Don’t Be Taken By Storm

Witnesses said it was a clear blue sky over Venice Beach when a storm took them by surprise.  Beachgoers were cooling off in the water, playing volleyball on the sandy beach, or strolling along the boardwalk when they heard a loud crackle then watched as a giant bold of lightning shot across the sky.

Over a dozen people, in or near the water, were assessed at the beach; eight of which were transported to the hospital. A 20-year-old man pulled from the water died. In a separate incident, a 57-year-old man was struck by lightning while golfing on Catalina Island. He was hospitalized in stable condition. 

The possibility of thunderstorms and lightning had been in the forecast, but the day had been sun, hot, and muggy.  Around 1:40 p.m., the National Weather Service put out a warning that a storm could produce heavy winds, thunder and "deadly lightning".  About the same time, witnesses at Venice Beach said they saw lightning far south near the airport, but never thought it would strike them.

These incidents are a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of nature.  Lightning is one of the most unpredictable forces of nature. It can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall it can travel sideways for up to 10 miles.

Symptoms of lightning injuries or fatalities can range from cardiac arrest and injury to the nervous system to muscle soreness, headache, and confusion.  It is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.

For more information on lightning awareness and prevention, visit the National Weather Service Lightning Safety page.

Mark Bello has thirty-seven years experience as a trial lawyer and fifteen years as a leading expert in the lawsuit funding industry.  His company, Lawsuit Financial Corporation, provides necessities of life funding to plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. He is a Member, Justice Pac Member, and Sustaining Member of numerous state and national justice associations.