Trash Truck Collision Will Cost L.A. $10 Million In Settlement

Original Story: LATimes.com

Los Angeles officials will pay $10 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from a 2012 accident involving a city sanitation truck and a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The city has hired a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer.

Maria Becerra, who lives in Northridge, suffered severe injuries after being hit by a trash truck while she was crossing Reseda Boulevard. She is being consulted by a Los Angeles Injury Lawyer. As a result of those injuries, Becerra has a limited ability to walk, is unable to conceive children and probably will not be employable, according to an analysis of the case prepared by the city's lawyers.

The analysis, submitted to the City Council, said it would not be "unreasonable" to expect a $20-million verdict if the case went to trial. Police determined in the wake of the accident that the trash truck has a blind spot.

Becerra, 26, had the right of way in a marked crosswalk and was described by the city's lawyers as "shy, soft spoken and stoic."

"A jury will have great empathy for her," the analysis states.

Attorney Mike Arias, who represents Becerra, described the settlement as fair. "We're appreciative that instead of forcing her to go through years of additional litigation, that this matter was able to be resolved," he said.

The City Council approved the settlement Wednesday.

LITTLE ROCK ZOO BIG CAT EXHIBIT TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR REVIEW

Original Story: arkansasmatters.com

LITTLE ROCK, AR - The Big Cat Exhibit at the Little Rock Zoo remains closed by order of City Hall following an incident Friday where a small child fell into an enclosure holding two jaguars. A Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer is reviewing the details of this case.

At last report, the injured boy's condition had been upgraded and he was expected to improve.

City Manager Bruce Moore released the following statement today:

Based on the events that occurred last Friday, I've asked Assistant City Manager James Jones to lead an internal review of the Little Rock Zoo’s “Big Cat” exhibit and Zoo emergency response procedures. I expect the review to be completed within two weeks. Until the review is complete, the top-viewing area of the “Big Cat” exhibit will remain closed to the public.

Arkansas Children's Hospital released the following statement today on the condition of the child:

On Friday, Oct. 10, a child was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in a fall at the Little Rock Zoo. Today, the child’s condition has been upgraded to stable with significant improvement. We respect the wishes of the child’s guardian who asked that the child’s name and any additional information not be shared at this time. Thank you for respecting the privacy of this family.