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Sacramento Airplane Accident Lawyer

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Trusted Sacramento Aviation Accident Attorneys

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand the devastating impact an airplane accident can have on your life. Whether you’ve sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one in a tragic crash, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. As a trusted Sacramento airplane accident lawyer, we are here to guide you through this challenging time with compassionate support and unwavering dedication to your case.

With decades of experience in handling complex aviation accident claims, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Our proven track record includes securing significant settlements and verdicts for clients, always with their best interests at heart. Client testimonials consistently highlight our commitment to personalized service and our relentless pursuit of justice.

When you choose Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, you’re choosing a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

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SETTLEMENT

$60,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit.

Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

A whistleblower case exposing fraudulent practices in the state of California resulted…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$8,000,000

Truck Accident

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young…
Learn More

JUDGEMENT

$3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck…
Learn More

Who Is Liable in a Plane Crash?

Determining liability in an aviation accident is a crucial step in seeking compensation for airplane accident victims. Multiple parties may be responsible for an accident, and it’s important to understand who can be held accountable. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our team of Sacramento airplane accident lawyers is dedicated to investigating every aspect of your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries or losses.

Key Liable Parties in Aviation Accidents:

  1. Airlines: Airlines are often held responsible for accidents caused by the actions of their pilots, flight crews, or inadequate safety protocols. If an airline failed to follow safety regulations or failed to train their crew properly, they may be liable for the accident.
  2. Pilots and Flight Crew: Pilots and flight crew members have a duty to ensure the safety of passengers. If the accident was caused by pilot error, such as misjudgment, negligence, or failure to follow proper procedures, they could be held liable. As a Pilot error accident attorney, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is well-equipped to investigate these complex issues and hold the right parties accountable.
  3. Aircraft Manufacturers: If a plane crash occurs due to a defect or design flaw in the aircraft, the manufacturer may be held responsible under product liability laws. Aviation injury compensation claims often involve cases against aircraft manufacturers for faulty designs, defective parts, or poor craftsmanship.
  4. Maintenance Companies: Poor maintenance or failure to repair known issues with an aircraft can contribute to accidents. If a maintenance company is responsible for the crash due to negligence, they may face liability for the accident. Airplane crash liability lawyers in Sacramento are experienced in identifying such factors during investigations.
  5. Air Traffic Control: Miscommunication or errors by air traffic control can also lead to accidents. If air traffic controllers fail to properly guide aircraft or misdirect a plane, they may be held responsible for the crash.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we specialize in aviation accident settlement processes and work tirelessly to ensure that all liable parties, including airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance companies, are held accountable. Our experienced aviation injury lawyers can guide you through filing an aviation accident lawsuit to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

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What Kind of Lawyer Sues Airlines?

If you’ve been injured in a plane crash or lost a loved one, you need a Sacramento airplane accident lawyer who specializes in aviation law and understands the complex nature of airplane accident claims. An experienced Sacramento aviation accident lawyer has the knowledge and skill to navigate the federal regulations, legal processes, and evidence required to successfully pursue claims against airlines, aircraft manufacturers, or other responsible parties.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience in personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death claims, particularly when it comes to aviation injury compensation claims. Whether your accident was due to pilot error, defective equipment, or airline negligence, we offer specialized airline negligence legal representation to help victims secure compensation.

Filing an aviation accident lawsuit can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of aviation laws and regulations. Our team of experienced aviation injury lawyers is well-versed in federal aviation laws and is prepared to investigate every aspect of your case to ensure that you are fully compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.

If you’re looking for the best plane accident lawyer in Sacramento, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to understand how we can assist you in the aviation accident settlement process. 

How Much Can You Sue for a Plane Crash?

If you or a loved one has been affected by a plane crash, it’s crucial to understand the potential compensation available. The amount you can sue for depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, the responsible parties, and the insurance coverage. As a Sacramento plane accident attorney, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys has extensive experience in securing compensation for aviation accident victims, helping to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses.

