California's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, demanding that the 2 companies respond to questions as part of a state investigation.
The office of Attorney General Kamala Harris, has filed the lawsuit, which demands that, the 2 mortgage firms, which own 60% of the mortgages in California, respond to questions on the companies’ contribution to the mortgage crisis. The California Attorney General wants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to respond to 51 investigative subpoenas, asking them to identify all the homes in California that they have foreclosed.
The lawsuit is also asking the 2 mortgage companies to disclose whether they have any information about the reduced value of those residential properties due to criminal activity, including drug dealing and prostitution or the location of weapons on those properties. The mortgage firms are also being asked to disclose whether they are in full compliance with civil rights laws that protect certain groups of people, like members of the Armed Forces and minority communities from unlawful convictions and foreclosures.
California personal bankruptcy lawyers will definitely monitor the proceedings in this lawsuit. At the crux of the lawsuit is a question about whether states have the right to question mortgage firms which are governed by federal law. However, the California Attorney General says that since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac owned properties in California, they are subject to California laws.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taken over by the federal government in an attempt to save them from collapse in 2008. The 2 companies were placed in a conservatorship under the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The agency’s attorneys say that the subpoenas presented by the California Attorney General's office are vague and ambiguous. The companies also claim that the state attorney general does not have the power to issue subpoenas against the federal agency.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy Protection
One of the last major airline companies in the United States to avoid Chapter 11 has finally decided to restructure to begin anew. AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines announced that it has filed for bankruptcy protection.
According to the company, the reason for the bankruptcy filing is high labor costs as well as the unstable economy. One of the main goals that the company is aiming for out of its bankruptcy proceedings is lowered labor costs. The company has recently been in talks with labor unions, but those talks were stopped earlier this month.
Until last Tuesday when it filed for bankruptcy protection, the airline was the last major carrier network in the United States to avoid bankruptcy since the September 11 attacks. Many of American Airlines’ competitors have dealt with their financial difficulties by dealing directly with labor problems. They have renegotiated labor contracts, and restructured debt by consulting with California bankruptcy attorneys. Some of these airlines have been able to turn their balance sheets around since then, reporting solid profit margins.
AMR Corp. declared a net loss of $804 million in the first 9 months of 2011. That was more than double the company's losses during the same time last year. Another factor in the company’s financial troubles has been increased competition in the airline industry. In recent years, competitors like Southwest Airlines have grabbed a major slice of market share. In order to meet competition, the company was forced to increase its borrowing, pledging all assets, leaving it heavily in debt.
According to the company, the airline will function as normal throughout the bankruptcy and restructuring process. Passengers are not expected to be affected by the bankruptcy proceedings. All flights will operate as scheduled, and all frequent flyer programs will be honored.
According to the company, the reason for the bankruptcy filing is high labor costs as well as the unstable economy. One of the main goals that the company is aiming for out of its bankruptcy proceedings is lowered labor costs. The company has recently been in talks with labor unions, but those talks were stopped earlier this month.
Until last Tuesday when it filed for bankruptcy protection, the airline was the last major carrier network in the United States to avoid bankruptcy since the September 11 attacks. Many of American Airlines’ competitors have dealt with their financial difficulties by dealing directly with labor problems. They have renegotiated labor contracts, and restructured debt by consulting with California bankruptcy attorneys. Some of these airlines have been able to turn their balance sheets around since then, reporting solid profit margins.
AMR Corp. declared a net loss of $804 million in the first 9 months of 2011. That was more than double the company's losses during the same time last year. Another factor in the company’s financial troubles has been increased competition in the airline industry. In recent years, competitors like Southwest Airlines have grabbed a major slice of market share. In order to meet competition, the company was forced to increase its borrowing, pledging all assets, leaving it heavily in debt.
According to the company, the airline will function as normal throughout the bankruptcy and restructuring process. Passengers are not expected to be affected by the bankruptcy proceedings. All flights will operate as scheduled, and all frequent flyer programs will be honored.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Increase in California Foreclosures as Talks between State and Federal Officials Stall
Banks increased foreclosure activity in August, contributing to an increasing number of foreclosures in the third quarter of 2011. This brings to a close a nearly year-long let-up in foreclosure activity across the state.
According to DataQuick, the number of notices of default filed increased by close to 26% over the second quarter. During the second quarter, the number of notices of default filed had dropped to a three-year low. During the quarter that ended September 30, an estimated 71,275 notices of default were filed against California homes. For any homeowner or California foreclosure alternative lawyer, filing of a notice of default denotes the first step in the foreclosure process.
Most of the homes that are now going into foreclosure were purchased with loans that were made between 2005 and 2007, the peak of the housing bubble. During that time, many loans were made to people who did not have the means to repay them, resulting in numerous foreclosures.
Investigations found that banks had used faulty documentation and shoddy practices in order to speed up loan approvals. Additionally, there were numerous investigations into foreclosure and mortgage practices that led to a backlog of distressed properties. Now, banks have accelerated foreclosure activity again.
The increase in foreclosures also comes as talks between California and federal officials over a broad foreclosure settlement have stalled. The talks involve the five largest national mortgage service providers, and state attorney generals. California recently decided to drop out of the talks, and resolve the foreclosure crisis in the state on its own. California Atty. Gen, Kamala Harris has been unhappy with the negotiations with mortgage service providers because she believes that the banks are being offered broad relief from legal liability in these foreclosures.
According to DataQuick, the number of notices of default filed increased by close to 26% over the second quarter. During the second quarter, the number of notices of default filed had dropped to a three-year low. During the quarter that ended September 30, an estimated 71,275 notices of default were filed against California homes. For any homeowner or California foreclosure alternative lawyer, filing of a notice of default denotes the first step in the foreclosure process.
Most of the homes that are now going into foreclosure were purchased with loans that were made between 2005 and 2007, the peak of the housing bubble. During that time, many loans were made to people who did not have the means to repay them, resulting in numerous foreclosures.
Investigations found that banks had used faulty documentation and shoddy practices in order to speed up loan approvals. Additionally, there were numerous investigations into foreclosure and mortgage practices that led to a backlog of distressed properties. Now, banks have accelerated foreclosure activity again.
The increase in foreclosures also comes as talks between California and federal officials over a broad foreclosure settlement have stalled. The talks involve the five largest national mortgage service providers, and state attorney generals. California recently decided to drop out of the talks, and resolve the foreclosure crisis in the state on its own. California Atty. Gen, Kamala Harris has been unhappy with the negotiations with mortgage service providers because she believes that the banks are being offered broad relief from legal liability in these foreclosures.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
California Democrats Call on Federal Administration to Take Action on Foreclosures
Frustration over the state’s continually high number of foreclosures is causing concern among California foreclosure lawyers and lawmakers too. California House Democrats last week criticized the Obama administration for not doing enough to resolve the foreclosure crisis.
The Democratic delegation has sent a letter to the president, asking him to take measures that housing groups have been pushing for ever since the financial crisis began. These measures include refinancing all mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and allowing principal write-downs of certain mortgages through bankruptcy protection in order to avoid foreclosures. The measures also include establishing a Homeowners’ Bill of Rights that would require the review of documents in a timely manner and include other changes that benefit homeowners.
Much of this criticism of the administration’s handling of the foreclosure crisis has to do with the fact that next year is an election year, and many of California's lawmakers are bound to face disgruntled voters. Some lawmakers, like those in the Central Valley district, may find this to be an especially difficult election, because these areas have been hit especially hard by foreclosures.
While the Obama administration has called on regulators who are currently overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to allow more refinancing, it has rejected mandatory refinancing of all mortgages. Measures like this would add to the federal administration's already huge bailout bill.
