Roof Collapses During Class in Anaheim

This week's rainstorm brought more than just puddles of water, for a classroom in session yesterday it brought a pile of ruble and debris from above. On Monday December 15, 2008, the Orange County Register reported it was known that fourteen people were hospitalized after a roof collapsed over a classroom full of adults due to the rain, others may have later transported themselves to seek treatment. Apparently above one classroom a main drain had failed, resulting in a collection of water on the roof, thus triggering the roof to collapse over the classroom in Anaheim around 9:00 am yesterday morning. Of those injured, two were teachers and 12 were students , were released by the hospital that afternoon after undergoing treatment for injuries.



A chaotic scene was reported by students who were immediately evacuated across the street at Ganahl Lumber. Students portrayed the roof collapse to have made a "loud, booming earthquake sound", while others described the sound as if it were thunder on top of the building. Some students ducked under their desks to take cover before they were evacuated. Students ran out yelling as they discovered the hallway had transformed into a water gushing river around three-to-six-inches deep in water. The Anaheim North Orange County Regional Occupational Program building quickly turned into a scene of panic as one student noted being trampled over by a few students before being helped up by another in the evacuation.



Ironic or just bad luck? Students in the classroom which experienced the full roof collapse recall their teacher joking that the heavy rain was so powerful she thought she was going to enter a flooded classroom, when moments later there was a creaking sounds and then the ceiling began to buckle and cave into the classroom.



It was estimated that around 70 firemen reported to to the scene along with police officers and paramedics. Classes have been canceled through winter break. Counseling is being offered to students and teachers on Thursday and Friday.



Last year in August 2007, according to the city of Anaheim's web site, a building permit had been taken out for a new roof. In September 2007, the final inspection was concluded.



Those who were injured may consider consulting a lawyer for personal injury to due a premises liability claim in this accident. If you or someone you know has been injured due to this accident or a similar type of accident please feel free to contact the Law Offices of Lederer & Nojima, LLP. No matter what type of potential premises liability claim you have, the attorneys of Lederer & Nojima, LLP can effectively represent you. We are experienced premises liability attorneys who have won many tough cases on behalf of people who have been injured as a result of dangerous or unsafe conditions on other's properties. We are often able to successfully resolve cases that other lawyers have refused to take. Even if you are not certain that you have a claim, contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and case evaluation. You may call our office at (310) 312-1860 or email us at lederernojimalaw@gmail.com.

It's raining trouble

With winter in full bloom, Southern California woke up to wet roads on their commute to work this Monday morning. As drivers traveled on the slick roads, many were forced to stop their commute due to various accidents. As this is one of the first big rains of the year, the roads tend to be very slick, and drivers underestimate the roads. Many drivers, unaware of the roads continue their regular driving habits instead of adopting a cautious approach. The road turned dangerous and deadly for some commuters as is evident in just a handful of accidents throughout Los Angeles County.

There have been reports of a sport utility vehicle which flipped on its side on the freeway south of Chauenga Boulevard. This crash closed several lanes and multiple injuries were reported and one person transported to the hospital.

The northbound lanes on the Pasadena Freeway in the vicinity of South Pasadena were closed after a two vehicle accident which occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m which closed lanes and reopened nearly three hours later.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. there was a multi-vehicle accident that occurred on the Pasadena Freeway closing one lane in the vicinity of Via Marisol, where minor injuries were reported.

There was a closing of part of the 210 Freeway on the east side of Pasadena when a FedEx truck was involved in an accident and spilled oil. This closed some lanes for several hours.

Attorneys at Lederer & Nojima, LLP are ready to assist you if you have been injured in an accident . The roads can be dangerous and deadly during the wet season, but our attorneys are prepared to assist you. Please contact our office for a free consultation.

San Francisco Dog Owner Gets 15 Years to Life In Jail Sentance

More than seven years ago, on Friday January 26, 2001 in San Francisco, Diane Whipple was killed after her neighbors two dogs attacked her outside of her apartment. The dogs had apparently dragged their owner down a hallway in an attempt to attack Diane Whipple. The owner of the dogs, Marjorie Knoller, was unable to restrain the two dogs who have a combined weight of 233 pounds. It took Knoller 5 minutes to pull her dogs back from attacking Whipple's throat. Whipple underwent extensive surgery to repair veins and arteries in her neck that were severed when she was attacked. Seventy minutes after her surgery she died.

