Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

Developed as a planned city, the City of Irvine in Orange County, CA is home to several educational institutions such as the University of California – Irvine, Concordia University, University of Southern California (Orange County Center), as well as satellite locations for several other major California universities. In 2007, it even won the designation as Safest City in the US. However, accidents can occur even in the safest city of America. These accidents can include but aren’t limited to: traffic collisions, slip, trip and fall on public or private property, work place injuries, and even pedestrian accidents. An unfortunate result of these accidents is often severe personal injury or, in the most unfortunate of circumstances, death.

During this troublesome time, it is important that you seek the help and guidance of an experienced professional. You may be unaware of all of the possible remedies that may be available to you. When looking for a lawyer, it’s important to choose someone who has a long, reputable history of successful legal work. The last thing you need is for your attorney to take advantage of you or fail to fulfill his or her duties to you. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP only work with your best interests in mind. With over 50 years of combined experience and over $150 million collected for their clients, they work hard to make sure you are happy. To minimize your own risk, our attorneys won’t collect any legal fees unless they collect money for you first. In addition, all up-front costs are paid by the firm. If you’ve been injured in Irvine, California, call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation on your situation. We’ll even come to you to sign you up.

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Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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The fourth largest city in California, Santa Clarita is home to over 177,000 residents and ranked #18 in its Money magazine’s “Top Places to Live” list. However, unexpected accidents can happen anywhere and finding the right attorney is important when damages and injuries are involved. Before selecting an attorney, you should know what to expect as far as expenditures go:

• In the state of California, it costs over $300 to file a lawsuit


• Stenographers hired to record the testimony taken during depositions cost approximately $1,000


• In some cases, private investigators must be hired


• Other administration costs such as mailing, long-distance telephone calls, and messengers also add up quickly


• Expert witnesses needed for technical subject matters are extremely costly


• If a case actually goes to trial, tens of thousands of dollars can easily be spent

If you are like the average individual, you may not have or want to front all of these costs up front, especially if a successful outcome is not guaranteed. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are so confident in their ability to help you recover that they will front all expenses associated with the lawsuit. In fact, they only recoup the costs if they are able to collect money on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an automobile accident, tort injury, work-related incident, or on the premises of another entity, the experienced attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP are the professionals for you. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free consultation.

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Posted In: PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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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:

• Motor vehicle (car, truck, bus) accidents


• Premises liability (slip & fall, trip & fall, workplace & construction injuries)


• Dog bites and animal attacks


• Defective products


• Pharmaceutical injury and medical malpractice


• Toxic, environmental torts


• Injuries such as burn, spinal cord, brain, broken bones, back pain

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.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , INSURANCE BAD FAITH , MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , OTHER COMMON INJURIES , PHARMACEUTICAL , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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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.

Upon 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.

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES , PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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Santa Ana, CA is the most highly populated city in Orange County. Many of its residents were drawn to the city due to the availability of multi-housing units dating back from the 1970s. As with all residential properties, the potential for premises liability is common. Whether due to the negligence of a landowner or landlord (in the case of rental property), severe injuries can result when premises are not maintained in a safe manner.

If you have been injured on the premises of another in the state of California, you may have a right to recovery for your damages. Generally speaking, landlords have obligations to their tenants in the following ways:

• Duty to exercise due care in the management of their property


• Duty to inspect the property for dangerous conditions


• Duty to repair defects


• Warranty of habitability that requires rental properties to be maintained a safe, clean, and habitable condition


• Duty to maintain their property up to building codes


• Duty to take affirmative action to protects its tenants from outside parties that the landlord knows may pose a danger to tenants

To understand whether your injury on another’s premises is the results of negligence in California, you should contact the personal injury professionals at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP. We’ve negotiated millions in settlements and trial verdicts for our clients. In addition to advancing all costs, we won’t charge you unless we successfully recover money for you. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation now.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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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.

By 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.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , OTHER COMMON INJURIES , PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Have you been the victim of an accident or injury in Oxnard, CA? Oxnard is the largest city in Ventura County, California in terms of population and with nearly 200,000 residents, accidents are bound to happen. If you or a loved one has suffered any type of personal injury including bodily harm, emotional distress, disease or sickness as the result of another person’s negligence, you need to consult with an experienced and respected California injury attorney immediately. We will protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation and damages you deserve.

Sometimes when a person is hurt, especially in a car accident or in a public area, they may not be at fault. Learn if you have been a victim of someone else’s neglect. You may be entitled to payment for your suffering. We are trial attorneys with 50 years combined experience and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Let us help you. If you have been injured in California, please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free legal consultation regarding your rights. We will come straight to your hospital room to sign you up.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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If you have been hurt by a motor vehicle accident, slip or fall, faulty product, dog bite or negligence in San Fernando Valley, CA, we can help you. As personal injury attorneys, representing individuals who are victims of accidents is our specialty. Whether a car accident or construction accident, negligent maintenance or product liability, we know your rights and understand your physical or emotional injury. We are experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers, and our outstanding results include numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence or wrongdoing of another in California, you need assistance from successful and knowledgeable injury lawyers. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) today for a free and confidential consultation. We will come to your house or hospital room to sign you up. We’re here to help.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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An appellate court recently reversed a decision by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County today to find that a trial is necessary to determine whether the recessed drain met building code requirements and whether the landlord is liable for failure to maintain safe premises. Three years ago, an elderly woman tripped due to the uneven nature of a brick-paved walkway in her apartment complex. As a result of the fall, the accident victim suffered a cervical fracture and broken teeth. The main issue in this case was whether a recessed drain constituted a dangerous condition created by the landlord.

