Joseph R. Lucia

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• The unfortunate reality of operating a motor vehicle (on-duty or off-duty) is that you can’t control the actions of other motorists. Becoming a victim of an automobile accident is often unavoidable and in many instances results in significant injuries that can impact or even end your career. For many public employees, especially first responders, that risk is heightened due to the frequency and duration you are required to travel in a vehicle. [Please click the article link to view full article.], Author, Are You Adequately Insured?, 2020
• Defense attorneys often misunderstand or intentionally misapply the firefighter’s rule. It is important to knowthat the exceptions to the legal principle in this instance have greater application than the rule itself. [Please click the article link to view full article.], Plaintiff Magazine, Protecting First Responders from Abuse of the Firefighter’s Rule, Co-Author, 2015
• On the evening of September 17, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 721 into law, thus requiring mandatory safety inspections for balconies in California.  Jackie Donohoe, the mother of one of the young adults who died in the now infamous June 16, 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse, was greatly encouraged by news of the legislative result that she has been fighting for since the tragic passing of her daughter.  Ms. Donohoe has been the driving force behind this legislation. [Please click the article link to view full article.], Co-Author, Legislation Passes in Fight for Safety Inpections and Transparency in Wake of Balcony Collapse Tragedy, 2018