The loss of their young son four years ago still causes daily pain for Rebecca Ives and Kevan Francis, but they were heartened by a recent decision that they hope will change the government’s policies regarding dangerous animals on public lands.

The family of Samuel Ives filed a personal injury lawsuit against federal and state authorities after Samuel, who was only 11 years old, was fatally attacked by a bear while his family was hiking in Utah’s American Fork Canyon.

According to sources, in their first animal attack lawsuit against the federal government, Ives and Francis recently won a judgment of $1.95 million. The judge determined that government employees acted negligently when they failed to notify Samuel’s family that a dangerous bear was near the camping area.

While another lawsuit against state authorities is still pending, the first settlement determined that the federal authorities were 65 percent responsible for the accident, the state employees held 10 percent of the blame, and Samuel’s family bore 25 percent of the responsibility.

This case offers a prime example of contributory negligence, which may reduce the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover, but does not necessarily prevent them from obtaining some legal relief.

After the decision was announced, sources indicate that Rebecca Ives expressed her desire that the outcome would change the way government officials warn park attendees of dangerous animals.

Ives believes that Samuel’s death could have been avoided. She claims the bear that dragged Samuel out of his tent and killed him had previously attacked another hiker. As a result, she says the park authorities should have notified the family of the presence of a highly dangerous animal.

In its defense, the government pointed to signs in the canyon warning hikers that bears were in the vicinity. Ives, however, argues that more specific warnings should be given to campers, particularly when an aggressive bear is in the area.

Ives and her attorney both claimed that the government had considered implementing such a policy before the accident, but never acted on the measure. Enacting a personalized warning system, though, would be very costly for cash-strapped public land agencies.

Nevertheless, Samuel Ives’ parents are hoping their lawsuit convinces the government to create a sort of “Sam Alert” that would give campers more detailed warnings about the presence of bears that have previously attacked other people.

Animal attacks occur fairly frequently, both in rural and urban areas. Wild areas pose obvious risks of attacks from snakes, bears, and other dangerous animals. In addition, residents of cities face a risk of animal attacks, particularly from dogs and other domesticated animals.

If you have been the victim of an animal attack, and would like to learn more about your legal rights and options, contact a local injury lawyer today.

A ceremony with a tragic result at an Arizona sweat lodge in 2009 shook a small community and led to an avalanche of litigation. Finally, some of the families of the deceased have obtained legal relief.

After three people died during a sweat lodge ritual, the families of the victims and seven other participants in the ceremony filed a personal injury lawsuit against Michael and Amayra Hamilton, who own the Angel Valley Retreat Center near Sedona, Arizona.

According to reports, the lawsuit recently culminated in a personal injury settlement in which the Hamiltons do not admit to guilt but presumably parted with a fair amount of money. The exact terms of the settlement were not disclosed due to a confidentiality agreement between the parties.

Sources indicate that the original lawsuit was just one among a series of lawsuits filed against the Hamiltons after the 2009 incident. Most of these lawsuits alleged negligence, wrongful death, and fraud.

In addition, another man who actually led the ill-fated ceremony, James Arthur Ray, is still in the midst of a manslaughter trial which has yet to reach a conclusion.

In the lawsuit that recently reached a settlement, the families of the three deceased victims, Kirby Brown, James Shore, and Liz Neuman, alleged that other people had become very ill in previous ceremonies led by Ray at the Angel Valley Retreat Center.

As a result, the families claimed that the Hamiltons acted with an “evil mind” when they allowed new ceremonies to proceed.

Moreover, they claimed that the Hamiltons failed to adequately warn the participants of the dangers of the ceremony, failed to provide proper medical care, and did not take measures to ensure that the sweat lodge was safely constructed.

In response to these claims, however, Amayra Hamilton told the Associated Press in 2010 that she and her husband felt “very much at peace with what we did and did not do.”

Again, the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but the original lawsuit sought damages that were “fair and just” for the victims’ families, as well as compensation for medical bills and attorneys’ fees.

The sweat lodge fiasco brought more financial pain for the Hamiltons, who had already filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection before the sweat lodge ceremony went awry in 2009.

