May 16, 2008

POMONA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS & PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

If you or a loved one has been injured in Pomona, California, call us at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation!

May 15, 2008

ZYPREXA SETTLEMENT FOR CAUSING DIABETES: ELI LILLY PAYS $15 MILLION

In March of this year, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the schizophrenia drug Zyprexa, agreed to pay a settlement to the state of Alaska for causing resident patients to develop diabetes. As mentioned in previous blogs, Zyprexa (olzanapine) is an anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Since 2002, reports of Zyprexa causing diabetes, severe weigh gain, high cholesterol, and other problems surfaced. Since last year, Lilly has paid out over $1 billion to individuals suffering the adverse side effects of Zyprexa.

The settlement in the Alaska case came just 3 weeks after the start of the trial. Alaska is home to only 670,000 people, and the large payout is a surprise. Other states are seeking claims against the Zyprexa maker in order to recover money for its residents’ Medicaid bills.

stockxpertcom_id146504_pillswhite.jpgSales of Zyprexa were $4.8 billion in 2007, and over 23 million people have taken Zyprexa since its original FDA approval in 1996. In the trial, prosecutors contended that Eli Lilly downplayed Zyprexa’s risks to protect sales. Evidence also suggested that the drug-maker encouraged the prescribing of Zyprexa for ailments other than what the FDA had approved. Lilly admitted no wrongdoing.

Click here to read the joint statement released by Eli Lilly and the state of Alaska.

If you or a loved one has suffered side effects after taking Zyprexa, you need the help of a lawyer now. In California, contact the law offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential information session now. Let us help you understand your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate to call 1-800-ALAWPRO now.

May 13, 2008

AVANDIA SIDE EFFECTS: BROKEN BONES, HEART ATTACK & DEATH. LAWYERS CAN HELP.

This week, U.S. News and World Report offered new information about yet more adverse Avandia side effects. According to the magazine, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in April this year shows that long-term use of Avandia and other thizaolidinediones can lead to increased risk for fractures or bone breaks.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a drug made by GlaxoSmithKline and used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Avandia has been shown to be linked to an increased risk of heart attack, other heart problems, and death, and as a result now possesses an FDA black box warning which advises patients and professionals as to its deadly risks.

stockxpertcom_id1440861_humanbodyneon.jpgAccording to the article 3 to 5 million people take Avandia. This new study showed that Avandia can “more than double the risk of fractures.” The most commonly associated bone breaks with drug usage were hip fractures and wrist fractures, with the frequency of fractures rising with the level of dosage. People taking Avandia for 2 years or more had the highest rate of sustaining a break, and those taking it for one year to 18 months also had a heightened risk. Men and women were found to be equally at risk.

The manufacturer responded by stating that fractures are listed “on our label,” and that a “dear doctor” letter had been sent to professionals. Other experts contend that the benefits of the drug continue to outweigh the risks for most patients, while agreeing that patients at risk for severe bone breaks should consider alternatives.

Have you or a family member suffered adverse effects or death from taking Avandia in California? If so, you need the help of a seasoned law firm. The team at Greenberg & Rudman LLP has over 50 years combined experience in taking on the rights of the injured. Please call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free consultation and learn what we can do to help you.

May 11, 2008

ORANGE COUNTY INJURY LAWYERS & ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Living in Southern California doesn’t always mean sunshine and beaches. Orange County roads and freeways can be dangerous, and whatever kind of crash you have been in: rear end, side impact, rollover, or even hit-and-run, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. If you have been injured in an accident, you need serious help from serious lawyers. Greenberg & Rudman LLP is the Law Firm to help you through this difficult time.

OrangeCounty_Cal_Seal.pngAt the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we offer over 50 years combined experience in fighting for the rights of the injured in California. Orange County is no exception. When you call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO we will arrange a free and confidential consultation. Once we take on your case we will not charge you a cent unless a recovery is won. We’ll do all the work; all you need to is call. We’ll even come to you to sign you up!