The federal administration has responded to California lawmakers’ concerns by assuring them that the president is already taking measures to help struggling homeowners, especially those in states like California with a massive foreclosure crisis. The Hardest Hit Fund will be diverging funds to states that have the most foreclosures, including $2 billion to California.
The Democratic delegation has sent a letter to the president, asking him to take measures that housing groups have been pushing for ever since the financial crisis began. These measures include refinancing all mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and allowing principal write-downs of certain mortgages through bankruptcy protection in order to avoid foreclosures. The measures also include establishing a Homeowners’ Bill of Rights that would require the review of documents in a timely manner and include other changes that benefit homeowners.
Much of this criticism of the administration’s handling of the foreclosure crisis has to do with the fact that next year is an election year, and many of California's lawmakers are bound to face disgruntled voters. Some lawmakers, like those in the Central Valley district, may find this to be an especially difficult election, because these areas have been hit especially hard by foreclosures.
While the Obama administration has called on regulators who are currently overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to allow more refinancing, it has rejected mandatory refinancing of all mortgages. Measures like this would add to the federal administration's already huge bailout bill.
The federal administration has responded to California lawmakers’ concerns by assuring them that the president is already taking measures to help struggling homeowners, especially those in states like California with a massive foreclosure crisis. The Hardest Hit Fund will be diverging funds to states that have the most foreclosures, including $2 billion to California.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Toyota’s Auto Safety Efforts Focus on Prevention of Teen, Senior-Related Accidents
With some of the worst years in its history just behind it, Toyota Motor Co. is battling to regain some of its reputation for safety by backing high-end research and developing partnerships with leading universities around the country. In January, the automaker announced that it would spend $50 million on its Collaborative Safety Research Center over the next five years.
The center, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will focus on technologies to prevent accidents involving children, teenagers and seniors. Further, the company will invest heavily in research into accident prevention technologies and accident reconstruction.
Toyota continues to face hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits filed by San Fernando Valley car accident lawyers and involving sudden and unintended acceleration in its vehicles. Unintended acceleration was the primary factor in several Toyota recalls since 2009. However, the company has also announced a number of other recalls for a variety of safety issues. These recalls have severely damaged Toyota’s credibility and reputation. Toyota hopes that its new investments in auto safety efforts will diminish the damaging impact of its recent recalls.
The company has announced partnerships with some of the brightest minds in the engineering industry, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's AgeLab, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Transportation Safety Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study. Additionally, Toyota researchers will also work together with researchers from the University of Michigan, the Children's Hospital Philadelphia as well as the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
One of the company’s major focuses as part of its auto safety efforts is researching the effectiveness of voice-activated communication systems in automobiles. In this effort, the company is partnering with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company also wants to probe technologies to prevent accidents involving seniors and teen motorists, and ways to keep children safer in traffic accidents.
The center, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will focus on technologies to prevent accidents involving children, teenagers and seniors. Further, the company will invest heavily in research into accident prevention technologies and accident reconstruction.
Toyota continues to face hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits filed by San Fernando Valley car accident lawyers and involving sudden and unintended acceleration in its vehicles. Unintended acceleration was the primary factor in several Toyota recalls since 2009. However, the company has also announced a number of other recalls for a variety of safety issues. These recalls have severely damaged Toyota’s credibility and reputation. Toyota hopes that its new investments in auto safety efforts will diminish the damaging impact of its recent recalls.
The company has announced partnerships with some of the brightest minds in the engineering industry, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's AgeLab, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Transportation Safety Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study. Additionally, Toyota researchers will also work together with researchers from the University of Michigan, the Children's Hospital Philadelphia as well as the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
One of the company’s major focuses as part of its auto safety efforts is researching the effectiveness of voice-activated communication systems in automobiles. In this effort, the company is partnering with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company also wants to probe technologies to prevent accidents involving seniors and teen motorists, and ways to keep children safer in traffic accidents.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
California Company Announces Recall of Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Injury Risks
A company based in Murrieta, California has announced a recall of more than 6,000 off-road motorcycles because of the risks of fall accident hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and KTM North America Inc. announced the recall.
The recall includes 6,117 off-road motorcycles because of the risk that the handlebar clamp can develop cracks while in use. This can cause the handlebars to move from position, posing a serious fall and accident hazard to a motorcyclist. The recall involves all 2011 KTM and Husaberg off-road motorcycles.
According to KTM North America, it has received at least one report of an accident caused because of this defect. In this incident, the handlebar clamps cracked, and handlebars were left unsecured. The motorcyclist was thrown off his vehicle, and received injuries that were serious enough for him to be hospitalized.
KTM bikes that are included in the recall come with the model name and the KTM logo on the right and left shrouds. The Husaberg motorcycles that are included in the recall include models FE and FX. These bikes were blue, yellow and white in color. These motorcycles were sold between April 2010 and May 2011. The motorcycles were manufactured in Austria.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants consumers to stop using the recalled motorcycles immediately, and contact KTM or Husaberg dealers immediately for free repairs.
Not all accidents that Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers come across are caused by the negligence of motorists. Many accidents every year are caused because of a defective component in the motorcycle. Besides defective handlebar clamps, there may be defects in the motorcycle tires and wheels. Motorcycle defects are even more dangerous than auto defects, because motorcyclists already have minimal protection preventing injuries in a motorcycle accident. Even a minor mechanical malfunction can cause the motorcyclist to be thrown off, resulting in a severe personal injuries or even wrongful death.
The recall includes 6,117 off-road motorcycles because of the risk that the handlebar clamp can develop cracks while in use. This can cause the handlebars to move from position, posing a serious fall and accident hazard to a motorcyclist. The recall involves all 2011 KTM and Husaberg off-road motorcycles.
According to KTM North America, it has received at least one report of an accident caused because of this defect. In this incident, the handlebar clamps cracked, and handlebars were left unsecured. The motorcyclist was thrown off his vehicle, and received injuries that were serious enough for him to be hospitalized.
KTM bikes that are included in the recall come with the model name and the KTM logo on the right and left shrouds. The Husaberg motorcycles that are included in the recall include models FE and FX. These bikes were blue, yellow and white in color. These motorcycles were sold between April 2010 and May 2011. The motorcycles were manufactured in Austria.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants consumers to stop using the recalled motorcycles immediately, and contact KTM or Husaberg dealers immediately for free repairs.
Not all accidents that Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers come across are caused by the negligence of motorists. Many accidents every year are caused because of a defective component in the motorcycle. Besides defective handlebar clamps, there may be defects in the motorcycle tires and wheels. Motorcycle defects are even more dangerous than auto defects, because motorcyclists already have minimal protection preventing injuries in a motorcycle accident. Even a minor mechanical malfunction can cause the motorcyclist to be thrown off, resulting in a severe personal injuries or even wrongful death.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What Can I Use My Probate Cash Advance for?
When a probate cash company offers you an advance on your inheritance, there are no restrictions on what you can use the money for. There are a number of reasons why a person might need a probate cash advance. For instance, there may be debts to clear, and mortgages to pay off. Sometimes, a person may be in line for a large inheritance, and might need cash to meet his daily expenses while he waits for the probate process to be completed.
California probate cash lawyers would not encourage persons to grab an inheritance cash advance without thinking about what exactly they need this money for. Your inheritance is a gift for you from the deceased, who likely spent much time and effort in determining that you were the best person to receive it. The last thing you want to do is run through it, and find that you have spent more of your inheritance than you're comfortable with, a few months down the line.
The bottom line is that any frivolous or irresponsible spending can be harmful for your future financial health. This is especially true if your inheritance isn't a very large-sized one to begin with. This may not be the right time to decide that you want an LED TV or some other equally unnecessary purchase.
