The Growing Problem Caused by Stray Dogs in the US

 

Image Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIdM-49wgBzgfPkxg1XPqkJCAuCn7mnfhse3eL7tTl1v_fyMWbgmyCPW8iNIlLbJKOttwQYGONm0EnSbPmv9GFOzhPr1FW_uMmtSwUfCEUeWM7afHDjcvOcdY_wo6T4i1WN6AJjAboTbs/s400/stray-dogs-+%285%29.jpg

Dog bite accidents are among the staple forms of personal injury in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that dog bites accounted for approximately 885,000 hospital visits each year.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to the topic of dog bite accidents. One of the leading factors to the rise of dog bite cases in the country are stray dogs. It is estimated that about $300 million are spent annually to impound and euthanize stray dogs. The growing number of stray dogs in the country should alarm the general public, and not only those with dogs as pets. This is because if this issue is not addressed properly and promptly, chances are, the incidences of dog bite accidents would soar.

Under the tort law, people who got bitten by a dog may claim for injury payments provided that they can determine the owner of the dog. In case that the victim is bitten by a stray or abandoned dog, he or she would have a hard time claiming for payments because there is no one to pay for the damages. This is the main reason why the public should be extra wary about stray dogs because they cannot get financial aid once they got bitten by one.

Accordingly, Los Angeles citizens are advised to do the following to avoid getting bitten or attacked by stray dogs:

•    Do not get near a stray or unfamiliar dog

•    Avoid running from a dog

•    Keep still when a stray dog approaches you

•    Do not play with an unfamiliar dog

•    Avoid direct contact with a dog

•    Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for its puppies

•    If bitten, immediately visit the emergency department for treatment

Los Angeles injury lawyers always remind adults to keep an eye on their children, especially when they are playing or wanting to play with any animal to keep them from getting bitten or attacked.

Interns Should Be Paid by Employers If…

Image Source: http://www.uno.edu/Portals/8/interns.jpg

It is common practice for many employers in the United States not to pay their interns. Instead of giving interns payments, employers promise student-trainees to receive significant experiences that they could use once they start working as regular employees. However, are there certain circumstances wherein employers should pay their interns?

According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), employers may be required to pay their interns or student-trainees if they fail to adhere to certain criteria. A Los Angeles employer should pay interns if:

1. The internship program provided is not in accordance with the actual training provided in an academic environment.

2. The internship program only benefits the company and not the intern.

3. The employer gains immediate benefit from the duties done by the intern.

4. The intern works to displace a regular employee’s duties and is not under close supervision of a regular employee.

A particular lawsuit placed the instructions of DOL regarding internship requirements in the limelight. The case involved a former intern for Fox Searchlight Pictures. The defendant claims that he served as an intern for the production’s movie “Black Swan,” and instead of doing significant tasks, he was only asked to make coffee, take out trash, and clean the office. He also asserted that no close supervision was provided to him while doing his duties.

Based on the statements claimed by the plaintiff, Fox Searchlight failed to provide him with internship program that is at par with academic environment. Also, the company failed to closely supervise him while performing work duties.

Accordingly, interns or student-trainees who believe that their employer failed to adhere to DOL’s instructions regarding internship programs are advised to consult with a Los Angeles labor attorney whether or not they have a claim for a lawsuit. A lawyer’s advice can be beneficial in determining the proper legal actions to take with respect to filing a lawsuit.

Summer 2012 Driving Tips for College Students

Image Source: http://hatfieldinsurance.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/safety-tips-driving-image.jpg

Summer is nearing and many college students are already up for vacation on the beach. Expectedly, a lot of them will consume alcoholic drinks to make the occasion more fun. However, summer vacation fun can turn into a tragic event if students drink irresponsibly.

Every summer, hundreds of college students are ticketed and fined for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Southern California where there are many beach spots, this problem is not uncommon.

In relation to this, college students who will hit the SoCal beach spots this summer must refrain from driving while under the influence to avoid getting involved in debilitating or fatal road accidents. Impaired driving is very dangerous because it can lead to different types of accident injuries, including:

•    Traumatic brain injury

•    Spinal cord injury

•    Fractured bones

•    Broken arms, legs, and shoulders

•    Head concussions

•    Severe lacerations and cuts

•    Posttraumatic stress disorder

•    Internal bleeding

•    Whiplash injury

Youth drivers who want to enjoy their summer vacation safely and responsibly are advised to follow these driving tips:

Do not drive if under the influence – It is imperative for any driver to refrain from getting behind the wheel if he or she is under influence of alcohol.

Assign a designated driver – If you have a friend or a colleague who did not consume alcoholic drink, ask him or her to drive the car for you.

Take a cab – If you have too much drink, driving your own vehicle should not be among your options to reach home. The best way to get home is to ride a cab.

Southern California drivers who get involved in an accident caused by a negligent motorist have the right to claim for personal injury damages. They are advised to hire an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can assist them in claiming for injury payments from the negligent driver involved.

Analysis of California Car Accidents by Vehicle Type

Road accidents can involve different types of land vehicles including automobiles (sedans), sports utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks and big rigs, motorcycles, and bicycles. In the State of California, traffic accidents can be called “diverse” because they involve various types of land transportation. Hence, it could be said that every California motor vehicle driver is at risk of getting involved in a road accident.

Below are the data of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the road accident deaths in California by car type in 2009:

•    Cars – 1,275 (42.9%)
•    SUVs and pickups – 622 (20.9%)
•    Pedestrians – 563 (19%)
•    Motorcycles – 383 (12.9%)
•    Bicycles – 99 (3.3%)
•    Large trucks and big rigs – 27 (0.9%)

There are various reasons why road accidents happen in the Golden State, and these include the following:

Impaired driving – According to the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), every 525 minutes, a person dies in the state due to alcohol-related crash. Furthermore, in 2009 alone, about 950 people were killed due to car accidents caused by impaired driving.

Distracted driving – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2009, more than 5,400 people were killed in car accidents in the country due to distracted driving.

Drowsy driving – Sleepy drivers cause about 100,000 car accidents in the country. Additionally, the NHTSA has said that approximately 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities are caused by drowsy driving annually.

Speeding – Drivers who speed are more likely to get involved in car accidents. In fact, according to DMV, in 2008, at least 28.4 percent of all fatal car accidents in California are caused by speeding drivers.

California drivers who get injured in a traffic accident regardless of the motor vehicle that caused it, have the right to claim for personal injury damages. Seeking assistance from a Los Angeles car accident attorney is advised to ensure that they will receive just amount of injury payments from the individual/group involved.