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Stay informed. Keep up with all news regarding PARRIS, from verdict success stories to latest legal tips.
Free ConsultationHalloween Safety Tips from PARRIS
Here at PARRIS, we love Halloween. Our Antelope Valley community loves the rush of last-minute candy runs to the supermarket, the moments spent in front of the mirror perfecting that hilarious costume, and the delighted squeals of costumed kids as they take stock of their candy haul. However, as one would expect from a holiday where children roam around after the sun sets, Halloween can be a dangerous time. To help keep our community safe for trick-or-treaters, please review these Halloween safety tips to help everyone have a fun and safe Halloween.
For Parents Out With Children Trick-or-Treating
- Carry a flashlight so drivers can see you, and have your children carry glow sticks or wear reflective tape.
- Review and follow these pedestrian safety rules with your child.
- Select costumes that are the correct size to prevent trips and falls.
- Avoid masks that can obstruct a child’s vision. If possible, opt for face paint or makeup instead.
- If using makeup, ensure that you test it in a small area first to prevent skin irritation.
- Ensure all wigs, costumes, and accessories are fire-resistant.
- Keep all costumed or non-costumed pets on a leash.
- Wait until you get home to eat treats, and examine them first for choking hazards and signs of tampering.
For Those Driving
- Take particular care to follow all traffic safety laws to avoid unnecessary vehicle accidents.
- Watch out for trick-or-treaters who may dart out from behind parked cars or cross the street mid-block.
- Turn your headlights on earlier in the day for more visibility.
- Enter and exit alleys and driveways carefully and slowly.
- Slow down and remain alert by getting rid of any distractions, such as phones or food.
- Discourage new or inexperienced drivers from driving the evening of Halloween if possible.
For Those Passing Out Candy At Home
- Ensure walkways and stairs are well-lit and clear of objects that could cause falls.
- Keep jack-o-lanterns (or anything with an open flame) away from steps, walkways, curtains, landings, and out of reach of pets and small children.
- Pass out wrapped candy from the store, discarding anything with a partially open wrapper.
- Have an adult near the door if your child is passing out the candy, and if you see something unusual or odd, don’t be afraid to report the incident to the local police.
Safety on Halloween may not be the first subject on your mind, but it is nevertheless a crucially important one. From our PARRIS family to yours: have a spooktacular Halloween!
PARRIS Files “Flexgate” Lawsuit Against Apple for Defective MacBook Pro Screens
PARRIS Law Firm has filed a class action against Apple Inc. on behalf of MacBook Pro owners in the United States who have experienced a MacBook Pro display defect occurring after normal use. This is due to a failure of the laptop’s display flex cable. If you have experienced this defect and would like updates regarding the status of this class action, or are interested in sharing your experience, please submit your information here.
Apple’s MacBook Pro Display Flex Cable
The Plaintiff alleges that in order to make the MacBook Pros thinner and sleeker, Apple used thin flexible ribbon cables to connect the display screen to the display controller board. The cables will function normally for year or two. However, over time, with the normal activity of simply opening and closing the laptop, the display cable wears down. It tears or becomes damaged since the cable is too short and rubs against the display board.
This issue, colloquially known as “flexgate,” causes the display screen to begin to have a “stage-lighting” effect, in which the screen will display alternating patches of light and darkness on the bottom of the display. Eventually, the screen will completely fail, causing the laptop to be entirely unusable. Unfortunately, this defect tends to become a problem outside of Apple’s standard one-year warranty period.
Defective Macbooks With The “Flexgate” Stage Lighting Effect Cost Hundreds Of Dollars To Repair.
APPLE COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE DEFECTIVE DISPLAY SCREENS
Plaintiff alleges that the defective MacBook Pro screens are caused by Apple’s poor design of the display flex cables; they are particularly thin and short in order to fit within the sleek MacBook Pro design. Apple could have designed a longer display flex cable. The company also could have designed the laptop so that the display flex cables aren’t connected to the display screen, which causes the entire expensive display screen to require replacement in the event of a cable failure.
Apple acknowledges that this problem occurs in some 13-inch 2016 MacBook Pros and has created a repair program just for those models. It will perform the display screen repair for free, or reimburse the cost of the repair for those select models. It refuses to repair or cover the cost of repair of other affected MacBook Pros, despite other models experiencing the exact same problem from the same defective design.
Do You OWN A DEFECTIVE MACBOOK PRO?
If you’ve experienced a failure of your MacBook Pro’s display screen and would like updates on the status of the class action or are interested in getting in touch with us, please submit your information here or call (310) 824-5600. PARRIS Law Firm and the Plaintiff want Apple to disclose the defective nature of the display cables, refund consumers’ MacBook Pro repair and replacement costs, and expand AppleCare and the display repair program service to other affected MacBook Pro models.