To help with their litigation costs, the Hamiltons have also filed a lawsuit against Ray, the man who led the ceremony, and his California Company, alleging that the litigation and negative publicity had caused irreparable harm.

Wrongful death claims arise from a number of different circumstances, ranging from accidents at work to fatal car wrecks. Personal injury laws allow the victims’ families to seek legal relief in civil court.

If someone you love has passed away due to the negligent or intentional actions of another person, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim.

To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact a local injury attorney today.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the beleaguered former head of the International Monetary Fund, recently made headlines when he allegedly assaulted a maid at Sofitel Hotel in New York.

The allegations have led to a firestorm of international media speculation, as some French press claimed the entire mess was a set-up aimed at destroying Strauss-Kahn’s political career, while other French citizens have brought forth new allegations of sexual assult against the popular figure.

In the wake of the alleged attack, Strauss-Kahn’s first concern is defending himself in a pending criminal trial in New York. According to sources, he was recently indicted by a grand jury, and his fate will eventually be determined at trial.

Regardless of the outcome of the criminal trial, a recent article in Reuters discussed the possibility that the woman who was allegedly attacked might file a personal injury lawsuit filed in civil court.

While the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal trial, civil claims, such as sexual assault lawsuit, need only be proven by the preponderance of evidence.

The preponderance of evidence standard is a much lower threshold than its criminal counterpart, partially because civil trials cannot result in jail time for the defendant, but they may result in millions of dollars of damages for the plaintiff.

In this case, the victim’s attorney said she has no current plans to file a civil lawsuit, but some attorneys claim that a potential lawsuit could be very valuable, especially since Strauss-Kahn reportedly has very deep pockets.

In a civil trial, the alleged victim would be able to pursue compensation for her pain and suffering after the attack, as well as any medical bills she accrued. She may also seek damages for lost time at work.

Other attorneys also speculate that the victim could seek punitive damages in a civil trial, which would potentially allow her to ask for information about Strauss-Kahn’s wealth, figures that could sway a jury’s decision.

In another bizarre twist, a potential sexual assault lawsuit could also try to name the International Monetary Fund as a defendant, if Strauss-Kahn was working on official business during his stay at the hotel.

Again, this is all purely speculation, but it is fair to say that these are very nervous times for Strauss-Kahn.

While attacks against hotel maids by famous French politicians are relatively rare, sexual violence occurs far too often in the United States.

In order to provide justice for victims of these attacks, personal injury laws in every state offer victims a chance to seek legal relief from their attackers.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual abuse, contact a local injury lawyer in your area to learn more about your legal rights.

Concussions have recently taken center stage in the debate over the treatment of athletes, particularly football players. High-profile brain injuries to professional athletes have served as a warning to football players at every level.

While the long-term effects of concussions remain somewhat unclear, many doctors and scientists are urging sports teams to treat head injuries with extreme caution. A recent lawsuit alleges that one high school failed to heed this advice.

Zachary Alt, 19, of Fawn, Pennsylvania has filed a personal injury lawsuit in federal court against the Highlands School District, alleging that coaches and administrators failed to treat him with adequate care after he suffered a head injury.

The former football player claims that a trainer and coach jeopardized his health by putting him back into games after he suffered serious brain injuries.

According to sources, Alt’s mother claims that her son cannot work a full-time job because he has experienced depression, insomnia, and nausea since a helmet-to-helmet tackle occurred in two games in 2007, when Alt was a high school sophomore.

During one game in October of 2007, Alt alleges that he was not properly evaluated by the training staff after a head injury, and continued to play despite his concerns. To make matters worse, a similar helmet-to-helmet injury allegedly occurred a few weeks later during a playoff game.

After the second injury, Alt again remained in the game, despite his mother’s claim that he appeared disoriented on the sidelines. Shortly after the game, Alt’s mother took him to an emergency room, where his head injury was diagnosed.

The Alts also claim that Zachary’s schoolwork and attendance suffered after his injury, although the complaint admits that he received mostly A’s after the injury and later graduated from the school.

Sources indicate that Alt started playing football at the tender age of 8, and played a prominent role on the Highlands High School football team as a fullback, despite his relatively small stature.

Alt’s lawsuit has attracted a lot of attention in western Pennsylvania, a region that has seen two high school students suffer fatal concussions in the last six years.