While your California probate cash advance company will not stop you from spending your cash on whatever you like, it's highly advisable that you spend it on something that either makes money for you in the long run, or reduces your debt. For instance, you could use your probate cash advance to pay off your credit card debt. Another good idea would be to use your cash advance to fatten your retirement account.
California probate cash lawyers would not encourage persons to grab an inheritance cash advance without thinking about what exactly they need this money for. Your inheritance is a gift for you from the deceased, who likely spent much time and effort in determining that you were the best person to receive it. The last thing you want to do is run through it, and find that you have spent more of your inheritance than you're comfortable with, a few months down the line.
The bottom line is that any frivolous or irresponsible spending can be harmful for your future financial health. This is especially true if your inheritance isn't a very large-sized one to begin with. This may not be the right time to decide that you want an LED TV or some other equally unnecessary purchase.
While your California probate cash advance company will not stop you from spending your cash on whatever you like, it's highly advisable that you spend it on something that either makes money for you in the long run, or reduces your debt. For instance, you could use your probate cash advance to pay off your credit card debt. Another good idea would be to use your cash advance to fatten your retirement account.
What You Can Expect after Bankruptcy
There are several advantages you can expect if you make the decision to apply for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. However, filing for bankruptcy does have at least a few unpleasant consequences.
The biggest impact that a bankruptcy can have is on your credit record. You can expect the bankruptcy to remain on your credit record for a period of 10 years. During this time, you may find it difficult to purchase a home, buy a car, or purchase life insurance.
When you file for bankruptcy protection, you can expect to lose at least some of your luxuries. You will also automatically lose your credit cards. Once you file for bankruptcy protection, you may not be able to obtain a mortgage in the short term. However, you may be eligible for a mortgage again after five years.
Additionally, filing for bankruptcy does not mean all of your debts are completely eliminated. Some kinds of debt like student loans may still remain on your record.
Besides, there's the emotional impact of filing for bankruptcy. For most people who put off a declaration of bankruptcy, the reason is very often simply a reluctance to admit defeat.
The above reasons are not meant to discourage you if you are considering filing for bankruptcy. There are several benefits to filing for bankruptcy protection, including the elimination of harassment by creditors. Los Angeles bankruptcy lawyers would however recommend that a person filing for bankruptcy is well aware of all possible consequences of these actions.
The good news is that almost none of these consequences will actually last over the long-term. After a few years, you may be able to get your life back on track, and eliminate the bankruptcy from your record.
The biggest impact that a bankruptcy can have is on your credit record. You can expect the bankruptcy to remain on your credit record for a period of 10 years. During this time, you may find it difficult to purchase a home, buy a car, or purchase life insurance.
When you file for bankruptcy protection, you can expect to lose at least some of your luxuries. You will also automatically lose your credit cards. Once you file for bankruptcy protection, you may not be able to obtain a mortgage in the short term. However, you may be eligible for a mortgage again after five years.
Additionally, filing for bankruptcy does not mean all of your debts are completely eliminated. Some kinds of debt like student loans may still remain on your record.
Besides, there's the emotional impact of filing for bankruptcy. For most people who put off a declaration of bankruptcy, the reason is very often simply a reluctance to admit defeat.
The above reasons are not meant to discourage you if you are considering filing for bankruptcy. There are several benefits to filing for bankruptcy protection, including the elimination of harassment by creditors. Los Angeles bankruptcy lawyers would however recommend that a person filing for bankruptcy is well aware of all possible consequences of these actions.
The good news is that almost none of these consequences will actually last over the long-term. After a few years, you may be able to get your life back on track, and eliminate the bankruptcy from your record.
Study on Motorcycle Safety Promises New Observations about Preventing Accidents
When the Motorcycle Safety Foundation announced that it would be initiating its own study into motorcycle accident causation relying on naturalistic methods, Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers were intrigued. That study has now begun.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's study emerged out of the group’s disapproval of another study commissioned by the federal government. That study was to have been conducted by the Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma Transportation Center, and initially was designed to analyze 900 motorcycle accidents. However, due to funding concerns, the number of motorcycle accidents that would be included in the study was soon reduced to 300. At this point, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation withdrew its pledge of funding approximately $3 million for that study.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation study is being assisted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Administration.
The naturalistic study uses strategically positioned, unobtrusive video cameras on motorcycles. The cameras will record motorcyclists’ riding behavior, especially the events that surround an accident. This is real-time data which doesn't get any more authentic. Through these cameras, researchers will be able to pinpoint the causes surrounding the crash, and determine the kind of motorcyclist behavior that contributed to, or prevented a crash. This is the world's first naturalistic study into motorcycle crash causation.
A total of 100 motorcycle riders will be recruited for the MSF 100 Motorcyclist Naturalistic Study. Anonymous motorcyclists have been recruited on the basis of the age and model of the motorcycle. The motorcycles will be equipped with extensive recording equipment, including five video cameras, a GPS receiver, gyro, accelerometers, sensors and trackers. With this equipment, the researchers hope to capture data that is comprehensive and accurate, providing results that could help develop stronger and updated motorcycle accident prevention policies.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's study emerged out of the group’s disapproval of another study commissioned by the federal government. That study was to have been conducted by the Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma Transportation Center, and initially was designed to analyze 900 motorcycle accidents. However, due to funding concerns, the number of motorcycle accidents that would be included in the study was soon reduced to 300. At this point, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation withdrew its pledge of funding approximately $3 million for that study.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation study is being assisted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Administration.
The naturalistic study uses strategically positioned, unobtrusive video cameras on motorcycles. The cameras will record motorcyclists’ riding behavior, especially the events that surround an accident. This is real-time data which doesn't get any more authentic. Through these cameras, researchers will be able to pinpoint the causes surrounding the crash, and determine the kind of motorcyclist behavior that contributed to, or prevented a crash. This is the world's first naturalistic study into motorcycle crash causation.
A total of 100 motorcycle riders will be recruited for the MSF 100 Motorcyclist Naturalistic Study. Anonymous motorcyclists have been recruited on the basis of the age and model of the motorcycle. The motorcycles will be equipped with extensive recording equipment, including five video cameras, a GPS receiver, gyro, accelerometers, sensors and trackers. With this equipment, the researchers hope to capture data that is comprehensive and accurate, providing results that could help develop stronger and updated motorcycle accident prevention policies.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
CHP Urges Caution after String of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego
San Diego County recorded some of the highest numbers of motorcycle accidents in California in 2009. The California Highway Patrol is now urging motorists to exercise greater caution while driving.
In 2009, they were 1,100 motorcycle accidents in San Diego County. Out of these, twenty-six occurred at a particularly dangerous intersection. In 2010, there had been seven fatal motorcycle accidents, and during the first six months of 2011 alone, there have been five fatal motorcycle accidents here. In San Diego, motorcycle accident fatalities account for a large percentage of the total accident fatality toll every year. They account for less than 5% of vehicles, but comprise more than 30% of the total number of accident fatalities annually.
The California Highway Patrol and California motorcycle accident lawyers have been sufficiently concerned to urge motorists to look out especially closely for motorcyclists this summer. According to the CHP, the worst intersection for motorcyclists in San Diego County is a particular intersection in the East County where there have been more than twenty-six motorcycle accidents. Out of these, more than 50% of the accidents involved motorcycles and cars.
The California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to slow down while driving, especially when they're near intersections. In fact, according to the agency, approximately 90% of motorcycle accidents would not even occur if motorists were driving at safe speeds.