Diane Whipple was only 33 years old, she was a lacrosse coach at St. Mary's College. Her partner of seven years filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners of the dogs as well as the owners of the apartment building they lived in.

On Monday September 22, 2008 Marjorie Knoller was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. The Los Angeles Times reported that the second-degree murder conviction was reinstated last month by Superior Court Judge Charlotte Woolard. Evidence collected from Knoller and her husband, Robert Noel, led investigators to believe the dogs may have been trained to attack.

Lederer & Nojima, LLP, have experience in dog biting incidents such as this. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog biting attack or a wrongful death, please contact our office to speak with an attorney. Our firm has experience with cases such as this in addition to other various areas we specialize in. Feel free to visit our website at http://www.lederernojima.com/

Two Victims of Friday Afternoon's Metrolink Crash Had Survived the 2005 Glendale Crash

Unfortunately, for two commuters Friday, the Metrolink crash was deja vu after surviving the 2005 Metrolink crash caused by an attempted suicide. However, this time around Gregory Lintner and Richard Myles were not as lucky. Tragically Gregory Lintner was killed the second time around and Richard Myles suffered a broken neck but is in stable condition at Kaiser Hospital. According to the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Myles still had not mentally recovered from the 2005 crash and now must absorb Friday's accident as well. After surviving the Glendale crash three years ago he took increased safety precautions for commuting by train, but with the recent surge in gas prices, the train became more popular making it harder to travel accordingly to the safety precautions he developed. He began sitting in the last car on the mezzanine level, as well as facing the opposite direction while seated to avoid being thrown forward in the event of a collision. Friday he was unable to take these safety measures due to the high capacity of travelers commuting along with him that frightful afternoon. He is now considering the idea of not commuting by train anymore, and his wife said that if he did not want to drive himself to work everyday, she would drive him herself. Right now the Myles family is wondering if they are unbelievably lucky to have survived two Metrolink crashes, or if they are terribly unlucky to have been involved in two Metrolink accidents within three years.

Unfortunately, a crash like this is preventable when precautions are taken and signals are abided by engineers and conductors. However, many innocent victims wrongfully lost their lives and over 140 others are injured, many in critical condition.

If you or a friend has lost a loved one in this accident please contact us at The Law Offices of Lederer & Nojima, LLP. Our attorneys specialize in wrongful death cases and have the experience in wrongful death lawsuits you need if you would like to file a claim. No matter what type of accident caused the victim's death, you and your family may qualify for financial compensation due to the damaged caused by your tragic loss. Please feel free to contact our office for a consultation. We have many years of experience handing such cases, as well as various other personal injury cases. Even if you, a friend, or loved one was injured due to Friday afternoon's Metrolink crash you can still file a claim for injuries sustained in the devastating accident. You may also visit our website to see the other types of cases we handle as well. We certainly hope for a speedy recovery of those victims left injured and our sympathies for the families and friends of those who were killed on Friday afternoon's crash.

Los Angeles Metrolink Crash

On Friday afternoon September 12, 2008 Metrolink 111 collided with a Union Pacific freight train making it one of the nation's worst commuter train accidents in the last fifty years. Sadly, the outcome has left many families and friends mourning the loss of 26 passengers on board, including one Los Angeles Police Officer. The crash has also left approximately 140 victims injured. Investigators are still searching for possible causes for the crash. However, Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell announced that Metrolink has blamed the train's engineer for the crash, saying, "We want to be honest." She has since resigned. Speculations have been made that the engineer driving Metrolink111 may have been text messaging on his phone at the time. The engineer, who died in the crash, was said to have missed or driven through a red light signal alerting him to stop the train. Reports state that it is very unusual for such an experienced engineer to have run a red light, as obeying signals on the track is the engineer's responsibility at the helm of the train. The engineer's negligence for taking the appropriate action at the track signal caused devastating consequences.

Unfortunately, a crash like this is preventable when precautions are taken and signals are abided by engineers and conductors. However, many innocent victims wrongfully lost their lives and over 140 others are injured, many in critical condition.

