California State Worker Sex Lawsuit, $332M for Cancer Caused by Roundup, and Traffic Deaths Rise

California’s November News Round-Up Features Thanksgiving Car Crashes, Blindness-Inducing Eye Drops, and Airline Injury Lawsuits

Every year, the number of traffic personal injury and death cases in California skyrockets during the Thanksgiving holiday. In fact, November is the deadliest holiday period of the year. In 2023, in line with recent grim statistics, the month was also negative. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that there would be over 500 fatalities nationwide during this year’s holiday week, with approximately 55 million vehicles on the road and thousands of traffic incidents.

Of the states affected, California is one of the hardest hit when it comes to car accidents. According to a study, the Golden State is the second most affected state in the country. Los Angeles, in particular, is the city that has suffered the most casualties. According to Los Angeles police officer Ryan Moreno, “It was the worst Thanksgiving,” he can remember.

California’s residents have also been injured as a result of other types of negligence. Among the most high-profile cases are those involving Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. The companies have been sued for emotional distress and personal injury due to in-flight accidents.

On another note, this month’s edition features coverage of sexual abuse cases in California. While the lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs has attracted considerable media interest, the most scandalous sexual news revolves around a lawsuit filed by three female employees accusing a government official of sexual abuse and harassment.

We also highlight defective products that have been recalled due to the risk of injury. This is the case with automotive companies like Toyota or food companies such as Tyson Foods.

California Personal Injury News Highlights for November 2023

In this blog post, we’ll share the latest news from California with you. As we mentioned earlier, November 2023 has brought a lot of heartbreaking news about automobile accidents. Apart from the usual stories about California police misconduct, this month we cover personal injury incidents involving celebrities such as Alan Ruck and Tiffany Haddish. In light of recent events, we also highlight the lack of safety at companies like Uber and Lyft when it comes to addressing sexual harassment and abuse towards their drivers.

If at any time you are identified or have experienced a similar situation, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses by calling (800) 310-1606.

$332M Awarded for Cancer Caused by Roundup Use and Blinding Eye Drops

Practice Area: Product Liability

Monsanto was involved in one of the largest product liability verdicts in California. A judge sentenced the chemical giant to pay $332 million to a Carlsbad man who blamed Roundup herbicide for causing his cancer after decades of use. This is not the first time Bayer, which owns Monsanto, has faced lawsuits: in 2020, the company announced it would pay nearly $11 billion to settle legal actions.

Separately, U.S. health regulators have issued warnings to eye drop consumers. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as many as two dozen brands of eye drops are on the market that can cause infections and sometimes blindness. The FDA said the products are sold by companies such as CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid, and Cardinal Health.

In the automotive sector, as is the case every month, there are new recalls due to vehicle problems. The most significant is Toyota’s recall of nearly 2 million RAV4 SUVs due to a potential fire hazard. In the same case, Jeep has issued a recall for more than 32,000 Wrangler models. On the other hand, GM is having problems with its Cruise automatic cars after a pedestrian was reportedly hit in California.

Regarding children’s products, about 4,000 baby loungers sold exclusively on Amazon have been pulled due to choking and fall hazards. On the food side, two companies have had to withdraw their fruit pouches from the market over possible lead contamination. Others, like Tyson Foods, recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of frozen dinosaur-shaped nuggets because they could contain traces of metal.

THC Gummies in Schools, and Lawsuits Against Airline Companies

Practice Area: Premises Liability

Once again, THC-infused gummies have been found in a California school. As we reported last month, California schools are struggling to control these incidents. This time, the problem occurred during a Halloween event at Amelia Earhart Elementary School in Alameda. Several students had THC gummies mixed with their candy stash. According to the Alameda Police Department, one child required medical attention after consuming one of the edibles.

Furthermore, two lawsuits have been filed involving airplanes. Alaska Airlines was sued by three passengers following an incident that occurred late last month. The plaintiffs allege emotional distress resulting from an off-duty pilot’s attempt to shut down the engines on a San Francisco-bound flight.

Additionally, four American Airlines flight attendants recently received over $1 million after suing the airline’s clothing company for personal injury. The workers claimed that their uniforms were “toxic.” The flight attendants proved that the airline’s work clothes caused skin rashes, headaches, and respiratory problems. But this verdict may be just the first of many. Media reports suggest that up to 400 flight attendants are affected by the same issue.

