Woman accused of homicide for a toddler’s death in Bellingham, WA.

Jurors declared to continue the probing of Kamie Dixon in the unusual toddler homicide that occurred at Bellingham, WA. The Whatcom County judge made the decision on Tuesday as a verdict. But later, it was again declared to the evictor that both had to agree on two accounts. As a result, she was charged with second degree murder. Dixon is accused of the homicide of Hazel Homan, the three-year-old daughter of her boyfriend.

As per the reports, she was found guilty of the murder and sentenced on July 14. Dixon was given a twenty-year imprisonment. At the initial stages of the trial, the report stated that Homan had a brain injury, and medically it was termed Shaken Baby Syndrome in November, 2019. The criminal testimony went on for three months with the prosecutor. The prosecutor claimed that Homan had to suffer repeatedly at the hands of Dixon.

However, the defense claimed that the death of Homan happened due to choking while she was having a breakfast sandwich. Dixon also claimed that Homan had testified of a locked jaw, necessary for chewing food. She was prescribed CPR. A video was presented in the court at the trial as a closing argument. In that video, the doctor recorded inside the throat of the child. But Doug Hyldahl, the attorney, said it is more of a scrambled egg, addressing the jury. However, the defense opposed stating that choking leads to brain injury and ultimately results in death, which happened in November 2019. Thus, Dixon is not an abuse of murder charge.

But the prosecution found out that Hazel had to undergo repeated physical torture from Dixon before the final encounter of death happened. During the trial, many of Homan’s injuries were reported to the court. The injury included a burnt hand and an infected eye; thus, the prosecution kept the argument that Dixon did it. But the defense claimed that it was due to vitamin D deficiency, which led to fracture and injury. Both kept conflicting and argumative statements. After many trials of both prosecutors and the defense, the jury still holds that Dixon should be charged with Homan’s death.

Four Common Personal Injuries And What Action To Take Afterward

We go about our daily lives never thinking about what could happen to us. We never think that we could be in a car accident or fall and hurt ourselves. Unfortunately, these things happen every day, and it’s important to know what action to take should they occur. Here are some typical personal injuries and what to do if you receive one.

Auto Accidents

Did you know that more than three million people are injured every year in auto accidents? Of course, no one expects to be in an accident, but there are several things you should do if it happens. First, always seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and many injuries don’t show themselves until hours or even days after the accident. Call a personal injury attorney immediately. They can help you navigate the often-confusing legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

Slip And Fall Accidents

These types of injuries are also very common. In 2020 alone, there were more than 200,000 ER visits due to slip and fall accidents. If you should find yourself in this situation, it’s important to get medical attention right away and take pictures. This can help you prove your case should you decide to take legal action. You should also save any receipts for medical treatment and lost wages, as these can be used as evidence.

Workplace Injuries

Having an injury in the workplace is common, especially if you have repetitive movements like typing or lifting. If you do find yourself injured at work, you should report it to your employer right away. They should then file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. You’ll likely have to see a doctor that is approved by your employer’s insurance company, but they will be responsible for paying your medical bills.

Dog Bites

You probably don’t relate dog bites to home insurance claims, but they actually fall under personal injuries. Has someone you know been bitten by a dog? It’s important to seek medical attention and then contact an attorney to navigate help with future medical bills you incur.

Importance Of Legal Protection

It is possible that you could get injured, and it’s not your fault. This is where legal protection comes in. A personal injury attorney is a professional that can help file a claim and get the money you deserve. Without legal protection, you may not be able to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses.

Developments from Amazon’s Decision to Terminate Free Whole Foods Delivery from Prime

Did you know Amazon recently terminated the free Whole Foods Delivery services on prime in September? Amazon acquired Whole Foods in 2017 and, in 2018, introduced a free two-hour delivery service for orders over $ 35 for Prime subscribers.

Analysts then embraced these moves since they saw them as an opportunity for Amazon to thrive amid competition. The recent activity to terminate the service and add a $99 .95 service fee was met by a pair of class-action lawsuits demanding refunds for thousands of subscribers.

An Overview of the Class Action Suits Filed Against Amazon One

The first suit was in May, while the second one was in June. As you will find out, both class action suits shed light on the fact that customers felt duped. Read on.

1. May Class-Action Suit

It was filed in a Washington court. The main allegations in this class suit are that.

