California’s September News Round-Up Features ICE-Related Injuries, Hospital Negligence, and Deadly Defective Products
September 2025 saw a series of incidents causing injuries across California. One of the most alarming cases involved American Airlines, whose crew failed to divert an eight-hour flight despite a passenger suffering two strokes. In another high-profile case, the Walnut Creek School of Performing Arts is being sued for allowing a teacher to engage in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
News of sexual abuse continues to dominate headlines. The Pomona Unified School District agreed to pay $25 million to settle two lawsuits related to incidents in 1990. Similarly, five women were awarded $13.6 million after proving that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District failed to prevent abuse in the 1980s.
Road safety concerns remain high, particularly with Amazon Zoox’s robotaxis set to launch in San Francisco following their debut in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, traffic accidents continue to affect Californians, including some involving celebrities. Ellen DeGeneres, for example, is facing a negligence lawsuit after allegedly running a stop sign and injuring another driver.
Dog attacks have also caused serious injuries. A volunteer at the Orange County Animal Care shelter filed a lawsuit after being severely bitten by a dog. In another tragic case, police arrested two individuals connected to the death of a baby who was attacked by a dog during a visit last year.
Finally, lawsuits involving police and ICE misconduct continue to emerge. One notable case involves a 79-year-old U.S. citizen injured in Los Angeles during an immigration raid, who is now seeking $50 million in compensation.
California Personal Injury News Highlights for September 2025
The end of summer left a significant number of people hurt across the state. Car accidents causing personal injuries remain a persistent issue on California’s roads, and September 2025 was no exception. Beyond traffic incidents, negligence in various settings, from aviation to public spaces, has continued to pose serious risks to residents.
Defective products have also hit the headlines this month, with high-profile cases resulting in lawsuits relating to severe injuries and fatalities. Such events highlight the critical importance of safety and accountability in everyday life.
If you or someone you love was affected by these incidents, reach out to Adamson Ahdoot for legal guidance. We handle all types of personal injury claims and work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Don’t wait to safeguard your case. Call us today at (866) 645-4992 or submit your inquiry online for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuits for Police Negligence and Excessive Force
Practice Area: Police Misconduct
We begin with a high-profile case at a BART station. In November 2024, Jasmine Gao was shot by a police officer while attempting to flee in her vehicle during a stop for a suspected crime. She sustained severe back injuries in the incident and later received $6.75 million in a police negligence settlement.
In another case, a jury awarded $5 million to the family of Leroy Stephenson, a Riverside resident who died after being restrained and hit with a Taser by California Highway Patrol officers. According to the lawsuit, Stephenson was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time. He received a total of five shocks, two of them while lying face down and offering no resistance.
Finally, the Ninth Circuit in San Jose reopened a lawsuit against former police officer Mark McNamara for excessive use of force. McNamara had shot K’aun Green four times after Green pointed a gun into the air during a fight outside a taco restaurant in La Victoria. The court ruled that McNamara violated constitutional rights, overturning his qualified immunity.
Civil Rights Violations and Injuries Involving ICE Agents
Practice Area: ICE Injury Incidents
Relatively new to our monthly personal injury blog, this month we highlight cases of injuries caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In early September 2025, Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a 79-year-old U.S. citizen and car wash owner in Southern California, suffered serious injuries during an ICE raid. He has since filed a $50 million civil rights lawsuit.
In a separate incident, a man was hit in the head with a projectile during a protest against ICE. He is now pursuing $50 million in compensation for his injuries.
Authorities are also investigating the death of a 39-year-old Mexican man who died while in ICE custody in California. Federal records show that more than a dozen people have died in immigration detention centers since January 2025.
If you or a loved one has been injured during a recent immigration raid, contact Adamson Ahdoot today. Our team is ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Hospital and Social Worker Negligence Lead to Tragic Deaths
Practice Area: Wrongful Death
Recently, cases of wrongful death have drawn serious attention in California. Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is facing a lawsuit regarding the death of a man who suffered a pulmonary embolism after waiting over ten hours for an urgent chest X-ray. The complaint alleges that inadequate medical care contributed to his death.
In another tragic case, the family of a four-year-old boy from Palmdale who was tortured and killed by his parents in 2019 was awarded $20 million in wrongful death damages against Los Angeles County. The plaintiffs claim that county social workers ignored repeated reports of abuse, ultimately resulting in the child’s death.
$100M Lawsuit for Child’s Death in Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion and Listeria Risks from Trader Joe’s and Walmart Ready-to-Eat Pasta
Practice Area: Defective Products
Several serious incidents in recent weeks have underscored the critical importance of consumer safety. One of the most shocking cases involved Thomas, a five-year-old boy who died in a hyperbaric chamber earlier this year. Thomas was undergoing treatment for sleep apnea and ADHD at a specialized facility when the machine exploded and caught fire. His family filed a lawsuit citing defective products and premises liability, claiming the tragedy could have been prevented, and seeking $100 million in damages.
In another case, skincare manufacturer DermaRite Industries LLC recalled multiple batches of its products after identifying a risk of life-threatening infections. Meanwhile, implant manufacturer Exactech emerged from bankruptcy amid ongoing lawsuits over injuries caused by defective products.
The automotive industry has also faced safety challenges. More than 90,000 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles were recalled due to defects in their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
In the food sector, Trader Joe’s and Walmart issued warnings about certain ready-to-heat pasta products after federal health officials reported four deaths caused by listeria contamination.
Dozens of Lives Lost Due to Reckless Driving
Practice Area: Traffic Accidents
California’s roads remain dangerous, with numerous traffic accidents resulting in serious injury or death. Reckless driving, road rage, drink-driving, and multi-vehicle collisions demonstrate how quickly an ordinary journey can turn deadly. Once again, drunk drivers are among the most common and devastating causes of these crashes this month.
- A driver under the influence caused the death of a man in Tracy after crashing on Interstate 580.
- Six people were killed in Napa County due to a driver operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
- In Concord, a drunk driver was charged with manslaughter after fatally striking a motorcyclist on his way to a nightclub in San Francisco.
Los Angeles County also witnessed two particularly severe multi-vehicle accidents. In North Hollywood, six people were injured in a collision involving three vehicles. Meanwhile, in Boyle Heights, the accident proved even more tragic, resulting in one death and three individuals hospitalized in critical condition.
Motorcycle Accidents Claim Lives on California Roads
Practice Area: Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents continue to take a heavy toll. In Sonoma County, a head-on collision on Highway 1 left one rider dead and another hospitalized after the motorcyclist crossed the center line to pass other vehicles. Meanwhile, on I-280, a motorcyclist lost their life while lane splitting.
Biking and Scooting Take Lives in California
Practice Area: E-Scooter and Bicycle Accidents
There has also been a slight increase in accidents involving cyclists and e-scooter riders in California. Some of the most serious incidents include:
- In San Jose, a woman tragically lost her life after being hit by a drunk cyclist.
- In the East Bay, a child was injured after colliding with a vehicle’s wing mirror.
- In another tragic incident, a 63-year-old man riding an electric bicycle died after running a stop sign and being struck by an SUV before colliding with another car.
Did You Suffer an Injury in a California Accident in September 2025? Contact Us Today!
Accidents—from highway collisions to hospital negligence—remind us how quickly everyday life can change. No one should have to face the consequences of an injury they didn’t cause alone. Having a trusted lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Adamson Ahdoot has helped thousands of California victims secure justice and recover millions in compensation. We understand what’s at stake and are ready to support you every step of the way.
Call us today at (866) 645-4992 or submit your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