If you or a friend has lost a loved one in this accident please contact us at The Law Offices of Lederer & Nojima, LLP. Our attorneys specialize in wrongful death cases and have the experience in wrongful death lawsuits you need if you would like to file a claim. No matter what type of accident caused the victim's death, you and your family may qualify for financial compensation due to the damaged caused by your tragic loss. Please feel free to contact our office for a consultation. We have many years of experience handing such cases, as well as various other personal injury cases. Even if you, a friend, or loved one was injured due to Friday afternoon's Metrolink crash you can still file a claim for injuries sustained in the devastating accident. You may also visit our website to see the other types of cases we handle as well. We certainly hope for a speedy recovery of those victims left injured and our sympathies for the families and friends of those who were killed on Friday afternoon's crash.

Metrolink Crash with Freight Train

KNBC reported that on September 12, 2008 at approximately 4:23 p.m. a Metrolink train collided with a freight train. The collision occurred near Heather Lee Lane, south of the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway and east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Chatsworth, California. The incident occurred in an area that borders Los Angeles County Line and the Ventura County.

Although the cause is unknown, authorities state this was a head on collision between the Metrolink train and a freight train that was traveling very slow or was at a complete stop. The Metrolink train was traveling from Union Station to Oxnard where is collided with the freight train. A triage has been set up where officials are working to assist people out of the train wreckage and provide medical treatment. Officials are working from both counties as they carry people out of the wreckage or assist the fortunate ones who are able to walk. The number of passengers is unknown at this time, but at least two casualties have been confirmed.

As a result of the collision, approximately 7 other trains have derailed, with at least one laying on its side. New reporters are standing live as they watch the effort of officials assist people out of the wreckage.

Lederer & Nojima LLP have assisted various passengers who have been injured aboard Metrolink or MTA buses/trains. Our firm understands the serious injuries one can sustain when injured aboard a large vehicle/train. We investigate all circumstances involving the crash and ensure you are compensated for your injuries. Contact our firm for a free consultation.

Accelorator Mistaken For Brake Pedal Injures Starbucks Patrons

On Tuesday September 2, 2008 the Glendale News Press released an article reporting six injuries caused at a local Starbucks. The motorist was identified as 50 year-old Caroline Puglise of La Crescenta. She had apparently lost control of her Honda Civic and accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake pedal. As a result her car came up on to the sidewalk and hit six Starbucks patrons, four were sitting outside and two others were inside. Glendale Police are ruling the incident as accidental because "Pugliese accidentally stepped on the wrong pedal....It was an unfortunate accident," according to Sgt. Tom Lorenz. The injured patrons were taken to nearby hospitals, but the driver remained unscathed suffering no injuries at all, only inflicting them.

Tragically many accidents like this have injured and even killed numerous citizens of Los Angeles due to driver negligence. Accidents happen, but we must remember that when we sit behind the wheel we not only put ourselves at risk but others around us as well. Drivers need to make sure they have prepared themselves for accident-type situations to ensure safety on the roads and prevent harm from others.

If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer & Nojima, LLP for a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Collapsed Walkway Injures Pedestrians in San Diego

What caused the collapse of a pedestrian walkway in downtown San Diego, California which injured dozens of people? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the causes of the collapsed bridge which the Los Angeles Times reported 16 pedestrians were injured. Their ages range from those injured are 16 to 64, but most are in their mid-40s and mid-50s.

The pedestrian walkway had been put up next to a building under construction at 15th Street and Imperial Avenue, about two blocks east of Petco Park. The project under construction, called “Studio fifteen,” are reported to be 275 units of affordable housing. The developer of the project is San Diego-based Affirmed Housing Group which specializes building affordable housing units.

Experiences and thoughts from witnesses and injured parties conflict but all share the common quest for the truth in determining the cause of the collapse. A construction worker mentioned to investigators that he does not believe any construction scaffolding equipment fell on the walkway, causing the collapse. A fortunate pedestrian shared with authorities that she felt as though something did in fact strike the walkway prior to its collapse. Other witnesses shared that the walkway seemed to have moved before it fell.

Some pedestrians were directly struck by the falling wood which resulting serious injuries and are in critical condition. The panic and hysteria intensified as people screamed for help while others attempted to crawl out of the wreckage. The combination of heavy equipment and great heights on a construction site can be a recipe for disaster. When negligence is added to the mix, the result may be a tragic construction accident.

Lederer & Nojima LLP have handled numerous cases in which pedestrians have been injured as a result of the negligent actions of others. The injured pedestrians in San Diego should contact an attorney to assist them in pursuing a claim against the developers of the project and the city. These pedestrians are nothing more than innocent bystander who will now face medical expenses and life altering injuries. Please contact our office for a free confidential consultation. Se halba español.

