What Happened: Tonia Silva, a 36-year-old mother and beloved La Mesa salon owner, was tragically killed in late June 2025 when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with the SUV she was riding in near Sweetwater Road and Broadway in Lemon Grove, California. Tonia had just closed her salon for the evening and was returning home with her fiancé when the crash occurred. According to investigators, the other driver, James Mendias, 28, was allegedly driving under the influence. Law enforcement discovered open containers of alcohol and a canister of nitrous oxide inside the vehicle. Prosecutors have charged Mendias with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and he has pleaded not guilty. This case is a chilling reminder of the devastation caused by drunk driving collisions in San Diego County. Tonia suffered fatal injuries, including a severed femoral artery, and tragically died before she could be transported to the hospital. Her sudden death has devastated her fiancé, her young son, and the entire La Mesa community. Friends and family described her as a vibrant, hardworking woman who had recently fulfilled her dream of opening her own business and was planning her upcoming wedding. Legal Implications: While the criminal case proceeds in court, Tonia’s family may also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit through the civil justice system. Under California law, surviving family members have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost financial support, and emotional pain and suffering. In cases involving extreme recklessness—such as driving the wrong way while impaired —families may also pursue punitive damages. As San Diego wrongful death lawyers , Team Mason has extensive experience handling cases involving DUI wrongful death claims, wrong-way crashes, and fatal car accidents in Lemon Grove and throughout Southern California. When a driver’s actions go beyond negligence and show a willful disregard for human life, we act quickly to hold them accountable in both civil and criminal forums. Importantly, civil claims are separate from the criminal process. That means the victim’s family can seek justice even while the criminal prosecution is ongoing. Acting quickly is critical—not just because of California’s statute of limitations, but also because evidence such as crash data, toxicology reports, and witness statements can fade with time. Team Mason is committed to helping families rebuild and recover after catastrophic loss. We work closely with survivors to ensure their story is told, their legal rights are protected, and those responsible are held accountable—whether through settlement or at trial. Call Team Mason If you’ve lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, wrong-way crash, or any fatal car accident in San Diego County, contact Team Mason a free consultation. You deserve answers. You deserve justice. Call 858-444-5256 or email bmason@themasonfirm.com. Source: https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/family-mourns-36-year-old-mother-salon-owner-killed-in-wrong-way-crash

What’s happening? Approximately 850,000 Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles (model 83‑662) sold at Walmart since 2017 are being recalled . The recall was prompted after three reports of the lid forcefully ejecting at opening—two of which caused permanent vision loss when lids struck users in the eye. Why it matters The malfunction occurs when bottles are used with carbonated, perishable, or food liquids stored over time. Pressure builds up, causing the screw-on lid to unexpectedly detach with force. The bottles are silver with a black screwcap lid and a visible Ozark Trail logo. Though the model number 83‑662 is not on the bottle itself, it appears on packaging. Retail price is around $15, and they were sold both in-store and online . What consumers should do Stop using the bottle immediately. Return it to any Walmart store or contact Walmart’s help line at 800‑925‑6278 for a full refund . The recall was officially announced by the CPSC on July 10, 2025 . Legal & Safety Implications Consumer product defects—even in everyday items like water bottles—can lead to devastating injuries. Under U.S. law: Manufacturers and retailers have a duty to warn about known hazards. Injured consumers may be entitled to damages not only for medical care but also for pain, suffering, permanent disability, and other losses. Injury victims, including those suffering vision loss, should strongly consider: Consulting with a personal injury attorney Exploring potential products liability claims Taking steps to ensure future safety, such as following recall notices closely Stay informed and protected If you’ve used an Ozark Trail 64 oz bottle, please act now. Returning a defective bottle may seem simple—but recovery from a serious eye injury is not. If you or a loved one has been impacted, consulting with legal counsel can help secure coverage for medical treatment, ongoing care, and compensation for long-term effects. Need assistance? If you or someone you know has been injured—especially if partial or permanent vision loss has occurred—Team Mason is a trial team that focuses on Product Liability cases in San Diego and is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us guide you through your legal options and recovery. www.TheMasonFirm.com 858-444-5256