Drivers must look out for motorcyclists near intersections, and also in their blind spots. A motorcyclist can easily be hidden in the driver's blind spot, emerging suddenly out of seemingly nowhere, with dangerous consequences. Motorcyclists can also do their part by learning about the blind spots in a motorist’s field of vision, like right behind the car, and avoiding staying in these fields for long.
In 2009, they were 1,100 motorcycle accidents in San Diego County. Out of these, twenty-six occurred at a particularly dangerous intersection. In 2010, there had been seven fatal motorcycle accidents, and during the first six months of 2011 alone, there have been five fatal motorcycle accidents here. In San Diego, motorcycle accident fatalities account for a large percentage of the total accident fatality toll every year. They account for less than 5% of vehicles, but comprise more than 30% of the total number of accident fatalities annually.
The California Highway Patrol and California motorcycle accident lawyers have been sufficiently concerned to urge motorists to look out especially closely for motorcyclists this summer. According to the CHP, the worst intersection for motorcyclists in San Diego County is a particular intersection in the East County where there have been more than twenty-six motorcycle accidents. Out of these, more than 50% of the accidents involved motorcycles and cars.
The California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to slow down while driving, especially when they're near intersections. In fact, according to the agency, approximately 90% of motorcycle accidents would not even occur if motorists were driving at safe speeds.
Drivers must look out for motorcyclists near intersections, and also in their blind spots. A motorcyclist can easily be hidden in the driver's blind spot, emerging suddenly out of seemingly nowhere, with dangerous consequences. Motorcyclists can also do their part by learning about the blind spots in a motorist’s field of vision, like right behind the car, and avoiding staying in these fields for long.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Decline in Auto Accident Deaths in California Last Year
For the fifth consecutive year, there has been a drop in car accident fatalities in the state of California. According to statistics by the California Office of Traffic Safety, auto accident fatalities in 2010 dropped to 2,715 from 3,081 deaths in 2009. That was an 11.9% drop, and is the biggest drop recorded in California since 1944. For some more perspective, it is a drop of 37% from 2005.
The California Office of Traffic Safety attributes this decline to a number of factors, including increased and high visibility enforcement, expanded use of sobriety checkpoints across California, as well as the use of public awareness campaigns. However, Los Angeles car accident attorneys believe that the drop has much more to do with the fact that people are driving safer cars and that there are now fewer accidents involving people who think it is safe to drive after they have had a few drinks. The fact that drunk driving accidents have been down over the past five years, has contributed to a substantial decline in auto accident deaths.
The California Office of Traffic Safety also believes that safer highway design and easier access to emergency and trauma care services is helping save more lives in accidents.
More than 2,700 accident deaths in a year in spite of safer vehicles, fewer drunk drivers and greater adherence to traffic safety laws, is no reason for celebration. Fortunately the California Office of Traffic Safety does not plan to let up on accident prevention efforts. The agency plans to give out millions of dollars in grants to local agencies around the state to be used for highway safety initiatives.
However, most of the grants will fund prevention of drunk driving accidents, with little attention paid to other growing accident factors, like the increasing number of drivers driving under the influence of prescription medications, or distracted drivers.
The California Office of Traffic Safety attributes this decline to a number of factors, including increased and high visibility enforcement, expanded use of sobriety checkpoints across California, as well as the use of public awareness campaigns. However, Los Angeles car accident attorneys believe that the drop has much more to do with the fact that people are driving safer cars and that there are now fewer accidents involving people who think it is safe to drive after they have had a few drinks. The fact that drunk driving accidents have been down over the past five years, has contributed to a substantial decline in auto accident deaths.
The California Office of Traffic Safety also believes that safer highway design and easier access to emergency and trauma care services is helping save more lives in accidents.
More than 2,700 accident deaths in a year in spite of safer vehicles, fewer drunk drivers and greater adherence to traffic safety laws, is no reason for celebration. Fortunately the California Office of Traffic Safety does not plan to let up on accident prevention efforts. The agency plans to give out millions of dollars in grants to local agencies around the state to be used for highway safety initiatives.
However, most of the grants will fund prevention of drunk driving accidents, with little attention paid to other growing accident factors, like the increasing number of drivers driving under the influence of prescription medications, or distracted drivers.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Spiritual Health Can Help Brain Injury Patients Heal Better
A strong spiritual relationship may help patients with a brain injury heal faster. According to researchers from Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, belief in a higher power or a supreme being can help a brain injury patient’s process of rehabilitation. The research is published in the journal, Rehabilitation Psychology.
According to the researchers, they were aware that religion and spirituality is typically associated with better physical and mental health outcomes. However, they had little information about what kind of effect a strong religious foundation would have on recovery after a brain injury.
To establish a link between spiritual health and brain injury recovery, the researchers interviewed 88 persons with traumatic brain injury. Most of the subjects were male African-American Christians. The participants were also put through a neuropsychological study of their cognitive abilities. The partners of these participants were also involved, and gave their input about the individual's cognitive abilities.
The researchers found that a majority of the participants who had a belief in a supreme being, reported higher rates of success in emotional and physical rehabilitation. Intriguingly enough, the study did not find that participation in religious activities, like going to church, speeds up a person's recovery after a brain injury. In fact, such religious activities seemed to have no effect at all on the results of the rehabilitation.
According to the researchers, this is likely because patients who suffer from a traumatic brain injury do not have the ability to attend religious activities on their own. These people may be dependent on others to take them to church, or to participate in socio-religious activities. This may be why these activities don't dramatically impact recovery after a brain injury.
California brain injury lawyers would explain this effect of spirituality on rehabilitation through the widely-accepted fact that faith helps individuals through difficult times. These people may feel less stressed about their condition. A sense of calm and lowered stress levels can only be conducive to any kind of rehabilitation.
According to the researchers, they were aware that religion and spirituality is typically associated with better physical and mental health outcomes. However, they had little information about what kind of effect a strong religious foundation would have on recovery after a brain injury.
To establish a link between spiritual health and brain injury recovery, the researchers interviewed 88 persons with traumatic brain injury. Most of the subjects were male African-American Christians. The participants were also put through a neuropsychological study of their cognitive abilities. The partners of these participants were also involved, and gave their input about the individual's cognitive abilities.
The researchers found that a majority of the participants who had a belief in a supreme being, reported higher rates of success in emotional and physical rehabilitation. Intriguingly enough, the study did not find that participation in religious activities, like going to church, speeds up a person's recovery after a brain injury. In fact, such religious activities seemed to have no effect at all on the results of the rehabilitation.
According to the researchers, this is likely because patients who suffer from a traumatic brain injury do not have the ability to attend religious activities on their own. These people may be dependent on others to take them to church, or to participate in socio-religious activities. This may be why these activities don't dramatically impact recovery after a brain injury.
California brain injury lawyers would explain this effect of spirituality on rehabilitation through the widely-accepted fact that faith helps individuals through difficult times. These people may feel less stressed about their condition. A sense of calm and lowered stress levels can only be conducive to any kind of rehabilitation.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Calls for Safety Technology to Prevent Table Saw-Related Accidents
According to the National Consumers’ League, every year more than 4,000 people suffer horrific amputation injuries involving the use of table saws. Most of table saw injuries occur at home. The average medical bill for a person who suffers a finger amputation from a table saw-related accident is about $30,000. The total cost of these injuries is more than $2 billion a year.
The worst part of it all is that these injuries are preventable. The technology to prevent amputations from the use of table saws and bench saws has been around for years now, but manufacturers of table saws have failed to adopt this technology in their tools.
Now, the National Consumers’ League is asking the Consumer Product Safety Commission to pressure the industry to install amputation-prevention technology in their tools. The technology to prevent these injuries is Saw Stop. It has been around for a while, and has been widely proven to prevent amputation injuries from the use of table saws. Saw Stop works by detecting a finger in the path of the blade. When the finger is detected, the machine automatically switches off.
