Attorney Debra Bogaards Represents Crash Victim Susan Rajic Against Driver Omeed Aziz and His Parents; Files Civil Complaint

On September 22, 2006, attorney Debra Bogaards, managing partner in the San Francisco law firm of Pave & Bogaards, filed a complaint on behalf of crash victim Susan Rajic and her family in a civil suit against Omeed Aziz Popal and his parents. Popal faces criminal charges, including homicide, for intentionally injuring 19 pedestrians in San Francisco with his SUV on August 29, 2006.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF (PRWEB) October 3, 2006 -- On September 22, 2006, attorney Debra Bogaards, managing partner in the San Francisco law firm of Pave & Bogaards, filed a complaint on behalf of crash victim Susan Rajic and her family in a civil suit against Omeed Aziz Popal and his parents. (Rajic v. Popal, CGC-06-456427). Popal faces criminal charges, including homicide, for intentionally injuring 19 pedestrians in San Francisco with his SUV on August 29, 2006.

Susan's Background/Medical Status: Susan Rajic, age 43, grew up in Yonkers, New York. She went to a community college in White Plains, New York. Later, Susan spent a decade traveling to various places in Mexico. She learned Spanish, enjoyed the culture and people, and worked as a massage therapist. Susan epitomized a healthy and vibrant life.

Susan moved to San Francisco August 3 and landed a part-time job with the massage spa at the San Francisco airport. Susan told her father the day before the accident that she just got a job offer at the best spa in San Francisco.

On August 29, 2006, Susan took the day off work to celebrate her upcoming birthday. She was enjoying a walk around the city when Omeed Aziz Popal allegedly gunned his SUV directly at her. His SUV allegedly threw Susan against a parked car, breaking her neck. Susan is now paralyzed from the neck down, with some limited movement in her left shoulder. This past week, Susan began experiences nightmares and flashbacks, seeing Popal’s face coming at her.

On September 26, Susan was transferred to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s spinal cord unit for rehabilitation. The doctors hope to wean her off a ventilator so she can breathe on her own. While her surgeon, Dr. Robert McClellan says her prognosis is not very good for recovery; Susan and her family remain optimistic.

Susan's Father, Joseph Rajic, in Georgia: Susan Rajic’s 76-year-old father lives in Cummings, Georgia. He escaped from Croatia in 1958 and came to the U.S. in 1961. Joseph retired after almost 50 years working as a driver for a pharmaceutical company in New York. Upon retirement, Joseph Rajic moved to be near his brother in Georgia in 1997. Joseph is hoping he will eventually bring Susan to Georgia for rehabilitation. Susan does not have insurance, however, to pay for the costs.

Comments on the Case: It is Debra Bogaards' belief that Popal knew the seriousness of his conduct. He had violent propensities before this day of carnage. Popal’s parents are also responsible for their son’s day of carnage, since they knew of his violent behavior.

Media Interview: Please contact Debra Bogaards or Diane Rumbaugh (contact info above) to arrange for interviews or for further information.

CONTACTS:

Debra F. Bogaards                    

Pave & Bogaards                    

415-979-0480

www.pave-bogaards.com

Diane Rumbaugh

Rumbaugh Public Relations

805-493-2877

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