Key Factors That Influence Compensation:

  1. Medical Expenses: If you’ve been injured in a plane crash, your medical expenses can be substantial. This includes both immediate treatment, such as hospital bills and surgeries, and long-term care like rehabilitation or therapy. Aviation injury compensation claims often seek reimbursement for these costs, ensuring that victims are not burdened by financial strain due to their injuries.
  2. Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential: When injuries from a plane crash prevent you from returning to work, you are entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries result in long-term disability or diminished earning potential, you may also receive compensation for future lost income.
  3. Emotional Distress and Trauma: The emotional impact of surviving a plane crash, or losing a loved one, can be overwhelming. Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma is often awarded to help victims cope with the lasting effects of the incident.
  4. Funeral Costs (for Wrongful Death Claims): In the unfortunate event that a loved one passes away due to an aviation accident, families may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as additional damages for their emotional suffering.

Settlement Amounts and Case Specifics:

The settlement amount in aviation accident cases can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances surrounding the crash, and the available insurance coverage. The aviation accident settlement process can be complex, which is why it’s essential to work with an experienced Sacramento aviation law expert like Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys. Our team of experienced aviation injury lawyers will assess your case, determine the value of your claim, and work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve.

WE FIGHT FOR YOUR MAXIMUM INJURY COMPENSATION

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Common Causes of Airplane Crashes

Airplane crashes often result from a combination of human, mechanical, and environmental factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for filing an aviation accident lawsuit and pursuing justice. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Sacramento airplane accident lawyers are experienced in investigating these incidents to help victims secure compensation for airplane accident victims.

Common Causes of Airplane Accidents

  1. Pilot Error:
    Pilots are responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the aircraft. Mistakes such as poor decision-making, miscommunication, or failure to follow safety protocols are leading contributors to aviation accidents. Cases involving pilot negligence may require the expertise of a pilot error accident attorney to establish liability.
  2. Mechanical Failures:
    Aircraft rely on intricate systems that must function flawlessly. Mechanical failures due to defective parts or improper maintenance can lead to catastrophic outcomes. These cases often involve airline negligence legal representation or litigation against manufacturers.
  3. Air Traffic Control Errors:
    Miscommunication, incorrect instructions, or failure to manage airspace properly can result in collisions or other accidents. These errors often necessitate a Sacramento FAA accident lawyer for legal action.
  4. Severe Weather Conditions:
    Adverse weather, including turbulence, lightning, or poor visibility, is a significant factor in many crashes. While not always preventable, airlines and pilots are required to follow strict protocols to minimize risks.
  5. Maintenance Negligence:
    Improper maintenance can lead to undetected mechanical issues, putting passengers at serious risk. An airplane crash liability lawyer in Sacramento can investigate whether maintenance failures contributed to an accident.

How Long Do You Have to File an Airplane Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing an aviation accident lawsuit involving personal injury or wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time frame applies to most claims, including those handled by a Sacramento airplane accident lawyer. However, specific exceptions may alter this deadline, making prompt legal consultation essential. 

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations:

  1. Claims Involving Minors:
    If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended, typically starting once the individual turns 18 years old. This exception ensures that young victims have adequate time to file a claim.
  2. Claims Against Government Agencies:
    If the liable party is a government agency, such as cases involving air traffic control errors, claimants must adhere to a much shorter deadline. Typically, a formal claim must be filed within six months of the accident. A Sacramento FAA accident lawyer can guide you through these complex processes.

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What Compensation Can You Receive After an Airplane Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a plane crash, understanding the types of compensation available to you is vital for your recovery. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our team of Sacramento airplane accident lawyers is committed to helping victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. We work tirelessly to ensure aviation accident victims receive justice for their injuries and losses.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To:

  1. Medical Bills (Immediate and Long-Term Care): One of the primary types of compensation you can seek is for your medical bills. This includes the cost of emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term treatments such as rehabilitation and therapy. Whether you require physical therapy, psychological counseling, or specialized care, our experienced aviation injury lawyers will fight for you to be fully compensated for these expenses.
  2. Property Damage: If personal property, such as electronics, luggage, or other belongings, was damaged during the accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of repair or replacement. As part of the aviation accident settlement process, we ensure that all your losses are accounted for, including personal property damage.
  3. Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress: A plane crash can result in physical and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the mental anguish, distress, and emotional toll caused by the accident. Our team understands the impact of these injuries and advocates for fair compensation for the emotional distress victims experience.
  4. Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Injuries from an airplane crash often require long-term rehabilitation and therapy. Whether it’s physical therapy to recover from a disability or mental health counseling to cope with trauma, you may be entitled to compensation to cover these ongoing costs.