Hit-And-Run Accident Ends In Fatality

The LA Times reported that on Sunday August 10, 2008 a young man hit two minors around 11:20 pm in Bell, California. The 24-year-old driver, whose identity has not been released, was chased down by a citizen who had witnessed the driver hit a boy and a girl as they were getting out of a parked van. The driver was fleeing the scene speeding into a nearby neighborhood, Maywood, when the witness began pursuit to yield the driver. Only three blocks later the 24-year-old driver who had fled the scene of the crime took a deadly turn when he smashed into a parked car. The driver's car rolled over as a result from the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. Thankfully the two children, a boy and a girl as reported by police, suffered no major injuries. The boy and girl were transported to St. Francis Medical Center for treatment of complaining pains.

If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer& Nojima or a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Arrest Made Following Deady Pursuit In Hollywood

On Sunday night Los Angeles Police Department arrested 29-year-old Sergio Delgado shorty after the pursuit began and is being held on $2-million dollar bail, as reported by the LA Times. The chase began when police officers saw Delgado running several traffic signals and driving on the wrong side of the road leaving the Hollywood Bowl area. Delgado began to drive recklessly in and out of traffic striking down two pedestrians on Hollywood Boulevard. Witness believe the two pedestrians, who have yet to be identified, did not have enough time to react to the oncoming driver. Tragically the pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identifications are still unknown but investigators believe they may have two possible names for the man in his 40s and woman in her 30s. Despite the tragic result of the two pedestrians, no other injuries occured and the driver, Delgado, was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of murder. The deadly pursuit was estimated to have lasted about only a minute around 8:45 pm Sunday night. Hollywood Boulevard and Selma Avenue, between Schrader and North Cahuenga, were closed off until after 6:15 am this morning while police investigated the scene of the crime.

If you or someone you know have been injured or killed by an automobile accident, please contact Lederer & Nojima, LLP for a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries or deaths sustained by our clients and or their families, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Three People Left Injured After A Car Drove Down An Anaheim Sidewalk

Yesterday, July 9, 2008, the Orange County Register reported an auto-pedestrian accident that occurred in Anaheim. An 80-year-old woman lost control of her car, causing her to drive down a State College Boulevard sidewalk near Placentia. Three pedestrians were injured after the driver ran them down. A 16-year-old girl was critically injured and taken to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana and her 8-year-old brother was seriously injured and taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. The third victim was an ice cream vendor sustained minor injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer & Nojima, LLP for a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Police Chase A "Hands-Free" Cellphone Law Violator

A Los Angeles Times staff writer reported today that just before 1:00pm this afternoon the Beverly Hills police pulled a man over after being caught driving while using his cell phone. The police ran a check on the vehicle the man was driving and discovered that the Ford Econoline van had in fact been reported stolen. When the police officer went back to the van the driver fled the scene. Beverly Hills police spokesman Lt. Tony Lee stated "He was driving recklessly at a very high speed." The suspect led the police on a chase down Santa Monica Boulevard from Beverly Hills to Westwood where he then entered the northbound 405 freeway at Wilshire Boulevard driving south. After exiting the 405 freeway at Olympic the police finally brought the pursuit to a halt when surrounding him on Ohio Street and Sawtelle Boulevard in Los Angeles. The suspect was arrested after stealing the van, driving while using his cell phone, hit and run at least twice, fleeing police, and driving the wrong way on the freeway. During his chase he hit at least two other cars and crashed into a freeway embankment on the 405. It is unknown whether any injuries were sustained to the victims hit in their cars, but fortunately there were no fatalities due to the crashes reported.
If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer & Nojima, LLP for a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Fatal Car Accident Shuts Down Southbound 405 FWY

The Los Angeles Times reported today that 52-year-old Long Beach man who caused the crash involving four cars and a private ambulance yesterday died after being taken to Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center. His name has not yet been released. According to Melissa Kelley, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Fire Department, stated that seven victims were taken to three different nearby hospitals. The extent of the collisions on the 405 Freeway at the 101 Freeway connector required all traffic lanes to be shutdown from 11:00a.m., the time of the accident, until after 2 p.m. Witnesses report that the 52-year-old man was driving at high speeds while weaving in and out of traffic lanes, then veered left across the traffic lanes where it hit the privately owned ambulance. The cause of crash is still under investigation.