Get the law on your side. Contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO if you are a resident of one of these Orange County locations:OrangeCountyCA_CitiesMap.gif

  • Santa Ana: Pop. 351,697

  • Anaheim: Pop. 345, 317

  • Huntington Beach: Pop. 200,763

  • Irvine: Pop. 180.803

  • Garden Grove: Pop. 172,042

  • Orange: Pop. 137,751

  • Fullerton: Pop. 135,672

  • Costa Mesa: Pop. 113,440

  • Mission Viejo: Pop. 98,197

  • Westminster: Pop. 92,270

  • Newport Beach: Pop. 83,120

  • Buena Park: Pop. 81,066

  • Lake Forest: Pop. 78,020

  • Tustin: Pop. 70,871

  • Laguna Niguel: Pop. 66,126

  • Yorba Linda: Pop. 65,621

  • San Clemente: Pop. 65, 338

  • La Habra: Pop. 61,771

  • Fountain Valley: Pop. 57,353

  • Placentia: Pop. 50,323

  • Rancho Santa Margarita: Pop. 49,249

  • Cypress: Pop. 48,863

  • Aliso Viejo: Pop. 45,017

  • Brea: Pop. 39, 584

  • Stanton: Pop. 38,812

  • Dana Point: Pop. 36,765

  • San Juan Capistrano: Pop. 36,078

  • Laguna Hills: Pop. 33,253

  • Seal Beach: Pop. 25,334

  • Laguna Beach: Pop. 24,969

  • Laguna Woods: Pop. 18,371

  • La Palma: Pop. 16,112

  • Los Alamitos: Pop. 12,003

  • Villa Park: Pop. 6,230

  • Unincorporated Areas of Orange County: Pop. 118,664
  • May 11, 2008

    ESCALTOR INJURY: ELDERLY ACCIDENTS ON RISE - CONTACT A CALIFORNIA LAWYER FOR HELP.

    The New York Times has reported that escalator-related injuries to elderly riders are on an alarming rise. People over 65 are more active than ever, but that should not mean that their outings are more dangerous. An injury on an escalator is usually the result of a slip, trip or fall, and injuries can be long-lasting and debilitating. Especially crowded boarding and exiting areas as well faulty machinery can increase the risk of accidents. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an escalator accident in California, please contact an attorney immediately to learn your rights.

    A recent study found that from 1991 to 2005, almost 40,000 elderly were injured on escalators. The yearly escalator-injury rate for that time period was 2660 accidents per year. Frighteningly, the rate is more than double what it was in previous years.

    Escalators_Canary_Wharf.jpgMost of the reported injuries (85%) were caused by slips and falls. Hospitalization was required in numerous occasions, in most cases for broken bones. And women were hurt nearly twice as often as men. Experts urge that all riders, especially elderly ones, use caution when riding escalators.

    Escalator Accident Involving Elderly - Location of Injury:
    Injuries to the following areas were reported. They are listed in order of injury frequency:

    Elderly Escalator-Related Accident - Type of Injury:
    While almost never fatal, damage caused by slipping or falling on an escalator can be painful and require extensive recovery. Here are the most commonly reported injuries:

    • Concussion or other Head Injury

    • Broken Bones, including hips, legs, wrists, and arms

    • Soft Tissue Damage, such as a muscle sprain or strain

    • Skin Lacerations, which can be deep depending on the location and severity of the fall

    If you or a loved on has been injured in an escalator accident, please contact an experienced attorney for help. The Law Offices of Greenberg and Rudman LLP have over 50 years combined experience fighting for your rights. Please call us toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. We will come to your hospital room to sign you up.

    May 5, 2008

    BELL GARDENS, CA PERSONAL INJURY VICTIMS RECEIVE $4.5 MILLION CIVIL JURY AWARD FROM POLICE BEATING

    In Bell Gardens, California, located 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, two men were severely injured at a Halloween party. The men later filed a lawsuit against the officers and the Bell Gardens Police Department (BGPD), claiming that they were beaten without provocation. In a recent trial, a jury found that the men had suffered a deprivation of their civil rights for the officers’ malicious prosecution and excessive force. Consequently, it ordered the police officers and the BGPD to pay $3.2 million in general damages and an additional $1.3 million in punitive damages.

    police_officer.jpgAt trial, the testimony of both sides greatly conflicted. Police claim that, in the course of shutting down the party for a noise disturbance complaint, the two men attacked them first. However, the men claimed that a police officer punched one of them in the chest after only a terse exchange of words. Immediately after, the men alleged that the officers joined together and fired beanbag guns at close proximity, shot partygoers with pepper spray, beat them with batons, and kicked them with their boots. In addition, the men claimed that the police filed false police reports and lied under oath in an attempt to wrongly prosecute the men. After hearing both sides of evidence, the jury believed the men’s story and ordered the awarding of damages.