The amount of compensation you receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the responsible parties involved.

How Are Airplane Accident Investigations Conducted?

Airplane accident investigations are complex and require the collaboration of multiple federal agencies, experts, and legal professionals. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Sacramento airplane accident lawyers work closely with investigators to uncover the causes of these tragedies and build strong cases for victims and their families.

Key Players in the Investigation Process

  1. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):
    The NTSB is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating aviation accidents. Its role includes examining crash sites, analyzing flight data recorders, and interviewing witnesses. The NTSB’s findings often form the foundation for legal claims. 
  2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
    The FAA oversees the regulation of aviation safety standards. During investigations, the FAA collaborates with the NTSB to address potential regulatory violations or systemic issues that contributed to the accident. 
  3. Accident Reconstruction Experts:
    Aviation accidents often require specialized analysis from reconstruction experts. These professionals use data from black boxes, radar, and physical evidence to recreate the event. Their insights are critical for proving negligence in cases involving pilot error or airline negligence.
  4. Aviation Attorneys:
    Experienced legal representation is essential during this process. Our Sacramento aviation accident lawyers collaborate with experts to ensure every detail is examined, from maintenance records to communication logs. This thorough approach supports aviation injury compensation claims and builds strong foundations for filing an aviation accident lawsuit.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we leverage these investigations to hold responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for airplane accident victims. Whether the fault lies with pilots, airlines, or manufacturers, our dedicated team strives to achieve justice. 

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Why Choose Our Sacramento Plane Accident Attorneys?

When faced with the devastating aftermath of an airplane accident, you need an experienced legal team you can trust. Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys has built a reputation as a leading advocate for victims of aviation accidents, providing compassionate, client-centered representation with a focus on achieving justice and maximum compensation.

Why Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys?

  1. Extensive Experience:
    Our attorneys are well-versed in handling complex aviation accident claims, including those involving pilot error, airline negligence, and defective equipment. As a Sacramento airplane accident lawyer, we also have a deep understanding of aviation injury compensation claims and FAA regulations.
  2. Client-First Advocacy:
    At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, your case matters. We are committed to providing personalized legal representation, ensuring you are informed and supported throughout the aviation accident settlement process.
  3. Proven Results:
    With a track record of securing substantial settlements for clients, we’re recognized as the best plane accident lawyer in Sacramento by many of our satisfied clients. Read more about their experiences on our client testimonials page.
  4. No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee:
    You don’t pay unless we win your case, giving you peace of mind and the confidence to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Sacramento Aviation Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by an airplane accident, don’t delay in seeking experienced legal assistance. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our dedicated Sacramento airplane accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the complexities of filing an aviation accident lawsuit. We are committed to securing maximum compensation for our clients, including aviation injury compensation claims and plane crash victim compensation.

Take the first step toward justice and financial recovery. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Sacramento plane accident attorney. We’re here to provide personalized, compassionate legal representation and fight tirelessly for your rights.

Don’t face this challenging time alone. Trust an experienced aviation injury lawyer at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys to guide you through the aviation accident settlement process. Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.

LATEST NEWS

Treble Damages in California Trucking Cases

justice4you January 30, 2026

California law provides a specific statutory remedy for victims injured by impaired commercial vehicle drivers when their employers fail to meet federal safety requirements. Understanding when treble damages apply—and how they differ from standard punitive damages—is crucial for truck accident victims seeking maximum compensation. What Are Treble Damages? Treble damages allow injured parties to recover three times their actual damages under specific legal circumstances. In California trucking cases, this remedy is narrowly defined and differs significantly from general punitive damages available in other personal injury cases. California Civil Code § 3333.7: Statutory Treble Damages Requirements for Recovery Under California Civil Code § 3333.7, injured parties may recover treble damages from a commercial motor vehicle driver’s employer when all of the