If you have been in an auto accident, please contact our office to speak with an attorney. Feel free to visit our website for various ares we specialize in: www. lntlb.com

Are You Eligible To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

According to the National Safety Council, accidents are the leading cause of death among persons aged 38 years or younger. No matter what the exact cause of accidental death may be, wrongful death claims can be made. Such a claim can be decided as wrongful death when an individual has accidentally died from a variety of different accidents: auto/motorcycle/bus/train/truck accidents, prescription drugs, boating accidents, swimming accidents, slip and fall accidents, construction accidents, and mesothelioma are some of the different wrongful death causes. You may qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you are a member of the victims immediate family (parent, spouse, and children), or a stepparent, grandparent, or dependent. However, for a minor to file they may need an adult guardian to bring the claim to court. The death of a loved one not only causes emotional stress, but financial as well. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit you may be compensated for financial damages from medical and funeral costs, lost benefits, inheritance loss, loss of companionship and support, pain and suffering, lost wages including future earnings, and that of mental anguish caused by a family member's death. If this has happened to you, it is important you seek legal council and advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney so that you and your loved ones rights are protected.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP, have the experience in wrongful death lawsuits you need if you would like to file a claim. No matter what type of accident caused the victim's death, you and your family may qualify for financial compensation due to the damaged caused by your tragic loss. Please feel free to contact our office for a consultation. We have many years of experience handing such cases, as well as various other personal injury cases. You may also visit our website to see the other types of cases we handle as well.

Pit Bull Assaults Officer

The LA Times issued an article about the May 7, 2008 assault on officer Vince Hernandez by a vicious pit bull. Officer Hernandez was making a routine house call in Lakewood when he was seriously injured by Rocky, the home owner's 60-pound pit bull. Officer Hernandez was making the house call to take away three of Antoynette Michelle Jenkins's pit bulls in compliance with a city ordinance that places a limitation on the number of dogs allowed per household. Ms. Jenkins granted officer Hernandez permission to enter her backyard to evaluate his plans of constraining the dogs. At first Rocky seemed to be very friendly, but when the four other pit bulls became uneasy he suddenly snarled and attacked officer Hernandez. The assault left Vince Hernandez with flesh wounds on his arms and legs, as well as a broken knuckle. The attack led Ms. Jenkins to turnover all five of her pit bulls to animal control for euthanizing. Officer Vince Hernandez underwent surgery for his injuries sustained to his right hand and arm. He has filed felony charges against the Lakewood pit bull owner. Ms. Jenkins is also being charged on two counts of animal cruelty by Los Angeles prosecutors due to the unhealthy condition of her dogs.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP, have experience in dog biting incidents such as this. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog biting attack, please contact our office to speak with an attorney. Our firm has experience with cases such as this in addition to other various areas we specialize in. Feel free to visit our website at www.lntlb.com

Fatal Shooting in Inglewood

The LA Times reported about the fatal shooting which occurred on May 11, 2008, in which Inglewood police officers shot three men in a car at a parking lot. Police officers were responding to a shooting in a parking lot near a Rally's Restaurant and mistakenly shot. The officers mistakenly shot a car with three young men, Larry White, Michael Byoune, and Chris Larkin. Unfortunately Michael Byoune was killed, while the other two men were seriously injured. The Daily Breeze has reported that the families of the young men are bringing up a $25 million lawsuit against the city of Inglewood. The community has contributed to an independent investigation to look into the actions of the police officers that fatal Sunday to see if they followed protocol. Investigations are ongoing, but it seems as though police mistakenly shot at the car because they thought the gunman was in the backseat. The young men probably heard the gunshots and were trying to get to safety, but accidentally crossed paths with the officers who shot at will.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresit, LLP, have the experience in filing lawsuits against various city entities. If you have a claim against a city entity, you must file a claim within six months from the date of injury. If you fail to present a claim within those six months, you have missed the statute to present a claim. Please contact our office to speak with an attorney. We handle various personal injury cases and are successful in securing the highest monetary settlement.

