Blog | Singleton Schreiber

Newsom Vetoes SB 877 and SB 878, Leaving Gaps in Insurance Protections for California Wildfire Survivors

Gerald Singleton, Michelle Meyers, Nia Johnson — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:00:01 -0400

On September 27, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two wildfire insurance reforms, SB 876 and SB 1301, but vetoed SB 877 and SB 878, bills authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez to help survivors of the 2025 fires. SB 877 would have clarified policyholders' right to see both preliminary and final loss calculations, and SB 878 would have set 30-day deadlines for claim responses and payments, with interest on late payments. The Governor called both bills unnecessary because existing regulations cover these issues. Yet survivor data show widespread delays and underpayments, and recent government action against insurers raises doubts about whether current rules go far enough. The article closes with practical steps survivors can take to protect their clients.

Longview Mill Disaster Raises Questions About Industrial Safety and Wrongful Death Claims in Washington

Rich Barker, Daniel Fruchter, Vanessa Waldref — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:02 -0400

Singleton Schreiber Partners Vanessa Waldref, Daniel Fruchter, and Rich Barker discuss the Longview mill tragedy, emerging safety concerns, and wrongful death claims under Washington law.

The Path Toward Justice and Accountability: What Happens When Survivors File Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking Lawsuits

Jasmyne Crimiel — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:00:03 -0400

Civil litigation offers survivors a structured, trauma-informed path to accountability and healing. From the confidential initial consultation through investigation, filing, discovery, and potential settlement or trial, the process centers survivor agency and control at every stage. Unlike criminal proceedings, civil cases can reach beyond individual perpetrators to hold institutions accountable for enabling abuse, and settlements often include policy changes that protect others. Survivors can protect their privacy through pseudonyms, receive compensation for economic and emotional damages, and achieve a public record of accountability. Jasmyne Crimiel, Associate Attorney, guides survivors through each phase with compassion and commitment to their well-being, ensuring they stay in the driver's seat of their own case.

How Civil Lawsuits Help Survivors Rebuild: Compensation, Accountability, and a Path Forward

Jasmyne Crimiel — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:04 -0400

Civil litigation offers survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking an alternative to the criminal justice system, centered on their needs and recovery. Unlike criminal proceedings, civil cases operate under a lower evidentiary standard ("preponderance of the evidence"), allow survivors to name both perpetrators and the institutions that enabled abuse, provide financial compensation for economic and emotional damages, and empower survivors with agency and control over their own case. Civil settlements can also drive systemic policy change and organizational accountability. Survivors do not need a criminal conviction or investigation to pursue civil claims. Jasmyne Crimiel, Associate Attorney, represents survivors with compassion and commitment to their well-being and full accountability.

Hidden in Plain Sight: How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Human Trafficking in Alabama

Jasmyne Crimiel — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:05 -0400

Learn to recognize human trafficking warning signs in Alabama hospitality settings and how community awareness creates a path to survivor protection.

Hope Starts Here: Safe First Steps for Survivors Who Want Help or Justice

Jasmyne Crimiel — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:00:06 -0400

Survivors of sexual assault and trafficking have multiple paths to justice and safety. Jasmyne Crimiel, Associate Attorney at Singleton Schreiber, walks through confidential resources, criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, and how to hold institutions accountable for enabling harm.

Why Truck Crash Cases Are Really Investigations, Not Just Claims

Brian S. Colón, Michael Duran — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:07 -0400

From black box data to maintenance records, truck crash cases often depend on evidence that must be secured quickly to uncover the full story.

Maine Leads the Nation: New Law Takes Aim at Predatory Home Equity Investment Contracts

Elizabeth Aniskevich — Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:08 -0400

Elizabeth Aniskevich examines Maine’s first-in-the-nation law regulating home equity investment agreements and explains how the legislation could reshape consumer protections nationwide. The article also discusses ongoing litigation involving allegedly deceptive shared appreciation contracts.

The Bigger the Vehicle, the Bigger the Responsibility

Brian S. Colón, Michael Duran — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:09 -0400

Commercial drivers face stricter standards due to the size and risk of their vehicles, yet distracted driving remains common and dangerous.

Survivor-Centered Oversight Marks a New Era for Accountability at Zorro Ranch

Marisa Ong, Kristina Aiad-Toss — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:10 -0400

Marisa Ong and Kristina Aiad-Toss examine New Mexico’s Epstein Truth Commission, focusing on survivor-led accountability and Zorro Ranch investigations.