However, the company that manufactures Saw Stop has already begun its own line of tools incorporating the technology. Other manufacturers don't want the Consumer Product Safety Commission to mandate Saw Stop technology because it would give that company an unfair edge over their tools.
While manufacturers continue to delay, thousands of innocent people suffer serious injuries from dangerous products every year that can leave them incapacitated. Amputations can be life altering injuries. According to the industry, these tools are currently equipped with plastic guarding systems that protect them from injuries. However, Los Angeles personal injury attorneys believe that the guarding technology is hardly useful, because it discourages easy use of the tool, and therefore, consumers are simply likely to remove the guard.
The worst part of it all is that these injuries are preventable. The technology to prevent amputations from the use of table saws and bench saws has been around for years now, but manufacturers of table saws have failed to adopt this technology in their tools.
Now, the National Consumers’ League is asking the Consumer Product Safety Commission to pressure the industry to install amputation-prevention technology in their tools. The technology to prevent these injuries is Saw Stop. It has been around for a while, and has been widely proven to prevent amputation injuries from the use of table saws. Saw Stop works by detecting a finger in the path of the blade. When the finger is detected, the machine automatically switches off.
However, the company that manufactures Saw Stop has already begun its own line of tools incorporating the technology. Other manufacturers don't want the Consumer Product Safety Commission to mandate Saw Stop technology because it would give that company an unfair edge over their tools.
While manufacturers continue to delay, thousands of innocent people suffer serious injuries from dangerous products every year that can leave them incapacitated. Amputations can be life altering injuries. According to the industry, these tools are currently equipped with plastic guarding systems that protect them from injuries. However, Los Angeles personal injury attorneys believe that the guarding technology is hardly useful, because it discourages easy use of the tool, and therefore, consumers are simply likely to remove the guard.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
High Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury in Prison Population
A new report indicates a substantially increased risk of traumatic brain injury in prison inmates compared to the general, non-incarcerated population. Brain injury among prisoners is a much neglected and underestimated health and safety issue facing these people.
According to the study Traumatic Brain Injury among Prisoners, brain injuries are believed to affect an estimated 25% to 87% of the prison population in the country. In comparison, about 8.5% of the non-incarcerated population of the country suffers from traumatic brain injury. The incidence of traumatic brain injury in the prison population therefore, may be as much as 10 times as in the non-incarcerated population.
There have been other studies and surveys that have pointed to the causes of such injuries. In a study conducted among male prisoners in Minnesota, the survey found that of the 998 inmates, an approximate 82% reported having suffered from one or more head injuries during their lives. Most of these injuries were caused by assault, auto accidents and sports accidents. However, the Minnesota study seems to indicate that prisoners may also be at risk of suffering brain injury because of certain unique prison factors. For instance in Minnesota, incarcerated gang members are sometimes initiated through a procedure called “pumpkinhead,” in which a person is severely beaten until his head swells like a pumpkin.
Another study showed that traumatic brain injury occurs among prisoners who knock their heads against the cell walls or bars until they are unconscious. This is very often seen in persons who are restrained in isolated cells.
The report makes for fascinating reading. California brain injury attorneys suspect that the problem is even greater in California with its overcrowded and congested prisons that have recently been criticized by the Supreme Court because of the lack of medical care.
According to the study Traumatic Brain Injury among Prisoners, brain injuries are believed to affect an estimated 25% to 87% of the prison population in the country. In comparison, about 8.5% of the non-incarcerated population of the country suffers from traumatic brain injury. The incidence of traumatic brain injury in the prison population therefore, may be as much as 10 times as in the non-incarcerated population.
There have been other studies and surveys that have pointed to the causes of such injuries. In a study conducted among male prisoners in Minnesota, the survey found that of the 998 inmates, an approximate 82% reported having suffered from one or more head injuries during their lives. Most of these injuries were caused by assault, auto accidents and sports accidents. However, the Minnesota study seems to indicate that prisoners may also be at risk of suffering brain injury because of certain unique prison factors. For instance in Minnesota, incarcerated gang members are sometimes initiated through a procedure called “pumpkinhead,” in which a person is severely beaten until his head swells like a pumpkin.
Another study showed that traumatic brain injury occurs among prisoners who knock their heads against the cell walls or bars until they are unconscious. This is very often seen in persons who are restrained in isolated cells.
The report makes for fascinating reading. California brain injury attorneys suspect that the problem is even greater in California with its overcrowded and congested prisons that have recently been criticized by the Supreme Court because of the lack of medical care.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Why You Need a Business Lawyer Even for a Startup
Every business needs a strong legal foundation. If the legal fine print of the partnership agreement, shareholder matters and other issues are not defined properly, you could find yourself in a position where you're involved in ugly litigation, needing the services of an attorney. Unfortunately California business litigation lawyers often come across people who rush into startups or small businesses without bothering to have an attorney involved. A business lawyer can help you get it right at the very outset.
A business of almost any size can benefit from having a business attorney at the start. However, having a lawyer on board is absolutely imperative when you are starting a partnership. Often, people enter into partnership agreements without really thinking through partnership issues. As a result, a few years down the line, they get entangled in nasty disputes that can quickly get ugly. Having a business lawyer on board right at the outset can help prevent such disputes, and outline the steps to be taken to resolve a dispute when it does arise.
You also need a Los Angeles business attorney on board if you have ambitious plans for the future and expect your company to grow rapidly. With rapid growth can come rapid challenges and friction within a company. A business lawyer has experience setting up all kinds of businesses, and has seen firsthand the challenges that can arise in the future. He can help you avoid these challenges, or prepare you adequately for dealing with them. A business lawyer is also absolutely necessary when you're signing a shareholder agreement.
Needless to mention, an attorney will cost you less if you hire one at the time of setting up the business than if you go looking for one to resolve the dispute.
A business of almost any size can benefit from having a business attorney at the start. However, having a lawyer on board is absolutely imperative when you are starting a partnership. Often, people enter into partnership agreements without really thinking through partnership issues. As a result, a few years down the line, they get entangled in nasty disputes that can quickly get ugly. Having a business lawyer on board right at the outset can help prevent such disputes, and outline the steps to be taken to resolve a dispute when it does arise.
You also need a Los Angeles business attorney on board if you have ambitious plans for the future and expect your company to grow rapidly. With rapid growth can come rapid challenges and friction within a company. A business lawyer has experience setting up all kinds of businesses, and has seen firsthand the challenges that can arise in the future. He can help you avoid these challenges, or prepare you adequately for dealing with them. A business lawyer is also absolutely necessary when you're signing a shareholder agreement.
Needless to mention, an attorney will cost you less if you hire one at the time of setting up the business than if you go looking for one to resolve the dispute.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Survey Indicates Americans Want More Government Rules to Prevent Accidents
Less government is not necessarily better government, at least when it comes to traffic accident prevention. That's the message Americans are sending to the federal government. A new survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that a majority of Americans want the federal administration to enact more laws to prevent motor vehicle accidents and keep Americans safer while traveling.
Sixty percent of the respondents in the survey wanted more laws to prevent motorists from indulging in dangerous behavior behind the wheel. Further, 57% also wants states to get more involved in passing laws to keep motorists safer. At least 70% of respondents in the survey also wanted stricter enforcement of current driving laws. There also seems to be strong support for tough graduated driver licensing standards for teen drivers. Eighty six percent of the respondents in the survey wanted teen drivers to complete a driver’s education program before they are receive a driver’s license.
