Police Scandals, $10M for 90s Sexual Abuse, and Stiiizy Sued for Psychosis
California’s December News Round-Up Includes Fatal Pedestrian Collisions, Skiers Injured by Faulty Chairlift, and $116M Class Action Lawsuit
In December 2024, California saw numerous personal injury cases stemming from a variety of causes. One of the most devastating incidents involved the tragic death of a 5-year-old girl in Covina who was fatally attacked by two Rottweilers in the backyard of her home.
This month also brought new cases of police misconduct into the spotlight. In one notable case, a California school janitor who spent five years in prison on sexual abuse charges and was later exonerated. The man is now suing San Bernardino County and the sheriff’s department for negligence and malpractice, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.
Another case of police negligence involved the death of an inmate at the South Bay Jail. Although no evidence of wrongdoing has yet been found, this is the tenth death in custody in Santa Clara County, raising significant public concern.
In addition, defective product incidents were in the spotlight this month. More than 500,000 Amazon portable batteries were recalled after reports of burns. Tesla also made headlines when it recalled more than 700,000 vehicles due to problems with tire pressure warning systems.
California Personal Injury News Highlights for December 2024
In this blog post, we bring you the latest California injury news from December 2024. While the holiday season is often a time of celebration, it was unfortunately marked by a high number of car accidents and other personal injury incidents.
This month’s highlights include negligent premises cases, disturbing stories of sexual abuse, and injuries caused by defective products.
If any of these cases resonate with your experience, we encourage you to contact us. At Adamson Ahdoot, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 to speak with a dedicated and experienced attorney.

Disney Influencer Dies from Allergen and Skiers Injured at Resort
Practice Area: Premises Liability
December 2024 saw several shocking personal injury cases at public and private facilities in California. Among the most notable was the tragic death of Disney influencer Dominique Brown, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at an event in downtown Los Angeles. Despite notifying the venue of her life-threatening allergy, she was served food containing the allergen. Compounding the tragedy, the venue lacked essential supplies such as epinephrine and staff trained to handle medical emergencies.
In another disturbing incident, a California teacher tragically lost her life after being bitten by a rabid bat in her classroom. Likewise, safety concerns arose at Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, where two people were hospitalized after being stabbed on school grounds despite assurances of safe public spaces for students.
Finally, at Heavenly Resort in Lake Tahoe, five skiers were hospitalized after two chairlifts collided. Witnesses reported a mechanical failure in one of the chairs that led to the accident and subsequent injuries.
$10M Awarded to Two Victims of 1990s Sexual Assaults
Practice Area: Sexual Abuse or Harassment
Cases of sex crimes involving personal injury have once again arisen in California in December 2024, highlighting abuse and misconduct across multiple sectors. A former elementary school teacher in the Bay Area has been charged with child molestation and faces up to 12 counts of obscene acts. Public records show that the teacher had previously been accused of sexual misconduct at other schools.
In another deeply disturbing case, Gary Johnson, a former operating room manager at Tri-City Medical Center, was sentenced to four years in prison for robbery and sex offenses. Johnson arrived at the home of a hospital worker at 3 a.m., hooded and carrying a condom and general anesthesia, intending to commit sexual assault.
In addition, a landmark settlement was reached for two women who were sexually assaulted as children in the early 1990s. The assaults occurred at Horse Ranch, a facility known for offering equestrian lessons. The women were awarded nearly $10 million in compensation for the trauma they suffered.
In celebrity news, rapper Jay-Z was linked to the ongoing sex scandal involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. On the other hand, Combs is facing new lawsuits from three men who claim he drugged and sexually assaulted them.
Police Scandals: Brutality, Prison Abuse, and Shootings
Practice Area: Police Misconduct
This month’s highlights of police misconduct begin with the tragic case of Malad Baldwin, who died as a result of police brutality in Antioch in 2014. His mother, Kathryn Wade, recently won compensation for the loss of her son.
In a separate incident in Union City, a woman was shot by a BART officer during a traffic stop. According to reports, the woman rolled up her car window, trapping the officer’s hand, and tried to drive away before she was shot.
Meanwhile, nearly 500 inmates at the Dublin Women’s Prison were awarded a $116 million class-action settlement. The lawsuit detailed years of abuse, sexual assault and retaliation by prison guards. Amidst the fallout, the facility has announced its permanent closure.
Finally, in San Diego, the mother of two children who were tragically killed during a police chase filed a negligence lawsuit against the local police department, seeking accountability for the devastating loss.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents and Police Crashes in California
Practice Area: Traffic Accidents
December 2024 has unfortunately continued the trend of high motor vehicle accidents and injuries, aggravated by the holiday season in California. One of the most alarming incidents involved a police officer who crashed his motorcycle into a crowd during the Palm Springs Christmas Parade. In the High Desert, a police chase ended in a violent crash that sent four people to the hospital.
Pedestrian accidents were also devastatingly common this month, including:
- A hit-and-run driver tragically struck and killed an elderly man in Hayward.
- A possibly drunk driver killed a pedestrian in Solano County.
- A driver struck and killed a six-year-old boy on Interstate 280.
- A driver hit and killed a pedestrian in Walnut Creek, near the East Bay.
Psychosis Lawsuit and Stanley Mug Recalls
Practice Area: Defective Products
Popular cannabis brand Stiiizy is facing a lawsuit filed by two sisters who claim its products cause psychosis. The lawsuit argues that the company sells THC vaporizers without adequately warning of the associated mental health risks.
In other product safety news, Stanley has recalled 2.6 million travel mugs due to burn hazards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), heat exposure can cause the threads on the lids to deform. Dangerous spills may result from this. So far, 91 incidents have been reported, including 38 cases of burns and 11 serious injuries.
Meanwhile, Nuna Baby Essentials is addressing safety concerns with over 600,000 defective infant car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that the harness adjuster can loosen, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Finally, Tesla has issued a recall for more than 700,000 vehicles due to issues with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Additionally, General Motors has recalled 132,000 vehicles, citing faulty rear door switches that may open unexpectedly when parked.
Did You Suffer an Injury in a California Accident in December 2024? Call Us Today!
Accidents can happen to anyone, especially in California, where heavy traffic and other hazards increase the risk of injury. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice and compensation.
At Adamson Ahdoot, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is prepared to help you get the compensation you deserve. We handle a wide range of cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, negligence, defective products, and assault and battery. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Adamson Ahdoot is the #1 option for personal injury cases in California.
Call us today at (800) 310-1606 for a free consultation. Our bilingual team is available 24/7 to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Let us help you.
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