Motorcylce Accidents Increse

The LA Times reported an article briefing people on the increase in motorcycle accidents. Data reported from the CHP indicate that nearly half of the motorcycle fatalities occurred between June and September, as more bikers go for joyrides under the warm sun. CHP reports, "In urban areas, many collisions are the result of inattention by automobile drivers sharing the road with the more agile two-wheeled bikes. But bikers out for a recreational ride often take risks that can result in tragedy, such as speeding or racing each other. CHP data show that the vast majority of accidents are caused by young men going faster than the posted speed limits." Bikers also tend to cruise on open roads which are further away from immediate medical response. The LA Times reports that California 33, seems to have numerous accidents every year due to the isolated area which bikers love and the curvy roads. Each biker is different, but the one thing that they have in common is the risk in being seriously injured as a result of a motorcycle accident.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, please contact our office to speak with an attorney. Feel free to visit our website for various ares we specialize in: www. lntlb.com

Torrance Bus Brawl

A local newspaper in the city of Torrance, The Daily Breeze reported on a case which is being handled by John Nojima, from Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP. Our client, Jamel Stanfield, a 13 year old boy was battered and assaulted while on board a Torrance Transit Bus. The minor was accused of sneaking on the bus and not paying his fare. Jamel initially boarded, paid his fare and proceeded to sit near the rear of the bus. He was riding the bus for about 15 minutes, when he stepped outside the rear exit to motion his younger brother to board the bus. In the dangerous streets of the City of Torrance, Jamel and his younger brother, Jai, normally ride the bus home together. This was their normal routine, Jamel would wave to his brother to board, then ride along together through Carson. On this occasion, the driver aggressively approached Jamel, accusing him of not paying the fare and ordered him off the bus. Jamel repeatedly told the driver he paid the fare, but finally agreed to exit the bus, but his path was blocked by the driver. Finally, making his way to the rear exit, the driver violently pushed Jamel off the bus, nearly knocking him down to the floor. When Jamel returned on board the bus to obtain the driver's information, the driver began striking at the minor. The driver repeatedly punched Jamel and cornered him to the back of the bus. The driver pounded on the boy, while on top of him. Other passengers had to force the driver off the boy, until police arrived. Mr. Nojima is representing Jamel Stanfield in a civil suit against the City of Torrance for negligently hiring, training and supervising the driver. The City should be held responsible for the acts of it's employees.

Tour Bus results in fatality

With the weather warming and high gas prices, some people find it convenient to take tour buses across cities and states to explore the vast lands of our country. This past Saturday, May 17, 2008, a tour bus, took a deadly turn resulting in a fatality and numerous injuries. The LA Times reported that a tour bus bound for Laughlin, Nevada skidded out of control and slid on its side off the interstate near Barstow. The California Highway Patrol has reported this was a one vehicle accident, and is currently investigating the cause. It is believed that the bus is owned by Royal American Tours & Charter of Glendale, which handles various trips for different event planners. The tour bus picked up passengers from the Fox Hills Mall, in West Los Angeles, and continued on its way to Laughlin, Nevada. Many of the passengers were from the Los Angeles area, including Faith Creer who died as a result of the crash, while approximately 22 people were injured. The police will continue to investigate the crash and determine the exact cause of the accident.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP, have handled carious cases involving bus accidents. Heavier vehicles, such as buses, require more distance to come to a complete stop and are more difficult to make turns. Our firm has represented many passengers who were injured while aboard a bus, regardless of the circumstances involving the crash. If you or a loved one has been injured aboard a bus, please contact our office for a consultation. We have many years of experience handing such cases, as well as various other personal injury cases such as motor vehicle accident, motorcycles accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, etc.

Big Rig Accident

This morning commute seemed dreadful for the early birds driving on the 60 Freeway between Hacienda Heights and the City of Industry, as reported by the LA Times. Police officers and paramedics arrived after a big rig was reported crashing on the freeway at Azusa Avenue. Paramedics believed someone was injured but upon arrival noticed that the driver of the big rig was not injured. Instead, the accident only involved the big rig who may have lost control of the wheel, causing it to overturn. Shortly after the big rig crash, two cars were in a separate accident behind the big rig, potentially a reaction from when the truck overturned.