Slipped and Fell on Someone Else’s Property? You May Have a Case. A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere — grocery stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking lots, or even private homes. While some people brush off these incidents, the reality is that many slip and fall injuries cause serious harm: broken bones, head injuries, or long-term disability. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Team Mason and our premises liability attorneys help clients hold negligent property owners accountable. What Makes a Property Owner Liable for a Slip and Fall? Under California law, property owners, managers, and tenants have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. They must: ✅ Inspect the property regularly ✅ Repair dangerous conditions promptly ✅ Warn visitors about known hazards If they fail to do so and you’re injured because of their negligence, you may have a valid slip and fall claim. Common Hazards That Lead to Slip and Falls Slip and fall cases often involve hazards such as: Wet or slippery floors Uneven sidewalks or flooring Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots Loose rugs or floor mats Spilled food or liquids in stores Icy walkways (in colder parts of California) Unmarked changes in elevation What Property Owners and Insurance Companies Won’t Tell You Property owners and their insurance adjusters often try to shift blame to you. They may argue: ❌ You weren’t paying attention. ❌ You wore unsafe shoes. ❌ The hazard was “open and obvious.” ❌ They didn’t have enough time to fix it. Don’t fall for these tactics. An experienced slip and fall lawyer knows how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and hire safety experts to prove that the owner’s negligence caused your injuries. What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident Here are four steps to help protect your rights: 1️⃣ Report the Incident — Tell the property owner or manager immediately and ask for a written report. 2️⃣ Take Photos — Capture the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area. 3️⃣ Get Medical Care — Some injuries may not be obvious right away. See a doctor and follow treatment instructions. 4️⃣ Call an Attorney — Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements. A lawyer can make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. How Much is a Slip and Fall Case Worth? Every case is different and there is never any guarantee of settlement or amount. Many factors that affect your possible settlement may include: Severity of your injuries Medical expenses and future treatment needs Lost income or reduced earning capacity Pain, suffering, and emotional distress Whether you share any fault How Long Do You Have to File a Claim? In California, the statute of limitations for most slip and fall claims is two years from the date of the accident. If your fall happened on government property, you must file an administrative claim within six months—so don’t delay. Why Choose Team Mason? Premises liability claims are often tough to win alone. Property owners have powerful insurance companies and legal teams. You need a skilled advocate to: ✅ Investigate the accident ✅ Preserve critical evidence (like surveillance footage) ✅ Prove negligence ✅ Fight for maximum compensation Team Mason has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property — and we don’t get paid unless you do. Free Consultation for Slip and Fall Victims If you or a loved one was hurt in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights and help you get the justice you deserve. 📞 Call 858-444-5256 📧 Schedule Your Free Case Review 🌐 Visit www.TheMasonFirm.com

Yes—passengers injured in a car accident in California have the legal right to seek compensation. Whether the at-fault party was your driver, another motorist, or even a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, you are entitled to recover damages for your injuries. Team Mason represents passengers who’ve been seriously hurt in car crashes. Here's what you need to know about your legal options. Who Can an Injured Passenger Sue? As a passenger, you are rarely at fault. That means you can pursue a claim against any negligent party, including: The driver of the car you were in Another driver who caused the crash A commercial vehicle operator Uber/Lyft drivers (and their insurance) Public transportation providers Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect contributed) You may even have claims against multiple parties, depending on the facts of the accident. What Compensation Can I Recover? Injured passengers may be entitled to compensation for: Medical bills (including future treatment) Lost income from missed work Pain and suffering Permanent disability or disfigurement Emotional distress Loss of enjoyment of life In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. What if My Friend or Family Member Was Driving? You still have the right to file a claim—even if the driver is someone you know or love. Most claims are paid by auto insurance, not out-of-pocket by the individual. You should not bear the financial burden of medical bills or lost wages just to protect someone else's insurer. Rideshare Passenger Accidents (Uber & Lyft) If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, special insurance coverage may apply. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a ride is in progress. However, these companies often try to deny or delay claims. An experienced attorney can make sure the rideshare company pays what you deserve. What If Multiple Passengers Were Injured? When multiple passengers are injured and the at-fault party has limited insurance, compensation may be divided among several claims. This makes it especially important to: Act quickly Preserve evidence Hire a lawyer to protect your share Time Limits: Don’t Miss the Deadline In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically 2 years from the date of the accident. If a public entity is involved (e.g., city bus or municipal vehicle), the deadline to file a government claim is just 6 months. Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer? Passenger injury claims can be more complex than they appear. Insurance companies often: Try to shift blame Offer lowball settlements Delay payouts Team Mason handles the paperwork, negotiations, and litigation so you can focus on healing. We don’t get paid unless you win. Free Case Review for Injured Passengers If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident in California, we’re here to help. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you deserve. 📞 Call (858) 444-5256 📧 Schedule Your Free Consultation 🌐 Visit www.themasonfirm.com]

Any parents purchasing a new car seat should know that starting Dec. 5, 2026, all car seats sold in the United States must meet new federal safety standards meant to improving protection during side-impact collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the new regulation to help reduce child fatalities and injuries in one of the most dangerous types of crashes. According to the press release, side-impact collisions can be deadly for children because there is less space and structure between them and the point of impact. What is the New Regulation and When Does it Go into Effect? The new law, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a, adds a new sled test for child seats simulating a 30 mph side-impact crash involving two vehicles. The new law goes into effect on December 5, 2026. Call Team Mason Today! Team Mason is a high value trial team with extensive experience representing injured children in car accidents and other injury events. Call today for a free consultation. 📞 Free Consultation: (858) 444-5256 🖥️ [www.themasonfirm.com](http://www.themasonfirm.com) 📍 San Diego, California | Proudly Representing Victims Statewide

In a landmark victory for truck accident victims in California, Team Mason is proud to announce a $15,000,000.00 settlement in a catastrophic personal injury case involving a commercial trucking collision. The case, resolved prior to trial, involved life-altering injuries sustained by our client after being struck by a negligent tractor-trailer operator on a California interstate. This result stands as one of the largest trucking accident settlements in the region and reflects our relentless commitment to holding commercial carriers accountable for dangerous conduct on California roadways. Team Mason's Investigation Led to the Settlement The case involved a semi-truck traveling from Mexico carrying food that changed lanes into our client's vehicle. The prior attorney on the case was on the verge of settling the case for $1,000,000.00. However, the clients reached out to Team Mason because they believed the harm caused to them was worth so much more. Team Mason worked for three years and put thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars into the case fighting for the client, to secure the settlement of $15,000,000.00. While no amount of money can undo the trauma endured, this $15,000,000.00 settlement will provide lifetime care and financial security for our client and his family. As attorney Brian Mason noted, “This result reflects our mission—fight for justice, deliver life-changing outcomes, and force accountability on commercial trucking companies. We are proud to stand beside this family as they begin to rebuild.” Why Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Advocacy Truck accident cases differ greatly from typical car accident claims. They often involve: Federal and state safety regulations Commercial insurance policies with high stakes Corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams Black box data, GPS logs, and maintenance records Complex medical and vocational life care planning Team Mason has deep experience navigating these technical layers. Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction experts, trucking safety experts, economists, and trauma physicians to maximize results. Injured in a Truck Accident in California? Call Team Mason If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident—whether on the I-5, I-15, I-805, Highway 78, I-8, or anywhere in California—Team Mason offers free consultations and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We are based in San Diego and serve clients statewide. 👉 Call (858) 444-5256 or visit www.themasonfirm.com to speak directly with a trucking accident attorney.