Another fact that emerged from the survey that California car accident attorneys find particularly interesting, is that Americans believe carmakers could be doing more to keep motorists and passengers safe. Increasingly safer cars are one of the reasons why traffic accident deaths around the country have been declining, but at least 50% of the respondents in the survey believe that automakers could be doing more to make their cars safer.
The survey coincides with an initiative by the United Nations to reduce traffic accident deaths around the globe. The ten-year initiative aims to reduce worldwide traffic accident deaths by the year 2020. The Initiative is called Decade of Action for Road Safety, and aims to work with governments around the world to affect traffic safety change, to help reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents and save lives. According to the initiative, more than 1.3 million people die every year in traffic accidents. In the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers and young children, and also one of the leading causes of accidental death for the general population.
Sixty percent of the respondents in the survey wanted more laws to prevent motorists from indulging in dangerous behavior behind the wheel. Further, 57% also wants states to get more involved in passing laws to keep motorists safer. At least 70% of respondents in the survey also wanted stricter enforcement of current driving laws. There also seems to be strong support for tough graduated driver licensing standards for teen drivers. Eighty six percent of the respondents in the survey wanted teen drivers to complete a driver’s education program before they are receive a driver’s license.
Another fact that emerged from the survey that California car accident attorneys find particularly interesting, is that Americans believe carmakers could be doing more to keep motorists and passengers safe. Increasingly safer cars are one of the reasons why traffic accident deaths around the country have been declining, but at least 50% of the respondents in the survey believe that automakers could be doing more to make their cars safer.
The survey coincides with an initiative by the United Nations to reduce traffic accident deaths around the globe. The ten-year initiative aims to reduce worldwide traffic accident deaths by the year 2020. The Initiative is called Decade of Action for Road Safety, and aims to work with governments around the world to affect traffic safety change, to help reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents and save lives. According to the initiative, more than 1.3 million people die every year in traffic accidents. In the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers and young children, and also one of the leading causes of accidental death for the general population.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Risk of Fractures in Elderly from Thyroid Drugs
Elderly patients, who are on thyroid medications to treat hypothyroidism or an under active thyroid, may be at a higher risk of suffering fractures. According to a new study, California pharmaceutical product liability lawyers may have reason to be concerned that elderly patients who are on the drug levothyroxine, which is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, may be at a higher risk of such fractures.
The researchers analyzed data from 200,000 female patients aged 70 and above who were prescribed levothyroxine between April 2002 and March 2007. The researchers then tracked these patients during the follow-up period, which lasted until March 2008. They found that at least 10% of these patients who had taken levothyroxine during the study period, suffered at least one fracture during the follow-up period.
Some levothyroxine users were much more likely to suffer fractures. For instance, people who had recently started taking the drug, or were currently taking the drug were at a much higher risk of suffering fractures, compared to those people who stopped taking the drug a long time ago or had stopped taking it in the past. There is a strong link between the risk of fractures and the dosage of the levothyroxine. People who took high doses had a risk of suffering a fracture that was 3.5 times greater, compared to patients who took lower doses of levothyroxine.
The researchers have concluded that the use of levothyroxine seems to increase the risk of fractures in both men and women, even after considering other factors that could cause fractures.
The researchers are advising that older patients who are on thyroid hormone replacement therapy like levothyroxine, be monitored regularly to determine whether the dosage needs to be adjusted over a period of time. It's also important for doctors to consider that there may be a natural reduction in the thyroid hormone as a result of age, which needs to be taken into consideration while deciding dosage.
The researchers analyzed data from 200,000 female patients aged 70 and above who were prescribed levothyroxine between April 2002 and March 2007. The researchers then tracked these patients during the follow-up period, which lasted until March 2008. They found that at least 10% of these patients who had taken levothyroxine during the study period, suffered at least one fracture during the follow-up period.
Some levothyroxine users were much more likely to suffer fractures. For instance, people who had recently started taking the drug, or were currently taking the drug were at a much higher risk of suffering fractures, compared to those people who stopped taking the drug a long time ago or had stopped taking it in the past. There is a strong link between the risk of fractures and the dosage of the levothyroxine. People who took high doses had a risk of suffering a fracture that was 3.5 times greater, compared to patients who took lower doses of levothyroxine.
The researchers have concluded that the use of levothyroxine seems to increase the risk of fractures in both men and women, even after considering other factors that could cause fractures.
The researchers are advising that older patients who are on thyroid hormone replacement therapy like levothyroxine, be monitored regularly to determine whether the dosage needs to be adjusted over a period of time. It's also important for doctors to consider that there may be a natural reduction in the thyroid hormone as a result of age, which needs to be taken into consideration while deciding dosage.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
FINRA Awards California Elder Financial Abuse Victim $1.6 Million in Fraud Case
Earlier this year, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority panel awarded a senior investor $1.6 million in an elder financial fraud case involving a California company.
The company, Stock Cross Financial Services Inc. had been accused of financial misconduct. The senior citizen alleged that the company recommended unsuitable and highly risky investment opportunities. Besides, Stock Cross encouraged the plaintiff to leverage the equity in his home and invest the capital.
The fraud was continuous, and left the citizens with almost nothing left to defraud. Stock Cross and its officers managed to relieve the senior of almost all his assets, including his emergency and medical cash reserves, the equity in his home, and even the money received by the insurer to replace his car.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority panel has awarded the senior citizen $320,000 in compensatory damages. He has also been awarded $960,000 in elder abuse damages, $234,000 in legal fees, as well as other costs.
San Francisco elder financial fraud lawyers find that senior citizens are often victims of all kinds of fraudulent schemes. Most often these schemes involve fraudulent sales of securities. Very often, such fraud involves unsuitable recommendations or fraudulent advice made to the senior citizen, over trading, misrepresentation, and failure to diversify investments. Besides, brokers may give poor advice about employee stock options. Senior citizens may also be at risk of financial abuse through the sale of unsuitable variable and other deferred annuities. They may also be susceptible to pension fund fraud, mismanagement of funds, negligent supervision and brokerage malpractice.
In order to prevent abuse, it's important that senior citizens keep themselves updated on the state of their finances and their portfolio regularly. Keep a lookout especially closely for any loss of income or savings, or any poor investments.
The company, Stock Cross Financial Services Inc. had been accused of financial misconduct. The senior citizen alleged that the company recommended unsuitable and highly risky investment opportunities. Besides, Stock Cross encouraged the plaintiff to leverage the equity in his home and invest the capital.
The fraud was continuous, and left the citizens with almost nothing left to defraud. Stock Cross and its officers managed to relieve the senior of almost all his assets, including his emergency and medical cash reserves, the equity in his home, and even the money received by the insurer to replace his car.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority panel has awarded the senior citizen $320,000 in compensatory damages. He has also been awarded $960,000 in elder abuse damages, $234,000 in legal fees, as well as other costs.
San Francisco elder financial fraud lawyers find that senior citizens are often victims of all kinds of fraudulent schemes. Most often these schemes involve fraudulent sales of securities. Very often, such fraud involves unsuitable recommendations or fraudulent advice made to the senior citizen, over trading, misrepresentation, and failure to diversify investments. Besides, brokers may give poor advice about employee stock options. Senior citizens may also be at risk of financial abuse through the sale of unsuitable variable and other deferred annuities. They may also be susceptible to pension fund fraud, mismanagement of funds, negligent supervision and brokerage malpractice.
In order to prevent abuse, it's important that senior citizens keep themselves updated on the state of their finances and their portfolio regularly. Keep a lookout especially closely for any loss of income or savings, or any poor investments.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
California Criminal Justice Team Recommends Women's Prison Reform
It’s not a secret to San Diego criminal defense attorneys that the criminal justice system in our state is seriously flawed. As a result, we have the largest prison system in the world, and are now under pressure to reduce the size of our prison population. A big part of dealing with prison reform in California has to do with rethinking our approach to the incarceration of women. According to California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris’ transition team, not only is our current approach to the incarceration of women financially ruinous, but it also has serious social consequences because of the fact that there are women and families involved.
