San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

Immigrants in California Face Landlord Threats of Eviction and Deportation

April 14, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In the current political climate, it comes as no surprise to local California attorneys and authorities that landlords are using the threat of deportation against their tenants who are or appear to be immigrants. The exact reasons for the threats vary. Some landlords want to force immigrants to pay higher rents while others want them to move out so the landlord can charge new tenants more. Still other landlords are using threats of calling immigration officials to move racial minorities out of certain neighborhoods for the purpose of gentrification. Whatever the reasons, these threatening tactics violate tenants’ rights.

If you are experiencing threats or harassment from your landlord based on your immigrant or documentation status, contact a San Francisco tenant rights attorney at Brod Law Firm to learn about protecting your rights.

Your Immigration or Citizenship Status is Private

Isolation is a Sign of Elder Abuse

April 12, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Elder neglect and abuse are a growing concern around the country. As of mid-2014, there were 46.2 million individuals in the U.S. over the age of 65 and by 2060, that number is projected to grow to 98.2 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At that point, almost one in four U.S. residents will be elderly, and 19.7 million of them will be 85 years or older. As our population ages, these individuals become more vulnerable to physical and emotional neglect as well as physical, emotional, and financial abuse. However, there are ways to remain vigilant and prevent seniors from being hurt and taken advantage of. Isolation is one of the consistent signs that elder neglect or abuse is happening.

Who Can Isolate Your Loved One

Isolation can begin as minor changes in your loved one’s life until it becomes so extreme, your elderly family member or friend has little to no contact with others. This isolation can be caused by a family member, romantic partner, caregiver, or anyone who establishes a relationship of trust with your loved one like neighbors. Workers who your loved one sees consistently over time like bank tellers and grocery store clerks can also become overly involved in your loved one’s life and isolate them for financial gain.

DUI-Related Crash Causes Deadly Vehicle Fire on Highway 280

April 10, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On Sunday April 9, a deadly crash occurred in San Jose. Around 2:30 a.m., the driver of a Lexus appears to have been speeding and lost control of the vehicle on Highway 280, colliding into another vehicle, which rolled over. The Lexus then hit a Honda, which caught fire. The injured driver of the Honda was unable to escape, despite many other motorists attempting to pull the driver from the vehicle. The driver of the Lexus and the passenger were taken to the hospital for treatment and are expected to survive. The Lexus driver is currently under investigation for a DUI.

Vehicle fires as a result of collisions, mechanical failures, and other issues often result in injuries and fatalities. If you lost a loved one in a vehicle fire, contact the San Francisco wrongful death attorneys of Brod Law Firm to learn about your legal rights and options to recover compensation.

Vehicle Fires in the U.S.

California Appellate Court Sides with Landlords Over Relocation Assistance

April 7, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A San Francisco Court of Appeal ruled that relocation assistance payments for tenants, increased by a 2015 law, were unlawful and pre-empted by the 1985 Ellis Act since they placed a “prohibitive” cost upon a landlord’s right to leave the rental industry. This is a disappointing decision for tenants who are kicked out of their buildings and have to find suitable housing in a challenging market. For tenants who were long-time residents of these buildings, the move may be particularly difficult since rents have increased drastically in San Francisco in recent years. It may not be possible to find an apartment of comparable size or within the area for the same price.

If you are being evicted and you are not sure it was lawful or you need relocation assistance, contact the San Francisco tenant rights lawyers of Brod Law Firm right away.

More on the Appellate Court’s Decision

Nursing Home Staff May Negligently Fail to Monitor Residents’ Blood Thinner Dosages

April 5, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Coumadin and other blood thinners are commonly used by elderly individuals. These individuals are often prescribed this type of medication to reduce the chance of heart attack, stroke, and other major medical events. However, blood thinners are serious medications and patients taking them need to be closely monitored by a physician or nursing home staff. Being on this type of medication when it is unnecessary or taking too much can lead to injuries and fatalities. In fact, ProPublica and The Washington Post found that 165 nursing home residents were hospitalized or died after suffering from Coumadin, or the generic Warfarin, errors between 2011 and 2014. These incidents are preventable when elderly patients are given proper care.

The Dangers of Failing to Monitor Blood Thinners

Coumadin has well-documented benefits. However, when patients are given too much or too little of a blood thinner, they are put at risk for serious health issues and early death. For instance, when patients who are at risk for negative health events are given too low of a dosage or not given their prescribed medication, they remain highly at risk for blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. When elderly individuals are prescribed or unnecessarily given too much of a blood thinner, they can suffer internal bleeding. Warfarin can also dangerously interact with other medications like commonly prescribed antibiotics. If physicians and other nursing home staff are not on the lookout for common medication interactions, then elderly patients are seriously at risk for injuries.

