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Personal Injury

Woman looking at an item in a Mall decorated for the holiday

The Holiday Rush and Your Safety

By Car Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall
The holiday season brings bright decorations, long lines, and bustling crowds. While shopping at the mall can be exciting, it also increases your risk of accidents. Parking lots fill quickly, escalators and elevators stay busy, and spills or clutter in stores may go unnoticed. Understanding these risks and taking simple precautions can help you avoid holiday shopping mall injuries while still enjoying the holiday spirit.

Parking Lot Dangers

Malls see a surge in traffic during November and December. With more drivers competing for limited spaces, accidents are common. The National Safety Council estimates that tens of thousands of crashes occur in parking lots every year, leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

Safety tips
  • Keep your phone down and your eyes up

  • Use headlights in dim light or at dusk

  • Park farther out and back into your space for safer exits

  • Walk in aisles instead of between cars

These steps help reduce blind-spot risks and make it easier for you to see other drivers and pedestrians. Preventing parking lot accidents is an important part of reducing holiday shopping mall injuries.

Escalator and Elevator Risks

Escalators and elevators are convenient, but they are also a frequent source of holiday shopping mall injuries. Research shows that elevator and escalator accidents kill about 31 people and seriously injure 17,000 in the United States each year.

Escalator safety
  • Hold the handrail and face forward

  • Step off quickly and carefully

  • Carry small children, and avoid bringing strollers on escalators

Elevator safety
  • Allow passengers to exit before entering

  • Keep hands, bags, and clothing clear of doors

  • Step back if doors begin to close unexpectedly

By following these precautions, you can avoid common injuries such as falls, trips, and entrapments.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet tile near entrances, spilled drinks in food courts, or decorations blocking walkways create hazards for holiday shoppers. Wearing shoes with traction and paying attention to flooring transitions can make a difference. If you see a spill or hazard, report it to mall staff so it can be addressed before someone is hurt. Slips and falls are among the leading causes of holiday shopping mall injuries.

Crowd Concerns

Sales events and doorbuster promotions can attract large crowds. When crowds surge, injuries from pushing or trampling may occur. OSHA has even issued guidance to retailers on crowd management during the holidays.

To stay safe, avoid peak rush times, identify alternate exits, and keep children close to you. Staying aware in crowded situations helps lower the risk of serious holiday shopping mall injuries.

Protecting Children at the Mall

Children are naturally curious and may not recognize hazards. Escalators, heavy shelves, and crowded spaces can all be dangerous. Holding a child’s hand, avoiding escalators with strollers, and keeping shoelaces tied are small steps that prevent serious harm. Extra caution can go a long way in protecting children from holiday shopping mall injuries.

What to Do if You Are Injured

If you are injured at a mall, the first step is to get medical care. Report the incident to mall security or store management and request an incident report. Document the area with photos, and ask that surveillance footage be preserved. Avoid discussing fault at the scene.

Who May Be Responsible

Property owners and businesses have a duty to keep their premises safe. Liability may involve failing to clean spills promptly, poorly maintained escalators or elevators, insufficient lighting in parking areas, or inadequate crowd management. In Arizona and California, both of which follow comparative negligence rules, your recovery may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Acting quickly and speaking with an attorney can help protect your rights after holiday shopping mall injuries.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand that an injury can turn a joyful holiday into a stressful season. Our team investigates thoroughly, secures important evidence, and works with experts to build your case. We handle communication with insurance companies and fight for fair compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. We will treat you with professionalism and kindness every step of the way.

For a free consultation, call 833.88.SHARK or contact Fielding Law through our form.

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

Fielding Law Attends OCTLA Top Gun Awards Charity Event

By Firm News and Celebrations, In the Community, Personal Injury

This past Saturday, our attorneys attended the OCTLA Top Gun Awards charity. The event celebrated excellence in the legal community. It also supported a meaningful cause. Each year, OCTLA selects a charity, and this year the Jessie Rees Foundation was honored. The foundation brings hope and encouragement to children facing cancer. It provides support to families during difficult times.

Supporting a Meaningful Cause

Clark Fielding and the Fielding Law team purchased a table and made a donation to support the foundation. Senior Attorney Ryan Cooper contributed a football and jersey signed by NFL star Josh Allen to the silent auction. The generosity of attendees helped raise nearly $240,000 for the Jessie Rees Foundation, allowing the organization to continue its important programs for children and families.