If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresiti or a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Lederer & Nojima - Recent Settlement

We recently settled a Los Angeles auto accident claim for the policy limit of $105,000 on a case that one major LA personal injury firm rejected because of a liability issue that after our investigation was resolved in our client's favor. We have handled dozens of cases which other attorneys or firms have rejected or dropped for various reasons. These cases range from premises liability cases to auto accidents, uninsured motorist cases or even dog bites. Each case and each client is important to us and we investigate each case thoroughly and pursue them aggressively. If you have any questions regarding any personal injury matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Malibu Crash Involved Underage Drinking

Teenagers in high school everywhere are preparing for their proms and graduation. For a group of teens at Newbury Park High School, that all came to a halt on one fatal accident which occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at approximately 10pm. LA TIMES reported, Ryan McGlashen, a 17 year old boy, driving with three colleagues, lost control of his vehicle in Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway, and crashed into the mountainside. The impact caused the vehicle to flip over and eventually rest upside down. The driver lost his life, while two of his passengers suffered major injuries, including a fractured spine, ruptured bladder and broken pelvis. The female passenger suffered major head trauma and is currently in critical condition. The survivors admitted to investigator they had been drinking, while investigators found a large, empty bottle of Jagermeister and, a glass pipe and a pill bottle containing medical marijuana in the car. The irony of the situation is that one of the teens was to participate in the school's program, "Every 15 minutes," which discuss consequences of drinking and driving. The program has been running every year in an effort to teach teens about the consequences of their actions. Unfortunately, these teens has to learn through real life experience.

If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresiti or a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.

Hit & Run Accident

KNBC. COM reported that a 20 year old woman was struck by a car near the 405 San Diego Freeway on ramp near Santa Monica Boulevard. The woman sustained serious head injuries and was hospitalized for five days. The woman was crossing the street at Cotner Avenue and the San Diego freeway on ramp, when a vehicle traveling westbound on Santa Monica struck the woman and fled the scene. The incident occurred on February 18 around 6pm. Police have turned to the public for help as the only information they have is the vehicle may have been the color gold.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP have handled various auto v. pedestrian cases. It is unfortunate when a motorist flees the scene because this criminal action is unnecessary as most of these types of accidents can often be compensated monetarily through the insurance. Motorists have a greater responsibility when on the road and must always give right of way to a pedestrian regardless of whether on a crosswalk. Our firm has been able to obtain a large monetary settlement amounts for our clients who were seriously injured even when a police report identifies the pedestrian partially at fault because there are many other factors to consider. Please contact our office for a free consultation regarding any personal injury incident that has occurred to you or someone you know.

Jury Verdicts for Lederer & Nojima

Dog Bite in Compton

$245,000.00 Jury Verdict. Plaintiff, Lorena Rodriguez, was bitten on the left arm by her neighbor’s dog. Mrs. Rodriguez had surgery to repair severed tendons in her left arm. Defendant, Cheryl Kincherlow, denied her dog was involved, and blamed strays in the neighborhood. Defendant offered only $5,000.00 before trial as “nuisance value”. Jury found 12-0 in our favor and awarded Mrs. Rodriguez $245,000.00.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP have aggressively pursued personal injury cases from the initial consultation up until the trial is completed. Our attorneys have experience winning at jury trials as is evident in the above-referenced case. Whether it is settling your case outside of court, or taking it all the way to court, our attorneys are constantly persistent and always focusing on your needs. Our firm understands the gravity of the situation such as an auto accident, wrongful death, or a slip and fall and thus purse your claim until we have reach the maximum value.

Scuffles can result in serious injuries

St. Patrick's day was supposed to be a day of celebration and fun. One man in Cypress, CA never would have imagined this day of fun would end with him being on life support at the hospital. At a local bar, Breakers Bar, located near Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a fight broke out, in which Steven Keith Toole was struck on the head with a pool cue. The suspect, Richard Lee Thompson, turned himself in after police arrived at his house. The victim, Steven Toole, was reported unconscious and not breathing, was revived by paramedics then rushed him to the hospital. Mr. Toole was reported to be in critical condition in the hospital.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP have represented a number of individuals who have been assaulted at local places of business and enjoyment. Ultimately, the assaulter is held responsible, but so can the the owner, workers or managers be held responsible. Our firm pursues to compensation for any type of personal injury resulting from an auto accident, bus accident, dog bites, and man more. Please visit our website or call our office for a free consultation.

Teen Driver Injurs Teen Cousin

KNBC- TV reported a disturbing story involving teen driver and underage drinking. KNBC reported that a 17 year old boy flew off the hood of a moving car and is in critical condition. The 17 year old jumped on the hood of a vehicle being operated by his 19 year old cousin. The 19 year old became startled when his cousin jumped on the hood of his car, and slammed on the brakes. This resulted in the 17 year old flying off the hood of the car, and striking his head on the pavement. While in shock, the 19 year old boy picked up his cousin and placed him in his car and began driving, but then called 911 because he thought his cousin stopped breathing. Police are currently investigating the incident and suspect the 19 year old boy was under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred on De Celis Place, south of Sherman Way in Van Nuys, California. Police continue to investigate as the 17 year old is in the hospital under critical condition.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro, and LoPresti, LLP handles carious personal injury cases across the Los Angeles County. Our firm handles auto v. pedestrian cases, motor vehicle accidents, MTA claims, dog bites, slip and falls, among many other personal injury cases. Please refer to our website for other practice areas, or call our office for a free consultation.