If you or someone you love was hit by a commercial truck in California, especially in San Diego, Los Angeles, El Centro, or anywhere along the I-5, I-8, I-10, or or I-805, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries—and victims need experienced legal help to stand up to trucking companies and their insurance carriers. At The Mason Firm, our California personal injury attorneys specialize in semi-truck accident lawsuits and big rig crash claims across the state. Why Truck Accidents in California Are So Dangerous Large commercial trucks — also called 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and box trucks — can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Even at moderate speeds, a collision with a truck can result in: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Multiple broken bones Crush injuries or amputations Fatalities or wrongful death Unlike regular car accidents, California truck accident cases involve federal trucking regulations, corporate liability, and aggressive defense tactics from major logistics companies and insurers. That is why you need an experienced trucking lawyer fighting for you. Top Causes of Truck Crashes in California Common reasons for commercial truck accidents include: Driver fatigue in violation of FMCSA Hours-of-Service rules Overloaded or improperly secured cargo Poor truck maintenance** (brake failure, bald tires, etc.) Speeding or distracted driving Negligent hiring or training** by trucking companies Substance abuse or impairment behind the wheel Under California Vehicle Code § 34501.12, trucking companies operating in the state must comply with safety inspection requirements. When they fail to meet these legal duties, injured victims can sue for damages. Who Is Liable in a California Truck Accident? A key advantage of hiring a truck accident attorney in California is the ability to **identify all potentially responsible parties**, which may include: The truck driver (for negligent driving) The trucking company (for hiring, training, supervision, or pressure to violate safety rules) A freight broker or logistics provider if an agency relationship exists A maintenance company A vehicle or parts manufacturer (in cases of mechanical failure) At The Mason Firm, we send preservation of evidence letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed and retain top-tier accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your claim. We hire accident reconstruction experts at the beginning of any trucking case, to download the black box data in the truck which provides information about the truck's speed and driving prior to the crash. What Types of Compensation Can You Recover? A successful California trucking accident lawsuit may include: Medical bills and future treatment costs Lost wages and reduced earning capacity Pain, suffering, and emotional distress Loss of consortium (for spouses or partners) Wrongful death benefits (for surviving families) Property damage (repair or replacement of your vehicle) If the trucking company’s behavior was especially reckless—like falsifying logbooks or skipping brake checks—you may also be entitled to punitive damages under California Civil Code § 3294. What Makes Trucking Cases Different From Regular Car Accidents? Truck crash cases are more complex and higher value than typical auto accident claims because: Federal regulations apply (FMCSA standards under 49 C.F.R.) Commercial policies often cover \$1M–\$5M or more Trucking companies send investigators to the scene within hours Digital records like GPS logs, ELDs, and dash cam footage must be preserved quickly If you're searching for a truck accident lawyer near San Diego or a California semi-truck injury attorney, make sure they have experience going toe-to-toe with commercial carriers. What to Do After a Truck Accident in California Taking the right steps immediately after a truck crash can protect your case: 1. Call 911 and get medical care immediately. 2. Document the scene with photos and witness names. 3. Avoid giving recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer. 4. Contact a California truck accident attorney** as soon as possible. 5. Keep all receipts of repair estimates, and medical documentation. Real Case Spotlight: Southern California Truck Crash Settlement Team Mason recently settled a very difficult and complex trucking case for $15,000,000.00 (fifteen million dollars) that involved cross-border agency issues as well as the death of an unborn twin and the premature birth of the other twin. Speak to a California Trucking Accident Lawyer Today If you've been hit by a semi-truck, box truck, or commercial vehicle anywhere in California, don’t wait. Trucking companies are already building their defense. You need a legal team that knows how to fight—and win. At The Mason Firm, we handle truck accident cases across San Diego County, Imperial County, Los Angeles County, Riverside, Orange County, and beyond. We charge no fee unless we win. 📞 Free Consultation: (858) 444-5256 🖥️ [www.themasonfirm.com](http://www.themasonfirm.com) 📍 San Diego, California | Proudly Representing Victims Statewide