    If you have been the victim of a wrongful injury inflicted by the police or a public official, you may have a right to recovery for your injuries. To speak to a personal injury attorney regarding your rights, call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now.

    April 23, 2008

    SCHOOL BUS SAFETY: GOVERNMENT WORKING TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM FURTHER ACCIDENT, INJURY AND DEATH.

    The National Transportation Secretary announced a proposal for improving school bus safety late last year. The proposal includes higher seat back requirements and improved seat belt standards in an effort to protect children and assure parents of their safety. Implementation of the planned improvements on the country’s 474,000 school buses should be complete by this November. Approximately 7 passengers die per year in school bus accidents. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a school bus accident in California, please contact a lawyer who can help you.

    school%20bus.jpgSchool Bus Improvement Specifics
    Even though school bus transportation is one of the safest ways to travel, here are the main proposed improvements:

    • Federal Seat Belt Standards
      For full-size buses, federal safety standards for seat belts will be provided for school districts that request new belts. This is the first time such standards have been offered. Monies from the Federal Highway Safety funds will cover the cost.

    • Seat Back Height Adjustment
      Current safety requirements include a 20 inch seat back. The new proposal calls for an increase to a 24 inch seat back. This height augmentation should provide better protection for passengers by preventing taller children and adults from being thrown over bus seats during an accident.

    • Special Seat Belts for Small Buses
      Per the proposal, “three-point belts” will replace lap belts on new small buses, since these buses are more likely to roll over than full-sized ones. This will occur within three years.

    If you or a family member has been involved in an accident with a school bus in California, you should seek the help of an experienced attorney. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We will consult with you to help determine your rights. Don’t hesitate to protect the safety of your child. Please call us now.

    April 16, 2008

    VENTURA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

    The city of Buenaventura, commonly known as Ventura, holds the county seat of Ventura County, CA. With a population of over 100,000 people, the city of Ventura maintains 2 million square feet of sidewalks and 650 miles of streets and alleys. Walking, bicycling and driving in such a large and popular destination can sometimes be dangerous. If you have been injured in an accident in Ventura, please contact a attorney to learn about your rights. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP will provide a FREE consultation for California residents.

    ventura%20city.jpgCar crashes are an all too common occurrence. Additionally the maintenance of roads in a city the size of Ventura is a huge undertaking. Streets begin to deteriorate quickly after construction, even though they are meant to last for decades, and the meeting of safety requirements is absolutely essential in high-traffic areas. Be aware of your surroundings, and do your best to protect yourself and your family.

    If you or a loved one has been injured in Ventura in a street or other type of accident, please contact an experienced law team. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776), where you will receive a confidential and free consultation about your rights. Don’t wait- please call us now.

    April 14, 2008

    POMONA, CA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

    If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury in Pomona, California, it is important that you seek the guidance of experienced legal professionals to help you understand your rights and remedies. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have experience in the following practice areas:
    Pomona_CA_seal.png

    In addition to over 50 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have successfully collected over $150 million for our clients. More importantly, we advance all costs so that you don’t have to pay a dime until we first collect money for you. If you think that you have suffered injury at the wrong of others, call now so that we can give you a personal assessment of your situation. We’ll even come to your home or medical room to sign you up. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9766) now. We’ll do what it takes to help you through this difficult time.

    April 13, 2008

    WOMAN WHO SUFFERS SLIP & FALL INJURY ON STAIRS IN CITY-OWNED PARK GETS FAVORABLE RULING FROM CALIFORNIA APPELLATE COURT; REVERSES CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TRIAL COURT DECISION

    In the slip & fall case, a woman slipped on a City-owned park’s exterior steps that were covered in wet leaves. As a result of the fall, the woman broke three bones in her left foot and another bone in her right foot. The Contra Costa County Superior Court originally found in favor of the City of Antioch. The injured victim sued the City and the landscaping company hired by the City on grounds of negligence for failing to maintain the stairway and causing a dangerous condition. After the reviewing the evidence, the First District CA Court of Appeal overturned that trial court decision excusing liability, and re-submitted the case for trial.

