A report released February 8th by the Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration finds that Mid-America Sound Corp., an events company, did not perform sufficient safety inspections or properly construct equipment used to build the stage that collapsed on top of fans waiting to see country singing duo Sugarland at the Indiana State Fair last summer. Seven were killed and dozens were injured on August 13th when a violent storm blew through the area, ripping down the stage scaffolding.

Family and estates of four decedents, as well as several others who were injured, filed a civil suit November 22nd in Indianapolis's Marion Superior Court against Live Nation, Mid-America Sound Corp., and Sugarland, comprised of country stars Kate Nettles and Kristian Bush. Attorneys for the plaintiffs cite Live Nation, Mid-America, and other companies associated with the show's production, as well as the members of Sugarland, for negligence that contributed to the incident. The plaintiff's attorneys have also raised allegations that both Sugarland and the companies involved in production of the event ignored warnings about inclement weather and would have done well to cancel the concert altogether.

Sugarland's attorneys have denied all allegations against the band, stating that many injured parties failed to take responsibility for their own safety and knowingly assumed risk.

The IOSHA report released earlier this month finds Sugarland not responsible for the tragedy, as the duo had no involvement in the construction of the stage. The IOSHA has, however, fined Mid-America Sound Corp. $63,000 for three violations of industry standards.

Read the full story here.

The Law Offices of Arnold Laub represents clients who have suffered injuries as a result of negligence in public and private venues -- whether it entails wet, unmarked floors, faulty glass, or dangerous stairs. If you or someone close to you has been injured as a result of premises liability, contact the Law Offices of Arnold Laub for a free consultation today.

www.laub.com / toll-free at 1-800-338-LAUB

Nineteen students and alumni of the University of California Davis are suing the school over an incident last November in which campus police used pepper spray on non-violent protesters. The protesters were participating in an Occupy UC Davis protest as part of the nationwide Occupy movement.

The students and alumni bringing a suit against the University claim that campus police used excessive force in trying to subdue seated crowds of protesters, and in so doing violated the protesters first amendment rights. The ACLU of Northern California is representing the nineteen plaintiffs. 

University faculty have voted against a motion that would find University Chancellor Linda Katehi unfit to lead the school.

Read the full story here.

If law enforcement officials have violated your rights or the rights of someone close to you, or if you or someone you know has been a victim of prejudice at the hands of law enforcement officials, contact the Law Offices of Arnold Laub for a free consultation today. Private citizens may file lawsuits against governmental agencies with due cause.

www.laub.com / toll-free at 1-800-338-LAUB

NBC news anchor bit in the face by dog during feel-good segment

NBC news anchor Kyle Dyer was bit in the face by an Argentine mastiff during a live TV segment Wednesday.

The dog, Gladiator Maximus, was rescued from an icy lake by Denver firefighters on Tuesday. What was intended to be a feel-good segment reuniting the dog with his owner, Michael Robinson, turned gruesome when Dyer knelt to the floor to get close to the dog and it bit her in the face.

Animal Control and paramedics were called to the scene. Dyer received facial reconstruction surgery in a Denver hospital and is recovering from her injuries. Dyer interacts with animals regularly in her popular segment, "Kyle's Kritters," which showcases animals from the Denver Zoo.

Dog owner Michael Robinson has been cited for a leash law violation, and for not giving Gladiator Maximus the proper vaccinations. The dog is currently quarantined, and should be returned to Robinson after a ten-day evaluation. Robinson is set to appear in court on April 4th.

Click here for the full story. 

The Law Offices of Arnold Laub represents victims of dog bites and helps them receive proper medical treatment and compensation for their pain and suffering. If you or someone you know has been attacked by a dog, contact the Law Offices of Arnold Laub for a free consultation today.

www.laub.com / toll-free at 1-800-338-LAUB

Worker trapped under the tires of 787 jetliner is rescued

A member of the Boeing ground crew was trapped under the tires of a 787 jetliner at an airfield in Everett, Washington on Friday evening. 

A Japanese Airlines plane was being towed through the airfield when the worker was run over.

The worker was rescued and flown by helicopter to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he is being treated for serious injuries.

Larry Wilson of Boeing Commercial Airlines said only that Boeing "will implement the necessary changes to avoid a future reoccurrence."

If you have been injured while working or have been injured as a result of another's negligence, contact the Law Offices of Arnold Laub for a free consultation today. 

www.laub.com / toll-free at 1-800-338-LAUB

Skateboard accidents claim the lives of two young East Bay men

18-year-old Tyler DeMartini of Berkeley died yesterday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while skateboarding two days prior. Demartini was riding his skateboard on the roadway near the intersection of Marin and Tulare Avenues in North Berkeley when he was struck by a 54-year-old man making a left turn in his vehicle. DeMartini spent two days in the trauma center at Highland Hospital before passing away just after 4:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon. Police report that alcohol was not a factor in the collision.

DeMartini is the second young man to die this week in a skateboarding accident. On Sunday, 20-year-old Tucker Hacking of Walnut Creek died, just two days after falling from his skateboard on a steep road in Lafayette and hitting his head. Neither DeMartini nor Hacking were wearing helmets at the time of their accidents.

Read more here.

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The Law Offices of Arnold Laub represents pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders involved in collisions with motor vehicles. Our attorneys and staff connect clients with a large network of medical professionals throughout the Bay Area who can help victims recover from injuries sustained in accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle collision while walking, or riding a bike or skateboard, your auto insurance may potentially provide you with compensation for your injuries, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a free consultation today.

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Oakland pedestrian struck and killed

A pedestrian walking along Doolittle Drive north of Hegenberger Road was struck by a car and killed early Monday morning.

The victim was walking with three other people after the car they were driving in had been towed. The 38-year-old driver of the vehicle was pulled over for speeding and issued a citation for a misdemeanor offense when police discovered that the driver's license had been suspended. The car was sent to 30-day impound. Officers report that they twice offered a cab to the group at their own expense, but they declined.

The victim was struck about 1.7 miles away from the 2900 block of Otis Drive in Alameda where they were pulled over. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the fatal accident.

Read the full story here. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian or hit-and-run accident, contact the Law Offices of Arnold Laub for a free consultation today. Our dedicated attorneys and staff can help put you on a treatment path to recovery, and get you compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering.

www.laub.com / toll-free at 1-800-338-LAUB