Monthly Archives: February 2016
Emotional Distress May Linger for San Bruno Pipeline Victims
On September 9, 2010, a 28 foot -long section of pipe owned and operated by Pacific Gas & Electric Company ruptured in the Crestmoor neighborhood of San Bruno, Calif. killing eight residents, injuring many and leaving several homeless. The explosion and the fire that followed created a 72 by 25 foot crater, destroyed over… Read More »
California Supreme Court Reaffirms Duty of Care—Even When Parked
The California Supreme Court recently announced a new ruling that reaffirms the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of the injured-or in this case, the family of the deceased. The case stems from a vehicle accident in which the driver of a tractor-trailer owned by Ralphs Grocery parked along the shoulder of Interstate 10… Read More »
Losing Their Cool: Night Club Bouncer Assault
People think of night clubs and bars as gathering places for individuals to meet, let loose and have some fun. Nobody goes to a bar expecting to be hurt. However when individuals congregate to drink and inhibitions are diminished, devastating injuries can result. In addition to the danger from people, the building itself can… Read More »
Distracted Driving: A Recipe for Disaster in California
Distracted driving is a common threat on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is reported in approximately 20 percent of motor vehicle crashes that result in injury. Of course, after an accident, driver distraction is often difficult to detect and thus may go unreported; one study… Read More »
PG&E Acknowledges Its Liability for San Bruno Disaster
On December 13 th, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the utility company whose gas line exploded in September 2010, finally accepted responsibility for the disaster. In a press release issued by the company, PG&E conceded that they were liable for the blast and promised to pay the victims for their injuries. The explosion left… Read More »
Bay Area Construction Accidents Highlight Persistent Safety Issues
The dangers inherent in construction work make it one of the riskiest professions available. Because worksites use both heavy machinery and materials, when injuries happen, they are much more likely to be serious or even fatal. Two construction accidents occurred this summer that reveal the need for construction companies to implement, train and enforce… Read More »
Mary Alexander Elected to California State Bar Association’s Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame
Released: February 13, 2012San Francisco, CaliforniaMary Alexander and Associates, P.C. is proud to announce the election of its firm founder, Mary Alexander, into the California State Bar Association’s Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame.For over 30 years, Mary Alexander has distinguished herself amongst her colleagues and clients as a zealous advocate for consumer rights. She… Read More »
New Year Ushers in New Traffic Laws for Californians
On New Year’s Day, several new traffic laws went into effect in California that may prevent accidents and help keep all Golden State road users safe.Changes to DUI LawsAmong the new laws are changes to two existing driving under the influence (DUI) rules. Law enforcement can no longer impound someone’s vehicle if their only… Read More »
Controversy Continues Over Safety of Yaz Birth-Control Pills
Headlines have been numerous about the controversial safety of the popular contraceptive Yaz and its sister pill Yasmin. Specifically, the question is whether birth-control pills like Yaz with the ingredient drospirenone increase the risk of potentially fatal blood clots to an unacceptable level.Drospirenone is a progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Pills… Read More »
California Wrongful Death Lawsuits Must Join All Heirs
Generally, when California residents die in fatal accident, their heirs must band together to pursue one wrongful death lawsuit.This is because California adheres to what is known as the “one-action rule.” The rule operates just like one would assume from its title – only one action can be brought as a result of a… Read More »