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Personal Injury

row of shoes at a store

Back-To-School Shopping Gone Wrong

By Car Accident, In the Community, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Slip or Trip and Fall

It is that time of year again, gearing up for that fresh start with new pencils, clothes, and backpacks as we prepare to head back to school. While this season brings plenty of excitement, it can also come with potential injuries in the least likely places, such as stores. Take a moment to consider the risks that come with back-to-school shopping.

Possible Injury Scenarios

  • Slip and Fall: Wet floors, such as those recently mopped in stores, can pose a serious fall risk if not clearly marked. Similarly, slips or trips can take place in parking lots/garages from oil spills or wet surfaces. Stay alert and aware.
  • Parking Garage Accidents: Unfortunately, during the busy season, drivers may sometimes overlook rules or laws, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: As highlighted above, drivers are in a rush at the start of the school year. Keep your young ones within sight and sound to prevent crosswalk accidents and walk defensively.
  • Shelving and Display Objects/Falling Objects: With so much happening on the sales floor, it is understandable that employees may become overwhelmed with tasks. However, when shelves, mannequins, or displays are not properly secured or maintained, they can create serious safety hazards. Customers may be at risk of injury from falling objects or unstable setups.
  • Escalator or Elevator Accidents: A poorly maintained escalator can cause a shopper’s shoe or clothing to get caught or lead to tripping. Faulty elevators may trap customers for long periods. Without proper upkeep, these common features can quickly become serious safety hazards.
  • Overcrowding: Without proper security and thoughtful crowd management, shopping centers during the back-to-school season can quickly become overwhelming. This increases the risk of pushing, shoving, and unfortunate injuries, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crowded spaces.

Do I Need an Attorney for This?

In situations like these, many shoppers feel that the injury is no big deal or that they are partially at fault. Some even believe they lack the legal resources to seek justice if they have experienced any form of negligence. At Fielding Law, we want you to know that the negligent harm you or a loved one has undergone while shopping deserves to be taken seriously. If you have a case, we are here with the expertise and resources to guide you through the legal process.

Why Choose Fielding Law

If you have been injured while shopping, do not be afraid to reach us for a free no-obligation consultation at 833.88.SHARK. You and your loved ones deserve peace of mind, protection, and the support to move forward with confidence.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

People gathered on a trail with bikes in the woods

Why Accidents Spike in the Summer

By Boating Accident, Car Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accident, RV Accident

Summer is a time for travel and making memories, but it also means heavier traffic on California and Arizona roads. With school out and many families taking well-earned time off, the highways get busier than usual. It is important to stay patient and alert so everyone can get to where they are going safely.

Specialty Crafts

RV Accidents – RVs are heavier, slower to stop, and harder to maneuver than regular vehicles. Drivers who are unfamiliar with operating a large vehicle may misjudge turns, fail to check blind spots, or cause rollover accidents. Inexperienced drivers also may not account for height restrictions when traveling under bridges or through tunnels.

Boating Accidents

Arizona and California both see a surge in water activity during summer. Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas are packed with boats. Many watercraft operators are inexperienced or under the influence, leading to collisions and serious injuries.

Personal Watercraft PWC

In addition to boats, the waters of California and Arizona waters are often crowded with personal watercrafts like Jet Skis. Many of these are operated by younger individuals who may lack experience, especially since they do not ride them year-round.

Teen Drivers

Summer break means more teen drivers are behind the wheel, and with limited experience, they pose a higher risk on the road. Teens are also highly impressionable and often model their driving habits after their guardians. When parents engage in risky behaviors, they set a dangerous example that their kids are likely to follow.

Road Construction

During the summer months, longer daylight hours and favorable weather create ideal conditions for road construction. While this work is important, it can lead to increased traffic, frustrated and impatient drivers, and new traffic patterns causing accidents.

Pedestrians

Summer brings festivals, concerts, and outdoor markets, which creates more foot traffic in cities. Popular destinations like Disneyland surge visitors, resulting in more drivers on the road traveling to and from these attractions.

Impaired and Distracted Drivers

Summer gatherings like parties and backyard barbeques a beloved tradition, but they often coincide with an increase in drunk or impaired driving, especially during nighttime hours. Additionally, many drivers become distracted by looking at their phones for directions or texting and calling for more information.