In response to Alt’s complaint, Highland officials refused to comment on the pending litigation, saying they had not yet reviewed the lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, Alt is seeking more than $75,000 in damages, and claims that the school violated his constitutional right to education through their treatment of his head injuries. Among other people, the lawsuit names the athletic trainer, an assistant principal, and the school’s principal as defendants.

If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain or spinal injury from an athletic event, and believe that the injury was poorly treated, you may be able to seek personal injury relief.

In addition, brain injuries from a number of other sources, including car accidents, medical malpractice, or on-the-job remedies, may lead to a personal injury lawsuit.

For more information on injury laws in your state, contact a local injury attorney today.

Energy drinks are often praised for boosting energy levels, but one unlucky man from Federal Way, Washington experienced an unwelcome shot of adrenaline from a recent drink.

Vitaliy Sulzhik, the surprised customer, recently filed a personal injury lawsuit against Hansen Distributing Company, the maker of Monster Energy Drink, after allegedly discovering a dead mouse in a can of the popular energy drink.

According to sources, the incident occurred on March 20, 2010, when Sulzhik bought a Monster Energy Drink from a local convenience store.

After his purchase, Sulzhik consumed the entire drink. He became suspicious of the contents of the can when he noticed that the can was still heavy after he had completed his energy drink. Out of respect for the reader, Sulzhik’s reaction upon discovering a dead mouse at the bottom of the cam will be mercifully omitted from this account.

Soon after discovering the rodent who had sought free rent in his can, Sulzhik contacted an injury attorney, who sent the can to forensic specialists, where the validity of Sulzhik’s claim was allegedly confirmed.

To add another bizarre twist to the story, x-rays and autopsies performed on the hapless mouse revealed that the mouse had not suffered any trauma from a mouse trap or any kind of poison.

As there is no proof that the mouse was killed and forced into the can, Sulzhik’s claim is strengthened because it appears the mouse may have voluntarily entered the can at some time during the production process.

Sources indicate, however, that the energy drink’s manufacturer is skeptical of Sulzhik’s allegation. A statement recently released by Hansen Distributing Company claims that, if the mouse had entered the can during the production process, it would have decomposed and rendered the product undrinkable.

A key issue at trial may be whether Sulzhik was truly able to consume the entire drink without noticing the presence of the mouse.

To no one’s surprise, Sulzhik says that has not yet drank from a can since the incident.

In his complaint, Sulzhik has alleged both negligence and product liability on the part of Hansen Distributing Company. He has yet to place a specific dollar amount on his claim.

Defective product lawsuits come in all shapes and sizes. People often file lawsuits when they are injured by a defective consumer good, such as a faulty prescription drug or tainted food.

Food recalls often occur as a result of vegetables and meat tainted with bacteria, such as salmonella or E. coli. Of course, the presence of a small mammal in a package of food or drink may also prompt a valid personal injury claim.

If you have suffered an injury due to tainted food or another type of defective product, contact a local injury lawyer today to learn about your legal rights.

Bret Michaels, famous for his long tenure with the rock band Poison as well as his recent appearances on reality television, recently filed a personal injury lawsuit against CBS and Tony Award Productions for an injury suffered during an awards show in 2009.

According to sources, the lawsuit alleges that producers of the Tony Awards failed to properly inform Michaels of how to exit the stage after his performance.

The lawsuit claims that Michaels expressed concern about safely exiting the stage, and where he should stand during his live performance. In response, the producers of the show allegedly told Michaels that he should simply leave via the back of the stage.

This, however, proved to be unhelpful information, as Michaels was struck by a large sign falling from the ceiling after his performance of the popular Poison song “Nothin’ But a Good Time.”

The impact of the collision broke the singer’s nose and split his lip. Allegedly, Michaels was not told that this sign would be descending immediately after the show.

These injuries did not prove to be debilitating until six months after the injury, when Michaels suffered a frightening subarachnoid hemorrhage, a medical term that refers to bleeding beneath the thin layer of tissue covering the brain.

This injury was almost fatal for Michaels, who eventually recovered, but likely accrued a large amount of medical bills in the wake of the accident.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that CBS and Tony Award Productions were responsible for the personal injury. Michaels has also alleged that the producers of the show blamed him for the accident, claiming he was standing in the wrong place when the collision occurred.