  • Amazon engages in unfair business practices.
  • Amazon neither reduced the subscription cost nor refunded their customers after terminating the service.
  • Customers did not receive their membership bargain.

2. June Class Action Suit

The second suit happened in Washington, still in the same court where the accusation is that:

  • Amazon misinformed its customers.
  • The company wasn’t clear about their “Free Delivery” and “Free 2-Hour Grocery Delivery” Services.
  • The entity concealed certain product fees only to reveal them in the last stages of the purchase process, which allegedly misled customers (drip ricing).

In this second suit, the issue is that Amazon does not reveal a $9.95 service fee, surprising unsuspecting customers when it’s time to pay.

After introducing the free Whole Foods delivery service, the prices for an annual Amazon subscription increased from $99 to $119. Later, Amazon revealed a $9.95 service fee, which caused an uproar.

Customers allege that the $119 Prime subscription fee included the service fee. Amazon recently increased the subscription fee from 119 to $139, affecting current Prime subscribers and the second class-action suit.

Through all this, Amazon has remained quiet regarding the suit. Other entities might have to look at how they serve their customers after referring to these accusations. Also, it is an opportunity for customers to stay vigilant of the services they pay for.

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage – Don’t Ask Why, Ask How Much is Enough

Like cars and trucks, motorcycles travel on public roads. As a result, they fall in the same category of required insurance coverage, regardless of the size of the motorcycle and how fast it might go. That insurance can range from a bare minimum to a full comprehensive package. At a minimum, every state requires a motorcycle to be insured with a basic minimum coverage to protect other drivers on the road in terms of liability. The amount of that coverage varies from state to state, but it basically provides two categories of protection: medical cost coverage and property recovery.

Risk Comparisons With Reality

Interestingly, motorcycles have lower costs for insurance but have a higher rate of accident frequency and, in serious cases, fatalities. Many of the accident statistics are due to the fact that motorcycles have no protection to speak of in an impact, so the rider is fully exposed to harm. Secondly, other drivers generally don’t see motorcycles on the roads with them; numerous accidents involve car drivers who never saw the motorcycle, even when it was in their direct sight – they are simply too small to notice consistently.

Choosing the Right Coverage as a Rider

The bottom line, however, is that the insurance plan a rider chooses can really impact the outcome of an accident. Clearly, minimum coverage plans meet basic requirements in a given state, but they do very little to help recovery. At the other end of the spectrum, comprehensive plans cover far more than just the road. For example, if the motorcycle gets stolen or damaged while parked, a full plan will help get a rider back on the road. The big component that matters, however, is personal injury protection, or PIP. This is the coverage element that helps a rider get back up on his or her feet after an injury the most. With minimal or no medical coverage, a rider is really taking a chance on the road. Because of the typical severity of motorcycle accidents, it’s rare for a rider to come out of an impact unscathed.

There’s no question that the more coverage that is included in a plan, the better off a rider will be. That said, most folks are on a budget and don’t want to overpay for a risk that never happens. Ideally, comprehensive is best, but it’s also possible to work up to a better plan over time. However, riders should never go without coverage at all. There’s simply too many chances of being hit or making a mistake on a motorcycle and it turns into something serious every day. Coverage isn’t a question of whether to have it or not; it’s a metric of how much can be applied.

New Washington Law Initiates Job Posting Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2023, employers in Washington with 15 or more employees will be required to disclose the wage scale, salary range, and a general description of benefits and compensation offered when posting job openings. This new law was signed on March 30, 2022, and is a revision of a 2019 amendment to the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act which required employers to disclose the wage scale and salary range only if requested by an applicant. The applicant’s request is no longer needed under the new law. The information is automatically provided as part of the application process.

The 2019 amendment is not changed by the new law when transfers and promotions of current employees are transacted. The employer only provides the required compensation information when the current employee makes the request. A portion of the 2019 amendment was removed by the legislature that stated that if there was no wage scale or salary range, the employer is only required to give a minimum wage or salary expectation before posting the position or making the internal transfer or promotion.

Creating job postings is not what the new law requires employers to do. The posting obligations are imposed on those that the employer chooses to create. Posting, according to the law, is defined as “any solicitation intended to recruit job applicants for a specific available position…” This is either through the employer or a third party, whether electronic or hard copy. Based on the definition of posting, a Help Wanted sign will not trigger a posting requirement. The law does not make it clear whether employers will be liable for any noncompliance by third-party posting boards. This includes third-party internet search engines.