Why Hire Fielding Law

The attorneys at Fielding Law know that accidents can turn your life upside down, especially during what should be a relaxing time of the year. Whether you have been injured as a driver, pedestrian, or passenger, you do not have to do the aftermath alone. Contact us today at 833.88.SHARK for compassionate and professional guidance.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Doctor in white coat with stethoscope holding a red book

What Is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

By Brain Injury (TBI), Car Accident, Personal Injury, Slip or Trip and Fall, Spinal Cord Injury

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological tool used by medical professionals to quickly assess a person’s level of consciousness after a brain injury. Developed in the 1970s, the GCS remains one of the most trusted methods for evaluating injury severity in emergency and hospital settings.

How the Glasgow Coma Scale Works

The GCS evaluates three key areas of response:

  • Eye-opening response: Ranges from no eye opening to spontaneous eye opening.

  • Verbal response: Measures speech clarity, orientation, or the absence of verbal response.

  • Motor response: Assesses physical reactions, from no movement to obeying commands.

Each category has a scoring system, and the total GCS score ranges from 3 to 15.

What the Scores Mean

  • 13 to 15: Mild brain injury; person is conscious and responsive.

  • 9 to 12: Moderate brain injury; some impairment of consciousness.

  • 3 to 8: Severe brain injury; coma or unconscious state.

A lower GCS score typically indicates a more serious brain injury and may require intensive medical intervention.

Why the Glasgow Coma Scale Matters in Brain Injury Cases

The Glasgow Coma Scale brain injury score is often used by injury attorneys and medical experts to:

This objective measurement provides crucial evidence when pursuing a personal injury claim related to brain trauma.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Brain injuries can drastically change a person’s life. At Fielding Law, we understand the medical complexities involved, including the importance of tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale. Our experienced team works closely with medical professionals to build strong cases based on accurate injury assessment and lasting impact.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, call 833.88.SHARK anytime for a free, no-obligation consultation available 24/7.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Aqua colored water background. with text that reads Fielding Law 6 Year Anniversary. Integrity & Tenacity

6 Years of Fielding Law

By Firm News and Celebrations, Personal Injury

The Fielding Law 6-year anniversary is more than a milestone — it is a reflection of years of hard work, meaningful results, and deep gratitude. Since day one, our mission has been simple: serve injured clients with compassion, capability, and integrity. Six years later, that mission continues to guide everything we do.

A Year of Growth and Recognition

Over the past year, we reached exciting new milestones — including transitioning into a larger office space to support our growing team and better serve clients across California and Arizona.

Founder Clark Fielding was recognized not once, but twice in Modern Luxury’s Riviera OC magazine for his leadership and impact in the personal injury space. He was also featured as a guest on the One Thousand Gurus podcast, where he shared insights on client care, leadership, and purpose-driven law.

Investing in the Community

Giving back remains core to who we are. This year, we proudly supported young athletes across Southern California with sponsorships that include:

Grateful for Our Clients

Above all, the Fielding Law 6-year anniversary is a celebration of the people who trust us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We are deeply grateful for our clients’ support, referrals, testimonials, and confidence in our work.

Every review, every thank-you, every shared success fuels our purpose.

“Amazing team
The whole team that helped me throughout my whole case were wonderful. Every single one of them was kind and caring.”

Natalee | Clark H. Fielding’s Avvo


“Clark and his team at Fielding Law were outstanding from start to finish. After I was rear-ended, I was left dealing with both vehicle damage and personal injuries. They responded quickly, ensuring I received the medical attention I needed and kept me informed every step of the way. Throughout the entire process, they advocated for me with dedication and professionalism.”

Zachary | Fielding Law – Google California Office


“Won’t find a more caring & professional law firm than the people at Fielding Law. From the receptionists to the lawyers, they checked up on my health & recovery often & we never even discussed money or strategy the first year & a half after I retained them. They only asked about my treatment & doctor’s appointments whenever we conferenced on the phone.”

Chad | Fielding Law – Google California Office


“Special thank you to Clark and the Fielding Law team enough their outstanding work on my mother’s accident injury case. From the very beginning, their communication was exceptional. They always kept us informed every step of the way, explaining complex legal matters in a way that was easy to understand.”

Philip | Fielding Law – Yelp Arizona Office

Celebrating Our Team

We could not do this without our incredible team. From scenic hikes and daily walks to recharge, to ice cream socials, office potlucks, and even a Christmas cookie decorating party, we continue to invest in our culture.

Whether it is a casual soda pop bar or a quick walk around the block, we believe small moments build strong camaraderie. Our team’s bond, energy, and kindness are a big part of what makes Fielding Law feel like home.