View the complaint filed against Apple Inc. here.
California’s New Laws for 2022, Explained
In the wake of COVID-19 and the political, social, and economic upheaval that followed, the California state legislature has responded by passing hundreds of new laws. From healthcare to marriage to law enforcement, these new rules affect the daily lives of everyone in the state. Here is a quick guide to some of California’s most significant new laws going into effect this year.
Housing
Single Family Lots: SB 9, SB 10
Perhaps two of California’s most notable new laws from 2021 address the state’s housing crisis. SB 9, the “duplex bill,” will allow homeowners to build duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes on their single-family lots. SB 10 streamlines the rezoning process for those who wish to do so.
To comply, the following conditions must be met:
- The property cannot have been used as a rental property for the past three years
- The property cannot already have a second dwelling unit
- The new lot may not be less than 40% of the property and must be at least 1200 square feet
- Modifications to the existing home may not require demolition of more than 25% of an exterior wall
- Neither the new duplex nor the lot split can cause adverse impact on the physical environment
Both laws go into effect on January 1, 2022.
Multifamily Developments
For any residential structure with five or more dwelling units which include both affordable housing units and market rate housing units, AB 491 requires the affordable housing units must have the same access to building entrances, common areas, and amenities as the market rate housing units. This law may be applied retroactively.
Digital Privacy
California Privacy Rights Act
In 2020, California citizens voted yes on Prop 24, better known as the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). The law expands on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and establishes new rights for the state’s consumers:
- Right to access the personal information a business has collected about you
- Right to limit or opt out of the sharing/selling of personal information
- Right to sue businesses for negligently exposing usernames, passwords, or personal information in a data breach
The law also further regulates “high risk data processors” and enables special protections for minors browsing the internet.
The full provisions of the law for consumers don’t go into effect until 2023, but businesses are expected to comply on January 1, 2022.
Personal Health Care Information
AB 825 expands the definition of personal information as it relates to health care data. Now including genetic data, the law requires businesses to put in place reasonable safeguards and alert consumers of any data breach of their personal information.
Genetic Information Privacy Act
SB 41 requires genetic testing companies to provide consumers with a notice about their data collection practices. The new law also requires companies to get a consumer’s express written consent to collect, use, or disclose an individual’s genetic data. It also requires companies to destroy a consumer’s biological data within 30 days of receiving revocation of consent.
Multifamily Developments
For any residential structure with five or more dwelling units which include both affordable housing units and market rate housing units, AB 491 requires the affordable housing units must have the same access to building entrances, common areas, and amenities as the market rate housing units. This law may be applied retroactively.
Law Enforcement
Peace Officer Decertification
SB 2 gives a new division within the Peace Officer Standards and Training commission the power to investigate and/or decertify police officers accused of misconduct. The bill also prohibits officers stripped of their licenses from applying for jobs in another California police jurisdiction.
Police Age & Education
AB 89 raises the age at which you can become a police officer from 18 to 21. The law also requires that California community colleges develop a modern policing degree program for prospective officers in the state, to be implemented in 2025.
Hate Crime Education
AB 57 calls for increased training for law enforcement regarding hate crimes. Police officers must be educated on hate crimes (including religion-bias hate crimes) by subject matter experts.
Healthcare and COVID-19
COVID-19 Exposure Notification
AB 654 requires employers to provide notice to the local public health agency of COVID-19 positive tests within 48 hours or one business day, whichever is later. It also requires employers to notify employees, customers, and anyone else onsite who may have been exposed.
Hepatitis B and C Screening
Adult patients receiving primary care services in California must be offered a screening test for hepatitis B and hepatitis C to the extent these services are covered under a patient’s health insurance. (AB 789)
Affordable Medical Care
Another new law makes medical care more affordable for those without insurance or those under 400% of the federal poverty level. (AB 1020)
Healthcare Bias Training
Beginning January 1, 2023, nurses will be required to take implicit bias training. For every two years on the job, nurses must take a one hour course. (AB 1407)
Education
Mental Health Education
Each public school district in California is now required to offer mental health coursework for middle or high school students. The State Department of Education must develop a plan to implement mental health coursework in schools by January 1, 2024. (SB 224)
Free College Tuition for COVID-19 Survivors
AB 1113 allows the children or spouse of a nurse or physician who died of COVID-19 during California’s state of emergency to receive free tuition from any public postsecondary school in California (the UC system, Cal State schools, or community colleges).
