Approximately 397 military installations throughout the United States have contaminated drinking water that threatens the health and safety of service members, their families, and civilians working on those installations. The contamination is from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). PFAS are man-made chemicals that do not break down over time and survive in the environment literally forever. Hence, the nickname given them – “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has confirmed that exposure to PFAS may result in adverse health effects.
Losing a loved one is difficult, but making any sort of legal claim after a relative has passed is even more difficult. New Mexico follows the Uniform Probate Code and the Probate process can help people make claims resulting from injuries or property damage resulting from the Hermits Creek Calf Canyon Fires and Floods, on behalf of a deceased individual. Even if they were not killed as a result of the fire, surviving family members may be eligible to make a claim after they follow the New Mexico Probate process. This process is known as “probate.”
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession. As first responders, firefighters routinely risk their lives to protect and save others. In recent decades, advances in the technology used to fight fires and protect firefighters have ironically created a new risk for firefighters: cancer and other serious health issues. Most — and probably all — firefighters have been unknowingly exposed to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.
Alameda County, CA – February 23, 2023 – Singleton Schreiber partners Brett Schreiber and Ben Siminou represent Benjamin Maldonado in his lawsuit against Tesla. The lawsuit arises from a 2019 catastrophic vehicle collision involving a self-driving Tesla that suddenly rear-ended Mr. Maldonado’s car, causing him to crash. Mr. Maldonado survived the crash – tragically, his 15-year-old son did not.
Singleton Schreiber partner Brett J. Schreiber had an article published in Advocate Magazine discussing the “Client Trust Protection Program”. The State Bar has created a new registration and certification program known as the Client Trust Protection Program (CTAPP). Brett describes the program as well intended following the well-known Tom Girardi scandal in which he robbed clients of tens of millions of dollars. However, he describes the program as being poorly executed.
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas publicly requested the federal government appoint a New Mexico attorney (or possibly a retired judge) to oversee the claims process regarding the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. The federal law, made in response to historic wildfires that destroyed more than 300,000 acres of national forest, wilderness and private lands, made $3.95 billion available to individuals and businesses that suffered loss as a result of the fires/floods.
The fires and floods in New Mexico made national news. The immediate effects of the devastation – the destruction of homes, the damage to forests and roadways, etc., have been covered by news outlets nationwide. However, the impact of these fires is long term, and many communities affected by the fires will continue to be impacted for the foreseeable future. In Northern New Mexico, one of the most unique – and serious – impacts has been the destruction of the acequias.
Recently, the California Department of Insurance extended its one-year moratorium on insurance cancellation or non-renewals to people impacted by the recent chain of California fires. Among the fires included are the McKinney Fire, the Mill Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Mosquito Fire.
For others, I hope this is helpful… Having been through the 2017 fires, 2019 Kincade Fire, and now Walbridge, as a horse owner, I felt compelled to share some knowledge and observations. Prepping for a disaster/emergency starts well ahead of when that moment actually arrives. You start months or even years ahead. When time is of the essence sometimes you only have six or seven minutes to load up and get out of the fire zone.