    On the morning of the accident, the woman was dropping off her daughter at a preschool located within the park. Light rain had made the concrete walkway and staircase leading to and from the school wet. The woman, wearing flat-heeled, rubbed soled sandals, slipped when coming down the steps leaving the school. As noted above, the woman suffered broken-bone injuries in her foot. Under section 835 of the Government Code, a public entity must maintain its property in a way that does not create a hazard for foreseeable users. The trial court, however, found that the City successfully avoided liability by showing that it was too costly and impractical to keep their stairs clear of leaves during the fall season, a defense to a dangerous condition suit provided by section 835.4 of the Code.

    stairs%20outdoor.jpgUpon further review of the evidence, the CA appellate court found conflicting evidence that showed that the landscaping company actually had sufficient notice of the dangerous condition and should have been able to clear the leaves prior to the arrival of early morning patrons. Key evidence that support this renewed finding was testimony from the supervisor of the landscaping company that showed that the stairs should have been cleared shortly before the arrival of parents dropping off their children at the preschool. In addition, the court relied on testimony from the victim claiming that she saw landscapers clearing an adjacent area close to where she fell on the stairs at the time of the accident.

    Stairways and walkways in public areas are often a source of slip & fall accidents. Often, the public entity or landlord will be held liable for all injuries associated with these accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered from a trip, slip, or fall in California, you may be owed due compensation for your injuries. Call the professionals at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a complimentary consultation regarding your rights.

    April 8, 2008

    CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT: FALL THROUGH ROOF, SKYLIGHT OR FLOOR CAN CAUSE DEATH AND SERIOUS INJURY. CONTACT A CALIFORNIA LAWYER.

    Construction site workers on rooftops or upper floors are at risk for severe injuries and even death from falling through a roof, skylight or floor. Work-related fatalities resulting from falls is one of the leading causes of death on the job according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, and “fall-thru” events continue to be a serious problem for construction sites across the country. Poor safety and management are usually to blame for these terrible falling incidents, almost of which could be prevented by proper safety installations. If you or a family member has been the victim or a work-related fall through a roof, skylight or floor, please contact an attorney to learn your rights.

    Each year more than 600 construction workers die from falls, many falling from flooring or roofs at lower levels. About 10% of these falling fatalities occurred when employees fell thru a floor, roof, sky light, or other existing opening, such as an elevator portal. The non-fatal injuries reported from these fall-throughs are consistently severe due to the traumatic nature of the accidents and include head injuries, brain injuries and spinal injuries. Not surprisingly, the treatment and recovery required for injuries sustained from fall through a roof are extensive and result in an extremely high number of days of work missed.

    Construction_Workers.jpgBy following the safety guidelines set forth by government agencies, nearly all of these construction fall injuries could be prevented or at least minimized. These guidelines include education of workers, the wearing of personal protection equipment and rail and netting apparatus set-up prior to worker engagement on floor and/or rooftops.

    If you or a loved one has been the victim of a fall at a construction site, please seek the advice of a lawyer. If you are located in California, please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We will provide you with a confidential consultation to help you learn your rights and seek compensation for your losses. Let us help.

    March 26, 2008

    SIX FLAGS THEME PARK ACCIDENT RESULTS IN BACK INJURY: LAWSUIT FILED FOR NEGLIGENCE AND PRODUCT LIABLILTY

    A woman has sued Six Flags Texas and an attraction manufacturer for back pain and neck injuries she received in a park accident in 2006. Her lawsuit charges the theme park with negligence in the operation and maintenance of the ride which includes spinning participants in swing-like chairs. Injuries suffered by nine park-goers included bruising, back strain and neck strain. The lawsuit also claims product defect and “operator error.”

    The accident occurred when mechanical bearings responsible for spinning the ride malfunctioned. In response, the operator deployed the emergency safety mechanism causing the ride to stop and abruptly lower the chairs and patrons inside. This movement caused the riders knock into each other, resulting in neck injury, back injury and bruising. One person was taken to a hospital for back pain.

    roller%20coaster.jpgThe lawsuit claims the ride is “defective and dangerous.” Lawyers for the claimant said that the park had mistreated their client, stating she “couldn't get any cooperation from them, so she felt this was her last recourse.”

    Have you or a loved one been suffered a back or neck injury in an accident in California? Are you the victim of negligence or product liability? Let an experienced attorney help you know your rights. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation. We will come to your hospital room.

    March 19, 2008

    WHIPLASH LAWYER LOS ANGELES: CAR ACCIDENTS AND INJURY ARE COMMON CAUSES (PART I)

    Whiplash, also commonly known as neck sprain or neck strain, is neck pain and stiffness experienced after a sudden or strenuous injury to your neck. Whiplash occurs during motor vehicle accidents, slips or falls, assaults or sporting activities. Wiplash sustained from a car accident usually happens when the victim is struck from behind. Annually, 120,000 people in the U.S. suffer whiplash.