CalFresh in College
California public colleges are now required by AB 543 to educate incoming students about the eligibility requirements for CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Food and Beverage
Takeout Alcoholic Beverages
SB 389 allows customers to order alcoholic drinks to go with their takeout food through 2026.
Restaurant Delivery Apps
Under AB 286, food delivery apps, such as Grubhub or Postmates, are not allowed to retain tips. If the food is for pickup, then the tip goes to the restaurant. If it is delivered, then the delivery driver keeps the tip.
Miscellaneous
Enforcement Liens on Real Property
SB 572 allows the Labor Commissioner to create a lien on an individual’s real property to secure amounts due under a citation, finding, or judgment.
Environmental Marketing Claims
SB 343 sets out to restrict environmental marketing claims made to California consumers. When a company claims a product is recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable, it must now be able to back those claims up with evidence. Previously, any company could put those logos on their products and there was no requirement that the products actually comply. This new law expands to all consumer products sold in California and enacts penalties of up to $2500 per violation.
Remote Marriages
In light of COVID-19, county clerks are now able to issue marriage licenses and solemnize marriage ceremonies using remote technology. Notably, the couple wishing to get married must be in the same physical location within California. (AB 583)
PARRIS Is Here to Help
We hope that this roundup of new laws in California has been helpful. With the sheer amount of regulations in California, understanding the implications of new additions can be quite overwhelming.
Remember—if at any point your rights as a California resident have been violated, call PARRIS Law Firm. We are here to fight for you.
Honoring Trailblazing Women at PARRIS: Carrol Parris
Women’s History Month was created to honor the unsung heroes of our everyday lives and to recognize the achievements of women now and throughout history.
Why does it matter to PARRIS? Well, if we add up all of our attorneys and team members, PARRIS is over 50% female! In honor of this, we’re recognizing the trailblazers here at PARRIS.
Women at PARRIS
56.3% of our staff, 50% of our case managers, and 31.3% of our attorneys are female. Let’s not dwell on the numbers, though: we want to focus on the achievements of our trailblazers, highlight their successes, and inspire the next generation of leading women. After all, one of the biggest ways to inspire the next generation is to show them it’s possible and to talk about how they can achieve even more success.
Role Model Effect
There is a classic study called “See Jane Run” that explains how seeing and talking about female role models inspires the next generation to achieve their dreams.
To summarize the study, if you see “someone like you” achieving something, you become more likely to picture yourself achieving that same thing.
Importantly, the author’s note: it’s not simply the image of women but the increased amount of discussion, “particularly within families,” that creates the Role Model Effect.
Amazing Women Powering PARRIS from Behind the Scenes
On that note, we’d like to recognize a few of the hardworking women at PARRIS.
First up is attorney Patricia K. Oliver, who has recovered millions for her clients. In addition to her amazing work inside the courtroom, Patricia is also the co-founder of the Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles (CLA-LA). CLA-LA provides legal services to those who can’t afford or don’t have access to legal help. She’s truly a role model to young women across the legal industry.
Leading our complex litigation unit is Kitty K. Szeto. Kitty is a master cross-examiner and has also delivered multi-million dollar results for her clients. She’s currently putting those skills to work protecting clients from greedy corporations in numerous class-action suits.
Not only do we have outstanding women attorneys, but we also have amazing women powering PARRIS from behind the scenes. Every day, they work tirelessly to deliver a great experience for our clients. We’re honored to recognize their hard work during Women’s History Month. None of our results would be possible without their compassion and tenacity.
The photo below features the women behind our Pre-Litigation, Litigation, Settlement, and Management teams. They pour their hearts and souls into each and every case. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Those who know PARRIS will notice we didn’t capture every woman that powers us. That’s because they were busy protecting our clients in court alongside PARRIS attorneys.
Now, let’s take a quick look at our featured trailblazer, Carrol Parris.
Featured Trailblazer at PARRIS: Carrol Parris
Since our humble beginnings in 1985, Firm Administrator and wife of R. Rex Parris, Carrol Parris has been integral to the firm’s growth and sustained success. It’s well known that PARRIS began as a small “mom and pop” firm and has grown to one of the premier law firms in Southern California. R. Rex Parris recently joked during the recent launch of our new brand, “is there any doubt who’s in charge of this place” as he gestured to Carrol.
With Carrol overseeing the firm, we’ve recovered over $1.4 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. When asked why she’s so passionate about helping others she said:
“Both Rex and I were severely affected by other people’s negligence, earlier in life. For that reason, I believe we bring a more genuine approach to each of our clients, we truly understand the hardship they are facing, and we will do everything we can to make sure their lives return to normal. Honestly, I believe that’s what made us so successful; find something that you really care about, find a way to affect change in that space, then… GO FOR IT!”