The transition team comprises of law enforcement and social justice leaders in California. According to the proposals that they have put forward, widespread and unnecessary incarceration of women in California's prisons has contributed to a troubling social structure. Incarcerated women who have no contact with their children are more likely to become repeat offenders. It's a vicious cycle, because the children of such women often end up becoming offenders themselves. Approximately 75% of the 9,500 women in California's prisons are mothers. Besides, the state has the dubious position of having the largest number of female prisoners in the country.
This focus on extensive and widespread incarceration has been financially devastating for the state. The state of California spends about $52,000 to keep one woman in prison for a period of one year. Besides, social services costs for children of female inmates amount to approximately $56 million annually.
For too long, the criminal justice system in California has promoted the extensive and widespread incarceration of women, even for low-level offenses. Most of the women who are currently in California's prisons were convicted of lower-level and nonviolent offenses. In fact, there are studies to indicate that these women are more often the victims of crimes, than the perpetrators of it. Four out of every 10 women in prison in California have been the victims of physical or sexual abuse.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
How Do Courts in California Calculate Child Support?
Under California's laws, both parents have an obligation to support children. However in the case of a divorce or legal separation, one parent can request the other party for child support payments.
Typically, child support will be calculated based on the following factors:
Typically, child support will be calculated based on the following factors:
- It will include the number of children who are involved. Children will include minor children, and child support payments will cover the children until they turn 18 and graduate from high school, or 19 if they are still in high school.
- It will also depend on the amount of time that each parent takes responsibility for the child.
- Obviously, it also depends on the gross income of the parent. Gross income will include not just salaries, but also commissions, royalties, bonuses, rent, wages, pensions, and annuities. If one of the parents has been awarded workers’ compensation benefits, Social Security benefits or disability insurance benefits, then child support payments will include these factors too.
- The parents’ tax liabilities, including the number of dependents, exclusions, deductions and credits are factored in.
- California's child support laws also take into consideration FICA, mandated retirement benefits, health insurance, child support that was paid out by the parent before the court order, and other child support or spousal support payments.
- Besides, parents must also provide additional child support in cases where they will be expected to provide training for employment skills, to cover the special needs of the child, to cover travel costs for visitation or to cover the cost of uninsured healthcare.
- The parent’s financial situation, including medical expenses, catastrophic financial losses, as well as the living expenses of children with another spouse who live with the parent, must also be considered.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Current Retesting Procedures for Older Drivers May Not Prevent Accidents
A study released last month indicated to Los Angeles car accident lawyers that in California and around the country, there's substantial public support for mandatory retesting of elderly drivers above the age of 65. However, current retesting methods that exist in some states may do an inadequate job of actually gauging an older motorist’s ability to drive safely.According to a study by Canadian researchers, medical tests that are used to determine an older driver’s levels of fitness, have got it all wrong. According to the researchers, there's only so much that you can learn about an individual's ability to drive in a doctor's office. In a doctor’s clinical environment, there's none of the chaos and confusion that an older motorist can expect to find on a normal California freeway. Besides, a doctor’s office doesn't provide the right kind of setting to determine whether elderly motorists can make sudden emergency decisions and speedy responses to accident risks as they have to in the real world. For instance, in a doctor’s office, it can be hard to determine whether the driver is able to drive safely, and still focus on the pedestrian stepping off a curb.
One of the biggest challenges facing elderly motorists is that they may be able to see things clearly, but may have trouble processing the signals that are transmitted to the brain. For instance, an elderly motorist may take up to 250 ms to recognize something that would take a younger motorist just about 150 ms to see. This delay in recognizing what could be a potentially serious accident risk could prove deadly on the street.
However, according to the researchers, it is possible to retrain certain areas of an elderly motorist’s brain, to make up for the missed activity in other areas of the brain. For instance, using practical techniques, older drivers can also be taught to multitask, using different areas of the brain while they are driving.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Patient Safety at Risk from Ignored Monitor Alarms
This is one problem that everybody from Arizona medical malpractice attorneys to doctors, hospitals and monitor manufacturers seem to agree is a serious one. However, there are no serious solutions to deal with the high numbers of patient injuries and deaths that occur every year from patient alarms that were neglected. According to estimates, between 2005 and 2010, approximately 200 people died as a result of ignored patient alarms.
A nurse on an average working day in an American hospital will have to deal with several monitor alarms. Many of these alarms are linked to the nurses’ cell phones and pagers, to make sure that they don't miss a single alarm. Ironically, the large number of alarms beeping continually desensitizes nurses to their sound, causing them to ignore the alarms, with possibly catastrophic consequences.
Everybody agrees that these incidents are preventable. The question is how to prevent them. Monitor manufacturers are working on sophisticated new technologies that can reduce the numbers of false alarms. There are efforts on to develop alarms that can more accurately gauge whether a person is in critical condition, before sounding an alert. Hospitals and doctors however, are not in favor of dependence on technology to determine whether a patient needs urgent help. Arizona hospital malpractice lawyers would agree. There seems to be only so much that medical technology can do to reduce what is known in the healthcare sector as “alarm fatigue.”
However, what hospitals can do to prevent such alarm fatigue is to employ more numbers of nurses. Many incidences where nurses ignore alarms can be traced to the fact that they're overstressed and have too many patients in their care at any given moment. If the numbers of patients assigned to a nurse can be reduced, there is a lower likelihood that a nurse will miss an alarm, due to desensitization.
A nurse on an average working day in an American hospital will have to deal with several monitor alarms. Many of these alarms are linked to the nurses’ cell phones and pagers, to make sure that they don't miss a single alarm. Ironically, the large number of alarms beeping continually desensitizes nurses to their sound, causing them to ignore the alarms, with possibly catastrophic consequences.
Everybody agrees that these incidents are preventable. The question is how to prevent them. Monitor manufacturers are working on sophisticated new technologies that can reduce the numbers of false alarms. There are efforts on to develop alarms that can more accurately gauge whether a person is in critical condition, before sounding an alert. Hospitals and doctors however, are not in favor of dependence on technology to determine whether a patient needs urgent help. Arizona hospital malpractice lawyers would agree. There seems to be only so much that medical technology can do to reduce what is known in the healthcare sector as “alarm fatigue.”
However, what hospitals can do to prevent such alarm fatigue is to employ more numbers of nurses. Many incidences where nurses ignore alarms can be traced to the fact that they're overstressed and have too many patients in their care at any given moment. If the numbers of patients assigned to a nurse can be reduced, there is a lower likelihood that a nurse will miss an alarm, due to desensitization.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Differences in Elderly Drivers’ Vision Possibly Contributes to Accidents
Los Angeles car accident attorneys have always known that diminished eyesight and vision in older drivers increases the risk of an accident. However, new research indicates that it's not just diminished eyesight, but also heightened awareness of background movement that could possibly increase the risk of an accident for elderly motorists. The results of the study have been published in the January issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester, found that elderly drivers have an enhanced ability to perceive motion in the background, as compared to younger drivers. Younger drivers can concentrate better on objects that are in the foreground, because of increased activity in a section of the brain, called the medial temporal visual area. These drivers are therefore better able to see bicyclists, pedestrians and other objects in the foreground. In comparison, older drivers may have impaired function of the medial temporal visual area, and as a result, may not be able to concentrate as hard on objects moving in the foreground. Elderly drivers, in contrast, may be better able to focus on objects that are in the background.