All brain injuries are very serious, and must be treated with extreme caution. Brain injuries may occur as a result of a car accident, physical abuse, or negligent medical treatment.

Even if you suffered a minor injury, symptoms of potentially serious brain trauma may include nausea, depression, and irritability.

If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury due to someone’s negligent or intentional actions, you may be eligible to seek legal relief through a brain injury lawsuit.

A successful personal injury claim may allow a person to recover expenses related to rehabilitation, other medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Brain injuries may also force people to use special transportation or use household medical help.

The legal system provides a wide range of protections for people who suffer personal injuries.

To learn more about pursing a personal injury claim, contact a local injury lawyer today.

Murder at the hands of escaped convicts is extremely rare, but the haunting image of murderous escapees often appears in popular books and films. Such an event, however, recently occurred in New Mexico.

This week, the family of a couple allegedly murdered by prisoners who had escaped from a private detention facility in Arizona filed a personal injury lawsuit against the prison.

According to sources, the murder took place in 2010, when Gary and Linda Haas, an Oklahoma couple, were shot to death and set on fire in their mobile trailer during a camping trip.

Days later, a rancher found their bodies in a smoldering trailer. A few days earlier, three inmates had escaped from a privately operated prison near Kingman, Arizona.

Investigators at the scene of the crime quickly connected the murders to the escaped convicts, and the rancher’s discovery led to a national manhunt for the escaped convicts.

A few days later, one convict, Tracy Province, was caught in Wyoming, while the other two escapees, John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch, were arrested a week later in Arizona.

This week, Cathy Byus, the surviving daughter of Gary and Linda Hass, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both the company that operated the prison and the builders of the prison’s facilities.

The lawsuit, which seeks roughly $40 million in damages, alleges that the companies committed gross negligence for failing to fix security flaws that had occurred for several years and helped the alleged murderers escape the facility.

After the prisoners’ escape, a review by the Arizona Department of Corrections found several flaws in the security system, including a faulty alarm system that prison employees often ignored because it was so unreliable.

On the night of the escape, investigators believe that one of the prisoners escaped the prison’s walls and used wire cutters to cut the fence surrounding the facility. This allowed the other prisoners to swiftly escape.

According to reports, the prison’s employees ignored the alarm that was set off as a result of the prisoners’ movements, and the prison did not report the incident to state authorities until two hours after the escape.

The prisoners’ left a wake of destruction in their path, allegedly hijacking a truck and exchanging gunfire with police before the fateful incident in the Hasses’ trailer.

This incident has raised a number of issues related to state oversight of private prisons. As the country continues to imprison more and more people, states are running out of room and turning to private companies to provide extra prison space.

Beyond the issue of private prisons, wrongful death claims often arise from the negligence of a party that was not directly involved with the crime.

If someone you love has passed away due to another person’s negligence, learn about your legal rights by contacting a local injury attorney.

The Church of Scientology has recently faced increased scrutiny after a series of allegations questioned the Los Angeles-based church’s treatment of its younger members.

A new personal injury lawsuit filed by a former member of the church raises even more questions about Scientology’s practices.

The injury lawsuit, filed by Daniel Montalvo, cites numerous types of misconduct, including the church’s failure to comply with child labor laws, failure to report child neglect, violation of labor laws, and the practice of false imprisonment.

Before filing the lawsuit, Montalvo had worked for the church in the California city of Commerce. When he was 19 years old, he escaped from Commerce with the aid of a former member of the church.

Sources indicate, however, that some Scientologists allegedly convinced Montalvo to return to California. Montalvo claims that, upon his return, a group of Scientologists falsely imprisoned him.

Later, Montalvo was taken to a Los Angeles sheriff’s office, where he was arrested for allegedly stealing hard drives from one of the church’s offices. Montalvo claims these hard drives contain information that can help “protect” him from the church.

The lawsuit makes several fascinating allegations. Montalvo says that he grew up in the church since the age of 5. His parents were allegedly instructed to surrender physical custody of their son to the Sea Org, a group of elite members of the church.