That go-getter attitude is the reason she oversees thousands of client files. In addition to that, PARRIS’s client intake process can also be attributed to Carrol. Throughout all of this, Carrol raised 4 stellar children, and two of them work at PARRIS! One is taking on a major trucking company right now.
Besides being the Firm Administrator and overseeing the day-to-day operations of PARRIS, Carrol is also a generous philanthropist. She and R. Rex Parris’ contributions recently established the PARRIS Institute for Professional Formation at the Pepperdine University School of Law. Even more recently, she helped make possible the efforts of the Jacob Hefter Foundation. Her contributions helped create their “Last Text” program that was highly regarded by the students and faculty at Palmdale High School.
With a leader like Carrol, it’s no wonder that we have so many powerful women, succeeding in each of their departments and bringing justice to those who need it the most. Saying she’s a role model understates her impact. We’re proud to honor Carrol Parris as PARRIS’ Featured Trailblazer!
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which is an opportunity for victims, experts, and those eager to learn to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Traumatic brain injuries are life-altering events that change the way a person acts, thinks, moves, and feels. Unfortunately, brain injuries come in many forms, and TBIs can be caused by bumps, jolts, or penetrating injuries to the head.
Oftentimes a person’s brain injury is physically invisible to others, even as it is causing that person great pain and struggle. While we may not realize it, many around us are grappling with the life-altering effects of a TBI. Therefore, as the saying goes, it is important to “be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” With this in mind, let’s review a few key traumatic brain injury statistics.
Brain Injury Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States in 2014. A TBI is caused by trauma to the brain from an external force. The two leading causes of TBI hospitalizations are falls (52% of TBIs), and motor vehicle accidents (20%). The effects of a TBI are complex and vary from person to person, depending upon which part of the victim’s brain is injured. More information about the different types of TBI can be found here.
Treatment of a brain injury is a lifelong process. It generally begins with emergent intensive care in the hospital. Once a patient is stabilized, they will begin rehabilitation to train their brains on new ways to perform activities of independent daily living so that they can reintegrate into the community. The TBI is then managed with continuous rehabilitation, physical and mental therapy, speech pathologists, independent living programs, vocational training, and medication.
Many PARRIS clients have or know someone who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury after an accident. To raise awareness of TBIs, PARRIS is committed to raising awareness for the #ChangeYourMind campaign.
The #ChangeYourMind Campaign
Sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of America, the #ChangeYourMind campaign is a nationwide call to action for advocates to improve the quality of life of every person impacted by a brain injury. Together, we can help de-stigmatize brain injuries, empower those who have survived, and promote access to support and resources for those living with a brain injury. To learn more about how you can support the #ChangeYourMind campaign, visit biausa.org/changeyourmind.
Understanding the Different Types of Auto Insurance Policies
The state of California requires that all drivers carry auto insurance. However, determining what type of insurance to purchase can be confusing. We’ve put together this guide so you can understand what auto insurance you must carry—and what you should carry.
What Are the Different Types of Auto Insurance in California?
The most common types of coverage your insurance will offer you include the following:
Liability Auto Insurance
In the event of a car accident, liability auto insurance covers the bodily injury and property damage you cause to another person. For someone’s liability coverage to go into effect, they must be found at fault, or liable, for the accident.
How Liability Works In California
Determining who is liable for causing a car accident is extremely important in the aftermath of a collision. The driver deemed at fault for the accident will be responsible for covering the costs of the other driver’s auto repairs and any medical treatment they may need. The payment for these costs comes from the at-fault driver’s liability auto insurance policy.
The auto insurance companies involved in the collision will usually determine who they think is liable after an internal investigation, and several factors—witness statements, police reports, or any statements made by the drivers—may influence their conclusion.
Sometimes, these companies will determine that both drivers were responsible for the collision. In these cases, California’s comparative fault laws allow a partially at-fault driver to recover damages from the other driver’s liability policy.
For example, if you were found 25% responsible for an accident, you can recover up to 75% of your damages from the other driver, assuming they have enough coverage. So if your car repairs cost $1000, you could recover $750 from the other driver’s insurance. You would be responsible for the remaining $250.
How Policy Limits Work
Like any insurance policy, a liability auto insurance policy has an upper limit of damages it will cover. This upper limit is called a “policy limit.”
For example, a bodily injury liability policy with a $50,000 limit will cover up to $50,000 of the other person’s medical treatment in an accident you cause.
Unfortunately, a victim’s damages may sometimes exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. In these cases, the driver may be personally liable for the excess damages they cause.