John Ritter Trial

The family of the famous actor, John Ritter, continue in their lawsuit nearly four year after the death of their loved. John Ritter died at the age of 54 in the year 2003 due to misdiagnoses and mistreatment. After further investigations into the death, conclusions were made that Mr. Ritter died of an aortic dissection, a tear in the aorta, which was never detected by doctors. The family of Mr. Ritter filed a lawsuit against the hospital and various doctors claiming negligence and malpractice. Although the family settled for approximately 14 million against Providence St. Joseph Medical Center and other physicians, trial is moving forward against the radiologist, Matthew Lotysch and cardiologist, Joseph Lee for negligence. The lawsuit stems on claims that the enlarged aorta should have been spotted and a chest x-ray should have been ordered. Jury began deliberations this week in the Glendale courthouse. The family intends to use proceeds from the lawsuit to establish a foundation to educate the public about aortic dissection disease (As reported on abcnews.com and huffingtonpost.com).

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresiti have assisted families who have lost loved ones as a result of the negligence of another party. Please visit our website to discover our practice areas involving personal injury matters.

Palmdale Accident

With the rainy weekend behind us, the consequences of unsafe drivers is evident in a solo car accident in the early hours of Sunday, February 24, 2008. Many cities throughout the Los Angeles County received inches of rain over the course of a week leaving the roads wet and slippery. Drivers must exercise additional care and awareness while on the road after the tremendous amount of rain that poured throughout the city. The Daily News reported that a 19 year-old man died in a solo-car accident around 6am near Avenue S-8 and 40th Street in the city of Palmdale. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies believe the young man was traveling at a "high rate of speed" and lost control of his Honda Civic consequently driving off into a dirt field. The Honda is believed to have overturned quite a few times, while the driver was ejected from his seat as a result of not wearing a seatbelt.

With the unexpected weather in the past few weeks, drivers must be very careful due to the slippery roads. The probability of having a car accident increases when additional factors, such as rain, affect the everyday driving conditions one is accustomed to. If you are involved in a car accident, please contact Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresiti for a free consultation.

Cell Phones and Driving

With the new age of technology, everyone would like to have the most up-to-date gadgets from items such as cars, computers, and cell phones. The items one choses to buy is one's own business, but a popular item which has caused an alarming concern are cell phones. Cell phones have been around for a couple of decades now, but their everyday use have caused many (serious) problems. Cell phones have been the cause of many motor vehicle accidents because it diverts a drivers attention from the road. Even with the use of hands-free devices, these items can still cause a driver to lose sight of the road. Exon Mobile researchers discovered drivers using cell phones are as likely to rear-end a vehicle as often as drunk drivers. CHP statistics for 2005 showed that roadway crashes caused by the hand-held cell phones were higher than those of hands-free phones (1,098 v. 102). As a result, California passed a law that will prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, but it does not go into effect until July 1, 2008.

Although we cannot control the use of cell phones, we can control the steps we take when we are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP can assist you if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Cell phone talking and negligent drivers exist, but so do dedicated, rigorous attorneys who will work for you at Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP.

Pedestrian v. MTA Accidents

The Los Angeles Times reported a woman was killed by a MTA bus in the busy streets of downtown Los Angeles. In the early morning, at the intersection of Los Angeles Street and Arcadia, a female crossing the street was struck and killed by a MTA bus as it was making a right hand turn. The Times went on to state that the woman was pinned under the bus.

At Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro, and LoPresti, LLP we have handled many cases against the MTA and achieved settlements totalling in the millions of dollars, even though the police reports have found that our client was at fault for failure to cross in a cross walk or for chasing a moving bus. Each case and client is different, however, each case is tragic. Our firm works toward achieving justice and assisting family members to move forward after a devastating accident resulting in a catastrophic injury or the wrongful death of a family member. Even if the police report identifies the pedestrian as the party at fault, our firm has reached a large monetary settlement for our clients and their families, because our firm does not believe in impossible cases.