Celebrating Community and Giving Back

For our attorneys, attending the OCTLA Top Gun Awards charity was more than a night out. It was an opportunity to connect, celebrate the legal profession, and support a cause that makes a real difference. Fielding Law believes in standing beside clients and communities alike, showing that advocacy extends beyond the courtroom.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, Fielding Law is ready to provide support. Call 833.88.SHARK to speak with our team.

Fielding Law attorneys
People sitting at a table for thanksgiving food

The Most Common Thanksgiving Injuries

By Brain Injury (TBI), Burn Injury, Car Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Rideshare Accident, Slip or Trip and Fall

Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with family, food, and travel. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous times of year for accidents and injuries. From crowded roads to busy kitchens, the risks increase dramatically during this season. Understanding the most common Thanksgiving injuries can help you and your family enjoy the holiday safely.

Car Accidents During Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 500 people die in crashes during the holiday period each year. With more drivers on the road, long distances, and impaired driving, the chance of a serious collision rises sharply.

Safety Tip: Buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. Planning ahead can reduce your risk of becoming another Thanksgiving travel statistic.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

Thanksgiving Eve, often called “Drinksgiving,” is known as one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. In 2022, about 35 percent of drivers in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve were impaired (NHTSA). These accidents devastate families and often leave victims facing long recoveries.

Safety Tip: Arrange for a designated driver, rideshare, or overnight stay if alcohol will be part of your holiday gathering.

Cooking Fires and Burn Injuries

The kitchen is the heart of Thanksgiving, but it is also a common source of accidents. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. In 2022, firefighters responded to about 1,610 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day, nearly four times the daily average. Burns, scalds, and smoke inhalation are among the most common Thanksgiving injuries (NFPA).

Safety Tip: Never leave cooking food unattended, keep flammable items away from stoves, and use caution with turkey fryers.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Crowded homes, spilled drinks, and cluttered walkways all increase the risk of slips and falls. These accidents can cause broken bones, sprains, or head injuries. Many of these injuries happen when guests are distracted, rushing, or carrying heavy items.

Safety Tip: Clean spills quickly, keep walkways clear, and use proper lighting in entryways and stairs.

Child Injuries During Gatherings

Children are curious and may not notice hazards like hot ovens, sharp knives, or crowded stairways. The excitement of the holiday can make them more prone to accidents. Extra care is essential to keep little ones safe.

Safety Tip: Assign adults to supervise children, keep them away from the kitchen, and ensure stairs and play areas are free from obstacles.

What to Do if You Are Injured

If you suffer an injury over Thanksgiving:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately.

  2. Document the area and your injuries with photos.

  3. Report the incident to the appropriate party, such as a property owner or store manager.

  4. Preserve evidence, including receipts, medical records, and witness information.

  5. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Why Hire Fielding Law

An accident should not overshadow your holiday. At Fielding Law, we understand how overwhelming an injury can be, especially during a season meant for joy. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly, preserve evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. We fight for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Call 833.88.SHARK today to schedule your free consultation. Let our team provide the professional and compassionate support you need this holiday season.

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

delivery robot on a campus

Injured By a Self-Driving Delivery Robot?

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Skate & Skateboarding Accident, Slip or Trip and Fall

Technology continues to grow fast in Arizona and California and many cities now use small delivery robots on sidewalks. These machines seem helpful. However, they can cause real injuries when they malfunction or move into a person’s path. If a delivery robot injured you, you may feel confused. You may wonder who is responsible. A robot delivery injury lawyer can help you understand your next steps and protect your rights.

How Delivery Robot Injuries Happen

Delivery robots move on sidewalks and across crosswalks. They follow digital maps and sensors. When something fails, the robot can strike a pedestrian, knock over a stroller, or block a pathway. These accidents often happen because of issues such as the following

  • Sensor defects

  • Software errors

  • Poor maintenance

  • Unsafe deployment in crowded areas

These errors can lead to falls, collisions, and serious injuries.

Real Incidents That Have Already Happened

Injuries involving self-driving delivery robots are no longer theoretical. Several incidents across the country show that malfunctioning or poorly monitored robots can harm pedestrians.

A well known event took place in West Hollywood where a man using a mobility scooter captured video of a Serve Robotics device cutting into his path. The robot braked hard in front of him, which created a jolt that could have caused a fall for someone using crutches or a cane.

In another case, a bicyclist in Austin filed a lawsuit after a delivery robot allegedly rolled into an intersection and caused a collision. The company denied negligence, but the case highlights how robotic devices can misjudge timing or fail to stop correctly.