California Trucking Accidents: Standards of Care

justice4you January 29, 2026

California law establishes different standards of care for trucking operations depending on the type of service provided. While most commercial trucking companies transporting freight are subject to ordinary negligence standards, federal motor carrier safety regulations impose enhanced duties that can significantly affect liability in truck accident cases. Key Takeaways: Commercial carriers of goods generally DO NOT have the duty of “utmost care” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) DO create heightened standards in specific situations Large truck drivers must exercise greater caution than ordinary motorists Licensed motor carriers have nondelegable safety duties Common Carrier Standard: When Does “Utmost Care” Apply? The Enhanced Duty for Passenger Transportation California Civil Code section 2100 requires carriers of persons for reward to use “the

Punitive Damages in California Personal Injury Cases

justice4you January 28, 2026

What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are extra money a court can order a wrongdoer to pay, on top of the money that compensates an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The main goal of punitive damages is not to repay the victim, but to punish especially bad behavior and to discourage similar conduct in the future. Think of punitive damages as a financial penalty for conduct that is much worse than ordinary carelessness. In California, punitive damages are not common. They are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful, intentional, or shows a conscious disregard for the safety or rights of others. Most personal injury cases involve simple negligence (for example,

Settlement - $3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck left Ryan Eisenbrandt’s surviving wife and parents with a judgment of $3.9 million, but the defendant’s insurance company refused to pay. This resulted in a second, intense legal battle between Plaintiffs and Defendant’s insurance company.

During the pendency of the wrongful death case, Defendant’s insurance company had filed a federal court action to rescind the defendants $1,000,000 insurance policy, claiming that defendant had made misrepresentations when applying for that policy. Initially, the federal court agreed with the insurance company, granting summary judgment that effectively denied recovery to the Eisenbrandts given the defendant was otherwise insolvent. The Arnold firm and the Eisenbrandts refused to accept this unfair outcome. They appealed the federal judge’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court and sent the case back to the same federal judge for a trial on the merits.

Christine Doyle of the Arnold Firm tried the case in February 2011 in front of the same judge who had previously thrown out the Eisenbrandt’s case. A unanimous advisory jury and the trial judge, after hearing the true facts about the insurance company’s effort to avoid responsibility, found in the Eisenbrandts favor. After four years of fighting for what is right, the insurance company was ordered to pay up.

Settlement - $8,000,000

Truck Accident

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young mother of three. She was calling from the hospital where her husband Christopher had been air-lifted for treatment of severe injuries from a tragic motor vehicle accident earlier that day. Angela’s mother, a past client of our firm, had encouraged her to give us a call.

As it turns out, Angela’s prompt contact with us was a very important decision for their family. Immediate representation allowed our team to secure critical evidence right away — appropriate storage and analysis of the vehicle to avoid tampering, timely professional photography of the scene, and interviews of involved parties — which ended up being imperative to the details of Christopher’s case.

A commercial vehicle had failed to stop at a rural stop-sign intersection, colliding with the compact sedan driven by Christopher, an active 33-year-old father. The impact caused extensive damage to his spinal cord in the cervical area. Despite multiple surgeries, rehabilitation programs for physical and psychological therapy, and in-home care, his injuries rendered him a paraplegic, paralyzed from the mid-chest. In an instant, life as he had known it was gone forever.

At the time of the accident, the at-fault driver of the commercial vehicle was acting within the scope of his employment with a large corporation. With the employer being directly liable, as such, defense counsel fought hard to minimize Christopher’s damages, claiming that his being unemployed at that time devalued his losses. Our legal team made sure Christopher’s true losses were represented, including his potential income, his options and mobility, his ability to provide for and support his family, and the lifetime of care he now needed. Christopher’s injuries also dramatically affected his spouse’s daily life, resulting in a claim on her behalf.

Furthermore, the extent of Christopher’s injuries were, in part, due to defects involving the dual-restraint system in his own vehicle. Despite the manufacturer’s efforts to deny any responsibility, the Arnold Law Firm established negligence relevant to his case.

The result was a settlement of $8 million — the largest pre-trial settlement for this type of case in the region. Christopher now has the resources to receive the ongoing care he now requires, improve the quality of his life and take care of his young family.