California Liability Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements
Because car accidents happen so frequently in California, all drivers must carry minimum liability car insurance coverage to drive legally in the state.
The minimum coverage you must carry under California law is:
- $15,000 for the death or bodily injury of one person
- $30,000 for the death or bodily injury for all people hurt in an accident
- $5,000 for property damage
Keep in mind, this is the minimum required coverage. A victim’s medical and property damage costs will very quickly exceed these amounts in a serious collision. As stated earlier, the at-fault driver may be personally responsible for covering the difference if they don’t have enough coverage.
Though liability auto insurance is the most expensive type of insurance, carrying the maximum coverage you can afford is the best way to protect yourself if you’re involved in a costly and disastrous car accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Despite the law, the unfortunate reality is that many people in California drive without auto insurance. Even though they will be held personally liable if they cause a collision, many uninsured drivers do not have the means to pay for the other person’s damages.
Carrying uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help you recover when you’re injured in an accident by someone who doesn’t have insurance. It pays for medical bills, funeral expenses, and other costs for people injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage provides similar benefits: if you’re injured by a person carrying the minimum liability insurance, your UIM coverage can help make up the difference between their insufficient policy limits and the actual cost of your injuries.
Notably, neither UM or UIM cover property damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Instead, a separate coverage option—uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage—can cover these expenses. If you have collision coverage, however, you do not need UMPD.
While you are not required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company is required by law to offer it to you.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is always an excellent addition to your policy. It is relatively inexpensive and protects you from another person’s poor decisions and inadequate coverage.
Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
Together, collision and comprehensive car insurance cover damage to your car in various situations. When grouped with liability auto insurance, collision and comprehensive make up what is commonly known as “full coverage car insurance.”
Collision
Collision insurance covers damages incurred when your vehicle collides with something—even if the collision was your fault. This can include another vehicle, a guardrail, a tree, or a bicycle or pedestrian.
For example, let’s say your auto insurance determined you were at fault for an accident. In that case, your collision coverage would pay for damage to your vehicle, while your liability coverage would pay for damages to the other driver’s car.
Collision insurance also covers the cost of your car repairs if your car is damaged by an unidentified driver in a hit and run.
Comprehensive
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by factors unrelated to driving. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Flood
- Falling objects, such as trees or rocks
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Wind
- Hail
Insurance companies usually offer collision and comprehensive together. Premiums for these policies are based on the vehicle’s value, so they can be rather high for newer or more expensive cars. Coverage is also usually subject to a deductible.
Despite the price, collision and comprehensive is usually worth it for high-value vehicles. Full coverage is also required for leased or loaned vehicles in California.
Med Pay Coverage
Med Pay, short for medical payment coverage, is optional insurance that pays medical or funeral expenses in the event of a crash. Most Med Pay policies cover you, your passengers, and your immediate family members if they are hurt in a car, pedestrian, or public transportation accident.
Med Pay covers medical expenses regardless of fault, up to the policy limits. There are generally no deductibles, coinsurance policies, or restrictions on the medical providers you can visit. It may even cover medical treatment that your regular health insurance policy won’t cover.
Med Pay coverage is particularly useful for those without health insurance, or those with very high health insurance deductibles and copays.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Car Insurance in California?
Driving in California without the required minimum insurance coverage is against the law. California law requires drivers to show proof of insurance to law enforcement officers when asked. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you will need to pay hundreds of dollars in fines and penalties (which often cost more than the minimum required car insurance policy).
If you cause an accident without insurance, the DMV could suspend your driver’s license. Even if you’re hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you will have less legal recourse if you don’t carry car insurance. In other words, you will not be able to recover pain and suffering damages from the at-fault driver if you don’t have insurance yourself.
So How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?
As lawyers are infamous for saying—it depends. If you park your car on the street in a high-crime area, it may be worth purchasing comprehensive coverage. Or if your deductible on your health insurance policy is very high, Med Pay might be worth it.
Ultimately, it’s best to purchase the maximum insurance coverage you can afford. After a terrible car accident, a hefty car insurance policy is the best way to protect yourself and others from unforeseen, life-changing damages.
PARRIS Fights for Victims of Auto Accidents
Any accident—whether a pedestrian accident, bus accident, motorcycle accident, or something else—is a devastating, preventable event that can change your life forever. Navigating the insurance world in the aftermath of an accident can be extremely confusing, especially when you’re facing a mountain of unexpected medical bills and expenses.
A trusted law firm can help. PARRIS car accident lawyers have been in the industry for nearly four decades. We have the expertise and resources to fight for you and your family, and we’ll make sure you see the justice you deserve.
Contact PARRIS today to schedule your free case review with our team.