The suit also claims that the church forced Montalvo to sign two billion-year contracts agreeing to stay in the church, prohibited him from reading newspapers and going to bookstores, and educated him for only one hour per week.

Perhaps the most controversial claim is that the Church of Scientology paid Montalvo between $35 and $50 per week for up to 100 hours of weekly labor. This work included construction tasks with heavy machinery such as scissor lifts and forklifts.

Montalvo also claims to have lost part of a finger while working in a printing office that was publishing works written by the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard.

While fellow Scientologists took him to the hospital after the incident, he was allegedly told not to mention that he had been doing volunteer work or that he was affiliated with Scientology.

Montalvo’s allegations of forced labor, child abuse, and false imprisonment are all very serious charges. In his lawsuit, Montalvo is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages for his alleged mistreatment.

Unfortunately, physical and mental abuse towards children occurs very frequently in the United States. If you have been injured by someone else’s mistreatment, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.

You don’t have to be victimized by abuse. If you have suffered injuries from being abused, contact a local injury lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights.

Claims of police brutality are always cause for concern, especially when they involve a police officer shooting an innocent teenager. Such an incident is under scrutiny this week as a personal injury trial begins in Anchorage, Alaska.

A personal injury lawsuit recently filed by Elvis Tuata alleges that Officer Shaun Henry used excessive force and failed to follow police procedures when he shot Tuata in the arm two years ago.

The injury lawsuit also claims that the city of Anchorage failed to properly train Officer Henry, and that the police department overlooked Henry’s disturbing history of using excessive force. The city, of course, denies these charges.

The incident in question occurred when Tuata was only 17 years old. Henry claims that he thought Tuata was aiming a high-powered hunting rifle at a group of people in the parking lot of a Taco Bell.

Tuata, however, was only holding a low caliber pellet gun, and Tuata claimed that he was merely pointing the gun at a nearby street sign. Tuata’s attorney claims that security footage at Taco Bell proves that Tuata was not pointing his gun at any person.

Sources indicate that Henry responded to the situation by firing three shots at Tuata with a .45-caliber pistol. One shot struck Tuata in his arm, traveling a few inches up his arm into his shoulder. The wound allegedly left a significant amount of blood in the parking lot.

According to Tuata’s attorney, Henry did not make any announcements or warnings before he shot Tuata. An Anchorage police spokesman, however, said that police officers typically do not give verbal warnings to people they perceive as a threat to others.

A few months after the incident, surgeons removed three large bullet fragments from Tuata’s arm, though several smaller fragments remain. According to sources, Tuata still experiences daily pain in his arm.

Tuata’s police brutality lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering, loss of employment, and thousands of dollars in medical costs.

The lawsuit also alleges that Henry has a history of using his firearm more often than most Anchorage police, raising questions about his previous use of allegedly excessive force.

While Tuata seems to have a strong claim, police brutality cases are often difficult for plaintiffs to win. Obstacles in the way of most claimants include immunity laws and strict statutes of limitations.

Many forms of police brutality, however, do lead to successful civil lawsuits. If you have been the victim of excessive police force, an unlawful arrest, police torture, or a coerced confession, you may be able to seek legal relief.

Laws governing police brutality lawsuits vary widely by state. In addition, your city may have an independent citizen review board that address claims of police misconduct.

To learn more about police brutality cases, contact a local injury lawyer.

Over the years, American theater has gained a reputation for being a classy, somewhat highbrow affair. At the very least, audience members were able to attend a show without fearing for their personal safety.

A few recent incidents, however, have threatened Broadway’s reputation as a non-contact spectator event. First, the much-hyped musical “Spider-Man!” caused a recent stir when a few actors were injured during acrobatic aerial displays. The damage, however, was mostly limited to paid performers.

In a more shocking theater event, two Kansas City natives recently suffered serious facial injuries during a performance of the Broadway show “Billy Elliott: The Musical.” As a result of the accident, the injured parties filed a personal injury lawsuit.

According to sources, the injury lawsuit, which seeks $4 million in damages, alleges that Elaine Rosen, 54, and Cynthia Noblit, 60, were hit in the face by a plastic crate that was accidentally flung off stage. Each woman is seeking $2 million for their respective injuries.