New positions or promotions that will trigger the posting obligations are not defined by the law. If an aggressive approach is followed by Washington, a new position can be created by changing an employee’s job title. Employers who are considering reorganization or restructuring can avoid uncertainties by implementing these changes before January 1, 2023. General descriptions are required by the new law that includes benefits and compensation. Violation of the new law may result in the same consequences as any other violation of the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act.

Why Attorneys Can Help With Car Accident Claims

Nobody likes being involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, they do happen. However, knowing what to do afterward can save you a lot of headaches, and having an attorney can help.

Most people are aware that they should exchange insurance information with the other driver after an accident, but what many people don’t realize is that this is just the beginning. If you’ve been injured in the accident, you will likely have to deal with insurance adjusters who will try to minimize the amount of money that you receive for your injuries.

Additionally, if the other driver was at fault, their insurance company may try to place some of the blame on you in order to avoid paying out a large settlement. An experienced car accident attorney can help you deal with all of this. With more than three million injuries every year from car-related crashes, it’s important to have this information at-hand.

Auto Accident Attorneys Have The Right Knowledge

The last thing you want is to be held accountable for something you didn’t do or to receive less money than you deserve because the insurance company took advantage of you. Additionally, if your case does go to court, having an attorney by your side who knows the ins and outs of personal injury is always in your best interests. If you are due for monetary compensation, they can help you get it.

More Payout For Damages

These individuals can help you understand all the elements of your case that you may make a claim for should it go to court, as well as any settlements you may negotiate.

For example, you may be able to include the following in your claim:

  • Lost wages from time taken off work
  • Property damage
  • Medical bills
  • Emotional trauma

Every case is different, but having someone who has training and experience in the legal system by your side can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for car damage and personal injuries. Trying to get an insurance payout on your own or even being successful in a trial without an attorney is possible, but is certainly more difficult. If you have involvement in a car accident, the best thing to do is seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Washington State Employers Required To Provide Salary Info In 2023

In the past, a typical job listing did not have to include salary info. However, Washington state has taken steps to rectify this. The new change will take effect beginning in 2023 and will apply to companies that employ 15 or more individuals.

Washington EPOA

The Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, otherwise known as EPOA, passed an amendment in 2019 stating that employers had to provide salary information if an applicant asked for it prior to accepting a job. On March 30, 2022, this amendment was updated. As a result, starting on January 1, 2023, employers in Washington state have to disclose both the salary range and pay scale of any position they are hiring for. They also have to let potential employees know details about any other compensation that comes with the job, including benefits. This information must be disclosed in every job ad a company posts.

There are times when a specific job does not have a salary range or wage scale. Part of the update to the 2019 amendment states that in these cases, companies have to disclose the minimum amount a job pays. This applies to ads for jobs being fulfilled by outside candidates, as well as promotions granted to those already working for a company.

The amendment does not require employers to include this information on something as simple as a “help wanted” sign. According to Washington state law, anything stating that a company needs to fill a specific position is required to mention the pieces of information discussed above.

The Effect On Job Candidates

What this means for job candidates is that they can expect listings to include details about any bonuses offered by the company, as well as information on retirement benefits, health insurance and paid time off. However, it should be noted that employers are not permitted to include certain words in job ads. These include words like insurance, and bonuses.

The penalties will remain the same for any company that violates the EPOA in any way, allowing employees to pursue legal action if the terms of a job are misrepresented.

Tips on Getting Through a Domestic Violence Case

Every year, about 10 million people in the US are victims of domestic violence. One in every four women and one in every ten men experience a form of domestic abuse. Anyone who has gone through a domestic violence case will tell you that it can be stressful and emotionally draining. When you face these charges, not only do you have a case to deal with, but you can also be alienated by society. If this happens to you, here are some tips to help you get through it.

Contact an Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney

Even when a domestic violence charge seems minor, such as disorderly conduct, hire a domestic violence attorney. Being convicted of such an offense can affect your reputation or even your earning capacity. A lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure that the case is resolved quickly without causing much damage.

Understand Your Rights

In every case, the defendant has several rights. If you have been charged with domestic violence, you have the right to get a witness to testify in your favor, evaluate the evidence by state, present your evidence, etc. Having a lawyer by your side can ensure you have a clear grasp of your rights.