Why Hire Fielding Law

When you choose Fielding Law, you are choosing a team that combines legal excellence with genuine empathy. We know how overwhelming an injury can be, and we are here to walk beside you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured, call 833.88.SHARK to connect with our caring team.

Looking Ahead

The Fielding Law 6-year anniversary is a proud milestone — and just the beginning. With every case, every client, and every challenge, we are committed to continuing to rise together.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

two e-bikes sitting on cement with trees in the background

Scottsdale Cracks Down on E-Bikes for Minors

By Bicycle Accident, Catastrophic Injury, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

Scottsdale’s New E-Bike Law Aims to Protect Minors from Serious Injuries

In response to a troubling rise in child injuries, the City of Scottsdale has enacted a new ordinance aimed at improving safety among young riders. The Scottsdale e-bike minor law restricts the use of certain high-powered e-bikes and electric motorcycles on city property for anyone under the age of 16.

The ordinance takes effect July 31, 2025. It prohibits minors from operating Class 3 e-bikes and electric motorcycles—both of which can reach speeds of over 20 miles per hour—on any city-owned property. The new law also requires retailers to affix permanent classification stickers and provide safety education materials at the time of sale.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital has seen a rise in e-bike-related injuries in recent months, many involving minors. Doctors are reporting serious injuries such as head trauma, internal injuries, and multiple fractures—often caused by seemingly minor incidents like potholes, unexpected stops, or collisions with dogs.

How the Scottsdale E-Bike Minor Law Relates to Personal Injury Claims

Though e-bikes may appear to be recreational, they function more like motorized vehicles. When minors operate these high-speed devices, especially without helmets or supervision, the risk of serious injury increases.

From a legal standpoint, the Scottsdale e-bike minor law signals that the city is taking these risks seriously. If a child is injured while violating the ordinance—or due to the negligence of another rider, motorist, or manufacturer—there may be grounds for a personal injury claim.

Some of the most common causes of e-bike injuries include:

  • Riding without proper safety gear

  • Lack of adult supervision

  • Equipment malfunction or misuse

  • Unsafe road or sidewalk conditions

  • Collisions with vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians

If a parent allows a minor to use a Class 3 e-bike in violation of the new law, that decision could also impact liability and insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

What Makes E-Bike Injuries Different from Bicycle Accidents

Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes are heavier and faster, which often leads to more forceful impacts. Minors may not fully understand how to control or stop the device under pressure. Even seemingly low-speed crashes can cause life-altering injuries.

This is why the Scottsdale e-bike minor law matters. Much like height or age limits on amusement park rides, these rules are in place to prevent predictable and avoidable harm.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If your child has been injured in an e-bike accident, you may feel overwhelmed—physically, emotionally, and financially. At Fielding Law, we understand the complexities of accidents involving minors and motorized vehicles. Our team can help you determine who is legally responsible, whether it involves a negligent driver, a defective product, or unsafe city infrastructure.

We are proud to help clients throughout Arizona and California and are committed to improving the lives of our clients through ethical and efficient legal representation.

To speak with a caring and capable personal injury attorney, contact Fielding Law or call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

4 people in black clothing at a gravesite

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Arizona?

By Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

Losing someone suddenly is always devastating—but when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, it can feel even more painful. In Arizona, certain family members may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.

Knowing who is eligible and what a claim includes can help you understand your legal rights and take the next step toward healing.

Who Is Allowed to File in Arizona?

Under Arizona law, only specific people may file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include:

  • The surviving spouse of the deceased

  • The children of the deceased

  • The parent or guardian of the deceased

  • The personal representative of the estate, on behalf of these family members

If none of the above individuals are available, the personal representative of the estate can pursue the claim to benefit the estate or next of kin.

How Wrongful Death Differs From a Survival Action

Arizona law recognizes two types of civil actions after a death:

Wrongful death claims are filed by family members to recover for their own losses due to the death, such as loss of financial support, companionship, and emotional suffering.

Survival actions, on the other hand, are filed by the deceased person’s estate to recover for damages the person suffered before passing away—such as pain and suffering, medical bills, or lost wages during that period.

Both types of claims can sometimes be brought together, depending on the circumstances.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

Arizona law allows eligible family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses

  • Loss of the deceased’s income or financial support

  • Loss of care, guidance, and companionship

  • Emotional pain and suffering

  • Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness (if part of a survival action)

The specific damages depend on the relationship between the deceased and the person filing, as well as the nature of the loss.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Wrongful death cases are deeply emotional, legally complex, and time-sensitive. At Fielding Law, we help grieving families understand their rights and pursue fair compensation with compassion and care. Our team works with top experts to prove liability, calculate losses, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you have questions about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona, let us guide you through every step.