Meningitis is a life-threatening condition that demands rapid recognition and treatment. When it comes to children, the stakes are even higher. Unfortunately, emergency departments (EDs)—even in well-regarded hospitals—sometimes fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in devastating outcomes. At The Mason Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how a missed diagnosis of meningitis in a child can lead to permanent brain injury, limb amputation, or death. These cases are not just tragic—they are preventable and, in many instances, legally actionable. Understanding Meningitis and the Medical Red Flags Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, progresses rapidly and can be fatal within hours. Common symptoms in children include: Fever and lethargy Severe headache or neck stiffness Vomiting Irritability or high-pitched crying (in infants) Seizures Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head) Confusion or altered mental status Any delay in diagnosis and treatment—especially failing to perform a lumbar puncture or administer antibiotics promptly—can lead to catastrophic outcomes. How Emergency Departments Miss It Despite well-known red flags, ED physicians sometimes: Misattribute symptoms to a "viral illness" or "flu" Fail to order blood work or a lumbar puncture Discharge a child prematurely without proper observation Rely solely on non-specific lab results (e.g., slightly elevated WBC) without considering meningitis in the differential Underestimate parental concerns or observations (e.g., “not acting right,” “suddenly very sleepy”) This constitutes a deviation from the standard of care, particularly when the signs of sepsis, neurological compromise, or infection are clinically present. Legal Theories in Missed Meningitis Cases These cases may involve: Medical malpractice (under MICRA, Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.2) Negligent diagnosis and treatment Failure to consult a pediatric specialist Violation of hospital protocols or EMTALA obligations Failure to obtain informed consent for discharge or failure to inform parents of risks Your Child Deserves Accountability and Care No parent should ever leave a hospital thinking their child was safe—only to discover a preventable brain infection was overlooked. If your child suffered permanent injury due to a missed diagnosis of meningitis, we can help. At The Mason Firm, we specialize in hospital negligence and pediatric malpractice claims throughout California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Case Example: Failure to Diagnose in Southern California In one real-world federal case out of California, a pediatric patient presented with high fever, vomiting, and lethargy but was discharged from the emergency room without a workup for meningitis. The child returned within 24 hours in a comatose state. The ultimate diagnosis: bacterial meningitis with resultant severe brain damage and partial paralysis. The jury awarded over $10 million in damages, finding the hospital had violated its duty of care under EMTALA and California negligence standards. Currently, attorney Brian Mason represents two different families for wrongful death against a well known children's hospital in Southern California. In those two cases, a 5 year old boy and a 7 year old boy were both discharged from the emergency room just hours before their tragic death. These cases are devasting and destroy families. Hospitals must be held accountable for this negligence. Contact Us Today If your child’s condition worsened due to a delayed or missed diagnosis in an emergency room, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you investigate the truth and fight for the justice your family deserves. Contact attorney Brian Mason directly at 858-444-5256 or email bmason@themasonfirm.com.

When we place our trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals, we expect safe and competent care. Unfortunately, medical errors happen — and when they do, the consequences can be life-altering. In California, medical malpractice laws are in place to protect patients who suffer harm due to the negligence of a healthcare provider. If you or a loved one has been injured by substandard medical care, it’s important to understand your legal rights. What Is Medical Malpractice? Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, or aftercare. Common examples include: Surgical errors: such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: leading to worsening of a condition Birth injuries: caused by improper monitoring or delivery techniques Medication errors: including incorrect prescriptions or dosages Failure to obtain informed consent: before a procedure To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in California, a plaintiff must prove that: 1. A provider-patient relationship existed; 2. The provider was negligent (i.e., did not meet the standard of care); 3. The negligence directly caused injury or harm; and 4. The injury led to specific damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. California’s Medical Malpractice Laws California has specific rules that apply to medical malpractice cases: Statute of Limitations: You generally have one year from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury, and no more than three years from the date of the injury, whichever comes first. Birth injuries are an exception and the child has longer to file their case. MICRA Cap on Non-Economic Damages: Under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) are capped. As of 2023, the cap is $350,000, increasing gradually to $750,000 by 2033 and $1,000,000.00 for death cases. Expert Witness Requirement: Plaintiffs must present testimony from a qualified medical expert to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. Mandatory Arbitration: Some medical providers include arbitration clauses in their contracts with patients, which may require disputes to be resolved outside of court. Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Medical malpractice cases are complex, expensive, and heavily contested by insurance companies. A skilled attorney can help by: - Investigating your case and gathering critical medical evidence - Consulting with medical experts to establish negligence - Calculating the full extent of your damages - Negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court if needed Team Mason is committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. Our team has extensive experience representing victims of medical negligence across California and securing the compensation they deserve. Get a Free Consultation If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait. Contact Team Mason today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process — so you can focus on healing. Visit our webpage at www.themasonfirm.com/medical-malpractice for more information.