In their negligence complaint, Rosen alleges that she was left with a permanent scar, while Noblit claims to have suffered a concussion. Both parties allegedly incurred substantial medical expenses, including the cost of an MRI and CT scan.

The two unlucky women were sitting in the front row of New York’s Imperial Theater in 2009 when the accident occurred. This week, they filed their injury lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan.

Sources indicate that the lawsuit accuses producers of the show of acting negligently in allowing the use of “hazardous and dangerous” props. In addition, the suit claims the producers failed to properly train the performers and did not adequately warn audience members of potential risks of attending the show.

While the women were undoubtedly upset, they were invited back to attend another showing of the award-winning musical. If the women accept this offer, one assumes they would choose to sit in the balcony, covered with protective padding.

Safety for actors on Broadway has become a legitimate a concern, with performers in several prominent shows recently suffering injuries ranging from severe to mundane. Injuries to spectators, though, are a relatively new phenomenon.

Of course, one of the primary benefits of Broadway theater is the proximity of the audience to a live performance. Nevertheless, producers owe the audience a safe, secure experience.

You don’t have to have been injured by a famous actor or a flying prop to seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit. If you’ve been injured in a public place due to someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, you may be able to seek personal injury relief.

To learn more about your state’s injury laws and how they govern your chances of seeking legal relief, contact a local injury lawyer today.

A recent lawsuit prompted by a painful run-in with a hidden olive pit finally ended in a settlement for Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio.

The bizarre personal injury lawsuit, which pitted (pun partially intended) Rep. Kucinich against the operators of a cafeteria in the U.S. House of Representatives, received widespread national attention.

The olive-related personal injury occurred back in 2008 when Kucinich bought a sandwich that allegedly claimed to contain pitted olives, or olives with the hard pits removed. This, however, proved to be a false assumption, as Kucinich allegedly suffered serious injuries to his teeth when he bit into the sandwich.

According to sources, Kucinich told supporters in a recent letter that the incident led to three different dental surgeries. Allegedly, the internal structure of several of his teeth was compromised, which caused “excruciating pain.”

Adding injury to injury, Kucinich’s jaw bone eventually became infected, and the antibiotics he took to combat the infection caused an intestinal obstruction. By the end of the ordeal, Kucinich had to have six teeth replaced and undergo extensive bridgework.

Kucinich, who has launched two unsuccessful presidential campaigns and is currently serving his eighth term in the House of Representatives, sought $150,000 in the original personal injury lawsuit.

Sources indicate that details of the settlement were not disclosed, but Kucinich stated that the personal injury settlement “reflects the actual out-of-pocket expenses” that Kucinich incurred as a result of the injury.

The congressman, noted for his strong anti-war sentiments, also expressed gratitude for the fairness of the settlement. He had also attempted to prevent media coverage of the lawsuit by declining to respond to interview requests.

In addition, in his letter to supporters, Kucinich expressed a desire to avoid dental work for a long time. Notably, Kucinich did not state whether he would avoid olive-laden sandwiches in future trips to the House cafeteria.

Kucinich’s ordeal reflects a growing trend in personal injury law. The majority of injury cases are typically settled out of court through non-trial alternatives such as arbitration and settlement. In most cases, these settlements still cover all the losses, damages and expenses experienced by the victim.

Personal injury law is dependent on a complex web of state and federal laws, particularly in product liability cases. As a result, a local injury attorney may be a helpful resource to learn more information about your injury claim.

Settlements or arbitration may lead to a significant collection of damages while sparing both parties the cost and time commitment of a trial.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a defective food or other faulty product, contact a local injury lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.

A man famous for dispensing personal advice may soon need advice of his own. Legal advice, that is.

Dr. Phil, Oprah’s designated psychologist, recently found himself in legal trouble after his dog Maggie attacked Janet Harris, a former friend of Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin. Harris has filed a personal injury lawsuit against the famous couple.

According to sources, Harris alleges that the dog, a rare Korean Jindo, attacked her without any warning or provoking on her part. The animal attack allegedly left Harris with deep puncture wounds on her extremities that caused profuse bleeding.