    Whiplash is caused by your head being forced back or forward suddenly, then snapped back to the other direction. This abrupt movement results in sprains (tears or stretches) in the soft tissue of your neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can also damage nerves, and in rare cases, it can even cause broken bones. Your doctors may refer to whiplash as cervical strain, cervical sprain, or hyperextension injury. In this blog, we will discuss Part I of Whiplash, including: Whiplash Causes and Symptoms. Come back for tomorrow’s blog which will cover Part II: Whiplash and Neck Sprain Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

    Whiplash Causes

    • Car Accidents: The speed of the car does not necessarily affect the probability of suffering whiplash in an auto accident. Being struck by a speed as low as 15mph can result in whiplash, even if you are wearing a seat belt.

    • Chronic Neck Strain or Repetitive Stress Injury from work or activities involving consistent neck and head stress (i.e. holding the phone with your neck).

    • A Sudden Blow to the Head resulting from a fall, a falling object or an assault

    • Sports Injuries, especially from rough or contact sports.

    neckpain.jpgWhiplash Symptoms
    Following is a list of neck sprain symptoms. You may have no symptoms immediately after your accident or injury, but feel pain hours or up to a day later. Whiplash symptoms may also fade away only to come back days later. The more quickly your symptoms develop after your injury, the larger the chance of serious damage.

    • Neck pain

    • Neck stiffness

    • Neck swelling

    • Muscle spasms in the back or side of the neck

    • Shooting pain from your neck to your shoulder or arm

    • Pain or stiffness in the arms, shoulders, chest or head

    • Back pain or tenderness

    • Dizziness and headaches

    The following symptoms could mean your wiplash injury is more serious:

    • Severe neck pain or stiffness (inability to move your head)

    • Leg, arm or hand weakness

    • Tingling or numbness your legs, arms, chest or hands

    • Pain that returns after disappearing for a few days

    • Pain going down one or both of your arms

    If you or a loved one have suffered whiplash due to an accident or on the job injury, you should to speak with an attorney. If you are in located in California, call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We are experienced, know you rights and we can help.

    Photo by:Martin Kingsley

    January 20, 2008

    BROKEN BONES COMMON INJURIES IN CAR ACCIDENTS: A LAWYER CAN HELP GET YOU COMPENSATION

    Broken bones (or fractures) occur when the physical force exerted on the bone is stronger than the bone itself. Common causes of broken bones are falls from large heights and motor vehicle accidents. A large number of car accidents result in broken bones and serious fractures because the forces acting on the body in a car accident are usually so severe. Common injuries include broken legs, broken arms, broken wrists, broken ankles, broken pelvis and broken jaw bones. Serious breaks of the bone sustained in a car crash are also more likely to require surgery as the type of break may be more severe than a simple fracture. The repair of a fracture is a gradual process and generally requires the bone to be immobilized for several weeks. Once stabilized into position, it is important to build up strength in the healing bone through movement, exercise and physiotherapy. Unfortunately fractures can take a substantial amount of time to fully heal. The severity of a fracture depends upon its location and the damage done to the bone and tissue near it. Serious fractures can have dangerous complications if not treated promptly; possible complications include damage to blood vessels or nerves and infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) or surrounding tissue. Recuperation time varies depending on the age and health of the patient and the type of fracture. A minor fracture in a child may heal within a few weeks; a serious fracture in an older person may take months to heal. If your fracture injuries were due to an accident or incident where you were not at fault, you can make a personal injury claim and can seek compensation against the person responsible. If you have been injured in any type of accident, you should contact a lawyer to know your rights. You may be entitled to additional medical care and monetary compensation. If you are located in the state of California, please call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776).

    broken%20arm.jpg

    TYPES OF FRACTURES
    There are many types of fractures, but the main categories are simple and compound (whether or not the bone breaks through the skin) and complete and incomplete (the way the bone breaks). In a simple fracture, also called a closed fracture, the bone breaks but there is no open wound in the skin. A compound fracture, also referred to as an open fracture, is when the bone breaks through the skin; it may then recede back into the wound and not be visible through the skin. Complete and incomplete fractures refer to the manner in which the bone breaks. In a complete fracture, the bone breaks into two or more parts. In the case of an incomplete fracture, the bone cracks but does not break all the way through. Simple fractures include:

    Buckle Fracture: Part of