Civil Cases & Community Safety Safe Trick-or-Treating Home Runs

Civil Cases & Community Safety Safe Trick-or-Treating Home Runs

October 2022 Newsletter

Rana Law Group Newsletter

In this issue:

  • Civil Cases & Community Safety
  • Safe Trick-or-Treating
  • Home Runs

Civil Cases and Community Safety
The Washington Post recently highlighted one of my former clients in an article explaining how lawsuits changed the way insurance companies write policies.  The article specifically highlights changes insurance companies forced on police departments by denying them coverage unless they offer more training on areas such as force and de-escalation, as well as overhauling policies to make police pursuits safer for the public.  As some of you may recall when watching the local news, the City of St. Ann had a simple chase policy – chase until we get the bad guy.  In some circumstances, certainly it made sense to get a hardened criminal or murderer off the streets; however, if the result was chases sometimes exceeding 100 miles per hour in areas where pedestrians and other cars were endangered, did the ends justify the means?  Evidently no, according to insurance companies who were tired of paying out huge amounts of money to victims who were severely injured.  To be clear, many of these victims were people who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, not the bad guy being chased.  For instance, my former client went home from work early because it was slow at the autobody shop.  He was excited to continue working on his hobby of restoring a classic car.  Little did he know that his entire world would change, through no fault of his own.  Read the article above to learn more.Injury lawyers get a bad reputation, undeservedly so in my opinion.  After all, many safety changes occurred in the past because lawyers represented injured people against negligent parties and hit them where it counts – in their wallet.  For instance, products liability cases protect the public by getting dangerous products off the market (a few examples include asbestos, the Takata faulty airbags, GM faulty ignition switches and baby related items that led to infant deaths).  Personal injury lawsuits have the power to enact changes that make communities safer but only if the jurors who hear the cases choose to enforce safety rules.  Previously, I wrote about completely avoidable police policies that put innocent bystanders in danger when updated technology exists to avoid these hazards (such as tracking technology).  Without the threat of paying out money, the insurers would not force these safety improvements on their clients.  If you do not have time to read the entire article, a key takeaway is it is not just criminal cases where bad actors are sent to jail that keep us safe.  Civil cases can cause broad changes for the better in how institutions operate and interact with the public.  Feel free to email in your thoughts after reading this powerful article.

Safe Trick-or-Treating
At this point, many parents, especially newer parents with younger children, have heard all about safety while trick-or-treating.  While the threat of the actual treats being dangerous is overblown (we all heard about razor blades or drugs in candy), the danger related to being out in the dark is more of a realistic concern.  If you or your child are in a dark costume, please put something reflective on for visibility.  A glowstick or reflective tape is readily available at most Dollar Stores.  Accidents happen everywhere, even in parking lots.  If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic and try to make eye contact with drivers or wave.  Cross at corners and remind kids not to dart out between parked cars in their quest to get the most candy possible.  Lastly, many of you know I love animals so this is not an indictment on dogs, however, be mindful that dogs out walking with their owner, while normally safe, may get startled and bite.  Imagine being an animal and getting all these small humans walking up to you in scary costumes.  Best to be safe and wait for the daylight to greet our favorite four legged friends.  I prefer not to get a call on November 1 from anyone with an injured child from the night before.  Stay safe out there!

Home Runs
This has been quite a year for baseball fans!  Albert joined the 700 homer club and, due to the anticipation of this feat, all the games down the stretch were a thrill.  That brought back great memories of the McGwire and Sosa homerun race from my childhood.  Fitting that #701 landed in Big Mac land!  I recommend this article from ESPN which has some great quotes from players who played with and against Pujols.  I am sure they had a blast reflecting on playing with what should be a first ballot, unanimous hall of famer.I’m really happy Albert and Yadi get to go to the playoffs together in their final season.  Waino is also there, although he has been a bit cagey about whether he will be retiring or coming back.  Seeing these players back for a last hurrah is bittersweet.  Lastly, I have to give props to Aaron Judge for breaking Roger Maris’ single season homerun record (steroid free).  All in all, it has been a great season and reminds me why I love this game.P.S. – While I believe Pujols deserved a solid gold bat rather than the gold plated one he was given by the Cardinals, he looks pretty happy with the memento of his accomplishment.

Case Referrals  

From time to time, clients call and ask which type of cases we handle.  My practice is built on referrals from satisfied clients.  I know that if I work hard and do a good job for my clients, they will tell their friends about me.  The best compliment from a former client is that client entrusting me with the potential case of their friends and family.  Our office specializes in the following cases:

  1. Personal Injury (auto collisions, trucking, motorcycle, slip and fall)
  2. Work Injuries
  3. Traffic tickets and DUI/DWI

If you know someone that meets these criteria, please have them call my office.  If someone does not quite fit the above criteria, please still have the prospective referral give me a call as I can usually help them find the right attorney via a referral.

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