One Killed, Another Injured in Crash on I-580

April 3, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A multi-vehicle accident on Interstate-580 near the Harrison Street exit in March left one individual dead and another seriously injured. The initial accidents were caused by a 1997 Acura and a 2003 Honda. When both drivers exited their vehicles on the busy road, they were struck by oncoming traffic. The first driver of the Acura was announced dead at the scene after responders attempted to revive him. The other driver of the Honda became trapped under a vehicle. He was removed by responders and taken to the hospital for treatment of significant injuries. At least two other vehicles were involved in the multi-vehicle crash, however no other drivers or passengers were hurt.

Should People Leave Their Vehicles After a Crash?

Drivers and passengers of car accidents always face a question immediately after the incident: Should I get out of the vehicle? This question may be answered quickly. When people are badly injured and bleeding, it is best they stay put until emergency medical personnel arrive. Moving may cause additional injury. However, if the conditions within the vehicle appear too dangerous, such as if there is a fire, then leaving the vehicle as safely as possible is important.

Golden Living Center in Napa Facing Elder Abuse Charges

March 31, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

The care facility formerly known as the Golden Living Center along with its administration and four employees are being sued for negligent hiring and elder abuse. The suit is based on the death of Jeanne Roney, 91. Roney was diagnosed with scabies and then passed away nine days later. Her daughter, Tammy Cook, claims her mother died due to the facility’s negligence, which resulted in her mother falling several times, acquiring scabies and multiple urinary tract infections, and suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. Cook alleges her mother was not properly cared for, eventually acquiring a UTI that could not be treated with oral antibiotics and scabies that were so bad Queen of the Valley Hospital notified the California Department of Public Health about the case.

If your loved one at a care facility is suffering from unnecessary injuries like UTIs, bed sores, or dehydration, contact a San Francisco elder abuse lawyer at Brod Law Firm as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you get the proper care for your loved one and determine if he or she has the right to file a suit against negligent caretakers or facilities.

Negligent Hiring

Vehicle Strikes a Home in Redwood City

March 29, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

It turns out, you do not have to be in a car to get into a car crash. You can be involved in an auto accident while sitting in your living room. On March 26, a vehicle struck home after being involved in a traffic accident, according to the Redwood City Fire Department. The original two-vehicle collision occurred at 34 Center Street around 8:00 p.m. There were no reports of injuries in this particularly incident. However, not all families are so lucky.

While vehicle-into-building accidents are not as common as traffic collisions, they are not so few and far between that you can ignore the risk. Some statistics say around 60 vehicles crash into commercial buildings per day across United States. The rate is likely higher when including residential houses and apartment buildings. If you are injured by a vehicle colliding with the building you were in, whether at home or work, contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney at Brod Law Firm.

Common Causes of Vehicle-into-Building Accidents

93-Year-Old Killed by Cable Car in San Francisco

March 27, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A 93-year-old man passed away after being hit by a cable car in March. He was walking in the crosswalk on Mason Street near the intersection of Filbert Street around 3:10 p.m., according to the San Francisco Police Department. While in the crosswalk, the southbound Powell-Mason cable car struck him, knocking him to the ground, resulting in serious injuries that led to his death.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an accident with a cable car, call a San Francisco personal injury lawyer from Brod Law Firm right away at (800) 427-7020. We offer free consultations to learn about your situation and inform you of your rights and legal options.

San Francisco Cable Cars Known to be Dangerous

Catering Truck Crashes into Pole in Sunnyvale

March 24, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On March 17 at around 9:30 a.m., a catering truck crashed into a traffic signal pole in East Caribbean Drive. Two women were in the truck. One was airlifted to a nearby hospital and the other was taken by ambulance. Both are being treated for serious injuries at a trauma center. As of right now, law enforcement has not determined whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

While the single-vehicle crash may have been a simple accident, it could also have been caused by driver error, a defective part, or a maintenance issue. If negligence was behind the crash, then it is possible for the passenger or both the driver and passenger to have a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.

Individuals who are hurt in single-vehicle crashes should speak with a San Francisco personal injury attorney to determine if they have a valid personal injury claim through which they can receive compensation for their injuries.