The research provides fresh insight into the visual problems affecting older drivers, and how these drivers can be trained to drive safely. The researchers used a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. They attached magnetic coils to the back of the person's head, and stimulated the medial temporal visual area of the brain with electrical signals for a period of 15 minutes to impair this portion of the brain. When the medial temporal visual area was in this state of impairment, the researchers tested how well the subjects identified movement of objects.
According to the findings, when the medial temporal visual area was less active, the persons were able to easily identify the movement of objects in the background.
The research seems to indicate some very basic neurological reasons why elderly drivers find it so difficult to spot certain objects on the road. It seems to indicate that elderly drivers are much better at detecting large-scale movement in the background, than small objects in the foreground, like bicyclists or pedestrians. Pedestrians and bicyclists can be easy to miss because of their narrow frames. This poses a serious challenge to elderly drivers, because of their impaired median temporal visual area.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester, found that elderly drivers have an enhanced ability to perceive motion in the background, as compared to younger drivers. Younger drivers can concentrate better on objects that are in the foreground, because of increased activity in a section of the brain, called the medial temporal visual area. These drivers are therefore better able to see bicyclists, pedestrians and other objects in the foreground. In comparison, older drivers may have impaired function of the medial temporal visual area, and as a result, may not be able to concentrate as hard on objects moving in the foreground. Elderly drivers, in contrast, may be better able to focus on objects that are in the background.
The research provides fresh insight into the visual problems affecting older drivers, and how these drivers can be trained to drive safely. The researchers used a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. They attached magnetic coils to the back of the person's head, and stimulated the medial temporal visual area of the brain with electrical signals for a period of 15 minutes to impair this portion of the brain. When the medial temporal visual area was in this state of impairment, the researchers tested how well the subjects identified movement of objects.
According to the findings, when the medial temporal visual area was less active, the persons were able to easily identify the movement of objects in the background.
The research seems to indicate some very basic neurological reasons why elderly drivers find it so difficult to spot certain objects on the road. It seems to indicate that elderly drivers are much better at detecting large-scale movement in the background, than small objects in the foreground, like bicyclists or pedestrians. Pedestrians and bicyclists can be easy to miss because of their narrow frames. This poses a serious challenge to elderly drivers, because of their impaired median temporal visual area.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Urban Roads Linked to More Accidents and Fatalities
A new report out by USA Today doesn't have any surprises for Los Angeles car accident lawyers. According to the report, states with more urban roads are safer than those with a greater proportion of rural roads. The report analyzes states based on the total fatalities in 2009, as well as the accident death rate for every 100,000 population. California had 3,081 accidents in 2009, with a death rate of 8.3 for every 100,000 population.
California is not the most dangerous state in the country, but it is not the safest part of the country either. That honor goes to Washington DC and Massachusetts. Washington DC had 492 deaths in accidents in 2009, with a 7.4 death rate per 100,000 population. Massachusetts had 334 deaths in 2009, and a 5.1 death rate per 100,000 population. The conclusion to draw from the analysis is this - states that have more urban roads have lower speed limits, better designed roads, and easier access to emergency trauma care facilities. These states will have lower accident death rates compared to states that have more rural roads.
Rural roads suffer from a number of disadvantages. These tend to be poorly designed with two lanes, increasing the risk of an accident. Further, rural highways are less likely to come with dividers. A person involved in an accident on a rural street may not have easy access to trauma care facilities during the Golden Hour, or the first hour after the injury occurs. A person’s chances of surviving critical injuries increases if he is given emergency trauma care within the first hour. In rural areas, survivors wait more than an hour to reach the nearest trauma care center, and hence, the higher fatality rates. Besides, rural areas see more numbers of drunk driving accidents, and fewer sobriety checkpoints. There are also fewer crackdowns and lower seat belt use checks on rural roads.
California is not the most dangerous state in the country, but it is not the safest part of the country either. That honor goes to Washington DC and Massachusetts. Washington DC had 492 deaths in accidents in 2009, with a 7.4 death rate per 100,000 population. Massachusetts had 334 deaths in 2009, and a 5.1 death rate per 100,000 population. The conclusion to draw from the analysis is this - states that have more urban roads have lower speed limits, better designed roads, and easier access to emergency trauma care facilities. These states will have lower accident death rates compared to states that have more rural roads.
Rural roads suffer from a number of disadvantages. These tend to be poorly designed with two lanes, increasing the risk of an accident. Further, rural highways are less likely to come with dividers. A person involved in an accident on a rural street may not have easy access to trauma care facilities during the Golden Hour, or the first hour after the injury occurs. A person’s chances of surviving critical injuries increases if he is given emergency trauma care within the first hour. In rural areas, survivors wait more than an hour to reach the nearest trauma care center, and hence, the higher fatality rates. Besides, rural areas see more numbers of drunk driving accidents, and fewer sobriety checkpoints. There are also fewer crackdowns and lower seat belt use checks on rural roads.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
California Couple Killed in Police Chase Accident
Two people have been killed in a Los Angles auto accident caused by a drunk driver who was fleeing law enforcement personnel over the weekend. The accident occurred on Friday night in Hyde Park, when police officers noticed a vehicle being driven recklessly. They initiated a chase, which ended just a few minutes later when the alleged drunk driver crashed into another car.
In the other car was a couple in their 50’s who on their way home. The husband died at the scene, while the wife was rushed to the injuries with severe injuries, and died later. Meanwhile, the drunk driver has been booked for two counts of murder.
Investigators are still examining the crash scene. Los Angeles car accident lawyers expect questions to be raised about whether the risks of a drunk driving accident where increased because of the chase.
Over the past few years, there has been much concern about high-speed police chases and the risks to innocent bystanders. According to estimates, more than 300 innocent bystanders are killed or seriously injured every year in police chase-related accidents.
Every police department in California has rules governing the initiation of a high-speed chase. Police officers are required to weigh the benefits of initiating a chase versus the risks of an accident. Obviously, this can be a difficult decision because it is impossible to accurately predict the outcome of a chase. Any investigation of this accident will include the circumstances of the case, and whether a chase was necessary. It will also examine the traffic conditions in which this case was initiated. For instance, a high-speed chase involving a drunk motorist on a busy street is clearly dangerous.
California drunk driving injury lawyers do not want police departments to feel like their hands are tied when it comes to making the decision to chase a suspect. But the safety of innocent motorists, bystanders and pedestrians must also factor heavily in the decision to start a chase.
In the other car was a couple in their 50’s who on their way home. The husband died at the scene, while the wife was rushed to the injuries with severe injuries, and died later. Meanwhile, the drunk driver has been booked for two counts of murder.
Investigators are still examining the crash scene. Los Angeles car accident lawyers expect questions to be raised about whether the risks of a drunk driving accident where increased because of the chase.
Over the past few years, there has been much concern about high-speed police chases and the risks to innocent bystanders. According to estimates, more than 300 innocent bystanders are killed or seriously injured every year in police chase-related accidents.
Every police department in California has rules governing the initiation of a high-speed chase. Police officers are required to weigh the benefits of initiating a chase versus the risks of an accident. Obviously, this can be a difficult decision because it is impossible to accurately predict the outcome of a chase. Any investigation of this accident will include the circumstances of the case, and whether a chase was necessary. It will also examine the traffic conditions in which this case was initiated. For instance, a high-speed chase involving a drunk motorist on a busy street is clearly dangerous.
California drunk driving injury lawyers do not want police departments to feel like their hands are tied when it comes to making the decision to chase a suspect. But the safety of innocent motorists, bystanders and pedestrians must also factor heavily in the decision to start a chase.
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