In its initial finding, the trial court found that landlord was not responsible for the elderly woman’s fall because the drain was an ‘open and obvious’ condition that the woman had seen before. In addition, it found that the accident occurred in broad daylight on a sunny day with no obstructions or debris on the ground. In addition, expert testimony presented by the landlord found that the drain was embedded into the walkway in a manner consistent with industry guidelines.

On appeal, the court decided that that opposing testimony by an expert for the plaintiff woman constituted sufficient reason as to bring the case to trial. The opposing expert, a reconstruction and safety expert/ consultant, testified that the slope to the drain was drastically more severe than found in customary drains. In addition, he found that a lack of warning or color distinctions to signal a dramatically recessed drain constituted a hazard that landowner could have easily prevented. Finally, in a survey of other drains in the complex, he found that the drain in question was unique in its degree of recession. Another expert for the plaintiff, a licensed general constructor familiar with the City of Glendale’s Municipal Code, also found that the location where the elderly woman fell was on in compliance with city codes.

After hearing all of the expert evidence presented, the Los Angeles appellate court reversed the trial court’s initial finding in favor of defendant landlord. Enough opposing evidence was found to warrant the case to be heard and decided at trial. If you have suffered an accident at or near your home in California that you believe is due to unsafe conditions created by your landlord, you may be entitled to compensation from your injuries. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are experienced in helping clients recover from trip/slip & fall accidents. Call now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free consultation in California.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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Ventura County is the home to over 750,000 people. Each year in California, thousands of innocent people are the victims of accidents involving negligence. If you have been injured as the result of a car accident, a negligent product, or dangerous public or work premises, you may be entitled to receive damages for your suffering. Accidents can cause serious emotional and physical pain, and we are here to help you through this difficult time.

The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are an experienced and respected Southern California law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of people injured through the negligence of others. With an extensive record of trial and settlement success, we know how to represent your needs and fight for your rights.

If you or a family member has been injured by the negligence of another in California, let a personal injury attorney help. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) today for a free and confidential consultation. We’re here for you.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , PHARMACEUTICAL , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Whiplash, a potentially serious injury, is characterized by neck pain and stiffness experienced after a sudden or strenuous injury to your neck. Also known as neck sprain or neck strain, whiplash occurs during motor vehicle accidents, slips or falls, assaults or sporting activities. In yesterday’s blog, we wrote about Part 1 of Whiplash- Causes and Symptoms. Today, our blog discusses the diagnosis of whiplash, along with neck pain treatment and prevention.

Whiplash Diagnosis
If you believe you have sustained whiplash from a car accident or other injury, consult a doctor immediately. After taking a medical history, your doctor will perform a careful head and neck examination. The doctor may order X-rays, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computerized tomography) scan to see if any neck bones have been broken and to search for other injuries.

Neck Pain and Whiplash Treatment
Though your pain may subside earlier, your neck can take up to three months to heal completely. If your whiplash is severe, recovery time may take up to a year.

In the meantime, there are many things you can do at home to improve whiplash. Here are some treatment suggestions:

• An ice pack (or cold pack) on your neck for 10 to 15 minutes at a time for 2 or 3 days can ease pain. You may also try switching between hot and cold. If you have swelling, do not use heat.


• An orthopedic pillow or tightly rolled towel placed under your neck instead of your pillow can provide relief for sleeping.


• Wear a soft foam collar. They support your neck and are available at drugstores. The collar should be used for temporary treatment, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.


• Pain medicine such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can ease your discomfort. Muscles relaxers or stronger pain medication may be prescribed by your doctor for those suffering from severe or long-lasting pain.


• Stay away from work or activities that include heavy lifting or sports which require head movement.


• Physical therapy as prescribed by a doctor helps many whiplash sufferers.


• After your pain goes away, perform gentle neck and back-stretching exercises, as prescribed by your physician or physical therapist.

Whiplash Prevention

• Always wear your seatbelt to prevent whiplash while driving. Also make sure that your headrest is adjusted to the appropriate height (the middle should be flush with the tops of your ears).


• The effectiveness of airbags preventing or minimizing whiplash is still being studied.

Let us help you. If you or a family member have suffered whiplash due to an accident or at work injury, please 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, and we know your rights.

Photo by PDAgrl

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , SLIP & FALL

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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.

Whiplash 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

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , OTHER COMMON INJURIES , SLIP & FALL

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If you or someone close to you has suffered from a workplace accident in Torrance, California due to the negligence of your employer, you should seek the guidance of an experienced attorney. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are here to help you recover money for your medical expenses, pain & suffering, and lost wages.

Ranked as the sixth largest city in LA County, Torrance is known for being a major hub of commerce. Having historically produced a lot of oil in the region, Torrance is now home to a major gasoline refinery owned by ExxonMobil. In addition, it boasts the headquarters of two of the three largest Japanese automakers, Toyota Motor Sales USA and American Honda Company. The city also houses big companies in the following industries: aerospace, automotive aftermarket, electronics, footwear, and even baked goods.

Because of the nature of its major industries, on the job injuries are common in Torrance. According to data published by the CA Dept. of Industrial Relations, non-fatal occupation injuries were highest in the manufacturing sector. Some of the more common causes of workplace accidents involved falling objects, employees falling off ladders or elevated structures, and injury from factory machinery, trucks, and forklifts.

The qualified attorneys at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman have extensive experience dealing with both premises liability and workplace injuries. With over 50 years of combined experience, we have collected over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. A few examples of successful case outcomes include:

• $6.5 million trial verdict/ settlement for dangerous condition of property


• $6.1 million settlement for a worker injured by a fallen pallet load

If you have suffered a debilitating injury in California, call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-262-9776) to learn more about your rights. Your initial consultation is free, and we’ll even come to you to sign you up. We just want to do what’s best for you.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , PREMISES LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL

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