Go for Therapy if You Are Going Through a Hard Time Emotionally

While therapy is important for victims of domestic abuse, it can also help someone accused of this crime. Going through such a case can be stressful. A few sessions will help keep your emotions in check and allow you to rebuild relationships with loved ones. Plus, proof that you are going to counseling can have a positive effect on your case.

Do Not Pick Up New Arrests

The fact that domestic violence is the main cause of any injuries to women means that these are cases taken seriously. So the worst thing you can do in your case is get arrested for something new while your case is still going on. The court will not be very kind in your case. Try and stay away from trouble. A domestic case can last even two years. Avoid new arrests and stay focused until the case is resolved.

A domestic violence case can be overwhelming. But if you follow these tips, you will be in a better position to manage the situation.

4 Essential Qualities to Look for In a Personal Injury Attorney

When you’re getting ready to take someone to court for a personal injury, you need a lawyer on your side that is truly on your side. Personal injuries are traumatic – the last thing you want is to feel re-victimized by the person who is supposed to be helping you. Though you can never be absolutely sure, there are some qualities that can help ensure a positive outcome.

They Are Experienced and Have a Quality Reputation

You want an attorney that knows how to handle your case, so the first step is to find one experienced in personal injuries. You also want someone who is respected by their clients. The best way to find a lawyer that fits both is to ask around. Friends, family, and coworkers are often good sources. Community pages on social media can be a good place to ask. Also, don’t forget to take a look at their Google reviews, as these can be very telling.

They’re Honest From the Start

You need to know the truth about your case. You don’t need to be strung along just so your attorney can make more money. A good attorney will be honest with you from the first meeting. They’ll be truthful about your chances of winning, tell you if they think it’s a losing battle, and be transparent about how much they’ll charge you.

They Treat You Like a Human – Not a Paycheck

Everyone goes to work to get paid – and your lawyer is no different. However, they should treat you like you’re more than a job. You’ve been through a trauma, and your lawyer should understand and respect that. They don’t have to hug you and literally hold your hand, but they should have compassion. And they should be happy to walk you through the process and do their part to reduce the burden you carry.

They Communicate In a Way You Can Understand

Legal terminology is their specialty – not yours. You shouldn’t be expected to understand everything they mean. If a lawyer cannot speak to you in a normal manner or answer your questions in a way you can understand, they’re probably not the partner for you.

A personal injury is not fun to deal with – neither is a court case. Having a good attorney on your side, however, can make the entire process a bit less stressful, so take the time to find one with the qualities mentioned above.

Judge Grants Injunction to Keep Animal Researchers’ Names Anonymous

A judge has granted representatives at the University of Washington the right to keep their names confidential while participating in animal research.

The injunction was granted after a filing by the committee members. They say that they have been targeted by animal rights activists, who are protesting the university’s use of animal subjects in research.

The activists have spent more than a year attempting to access the name of committee members, saying that the research is illegal. The protests have spread beyond the university campus, with picketers showing up at members’ homes.

The participants, who filed the lawsuit anonymously, are part of the University of Washington Animal Care and Use Committee. While they are permitted to use animal testing, they are legally bound to operate under the Animal Welfare Act

The Animal Care and Use Committee or IACUC exists to monitor the use of animals in the university’s research. This includes ensuring that the use is warranted and that all protocols are observed.

The IACUC includes 70 members, including veterinarians, research scientists, medical professionals, and others. By law, non-scientists such as ethicists or members of the clergy must be included.

Activists from PETA say that the IACUC has brought its actions under suspicion because it does not have an ethicist among its members. They also say that there is no member on staff that fits the requirements of being unaffiliated with the university or animal research entities.

These claims were first brought up by Lisa Jones-Engel. Jones-Engel served on the IACUC between 2017 and 2019 and now works as a senior science advisor at PETA.

Jones-Engel says that the lack of such persons on the IACUC staff causes a conflict of interest, leading to unjustified animal research that could violate the Animal Welfare Act.

She petitioned for the publication of the names, which the university originally agreed to. But the members of the IACUC anonymously filed a restraining order, citing harassment and intimidation both on campus and at their homes.

The intimidation incidents, they say, include leaving threatening voicemails and drawing comparisons to Nazi experimentation during the Second World War.

The judge’s decision has halted the publication of names, though this may be rescinded in a higher court as time goes on.