In addition, Harris claims that the wounds she suffered during the attack later became infected, which led to an extended period of home nursing care. During this time, Harris had to pay for a week of antibiotics, IV fluids, and steroids.

Dr. Phil, the mustachioed television troubleshooter, had adopted the dog in 2009 from a shelter. Sources say that Korean Jindos are a rare breed of hunting dogs that are known to be very protective of their families. Korean Jindos also have a remarkable sense of smell and are known to have a strong sense of hierarchy with other animals.

According to reports, Maggie was a constant companion of Dr. Phil, and the television personality even had the dog on his show as a guest.

Despite the dog’s relative fame, Harris claims that Maggie was a dangerous animal. In her dog bite lawsuit, she says that Dr. Phil and his wife were negligent in their treatment of the dog because they knew that Maggie had an “unpredictable temperament,” and had previously bitten other people and animals.

The negligence lawsuit also alleges that Dr. Phil and Robin, whose last name is McGraw, refused to help pay for Harris’s medical treatments.

In her lawsuit, Harris is seeking compensation for her medical treatment, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

While this story seems bizarre, personal injuries are caused every day from attacks by animals that are not properly restrained by their owners. Often, these attacks result in extensive medical treatment for injured plaintiffs.

In order to win this type of personal injury case, you’ll need to be able to prove that the animal owner failed to exercise a reasonable duty of care. This may be proven by any evidence showing that an animal was not properly restrained.

In addition, you must be able to prove that the owner’s negligence was a direct cause of the animal’s attack. Finally, you also need to show that your injury was caused by the animal.

Dog bites and other forms of animal injuries are usually governed by tort laws, which vary widely by state. In order to ensure that you don’t miss a key statute of limitation, you may want to contact an injury attorney in your area.

To learn more about your unique personal injury case, call a local injury lawyer today.

A frightening weightlifting mishap that derailed a football player’s promising career has led to a personal injury lawsuit against the University of Southern California and an assistant conditioning coach.

According to Sports Illustrated, the injury occurred in September of 2009 when Stafon Johnson, a former running back for the USC football team, was bench pressing 275 pounds at a USC facility. At some point during the lift, the weight bar slipped and fell on his neck.

The impact crushed Johnson’s larynx and throat, which were repaired through extensive reconstructive surgery. Johnson eventually recovered, and played for the Tennessee Titans for a preseason game in 2010 before being sidelined by another injury.

The personal injury lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Jamie Yanchar, the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the USC football team at the time, negligently failed to assist Johnson during the bench press.

When bench pressing, the athlete typically has a spotter whose task is to help lift the weight if it proves too heavy. In this case, the lawsuit alleges that Yanchar was “distracted and not paying attention to Mr. Johnson at the time that the bar was being lifted from the weight rack.”

The lawsuit further alleges that Yanchar was inattentive when he helped Mr. Johnson lift the weight bar, and then accidentally hit the bar with his body before Mr. Johnson had a proper grip on the bar.

Johnson, who was lifting 275 pounds for the first time, claims that he suffered permanent injuries and the loss of future earnings.

In an official statement, USC expressed regret that Johnson had suffered the injury, but maintained that the university, which was also named in the complaint, was not at fault. Yanchar, who now works for the Seattle Seahawks, could not be reached for comment by Sports Illustrated.

Weight lifting can be a precarious activity, and requires a high degree of concentration and care. Injuries in the weight room can happen to athletes at any level.

To avoid injuries while exercising, make sure you lift with a partner who can help support your weights. In addition, check all the equipment you use for signs of wear and tear.

If you have been injured while exercising, and your injury was caused by faulty equipment or poor supervision, you may be able to file a negligence lawsuit and recover legal relief.

Negligence claims typically occur when an actor behaves in a way that falls below a standard of reasonable care. Negligence is governed by tort laws, which vary widely by state.

If you have suffered an injury due to someone’s negligent actions, don’t hesitate to contact a local injury lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.

The past decade has seen a rise in the number of sexual abuse lawsuits filed against members of the clergy, particularly Roman Catholic priests. These lawsuits typically involved younger plaintiffs suing priests for wrongs committed years ago.

A recent lawsuit filed in Oregon, however, pits a current priest against a former priest who is now deceased. In the complaint, the priest, identified as Father X, claims he was repeatedly abused in the 1970s by Father Emmanuel Clark at Mt. Angel Abbey in Oregon.

