffic.  The vehicle then collided head-on with the tour bus, which was transporting passengers to a nearby casino.

At first, investigators thought that 22 people had sustained injuries, but that number was later reduced to 10.  The bus driver and a person inside the car that crashed into the bus were reported as being in critical condition.  Another person suffered critical injuries as well and 7 people had to be taken to the hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries.

If you have been involved in a serious bus accident in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and set up a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney today.

In Pasadena, a man that was involved in a motorcycle accident last April alleged that an unsafe traffic signal was to blame.  The man then, Jacob Soutsos, filed a claim against the city.

On Tuesday night, the City Council denied Soutsos' claim.  The city said that all traffic lights were operating properly and that it is the responsibility of drivers to make sure intersections are clear before entering.  He was seeking $25,000 from the city for his motorcycle crash. 

According to Soutsos, he drove into an intersection on a green light and then collided with a motor vehicle that had been turning left on a red signal.  The accident took place at Tustin Road and El Camino Road on April 15^th.

In his personal injury claim against the city, Soutsos stated that he suffered injuries to his head, back, shoulder, hand and knee.  He also said that his motorcycle, a 2009 Yamaha, had been destroyed during the accident.

If you were injured during a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and ask to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our dedicated legal team.

Summer time is here and for many parents, it is time to take the kids to local beaches, public pools or backyard pools to swim. While swimming is always a lot of fun, it is important that parents remain cautious as countless swimming pool accidents and drowning accidents occur annually.  Below, we have provided several pool safety tips that will help parents keep their children safe in the water:

Stay with kids at all times and be sure to watch them.  Swimming pool accident can occur within minutes, so it is important to keep an eye on children.

Use life jackets in place of inflatable inner tubes or arm bands.  Remember, inflatable safety devices can deflate and are not as safe as life jackets.

Keep small children within an arm's length.  Toddlers and young children have weak arms and may not be able to stay afloat in a pool. 

Learn CPR.  It is always a great idea to know emergency response techniques that could safe children's lives, especially if you own a pool.

Are you or your child a swimming pool accident victim?  If so, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus can help you.  Contact our legal team today!

This past Saturday, it was reported that a man died during a car accident.  The man had been driving a SUV on Interstate Highway 80 when he was hit by a Dodge Caravan and flipped over.

Authorities say that the accident occurred around 2:00 AM on Buchanan Avenue, which is near the Golden Gate Fields horse track.  According to Officer Sam Morgan with the California Highway Patrol, the SUV flipped and then came to rest on its hills.  He said the man driving the Caravan had been traveling in the same direction as the SUV at 65 MPH.

Sadly, due to the impact of the accident, the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the other vehicle did not sustain any injuries.  At this time, police are not sure if alcohol played a role in the collision and they plan to continue investigations.

If you were harmed during a car accident in the city of Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to set up a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney!

In Texas, a man from the city of Galveston announced that he is suing his employers for a slip and fall accident that occurred onboard a vessel.  The man, Joseph Cheeke, alleges that he fell while on his employer's boat. 

In his lawsuit, Cheek lists AET Lightering Services LLC, AET Inc. Ltd. And AET Offshore Services Inc. as defendants.  He claims that in November 25, 2009, his slip and fall accident caused him to suffer injuries to his back, shoulders, neck and other parts of his body. 

Cheeke filed his personal injury claim with Galveston Court No. 3 on June 7, 2010.  In his claim, he blames the defendants for failing to maintain the boat and violating maritime laws.  He is hoping to obtain monetary compensation for his pain, impairment and trauma.

Have you suffered painful injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles?  If so, know that a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus can help you.  Contact us today!

In El Camino, it is reported that nine students were injured during a school bus accident.  Police say that the bus collided with a car on a North County street, which led to the large vehicle flipping over.

According to authorities, the bus was heading northbound on North El Camino Real in Oceanside when a sedan suddenly pulled out of a driveway.  The car was exiting a mobile home park near Douglas Drive when it collided with the school bus at approximately 11:30 AM this Thursday.

Reports indicate that emergency crews had to be dispatched to airlift one student to a nearby trauma center.  The rescue workers also took six other students and the bus driver to a local hospital.  While numerous injuries were sustained, none have been reported as life-threatening at this time.  The injuries ranged from bruises to broken collar bones.

The rest of the students were taken to school after the accident occurred.

