Early Saturday morning a 27 year-old man was beaten and stabbed outside a Hollywood nightclub, leaving the victim in critical condition. According to a KTLA news report, the fight occurred at about 1:30 a.m. outside the Playhouse Hollywood nightclub on Hollywood Boulevard near Wilcox Avenue. A graphic YouTube video has surfaced showing the melee in the middle of the street.
The victim was knocked to the he ground and beaten until he was unconscious. Citing police sources, KTLA has reported the man was also stabbed during the incident. A 19 year-old suspect has been arrested and reportedly charged with attempted murder.
See the KTLA story and video HERE.
Under California law, a business owner (such as those who own Playhouse Hollywood) has a duty to ensure that their patrons are provided a reasonably safe environment when coming onto the property. In general, one in control of property has a duty to use reasonable care to protect guests from another person's harmful conduct on their property if the owner can reasonably anticipate such conduct. When large crowds form in or outside a business, and those in the crowd are known to have been drinking, a business owner is generally required to provide at least some sort of protection for their patrons. Perhaps more importantly, when a business owner is aware fights are braking out on or just outside their property (involving their patrons) they are generally responsible for taking reasonable, prompt steps to intervene. A failure to fulfill such a duty is negligence and may result in liability being found against the business for any resulting harm.
Compensation for the victims of criminal assaults, occurring inside or just outside a business, should be an important concern for all Californians. When a business patron is beaten because protective measures were not taken by a business owner, the business should be held accountable and compensation paid to the victim or the victim's family. An Orange County premises liability attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been a victim of an assault occurring on or near a business establishment?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Fontana Accident Kills Four Teens
On Sunday at about 1:00 a.m., a horrific, solo car accident in Fontana resulted in the deaths of four teenagers. According to a story published in the Press Enterprise, the four victims (including two sisters, ages 16 and 18) were riding in a Chrysler Sebring when the driver apparently lost control and struck a train trestle at Foothill Boulevard and Lime Street . All four of the teens were residents of Fontana. The Chrysler caught fire as a result of the impact. The Fontana Police Department is still investigating the accident.
See the Press Enterprise story HERE.
From a Google maps aerial view of the crash site, it appears the area is relatively straight and flat. However, Foothill Boulevard does go downhill as it passes under a bike trail and the train trestle. It is not known what caused the driver of the Chrysler to lose control, but speed is often a contributing factor in crashes like this. Additionally, when a downhill is combined with an already high speed, the result may be a loss of control, as gravity and inertia affect a driver's ability to steer their vehicle. It is highly likely, given the tragic nature of this accident, that the Fontana Police Department will undertake a complete accident reconstruction to determine the most likely cause.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a careless driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in such a manner to cause a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving wrongful death. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
See the Press Enterprise story HERE.
From a Google maps aerial view of the crash site, it appears the area is relatively straight and flat. However, Foothill Boulevard does go downhill as it passes under a bike trail and the train trestle. It is not known what caused the driver of the Chrysler to lose control, but speed is often a contributing factor in crashes like this. Additionally, when a downhill is combined with an already high speed, the result may be a loss of control, as gravity and inertia affect a driver's ability to steer their vehicle. It is highly likely, given the tragic nature of this accident, that the Fontana Police Department will undertake a complete accident reconstruction to determine the most likely cause.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a careless driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in such a manner to cause a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving wrongful death. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Former Fire Chief Attacked By Pit Bulls
Early Monday morning a former fire chief with the City of Compton was attacked by two vicious pit bulls while he was out for his walk in Glendora. The former chief, 67-year-old Milford Fonza, had been out for his usual morninig walk when the dogs attacked. He tried to defend himself with his walking stick, but it broke during the attack. A Glendora police officer on routine patrol heard Fonza's screams for help. Using his patrol car, the officer intentionally ran into one of the dogs, but still had to shoot the other pit bull to stop the attack. That dog died of its wounds, and the dog that had been run over was taken from the scene for medical treatment. According to the KTLA news story, it is unclear if the owner of the dogs has been identified. The police officer, Matt Fenner, and Fonza have since reunited to talk about this life threatening incident, and the officers heroic actions.
See the KTLA news story, photos and video HERE.
There can be little doubt the owner or owners of theses vicious pit bulls would be civilly liable for the injuries and damages sustained by Fonza during the attack. From the news report, it appears he suffered a number of bites, puncture wounds and either a broken or dislocated shoulder, injuries from which an elderly victim will not soon recover. All of this tragic event could have been avoided if the owner(s) of the dogs had just kept them under their control. Under California law, a dog owner is strictly liable when their animal attacks and bites a victim, regardless of whether the dog has any known propensity to attack. This is true whether the attack happens on the dog owner's property or in a public place. The only defenses in situations like the one here generally have to do with whether or not the victim did something to provoke the attack or assumed the risk of injury in some fashion, neither of which appear to have occurred here.
Compensation for the victims of vicious dog attacks should be an important concern for all Californians. When an innocent victim is attacked and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages suffered. An Orange County dog bite lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. Mr. Ralph can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been a victim of a dog attack?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
See the KTLA news story, photos and video HERE.
There can be little doubt the owner or owners of theses vicious pit bulls would be civilly liable for the injuries and damages sustained by Fonza during the attack. From the news report, it appears he suffered a number of bites, puncture wounds and either a broken or dislocated shoulder, injuries from which an elderly victim will not soon recover. All of this tragic event could have been avoided if the owner(s) of the dogs had just kept them under their control. Under California law, a dog owner is strictly liable when their animal attacks and bites a victim, regardless of whether the dog has any known propensity to attack. This is true whether the attack happens on the dog owner's property or in a public place. The only defenses in situations like the one here generally have to do with whether or not the victim did something to provoke the attack or assumed the risk of injury in some fashion, neither of which appear to have occurred here.