According to sources, Father X is seeking more than $1 million in compensation for acts occurring while he was a high school student at Mt. Angel Preparatory School.

In his sexual abuse claim, Father X alleges that Clark hugged Father X while his pants were unzipped, pressed Father X’s head to his chest, and told him that his heart beat with love for the young student.

Sources indicate that Clark also spoke frankly about sex with the student and encouraged him to take trips to adult book stores. In addition, Clark gave Father X suggestive pet names and often engaged in lengthy hugs with the young man.

In response to such treatment, Father X claims that he struggled for years after the incidents. The personal injury lawsuit alleges that he suffered physical and emotional pain as well as shame, depression, eating disorders, and sexual orientation confusion.

The attorney for Father X claims that he is suing a few decades after the incidents because he believes in holding the church accountable for Clark’s actions. In addition, Father X feels the lawsuit is an important part of his own personal healing.

One of the attorneys for the plaintiff also stated that Father X is the third person to come forwards with a sexual abuse complaint against this particular abbey.

The attorney for the abbey, on the other hand, is skeptical of Father X’s claims, saying that Clark’s act of hugging the student did not amount to sexual abuse, and questioning the plaintiff’s decision to wait 36 years before filing the lawsuit.

Adding a further odd twist to the story, Father X later went to Mt. Angel seminary and officially joined the priesthood in 1986.

While stories detailing sexual abuse scandals have increasingly appeared in mainstream media outlets, the crime continues to be a silent epidemic.

Victims of sexual abuse are often reluctant to report the crimes due to the sensitive and private nature of sexual abuse. In addition, if the victims are young, they may not have the ability or knowledge of the gravity of the crime to report the incidents.

Sexual abuse, however, is considered a personal injury and former victims of abuse may be able to seek justice through a personal injury lawsuit.

To learn more about seeking justice through a sexual abuse lawsuit, contact a local personal injury lawyer today.

The grieving parents of a young student who died in a tragic alcohol-related accident have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against two former college students and the bar that allegedly served them too much liquor.

The accident occurred near the University of Wisconsin-Stout, outside a bar called the Log Jam. That night, the two students named in the lawsuit, Jedidiah McGlasson and Jared Britton, had allegedly been drinking heavily with other members of the university’s hockey team.

According to sources, at some point during the night, Britton became engaged in an argument with Bradley Simon, the young student whose parents eventually filed the personal injury claim, over a sweatshirt worn by Britton.

The two parties separated, but later that evening, after McGlasson and Britton had been escorted from the bar, the two hockey players saw Simon riding his bike down a nearby street.

The personal injury lawsuit alleges McGlasson and Britton sprinted towards Simon and pushed him off his bike into a concrete wall, slamming Simon’s head against the concrete. Tragically, Simon died five days later as a result of injuries suffered in the crash.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Simon’s family says that McGlasson and Britton acted with “malicious” intent and showed an “intentional disregard” for Simon’s well-being.

In punishment delivered separately from the lawsuit, both McGlasson and Britton were permanently suspended from the hockey team and later expelled from the university.

In addition to the lawsuit against the two aggressors, Simon’s family included the owners of the Log Jam and the bar’s insurance company in the wrongful death claim.

Sources indicate that the lawsuit accuses the Log Jam’s bartenders of serving too much alcohol to the group of hockey players, which helped increase their aggressive behavior. In particular, the lawsuit says that an employee of the bar poured 100 shots in a single order to be served to just the hockey players.

Moreover, Simon’s parents claim that the Log Jam’s employees were negligent in their failure to notify police after they witnessed increasingly aggressive behavior by McGlasson and Britton.

This lawsuit, unfortunately, reflects a disturbing trend of alcohol-related deaths, particularly among young Americans. In addition to physical confrontations, car accidents often play a role in these incidents.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligent or intentional actions, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the guilty party. Typically, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed by immediate family of the deceased.

If your claim is successful, you may be able to seek compensation for your own pain and suffering, in addition to the medical expenses incurred by your deceased family member.

To learn more about your unique legal circumstances, contact a local injury attorney today.