A campus employee at Arizona State University reported a minor injury when a Starship Technologies robot bumped into them and knocked them off balance. The incident led to a cut on the arm and lower back pain. The company provided insurance information and even offered promo codes, which showed that injuries are taken seriously but also raised concerns about how these events are handled.

These situations show that self-driving delivery robot injuries are happening in real life and that victims often deal with confusion regarding who is at fault.

Who May Be Responsible

Responsibility can depend on the cause of the incident. A robot delivery injury lawyer reviews every detail and identifies all possible sources of liability. Common responsible parties include the following

  • The delivery company

  • The robotics manufacturer

  • A maintenance contractor

  • A commercial property owner that used the devices on its property

Arizona and California both have laws that protect injured pedestrians. However, these laws can be complex. An attorney helps you understand how state liability rules apply to your situation.

What You Should Do After an Injury

After an accident with a delivery robot, safety comes first. Then gather what you can so your legal team can review it. Helpful items include the following

  • Photos or videos

  • Witness names

  • Medical records

  • Details of the robot’s company or logo

This information strengthens your potential claim and helps your self-driving delivery robot injury lawyer understand what happened.

Why These Claims Are Complex

Robot injury cases involve new technology. They may include questions about software design and automated decision making. They may also require experts in robotics or human factors. These cases move fast because companies want to protect their products. Early guidance from an attorney ensures that evidence is preserved and your rights remain protected.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Fielding Law understands how overwhelming an unexpected injury can feel. Our team focuses on compassion and clear communication. We listen first. Then we guide you through the legal process with patience and care. We investigate every detail and we work to protect your rights throughout the entire case. When you need support, Fielding Law is ready to help. You can call 833.88.SHARK at any time.

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

Thanksgiving buffet

Thanksgiving Buffet Gone Wrong?

By Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall, Wrongful Death

At first bite, buffets offer an enticing experience with their grand selection of foods and no one stopping you from going back and getting your fourth plate. It is a dream for hungry diners, especially during the Thanksgiving season. Indulgence is practically encouraged! However, without some awareness, that freedom can take a dangerous turn and leave you in harm’s way.

Thanksgiving Buffet Hazards

Breeding Place for Bacteria

Buffets often have food sitting out for long periods of time. This makes it challenging to maintain safe temperatures, keeping hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F. When these standards slip, harmful bacteria like salmonella can grow quickly, putting you or a loved one at risk of getting sick.

Cross Contamination and Allergens

Buffets involve many people handling shared utensils and serving themselves from open food trays. Risk of allergens or viruses can be easily transferred from, one food item to the surface of another.

Choking Hazards

In some cases, staff may fail to properly remove bones, pits, or other hard objects from food, putting your family or friends at serious risk of choking. While guests are responsible for how fast they eat, improper food prep is a preventable hazard that can fall on the buffet staff.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Spilled drinks are common in buffet environments. However, when staff members forget to place proper signage to warn customers, what starts as a minor slip and fall can escalate into a serious injury.

Burns from Hot Trays

Trays and serving dishes can become extremely hot. If staff fail to provide clear warning signage or verbally alert guests, they create a hazardous environment. Your loved ones can then unknowingly touch hot surfaces and suffer painful burns.

Broken Dishes or Sharp Utensils

During busy times like Thanksgiving, when large crowds are coming through, the upkeep of dishes and utensils can sometimes be overlooked. Even awkwardly placed utensils and be a risk and cause accidental cuts to guests.

How Fielding Law Can Help

When negligence plays a role in food handling, poor maintenance, or failure to warn customers of hazards, the consequences can be serious. Depending on your situation, the buffet may be legally responsible for harm caused. At Fielding Law we understand how it can be overwhelming to deal with an injury caused by unsafe conditions. That is why we are here to help you understand your rights and walk you through the legal process. If you or a loved one has suffered due to unsafe conditions at a buffet contact us at 888.SHARK for your free consultation today.

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

Game board on a table

Common Games Insurance Companies Play

By Car Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident, Wrongful Death

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics

After an accident or injury, dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. Insurance adjusters focus on protecting their company’s bottom line. Often, this means using insurance company tactics to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Knowing these tactics can help you protect your rights and your claim.

Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may try to diminish your claim in several ways:

  • Lowball Offers: They may offer a quick settlement that is far below what your injuries and damages are worth. This tactic pressures victims to accept less.

  • Delayed Communication: By slowing responses or delaying offers, they hope you will settle quickly out of frustration.