If you were involved in a serious bus accident and you suffered injuries, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

On Thursday morning, reports came in that a motorcyclist who was traveling on the 5 Freeway was involved in an accident.  During the motorcycle accident, the biker was hit by three separate motor vehicles.  Traffic had to be stopped for three hours by law enforcement.

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Al Perez, the motorcyclist was traveling north when he crashed and was thrown off of his bike.  The accident took place around 4:25 AM near Pioneer Boulevard. 

After he was thrown from his bike, he was struck by three vehicles.  He had been traveling with a group of bikers, but he sped away from them and then crashed.  CHP says that the victim died at the scene of the accident.  The victim's name has not been released at this time.

Were you involved in a serious motorcycle accident?  Do you think negligence was involved?  Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to learn more about your legal rights.  A Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our office will take the time to meet with you in person and will provide you with legal insight.

This week, it is reported that actor David Carradine's wife file a wrongful death claim against a French company that oversaw Carradine's last film.  In her lawsuit, Carradine's widow claims that the company failed to provide proper services to protect the actor, who was found dead in a hotel room last year.

The defendant of the lawsuit is MK2 S.A., a French company that was producing a movie called "Stretch".  Carradine's widow says that the company had promised to provide the actor with the best amenities as well as an assistant to help him with his stay in Bangkok. 

However, they left him to eat at a restaurant by himself the night before he was discovered dead.  Carradine allegedly called his assistant an hour after eating, but was told that the group was across town and that he would have to navigate the city on his own that night.  

Her lawsuit states, "Defendants were negligent in failing to follow industry standard and provide David Carradine, the performer, with sufficient assistant during the course of filming Stretch in Bangkok, Thailand".

At this time, MK2 has refused to comment on the litigation.

Have you lost a close loved one due to another person's negligence?  If so, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  We will arrange for you to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our team.

In Los Angeles, a woman by the name of Lauren Rosenberg has recently filed a lawsuit against internet Giant, Google. In her lawsuit, she accuses Google of being "careless, reckless and negligent" because the search provider gave her unsafe walking directions.

Rosenberg said that she followed Google's walking directions on her Blackberry.  The directions had her cross a dual carriageway that she asserts was not safe for pedestrians.  While walking, Rosenberg was hit by a speeding car before she got half way across the road.  She said that the pedestrian accident led to her suffering many broken bones. 

Her personal injury lawyer said, "We think there's enough fault to go around - but Google had some responsibility to direct people correctly or warn them."  He also asserted that Google created a trap by providing faulty walking directions.

At this time, Rosenberg is requesting that Google pay for her medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress.  Google has not issued a comment about the claim.

If you were injured during a pedestrian in the city of Los Angeles, you should meet with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  Contact our firm now!

Today, the California Highway Patrol reported that a tanker truck burst into flames on the 91 Freeway.  The CHP had to close both directions of the freeway to the intense explosion.

The truck accident occurred at around 10:39 AM after two vehicles crashed into one another.  TV cameras arrived at the scene and showed a huge fire burning on the freeway,

Prior to the tanker truck explosion, the CHP had to close the eastbound Riverside Freeway and the westbound 91 at the 71 freeway.  They said they shut down the freeways for safety reasons.  When CHP officer arrived at the scene, they tried to locate the driver of the large truck, but were initially unsuccessful.

After time elapsed, they were finally able to find the driver.  He managed to escape the truck before it burst into flames that were reported to be over 100 feet high.

Have you been harmed during a truck accident in the city of Los Angeles?  Now may be the right time to contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  We can review your case and help you understand your legal options.

In Oceanside, California, a sailor that was riding a bicycle while in Camp Pendleton died this past Tuesday evening.  Officials say that he died from injuries during a bicycle accident that occurred when a motor vehicle crashed into him.

The sailor, who was 27 years old, was riding his bike on Vandergrift Boulevard near the Wire Mountain housing area.  At 5:00 PM, he was struck by a driver in a Honda Odyssey SUV.  Immediately following the collision, he was flown to Scripps La Jolla Hospital via a medical helicopter.  Reports indicate that he died from his blunt force injuries at 11:20 PM. 

At this time, the accident is being looked into by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.  The sailor's name has not been made public.

Were you involved in a bicycle accident that led to you suffering painful injuries?  If so, you may wish to discuss your legal options with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.  Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to learn how we can advise you today!

In the state of California, car accidents occur quite frequently, especially on congested roadways and highways where traffic is congested.  However, what many people do not know is that by law, anytime you are involved in an auto accident you are required to give reasonable assistance to anyone that is injured.  For example, if you notice people have injuries or are bleeding, you are required to call for help.  