Compensation for the victims of vicious dog attacks should be an important concern for all Californians. When an innocent victim is attacked and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages suffered. An Orange County dog bite lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. Mr. Ralph can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been a victim of a dog attack?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Huntington Beach Auto Accident Injures Five
Five people were injured in an apparent DUI-related crash early this morning. According to a report by the Orange County Register, Huntington Beach police were summoned at about 1:30 a.m. because of a traffic collision with injuries on Beach Boulevard near Newman Avenue. According to the news report, citing the preliminary investigation, the driver of a Toyota Camry, identified as Forrest Leland Kelly, 22, was traveling north on Beach Boulevard when he broadsided a Dodge Durango going the opposite direction. The driver of the Dodge, identified as 28-year-old Thomas William Barrett, of Costa Mesa, had three passengers inside and was preparing to make a U-turn at Newman Avenue when the collision occurred. The impact was severe and caused the Dodge to overturn in the roadway. Paramedics transported the five people with injuries, including Kelly, to local hospitals, where they were all listed in stable condition.
Kelly, from Huntington Beach, later was arrested on suspicion of DUI, police said. According to a check of the Orange County Superior Court website, Kelly has a history of traffic and alcohol related priors, including a pending public intoxication charge. Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to call the H.B. Police Department's traffic bureau at 714-536-5666.
See the Orange County Register article HERE.
It remains to be seen how badly those in the Dodge were injured and exactly what charges may be brought against Kelly. Assuming the preliminary report is correct and he was driving while intoxicated, Kelly could be charged with a felony. Aside from his criminal reponsibility, Kelly may be liable for the injuries sustained by the occupants of the Dodge that overturned in the accident. If it is proven Kelly was driving while intoxicated, and that accounted for the collision, he could be responsible for not only compensatory damages (pain, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.), but punitive damages as well.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a drunk driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving intoxicated drivers. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
Kelly, from Huntington Beach, later was arrested on suspicion of DUI, police said. According to a check of the Orange County Superior Court website, Kelly has a history of traffic and alcohol related priors, including a pending public intoxication charge. Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to call the H.B. Police Department's traffic bureau at 714-536-5666.
See the Orange County Register article HERE.
It remains to be seen how badly those in the Dodge were injured and exactly what charges may be brought against Kelly. Assuming the preliminary report is correct and he was driving while intoxicated, Kelly could be charged with a felony. Aside from his criminal reponsibility, Kelly may be liable for the injuries sustained by the occupants of the Dodge that overturned in the accident. If it is proven Kelly was driving while intoxicated, and that accounted for the collision, he could be responsible for not only compensatory damages (pain, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.), but punitive damages as well.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a drunk driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving intoxicated drivers. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wet Roads Cause Multiple Crashes In Orange County
Not too surprisingly, the wet roadways here in Orange County led to a number of traffic collisions this morning. According to a story in the Orange County Register, a three-vehicle collision that occurred in La Habra left two drivers injured at a busy intersection. The accident was reported to the La Habra Police Department at 7:50 a.m., and the caller indicated there had been a three vehicle collision on Lambert Road, east of Beach Boulevard. Also reported this morning was a two-vehicle collision on the northbound I-5, near Jeffrey Road. In that accident, according to the Register, it appears the driver of a Honda Odyssey rear-ended a Ford F-150. Several other accidents along the I-5 occurred on the rain slick road.
See the full Orange County Register article and photos HERE.
According to statistics compiled by the federal government, there are more than 6,301,000 motor vehicle crashes every year on U.S. roadways. Of those, about 24% (1,511,000) are weather-related. On average, 7,130 people are killed and over 629,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. Road weather conditions contributing to those accidents include: rain, snow, ice and fog. The vast majority of these crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall. In an average year, 17 percent of fatal crashes, 22 percent of injury crashes, and 25 percent of property-damage-only collisions occur when an adverse weather condition and/or slick pavement is present. Rain like we experienced this morning and as is expected tomorrow, impacts visibility distance, pavement friction and lane obstruction, contributing to the happening of traffic accidents and injuries. In these weather conditions, it is important for drivers to take appropriate steps to minimize the risk of an accident. Here are some examples:
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
See the full Orange County Register article and photos HERE.
According to statistics compiled by the federal government, there are more than 6,301,000 motor vehicle crashes every year on U.S. roadways. Of those, about 24% (1,511,000) are weather-related. On average, 7,130 people are killed and over 629,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. Road weather conditions contributing to those accidents include: rain, snow, ice and fog. The vast majority of these crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall. In an average year, 17 percent of fatal crashes, 22 percent of injury crashes, and 25 percent of property-damage-only collisions occur when an adverse weather condition and/or slick pavement is present. Rain like we experienced this morning and as is expected tomorrow, impacts visibility distance, pavement friction and lane obstruction, contributing to the happening of traffic accidents and injuries. In these weather conditions, it is important for drivers to take appropriate steps to minimize the risk of an accident. Here are some examples:
- Make sure your brakes are functioning properly ("ride" the brakes for a short distance to dry them out once they have gotten wet)
- Slow down (slick pavement can double your vehicle's stopping distance)
- Avoid aggressive braking
- Double your following distance
- Practice defensive driving
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
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