  • Questioning Your Credibility: Adjusters may imply your account is inconsistent or exaggerated to reduce the payout.

  • Medical Record Scrutiny: They may focus on minor pre-existing conditions to argue that your injuries are not severe.

  • Recorded Statements: They may ask you to give a recorded statement and then use your words out of context.

  • Blaming the Victim: Adjusters sometimes suggest you share fault for the accident to reduce the settlement.

Why Insurance Companies Use These Tactics

Insurance companies operate as businesses. Every claim they pay represents money leaving the company. They use these insurance company tactics because most individuals do not fully understand the claims process. By applying pressure and confusion, they hope to secure a lower payout.

How Fielding Law Can Help

At Fielding Law, we know the strategies insurance companies use. Our attorneys in California and Arizona protect clients from these tactics. We handle communications with the insurance company, review settlement offers, and fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Do not let insurance company tactics reduce your claim. 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.

person cooking a turkey with herbs and other food

Thanksgiving Kitchen Safety Tips

By Burn Injury, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall

The holiday season brings family, friends, and lots of cooking. Busy kitchens increase the risk of accidents, making Thanksgiving kitchen safety more important than ever. Burns, cuts, slips, and trips are common injuries during meal preparation. Understanding hazards and following safety practices can help you enjoy the holiday safely.

Common Kitchen Hazards

  1. Hot Surfaces and Liquids – Ovens, stovetops, and boiling liquids can cause serious burns. Awareness is key for Thanksgiving kitchen safety.

  2. Sharp Objects – Knives, graters, and food processors can lead to cuts if handled improperly.

  3. Slippery Floors – Spills from cooking or drinks create slip-and-fall risks.

  4. Overcrowded Spaces – Too many people in the kitchen can cause collisions or accidents.

Safety Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving

  • Use oven mitts and pot holders for hot dishes or pans.

  • Keep knives sharp and store them safely. Sharp knives reduce injury risk.

  • Clean spills immediately to maintain a safe cooking area.

  • Organize your workspace to prevent accidents in crowded kitchens.

  • Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces and sharp tools.

These steps are essential for Thanksgiving kitchen safety and help prevent common injuries while keeping the holiday enjoyable.

What to Do if You Are Injured

If an accident happens in the kitchen, seek medical care immediately. Burns, cuts, and falls can worsen without prompt attention. Document the incident, note hazards, and report severe accidents if a third party is involved.

Who May Be Responsible

Hosts and property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment. Injuries may result from slippery floors, unsafe appliances, or cluttered areas. In California and Arizona, comparative negligence rules may apply, potentially reducing recovery if you share some responsibility. Speaking with an attorney can protect your rights.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand that an injury can turn a joyful holiday into a stressful season. Our attorneys handle communication with insurance companies, investigate thoroughly, and fight for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We provide professional, compassionate guidance for your Thanksgiving kitchen safety recovery.

Call 833.88.SHARK today to speak with a trusted attorney who can protect your rights after a holiday injury.

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

Chat GPT app displayed on a phone

How ChatGPT Could Ruin Your Case

By Personal Injury

Picture you are about to update your attorney. You want your message to sound clear and organized, so you copy your thoughts into ChatGPT and ask it to write the email for you. It feels harmless, but it can be a major mistake that puts your entire case at risk.

Many clients turn to ChatGPT for quick answers about their personal injury case. While it may feel convenient, relying on public AI tools can unintentionally harm your claim. Personal injury cases in California and Arizona involve sensitive facts, strict legal requirements, and confidential strategy. These details must stay protected.

How ChatGPT Can Misinterpret Your Situation

ChatGPT gives general information. It does not understand the full context of your injuries, your medical treatment, or the specific laws that apply to your case. When clients ask about fault, timelines, or possible case value, the information they receive is often incomplete. This can create false confidence. For example, someone may think their case is simple when it actually involves multiple responsible parties or complex liability rules.

When Clients Use ChatGPT to Draft Emails

Many clients use ChatGPT to help draft emails to their lawyer. They enter their name, their attorney’s name, the law firm, their case number, medical details, witness names, or even concerns about strategy. This feels efficient, but it is extremely risky.

Open AI tools are accessible to the public. Anyone, including the defense or an insurance company, can use these tools. If you enter sensitive facts into ChatGPT, you could accidentally reveal important details about your case. Defense teams can test prompts on similar topics and gain insight into your injuries, concerns, or legal strategy without you ever knowing.