Additionally, if you know first aid, you may be required to give first aid treatment.  However, if you do not know first aid procedures, you should not touch or move any person that appears to have injuries. If you move an injured person, you may make their physical wounds worse.  The only time you should take the chance of moving an injured person is if you notice they are in the way of danger.  For instance, if a person is near a vehicle that is on fire, you should try to move them away from the dangerous condition.

Another thing that you should do is try to warn other drivers that a car accident has occurred.  You can do this by turning on your car's hazards.

If you were involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles, you should contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today.  We can arrange for you to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our team who can advise you of your legal options.

In Glendale, Arizona, a tragic story recently unfolded.  News sources report that a 3 year old boy drowned in an apartment complex swimming pool.  The incident took place this past weekend and left the boy's parents devastated.

Fire crews were called to an apartment complex near 61^st Avenue and Northern after the boy's family called for help.  According to a Fire Department spokes person, the 3 year old had been swimming with his family at the complex's pool when the family lost track of him for a short period of time. 

Police and fire crews took the boy to a nearby hospital for treatment where he was initially listed in serious condition.  However, the boy died shortly after arriving at the hospital from his drowning injuries.

At this time, police are unsure what led up to the swimming pool accident, but they plan to continue investigations.

Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus if you or someone you know has been a victim of a swimming pool accident in Southern California.  A Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our firm can help you get the compensation you deserve.

On Wednesday, a 19 year old man by the name of Jorge Luis Perez died during a fatal car accident.  The young man was killed when his vehicle crashed on Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo County.

Police say that Perez lost control of his 2002 Saturn which led to it entering a right hand curve on the highway.  Perez suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene of the accident.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the car crashed broadside into a tree near the edge of Highway 101.  The collision caused Perez's vehicle to stop rather suddenly.  Perez was the only person in the Saturn.

At this time, police are trying to determine if speeding played a role in the accident and Perez's death.  They are interviewing witnesses to get a sense of how fast Perez was driving before the collision occurred.

If you or someone you car for has been involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else's reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, now is the time to discuss your legal options with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation!

According to several news outlets, a four year old boy was killed during a serious motorcycle accident in Fresno.  Now, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reporting that the bike the motorcyclist was driving was in fact stolen.  The accident occurred this past Monday at 4:15 PM.

The wrongful death victim was identified as Paul Martinez, a four year old child and Tulare County resident.

Police say the child died from injuries he suffered while riding as a passenger on the motorcycle.  The bike struck a cable that was strung across a road, causing an accident.  The driver of the motorcycle, 20 year old Eduardo Martinez, was also thrown from the bike along with the boy.

If you or someone you love has been a tragic victim of a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles County, now is the time to schedule a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  When you contact us, we will discuss your case and provide you with legal guidance so you can better handle your motorcycle accident.

A family that lost a close loved one has decided to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).  The family lost 25 year old Devin Leigh Petelski after she was hit by a police cruiser on October 15.

The lawsuit was filed on Thursday and it alleges that the officer that was operating the police patrol car was negligent.  The family claims that the officer did not have its flashing lights or sirens on when it sped up to answer a burglary call and crashed into Petelski.  After being hit, Petelski was rushed to UCLA Medical Center and died two days after the accident.  

Many residents were outraged when they heard of the car accident and Petelski's death.  They gathered together to hold a candlelight vigil and even created a Facebook page to seek out witnesses who may have seen the accident.

The lawsuit mentions officers Ramon Vasquez and James Eldridge.  Investigators told news sources that neither officer notified dispatch that they were answering the burglary-in-progress call and that the officers were driving above the 40 mph speed limit.

If you lost a loved one due to another person's negligence or recklessness in Los Angeles County, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to set up an initial consultation.  During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you understand your legal options.

News sources are reporting that a Lansing man was recently injured during a construction accident.  According to reports, 22 year old Juan Blancas-Lopez was partaking in a city highway construction project when a car struck him.

The accident took place in a construction zone on eastbound M-6, near Gaines Township.  Blancas-Lopez was working when a car entered the two-lane construction zone, hitting him.  Immediately following the accident, Blancas-Lopez was taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

At this time, police have revealed that negligence may have played in a role in the accident as they believe the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol.  More details are expected to be released later as police are still investigating the accident.

If you have been involved in a construction accident that was caused by another person's negligence in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus now to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from our team!

In Ohio, police report that one of their dogs bit and captured a suspect that was trying to evade arrest.  The man allegedly ran from police after he was caught driving a pickup truck that had been reported stolen.