Verdict - $10,200,000

Motorcycle Accident

The Arnold Law Firm is pleased to report that our attorneys received a $10.2 million verdict handed down in Modesto. Defense counsel was Kevin Cholakian of San Francisco. The defense rejected a 998 within the $1 million policy limits three years ago. The highest defense offer was $350k.

The case involved a blind corner dirt fire road collision between a truck driven by the defendant and a motorcycle driven by the plaintiff Dan Nixon. THe plaintiff had no recollection of the collision. The defendant claimed that the plaintiff had too much speed for the corner and lost control. The plaintiff’s son (who identified the wrong curve in discovery) claimed that the defendant was on the wrong side of the curve, causing his dad to make an unsuccessful emergency maneuver. The jury assessed 70% fault to the defendant and 30% to plaintiff.

The plaintiff, now 50-years-old, suffered a dislocated right knee with popliteal artery rupture which has left him with an unstable knee, and permanently damaged lower leg. Because of vascular damage he is not a candidate for knee reconstruction or replacement. The plaintiff’s treating doctors testified that he will require an above knee amputation within 20 years. Past lost wages were $78,000 and past medicals were $570,000. The jury awarded $7.5 million in general damages (3 m. past and 4.5 m. future) as well as all future economic damages asked for by the plaintiff. The jury deliberated for 3 and a half hours.

Settlement - $17,000,000

Data Breach

Infinity/Kemper Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, and Mason, Lietz, & Klinger, and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP, reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach class action lawsuit, also known as Irma Carrera et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:20-cv-01883. The settlement is valued at over $17 million.

The Honorable Judge Martha M. Pacold granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement on October 27, 2021.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the class members will receive access to Aura’s Financial Shield Services for a period of 18 months, up to $10,000 for reimbursement of documented out-of-pocket losses reasonably traceable to the Data Breach, up to 3 hours of time spent remedying issues related to the breach at $18 per hour, and $50 for Class Members who are California residents.

History of the data breach: On April 8, 2021, the Arnold Law Firm and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP filed the first class action complaint against Kemper and Infinity in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled Irma Carrera Aguallo et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, Case No. 1:21-cv-01883. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) negligence per se, (3) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices, (4) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices, (5) violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100, et seq., (6) violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq., (7) violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statute § 501.201, et seq., (8) breach of implied contract, (9) declaratory judgment, and (10) unjust enrichment arising from the data breach.

Settlement - $18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

Whistleblowers Represented by Arnold Law Firm Expose Fraudulent Practices by the Pill Club, Case Settled With California DOJ

The Arnold Law Firm and the Hirst Law Group represented two whistleblowers who helped expose fraudulent practices by a start-up online pharmacy company called The Pill Club.

The company allegedly used fraudulent practices to bill California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, for their services. The Pill Club is also alleged to have violated state laws by allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe contraceptive products to women without proper supervision or training from a licensed medical doctor.

For their part in blowing the whistle on the company they worked for, and as part of California Qui Tam laws, the whistleblowers and their attorneys recovered $4.9 million from the $18.275 million settlement paid to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Settlement - $60,000,000

Data Breach

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, Nussbaum Law Group, P.C. and others, reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit, also known as In re Morgan Stanley Data Security Litigation, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 1:20-cv-05914-AT. The settlement resulted in a $60 million settlement fund to benefit class members.

The Motion for Preliminary Approval was filed on December 31, 2021 with the Honorable Judge Analisa Torres.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the 15 million class members will be provided access to Aura’s Financial Shield services for at least two years, which includes a $1 million insurance policy protecting each subscriber, credit monitoring, identity freezing, dark web monitoring, income tax protection and more services. The fund will also provide payments to people who submit valid claims for out-of-pocket expenses and/or up to four hours of lost-time incurred as a result of the data breach. Lost time allows victims of the data breach to be paid at $25 per hour for up to four hours of attested time spent dealing with the data breach. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed up to $10,000 if the costs or expenditures are fairly traceable to the data breach.

History of the data breach: On July 29, 2020, the Arnold Law Firm and Morgan & Morgan filed the first class action lawsuit against Morgan Stanley in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York entitled Sylvia Tillman et al. v. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC., Case No. 1:20-cv-05914. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) invasion of privacy; (3) negligence per se; (4) unjust enrichment; (5) violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices; and (6) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.