Call Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK for a free and confidential consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Brain injury scan by an expert doctor on a tablet

Expert Help for Brain Injuries

By Brain Injury (TBI), Personal Injury, Spinal Cord Injury

Why Brain Injury Cases Require Expert Testimony

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most misunderstood and misjudged injuries in personal injury law. A person can appear “fine” after an accident, only to face serious symptoms days or weeks later—symptoms that disrupt memory, mood, and daily functioning.

In many cases, success hinges on expert testimony in brain injury cases. Medical experts, neuropsychologists, and life care planners help explain how a TBI has affected the individual and what kind of care will be needed long-term.

The Role of Neuropsychologists

Brain injuries often go beyond what scans can show. Neuropsychologists conduct in-depth evaluations that assess how the brain functions after a traumatic event. These evaluations focus on:

  • Short- and long-term memory

  • Processing speed and attention span

  • Problem-solving and judgment

  • Emotional regulation

  • Language and coordination

By identifying cognitive and psychological challenges, neuropsychologists provide expert testimony that supports the true impact of the brain injury. Their findings can be crucial when symptoms are invisible or misunderstood by the defense.

How Life Care Planners Help Prove Damages

Once the injury is diagnosed and understood, life care planners help paint the picture of what the future looks like. These experts develop customized plans that include:

  • Future medical appointments and testing

  • Cognitive or physical therapy needs

  • Long-term medications

  • In-home care or transportation services

  • Necessary lifestyle adjustments or home modifications

Life care planners also estimate the total cost of care over the client’s lifetime. This helps ensure a settlement or verdict accounts for both current and future expenses.

Why Expert Testimony Is Critical

Expert testimony in brain injury cases provides more than just opinions—it offers credibility, clarity, and connection. It gives a voice to injuries that may not be visible but are deeply felt. This type of testimony is especially important when:

  • The defense claims your symptoms are exaggerated

  • Imaging scans are normal

  • Symptoms involve mood or behavior changes

  • Insurance companies deny or minimize the injury

Without expert guidance, it can be difficult to prove the lasting toll of a brain injury.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Brain injuries change lives, and so do the people who stand up for those affected. At Fielding Law, we know how to present powerful cases backed by expert testimony. We work with respected neuropsychologists, life care planners, and other professionals to make sure the full story is told—clearly, compassionately, and effectively.

We do not just fight for compensation. We fight for your future.

Call 833.88.SHARK or contact Fielding Law today for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Hand holding a phone at a table with a cup of coffee next to it

Social Media Can Ruin Your Personal Injury Case

By Personal Injury

Think Before You Post

This blog starts with a reminder: be cautious with social media and personal injury cases. If you have suffered an injury and are pursuing a legal claim, you must understand that your online activity could harm your case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor platforms to find content that undermines your credibility. They are not just scanning for comments about your injuries. They also review photos, tags, and check-ins to argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed.

How the Defense Uses Social Media

Defense attorneys use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Venmo to monitor claimants. Their goal is to find content that portrays you as healthy or unaffected. One single post may influence how a jury sees your injury. Common tactics include:

  • Photos from Social Events: These may suggest that you are still physically active or pain-free.
  • Tagged Images: Even if you did not post them, being tagged can associate you with specific activities or locations.
  • Venmo Activity: Public transactions may be used to suggest social outings or spending that contradicts your injury claims.

Steps You Should Take

Protecting your personal injury claim starts now. Here are some steps to help you limit damage from social media and personal injury risks:

  • Set Accounts to Private: Limiting access helps prevent unwanted use of your content.
  • Do Not Delete Past Posts: In California, removing content after a legal claim begins could be seen as destroying evidence.
  • Stop Sharing Daily Life Updates: Even unrelated posts may be used out of context.
  • Ask Friends Not to Tag You: Tags may unintentionally connect you to harmful content.
  • Avoid Emojis and Jokes: Humor can be misread and used to question your sincerity.

Why It Matters

Many injured individuals do not realize how damaging their social media can be. This blog about social media and personal injury serves as a warning. Defense attorneys routinely use posts to argue that claimants are exaggerating. Being careful online is not dishonesty—it is a smart step in protecting your legal rights and personal well-being.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Fielding Law understands the pressure and complexity of personal injury cases—including the role of social media. Our team supports you with empathy and skill, helping you avoid missteps that could impact your case. We believe in protection, professionalism, and compassion. Call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation or contact us today.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Dark parking lot with negligent lighting and lack of security. It has a creepy feel

When Property Is Not Safe

By Assault, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is when someone gets hurt because a property was not properly protected. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their spaces reasonably safe. This means they must take basic steps to help prevent crime or danger. When they fail to do that, and someone is injured, it may be a case for a negligent security lawyer.

If a person is assaulted, robbed, or otherwise harmed because of poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security staff, the property owner may be responsible. A negligent security lawyer helps victims prove that the injury could have been avoided if the owner had taken proper safety measures.

In Arizona and California, property owners can be held legally accountable for what happens on their property. It is not just about criminal acts. It is also about whether the property owner ignored warning signs, past incidents, or known risks that put others in danger. These cases often involve serious injuries, emotional trauma, and lifelong effects.

If you or a loved one has suffered because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have legal options. A negligent security lawyer can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.

Examples of Negligent Security

Some places do not do enough to protect visitors.

This can include:

  • No working lights in parking lots

  • Broken or missing locks

  • No cameras or broken security systems

  • Not trained security staff

  • Ignoring past crimes in the area

If these safety steps are missing and someone gets hurt, the property owner may be responsible.

Where It Can Happen

Negligent security can happen almost anywhere, such as:

  • Apartments

  • Stores or malls

  • Hotels

  • Bars or clubs

  • Concerts or events

  • Parking garages

If you or someone you love was hurt during a crime on someone else’s property, there may be a case.

What you may recover

If you were hurt because a place was unsafe, you might be able to get help for:

A skilled negligent security lawyer will help gather facts and show that the property owner could have done more to prevent your injury.

If you are unsure where to start, speaking with a negligent security lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Why Choose Fielding Law

Getting hurt because a place was not safe can change your life. But you do not have to go through it alone. In both California and Arizona, unsafe property owners can be held accountable.

At Fielding Law, we listen, we care, and we act. Our team takes the time to understand your story and fight for what is fair. If you or a loved one has been hurt, call Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK. We will help you move forward with strength, support, and compassion.

You Deserve Protection

Your safety matters. Whether you were shopping, working, or just visiting a location, you had the right to be protected. When that trust is broken, legal action may be the first step toward healing. You do not have to settle for silence. You have options—and Fielding Law is here to help.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

OCTLA The Gavel magazine article about negligent security lawyer

$2M Negligent Security Settlement Featured in OCTLA’s The Gavel

By Catastrophic Injury, Firm News and Celebrations, Personal Injury, Premises Liability

Securing Justice in the Face of Violence

At Fielding Law, we are proud to share an important case result. Attorneys Clark Fielding and Ryan Cooper recently secured a $2,000,000 policy limit settlement. The case involved a client who was shot multiple times at a California laundromat.

OCTLA The Gavel Sumer 2025 Article Cover in the mediaThis powerful case result was featured in the Summer 2025 issue of OCTLA’s The Gavel Magazine. The article recognized the legal skill and commitment it took to achieve justice for our client.

A Life Changed in Seconds

Our client was doing his laundry when a verbal disagreement with another customer escalated. That customer pulled a gun and shot our client both inside and outside the laundromat. Although he miraculously survived, the road to recovery was long. He spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, facing physical and emotional trauma.

When the Shooter Has No Assets

The shooter was judgment-proof—meaning he had no assets to pursue in a civil case. Many firms may have stopped there. But we looked deeper.

Neglected Property. Preventable Harm.

We launched an aggressive investigation and uncovered something critical: this laundromat was not safe—and had not been for a long time. Records showed a history of violent crimes both in the laundromat and in the adjacent parking lot. Even more shocking, the property had been purchased by a developer years before the shooting, with plans to redevelop the area. But while awaiting redevelopment, the site had been left to deteriorate into a slum-like condition.

Shifting the Focus—and the Liability

By highlighting years of neglected security, ongoing criminal activity, and a foreseeable threat of violence, our team was able to shift the liability away from the shooter and hold the property owner responsible. The result: a $2,000,000 settlement—the maximum available under the policy.

A Future Rebuilt

Thanks to this outcome, our client will now receive lifetime payments through an annuity and trust. This ensures access to long-term care, financial stability, and the ability to rebuild his life after a tragedy that never should have happened.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we are not afraid to take on tough cases—and we never stop at the obvious. Our team understands the deep responsibility that comes with representing injured clients, and we pursue every angle to make sure justice is served.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligent security or premises liability, contact Fielding Law or call 833.88.SHARK to speak with an attorney who will truly fight for you.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

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