Sexual Lawsuits Against Rapper Diddy, Harbor-UCLA Surgeon, and California Department of Food and Agriculture State Worker

Practice Area: Sexual Abuse or Harassment

Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing two sexual assault claims, stemming from events that took place in the 1990s and 2018. The first lawsuit came from R&B singer Cassie, who was Combs’ partner for more than a decade. Cassie alleges that the rapper not only raped her, but also subjected her to both sexual and physical abuse for several years. The second claim against Diddy comes from a California woman who states that he drugged and sexually assaulted her thirty years ago.

Separately, Dr. Louis Kwong, a surgeon at the prestigious Harbor-UCLA Medical Center hospital, has been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace. While the initial internal allegations date back more than a decade, there have been ongoing complaints from hospital employees about his behavior. Now, three physicians have come forward with lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The plaintiffs also allege that Kwong sometimes brings his gun to work.

Another recent high-profile case involves a California Department of Food and Agriculture worker. Three women have sued the state and their former manager, accusing him of sexual harassment and a toxic working environment. According to the lawsuit, the victims allege that the manager made unwanted touching, sexist comments, and threatened to terminate them.

Another case in point is Lyft, which is once again under fire for its inaction in controlling the sexual acts of its drivers. A USC student has raised concerns among campus residents after reporting that a Lyft driver raped her on her way home from a Halloween party. Police have opened an investigation.

Excessive Police Force on Highway 105 and K-9 Bites a Citizen

Practice Area: Police Misconduct

The state of California is facing another lawsuit. This time, regarding the “excessive use of force” resulting in a fatal injury caused by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer on November 19, 2023. The family of Jesse Dominguez, aged 34, is pursuing second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges against the policeman. During a mental breakdown, Dominguez was walking along the 105 Freeway when he was approached by a CHP officer. Following a struggle on the ground, the officer fired his gun seven times, resulting in Dominguez’s death at the hospital.

Another case of police negligence involves Myra Riddle, a resident of Marysville. However, in this instance, it was the police canine team that inflicted her injuries. Riddle was outside her apartment when she witnessed a K-9 dog sprinting towards her from an officer. The animal viciously attacked her, resulting in severe dog bite injuries.

Fatal Accidents in LA During Thanksgiving Week

Practice Area: Traffic Accidents

Following police practices that lead to negligence, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is now facing a lawsuit due to an officer causing a traffic accident. The victim claims the officer collided with his car after driving recklessly on Trinity Drive in Rancho Cordova. The lawsuit is seeking damages from both the CHP and the officer for causing permanent injuries.

As we mentioned earlier in this blog, November has been a particularly busy month for traffic accidents. There have been violent crashes, such as the multi-car collision near the Los Angeles Coliseum, which left seven people hospitalized with serious and moderate injuries. Additionally, incidents involving drunk drivers continue to occur. Some of these accidents have even resulted in fatalities, like the tragic incident where a mother was struck at a bus stop in Los Angeles.

However, the most severe incidents occurred during Thanksgiving week. Statistics show that this is the deadliest week of the year nationwide. Over the past five years, there have been nearly 2,500 traffic fatalities during this period. This year, it appears that there will be a new record, surpassing the average of 500 deaths. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, drunk driving and speeding have made this one of the most tragic years for the city.

Lastly, even celebrities are not immune to traffic accidents. Recently, actors Alan Ruck, known for his role in “Succession,” and comedian Tiffany Haddish were involved in motor vehicle incidents. Reports suggest that Ruck crashed into a Hollywood pizzeria, while Haddish was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The popular comedian was found asleep and slumped over the wheel of her parked vehicle with the engine running.

Have You Suffered a Personal Injury Accident in California During November 2023? Call Us!

Among the news of personal injury cases that occurred in California in November 2023, some accidents were more severe than others. However, all of them are valid grounds for a lawsuit. If an individual has been injured as a result of another person’s negligence, the victim possesses the right to sue.

It is extremely important to initiate legal proceedings against any negligent act that jeopardizes our well-being. The laws, especially in California, will always support the injured party. However, to achieve a favorable outcome, victims should seek representation from an attorney specialized in handling similar cases.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Adamson Ahdoot has been assisting Californians for more than a decade. Our team of personal injury lawyers has successfully secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

If you desire fair and adequate compensation for the damages you have endured, please contact us at (800) 310-1606. Our bilingual attorneys are available around the clock for a complimentary consultation. You can also reach out to us regarding your case through our website.