Open AI Is Not Private

Anything you enter into ChatGPT can affect your claim. ChatGPT is not a secure communication method, and it is not protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you share private details about your injuries, witnesses, or treatment, that information may be stored, processed, or reused. This means your confidential information may lose its protected status.

Bloomberg Law reports that careless use of public AI tools can jeopardize both attorney client privilege and work product protection. AI tools can also give inaccurate or misleading guidance. While Open AI does not make prompts searchable like a public database, there is no promise that your data stays protected or inaccessible.

Protect Your Case

You can protect yourself by following a few important guidelines.

  • Do not use ChatGPT or any public AI tool to write emails that include case information.

  • Do not enter your name, your attorney’s name, the law firm, your case number, or any medical or strategic details into AI.

  • Ask your attorney directly when you need guidance. This protects privilege and accuracy.

  • If you already shared information in AI, let your attorney know right away.

Why Clients Trust Fielding Law

If you have been injured because someone else acted carelessly, Fielding Law is ready to help you protect your rights and your privacy. Our team uses secure communication practices and safe systems so your case information stays private. You will work with real people who care, who listen, and who understand what you are going through. If you need support after an injury, contact Fielding Law at 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.

Clark Fielding Named National Trial Lawyer Top 100

By Firm News and Celebrations, Personal Injury

Clark Fielding Certificat for top 100Celebrating Clark H. Fielding

At Fielding Law, we are proud to share that Clark H. Fielding earned recognition as a top 100 civil plaintiff attorney through the National Trial Lawyers. This honor reflects his steady focus, his strong ethics, and his commitment to every person who turns to our firm for help. It also highlights the consistent work he brings to clients in both California and Arizona.

Why This Honor Matters

To begin, this recognition shows that Clark meets the high standards set by the National Trial Lawyers. Their Top 100 list includes attorneys who show proven skill, leadership, and dedication. Because Clark continues to demonstrate these qualities, his place as a top 100 civil plaintiff attorney strengthens the trust our clients place in our firm. This confidence matters, especially when individuals face stress, confusion, or uncertainty after an injury.

Our Approach to Client Support

At Fielding Law, we always focus on real people and their real needs. Clark leads with patience, respect, and clear guidance. He explains each step so clients feel supported rather than overwhelmed. With this approach, our team works together to offer steady help while clients focus on recovery. His recognition as a top 100 civil plaintiff attorney reinforces our shared values and our mission to lift clients through ethical and effective representation.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Choosing Fielding Law means choosing a team that cares deeply about each client and their future. We offer compassion, clarity, and practical legal strategy throughout the process. Our mission is to improve lives through honest work and strong communication. Anyone who wishes to speak with our team can call 833.88.SHARK at any time.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, this honor helps strengthen our promise to serve clients with professionalism, kindness, and steady support. Clark’s recognition inspires our team and reflects the care we bring to every case. Together, we remain committed to rising with the communities we serve.

 

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

Person with a medical bill and calculator

Health Insurance Subrogation in Personal Injury Cases

By Personal Injury

What Is Health Insurance Subrogation

When someone gets hurt in an accident, health insurance often helps pay the medical bills right away. Later, if that person receives money from the person who caused the accident, the health insurance company may ask to get back what it paid. This process is called health insurance subrogation.

In other words, subrogation means the insurance company wants to recover money it already spent on your care after you receive your settlement.

How Subrogation Works

  1. You are injured in an accident and need medical treatment.

  2. Your health insurance covers the cost of your care.

  3. You or your lawyer make a claim against the person who caused the accident.

  4. When you receive a settlement, your insurance company may ask for repayment for the bills it paid.

Because of subrogation, you do not get paid twice for the same medical expenses.

Why Subrogation Can Be Confusing

Subrogation can seem tricky because every insurance plan has its own rules. For example, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance all follow different systems. In some cases, your lawyer can talk with the insurance company and try to lower the amount that must be repaid. Even a small reduction can make a big difference in what you keep from your settlement.

Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Makes a Difference

A lawyer helps you understand your insurance plan and your rights. They can handle communication with the insurance company and protect your final recovery. In addition, your lawyer can negotiate to reduce repayment amounts and make sure you do not lose more of your settlement than necessary.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we know that accident victims already face enough stress. Medical bills, insurance claims, and legal forms can quickly become overwhelming. Our team treats every client with care and understanding while fighting to protect their recovery. We work to simplify the process so you can focus on healing.

If you have questions about how health insurance subrogation might affect your personal injury case, contact Fielding Law or call 833.88.SHARK today.

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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