After suffering the dog bite, the man had to be treated by paramedics and was later taken to a local jail.  At this time, police are refusing to release his name and the charges he is facing.  They also refuse to reveal where the man was injured or how serious his dog bit injuries were.

While police commonly use canines to apprehend suspects, dogs that attack may inflict serious injuries that leave people suffering for many years to come.  Additionally, when people are attacked by dogs, they can be traumatized and emotionally scarred.

If you are a victim of a dog bite in Los Angeles, now is the time to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  Contact our firm today to discuss your dog bite case!

A partner who has knowledge (or should have knowledge) that they’re infected with a sexually transmitted disease is increasingly being held liable for transmitting the disease to an unwitting or unknowing partner. Diseases included would be herpes, aids, gonorrhea, crabs, genital warts and syphilis. Many states have passed laws which require a person to either refrain from sex or inform their partners prior to any sexual activity if they are HIV positive or have an STD.

A majority of states will allow a person who contracted an STD to bring a court action against the responsible party, but there is no nationwide rule about sexually transmitted diseases. Numerous states have criminal statutes that cover the specifics of negligent or intentional transmission of HIV, but only a few states have statutes specifically listing STDs themselves. A lawsuit brought about due to the contraction of herpes, Chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea is typically brought as a personal injury action. Damages are available in most states but these cases can get somewhat complicated.

If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease and feel your partner knew or should have knew about their infection but failed to tell you, you should take a moment to contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and ask to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney at the firm. We can review your claim, determine if you have grounds to pursue an injury lawsuit, and then help you take action.

For more information about our services, please contact the office today at 888-203-7246 today.

In perhaps one of the most unusual injury lawsuits ever filed, a baseball fan has filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Royals after he experienced trauma to his eye when he was hit in the face by a hot dog thrown by the team’s mascot.

John Coomer was sitting six rows behind the third base dugout at the Royals’ stadium when the accident occurred. Coomer alleges that the team’s mascot threw a hot dog into the stands, hitting him in the face and nearly putting out his left eye.

Coomer is now seeking more than $25,000 in damages, claiming the hot dog caused a detached retina and cataracts.

The Royals have not commented on the case, but are in the process of finding a new mascot. They maintain their search for a new mascot has nothing to do with the hot dog incident.

Suffering From an Injury? An Attorney at Our Office Can Help!

A Santa Clarita personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus can help you take legal action if you have suffered an injury due to the negligent or reckless conduct of another. If you have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit, you can trust an attorney at the firm to protect your best interests and aggressively pursue your rights to just compensation. Let our office help you recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

To schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim, please contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today by calling (888) 203-PAIN!

Drivers and passengers are at risk of injury any time they are involved in a car accident. While some car accidents are minor fenders benders, others are serious collisions than leave the occupants in the car severely injured.  

Types of injuries a driver or passenger may sustain during an accident can range from minor bruising to brain damage, permanent disability, and even death. One of the most common types of injury is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is snapped backed and forth due to excessive force. This type of injury is particularly common in rear-end collisions. 

Other types of car accident injuries include:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Internal bleeding or bruising
• Brain & spinal cord injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Soft tissue injuries
• Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia)
• Permanent disability

An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus can help you take advantage of all your legal options following a car accident injury. Under California personal injury law, you are entitled to be compensated for your pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, and medical bills if you can prove your injuries stemmed from an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver. To learn more about your rights to recovery, feel free to contact the office today at (888) 203-PAIN to arrange a consultation to discuss your case.

One of the most common questions asked by potential clients is, “How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?” At the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus we offer free consultations to anyone who has been involved in an accident or has sustained a serious injury. Under California persona injury laws, you have the right to file a lawsuit in pursuit of compensation if your accident or injury was caused by the negligent, reckless, or wanton actions of another. We know that sometimes proving negligence can be difficult, which is why we offer the free consultation.  At the consultation, a skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney will review the facts of your case to determine if you have a valid claim.  If we feel your claim is valid, we would be happy to provide you with the experienced legal counsel and representation needed to file a personal injury lawsuit.

At the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus we offer representation to clients throughout Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, the Antelope Valley, and the San Fernando Valley.  Furthermore, we have ample experience handling all types of personal injury claims, such as those involving:

• Car & Auto Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Slip, Trip & Falls
• Dog Bites
• Injuries to Children
• Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries
• Swimming Pool Drownings
• Construction Accidents
• On the Job Injuries
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents