Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Louisiana and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of dog bite attacks. With dog ownership comes responsibility for the control of the dog. It is important for dog owners to maintain control of a dog. Many dog bite incidents are preventable with better preventive measures put in place by the dog owner. Fencing should be secure and dog leashes should be used when dogs are off of the owner's property.

When a child suffers injury as a result of a dog bite incident, there are often times many issues and questions faced by the family of the child. A Child Injury Lawyer can help a family get through the issues with advise, consultation, and representation.The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A free book can be obtained by a parent or other concerned person at The ABCs of Child Injury.

In Lafayette Parish Louisiana, a dog bite incident was reported. A deputy sheriff and an 8 year old boy were bitten by a Pit Bull breed dog. It was reported that the boy was playing with three Pit Bull breed dogs when one of the Pit Bulls became aggressive and bit the boy on the shoulder. Officers responded to the scene when one of the dogs bit the police officer. See Dog Attack Reported in Louisiana.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a two year old boy suffered serious personal injuries when he was bit by a Pit Bull breed dog owned by a relative. It was reported that the Pit Bull breed dog grabbed the child and shook the child vigorously. The personal injuries suffered by the Wisconsin child included a laceration to the head, an injury to the eye, and an injury to the jaw. The boy had been playing with the dog and then patted the dog on the dog's head. At that moment, the dog then grabbed the child by his head and would not release the child. The boy was later rushed to Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. The injuries were so severe that the child was airlifted to Childen's Hospital near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can read more about this story at Boy Attacked by Pit Bull Dog Suffers Serious Personal Injuries Incliuding Facial Injuries.

Dog bite injuries can be especially serious and problematic for children. When there is a serious personal injury to a child, there are many issues and problems that parents must deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Homeowner's Insurance and other topics.

By Scott Marks, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Leaving a child or a pet in a hot car can be very dangerous and even deadly. In warm weather States as well as other States during the summer months, the heat index can be quite high. It is well known (but not to everybody) that the heat index is even higher in a closed vehicle with the air conditioner and vehicle turned off. Just a few minutes in a hot vehicle can lead to serious health problems and even death. This is especially true for the elderly, young, and, yes, even pets. In Folsom, California, it was reported that a puppy named Gizmo - a six month old Pomeranian / Shih Tzy mix, died as a result of being left in a hot vehicle. It was reported that there was no water in the vehicle and the windows were cracked open about 2 inches down. The owner of the dog was arrested on California criminal charges of felony animal cruelty. Of course, the owner will be entitled to representation from a California criminal defense lawyer or the services of the public defender's office. It is certainly a tragedy when a pet dies as a result of a preventable incident. This story highlights the dangers of leaving a pet or small child in a vehicle unattended especially in the middle of the Summer in California or any other location in which the temperature outside is warm / hot and even hotter inside the vehicle. For more information regarding this story, See Puppy Dies in Hot Car in California - Dog Owner Arrested.

By Steven Smith, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 4-year-old Brooklyn boy was fatally attacked by a family dog. Some believe this New York dog bite / dog attack may have been preventable. Four year old Jayelin Graham was fatally mauled by a Cane Corso Mastif. According to an article in the San Franciso Chronicle, the oversized canine allegedly "erupted in a violent rage" It is unknown what actually enraged the dog, but neighbors and others around the neighborhood stated the dog had a known reputation for being a menace. The owners of the dog disagree with their neighbors and say the dog did not have a violent nature. According to a witness, a man who attempted to save the young boy, the child had no hope once he was locked between the dog's jaws. The man told the Daily News the dog was trained to kill. The man saw the dog violently shaking the boy by his throat. The boy's aunt said the attack happened in a matter of seconds. As of now, no charges have been filed. For more details on this story please see 4-year-old Brooklyn boy fatally mauled by Cane Corso Mastif.

Although this breed of dog is typically easy to breed, they have strong protective instincts, which may prove to be troublesome. These dogs can be highly suspicious of strangers; for this reason aggression should never be encouraged. Also, these dogs typically dislike new things, animals and people. Therefore, owners need to be highly cautious when introducing this breed to new people or things. Dogs are great family pets, however it should not be forgotten dogs are still animals with animal instincts - caution should always be used when children are around dogs.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Morganza, Louisiana, a family lost a son who was the unfortunate victim of a dog mauling by the neighbor's three Boxer breed dogs. The small town / village of just over 600 people mourned this little boy's death. In the aftermath of his death, the family along with a blogger (Holly Lemoine) launched a campaign and website called www.bloggingforblaise.com. This website contains photographs and memories of Blaise who only had four years on this earth. Despite his short life that was ended abruptly by this Louisiana dog attack. Blaise made such an impact both within his family and in the community. The website - www.bloggingforblaise.com - has valuable tips and insight for those dealing with a loss and educating children about dogs.

As an owner of four dogs, I understand the value of a pet as a companion. I also understand that there is responsibility with pet ownership. While dogs are often times very good companions, they are still unpredictable animals that can, at times, snap and attack another person or child.

If you have a moment, go visit the website - www.bloggingforblaise.com See what this blogger (Holly Lemoine) and the family have done to remember Blaise and make a difference for other children and families.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In McCormick, South Carolina, a family and community are mourning the tragic and most unexpected death of a 9 year old girl. It was reported that Kristen Dutton was attacked by an Akita dog that was purchased just three weeks before the incident by the girl's grandfather. The Japanese Akita was quite a large dog and weighed in at 98 pounds. The dog bit the girl in the neck and she died from these dog bite related personal injuries at a local hospital. The incident took place outside when Kristen was alone with the dog. It was reported that the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control would pick up the dog to euthanize it. See South Carolina Girl Killed by Dog at Grandfather's Home.

Whether a dog is a family pet or a stray one, dog attacks continue to take place in South Carolina and other States. Some attacks are unpredictable in that the dog had no prior history of aggression or dog bites while others incidents involve a dog with a history of prior attacks. It should be kept in mind by all dog owners, parents, and child care providers that dogs are unpredictable and attack (at times) for no apparent reason or cause.

Dealing with a dog bite attack can be most difficult for the family of the injured child. The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has a chapter on dog bites and also has information on other related topics like Medical Bills and Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and Homeowner's Insurance. You can receive a free copy of this book by clicking here.

By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Waxhaw, North Carolina, a family and community are mourning the death of a 5 year old girl (Makayla Woodard) who was fatally attacked by the neighbor's Pit Bull dog near the Downtown area. The incident happened just after 11:00 a.m. Makayla's grandmother (Nancy Presson) tried to pry the dogs off of the 5 year old girl. Both dog bite victims were transported to Carolinas Medical Center-Union in Monroe, North Carolina. Despite efforts to save her life, Makayla died at the hospital.
Person's daughter, who is Makayla's mother, said Wednesday night that her mother's injuries were severe, but that she would survive them.

The dog owner may be charged with violating the applicable dog leash law and other charged, according to Waxhaw Police Chief Michael Eliss. See North Carolina Girl Dies After Pit Bull Dog Attack - Grandmother Severely Injured.

In North Carolina, the dog bite laws are a little confusing. One set of laws provide that a dog owner gets a "one bite" pass before liability can be imposed. Another set of laws imposes liability for the dog bite by a dangerous dog or a potentially dangerous dog. In addition, North Carolina laws can vary by city to city and county to county. Before of the complexities of North Carolina law as to liability and damages awardable for a dog bite incident, it is helpful for victims of dog bite injuries to consult with a personal injury lawyer or a child injury lawyer for these matters.

There are many issues that a parent must deal with in caring for a child who has been injured by a dog bite incident. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Treatment and Bills, Damages / Compensation and other topics. You can received a free book by clicking here.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In California and other States, children are at risk of injury from neighborhood dogs. Whether the dog is small or a large dog like a Great Dane, a dog is unpredictable and can attack a child without notice or apparent cause. Children often times do not recognize the dangers of dogs including the brief moments of tension just before an attack. Furthermore, because of their size, children, especially infants and toddlers, are ill equipped to fight off an attack or flee from an attack. A brutal dog attack was reported in Monrovia, California where an infant was attacked by the neighbor's 170 pound Great Dane dog. It was reported that the six month old child suffered the following personal injuries: punctured liver, punctured lung, and two broken ribs. Due to the severity of the injuries, the child was transported by air to the Los Angeles County - USC Medical Center for medical treatment and evaluation. The baby is expected to survive the injuries but could have easily died from such injuries. You can read more about this story at Family Speaks Out After Their Infant Is Mauled by Neighbor's Great Dane in California.

Dealing with a child injury (especially a traumatic dog bite) can be very stressful for parents. Many issues arise in these situations including selecting health care providers, getting follow up care, dealing with medical bills, and finding out about insurance and legal issues. The book titled - < strong>The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has a section on Dog Bite Injuries. The book also has sections on Medical Bills and Treatment as well as Damages and Compensation. You can receive this free book on child injury by clicking here.

By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An 8-year-old child was bit on the left ear and neck by a police dog after a North Carolina elementary school demonstration. The canine, Baks, was with his handler, Officer B. Hodgson, at Koontz Elementary School when the incident happened. Children were allowed to pet Baks after Hodgson and Baks completed the demonstration. Children approached and petted the dog, which was held by Hodgson on a short leash. When the last child approached the canine, the dog turned and bit the child.

Officer Hodgson was able to quicky restrain the dog and place it in his patrol unit. The child sustained injuries to his left ear, a laceration to the right side of his neck and was quickly transported to Rowan Regional Medical Center. The child's name was not released. Salisbury police cheif, Rory Collins, said the dog has been taken out of service until it can be evaluated. All future K-9 demonstrations have been canceled until the procedural aspects of the program are reviewed for any necessary changes. If you would like to read more on this story please see North Carolina elementary student bit by police dog after a school demonstration.

This incident is very unfortunate for all the parties involved. Although dogs are generally domesticated animals they still have dangerous propensities. Even when dogs are restrained, there remains a chance that they can still bite or otherwise attack people or other animals. Therefore, it is imperative that dog owners keep their dogs under direct control and leashed at all times while around other people or animals. Dog owners should also watch for signs of agitation or irritation in their dogs as these are usually precursors dog bites.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

http://www.childinjurylawyerblog.com/contact.htmlIn Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it was reported that a 4 year old boy was attacked while playing in a local playground by a Pit Bull breed dog. The incident took place in the Marshall-Shadeland part of town. The injuries were serious enough to require treatment at Children's Hospital. You can read more about this story at 4 Year Old Boy Attacked by Pit Bull Dog in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In Pittsburgh and other communities, there are dogs who pose a risk to children. Some are Pit Bull breed dogs and some are a different breed. Whichever the breed, a dog bite injury can be severe and cause permanent injuries and scarring.

It is important for dog owners in every community to follow local animal control regulations. It is also vital for children's safety for dog owners to maintain control of a dog.

When a child is bit by a dog, there are several issues that may arise including the following:

Who is going to pay the medical bills associated with the dog bite?

Who is legally liable for the dog bite injuries?

What are the applicable animal control laws?

What are the applicable State laws pertaining to animal control and dog bites?

Continue reading "Pit Bull Dog Bite Attack Takes Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Danger of Pit Bulls to Children" »

By Andrew Prine, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Recently, in Jackson County, Michigan, a 6-year-old girl, Tyah Norris, sustained serious personal injuries to her face and skull after the child was mauled by a group of pit bulls. It was reported that one of Tyah's tear ducts was injured and part of her skull is gone. At the hospital, Tyah's mother stated her daughter had stitches all over her face and was still in pain. And, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot, Tyah is in serious condition.

The incident occurred while Tyah was playing with a friend in Blackman Township, Michigan. Apparently one of the pit bulls knocked the child down and, after she was down, the other pit bulls joined in on the attack. All of the dogs have since been euthanized and their owners were charged with keeping a dangerous animal that caused serious injury. If you would like to read more on this story please see 6-year-old girl reportedly in serious condition and sustained serious personal injuries after attacked by a group of pit bulls.

This incident is a tragedy for Tyah's family and her community. Although domesticated, dogs are still inherently dangerous animals with inherent animal-instincts to attack. If a child is around a dog there should always be an adult or other responsible person capable of restraining the dog supervising. Children are too often the tragic victims of dog-related personal injuries. Dog owners and parents should use their best efforts and judgment to take actions to prevent dog bite injuries from occurring. To read some common strategies to prevent dog-bite-related injuries please see Preventing Dog Bite Injuries to Children.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Steven Hayashi, 52, was arrested for child endangerment and possessing a mischievous animal that causes death or great bodily injury after his pit bulls attacked and killed a 2-year-old boy in Concord, California. Authorities say the victim was the step-grandchild of Hayashi. The child was inside the family's home with two adult relatives and a young sibling when the child wandered into the garage of them home where the pit bulls were kept. The dogs mauled the boy, he was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Hayashi is being held on $120,000 bail and is entitled to an attorney. Police are continuing to investigate the accident. If you would like to read more details on this story please see 2-year-old killed by pit bulls kept in a California home garage.

The death of this child is a tragedy for the family and the community. Dogs, although domestic animals, are still animals that have inherent dangerous propensities. Dogs should always be kept in a safe and humane manner and supervised by an individual capable of restraining the animal. Adults or other responsible, mature and competent people should maintain supervision while having a child in their custody and especially when the child is playing with any animal.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Dog bites continue to take place throughout the United States. Unfortunately, children are often times the victim of a dog bite which can cause serious personal injuries and, in some instances, the death of a child. The incidents can take place in the neighborhood, friend's house, or even the very home of the child. People should keep in mind that dog's are animals and can be unpredictable. In San Bernardino, California, it was reported that a 2 year old boy was attacked by a pit bull. The attack resulted in serious child personal injuries including serious neck and head wounds that ultimately caused the death of this child. The victim was identified as Nathan Aguirre. Animal control later seized the dog. For more information on this story, see Dog Attack Kills 2 Year Old Boy.

Are Pit Bulls dangerous dogs? Are children at risk in the presence of any Pit Bull breed? The answer to these questions depends who you ask. Some people believe that Pit Bull breed dogs are dangerous dogs and should not be left unsupervised or unrestrained against children. Pit Bull advocates believe that dogs are like people. If you treat them right, the dog will not be aggressive.

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sanbernardinocounty/ci_15184828

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Dog bites can cause serious personal injuries to children and, in some instances, the tragic wrongful death of a child. These incidents can even take place at home with a family dog with no history of aggressiveness or dog bites. In Indianapolis, Indiana, a 9 year old girl suffered serious personal injuries as a result of being mauled / bitten by a Pit Bull breed dog. As the girl was letting the dog outside, the Pit Bull breed dog jumped on her and bit her around the neck while violently wrestling her to the floor. The child sustained serious personal injuries to her neck and trachea. After the vicious attack, the Pit Bull breed dog was quarantined at a local animal hospital.

Pit Bull breed dog attacks, similar to the one here, are not uncommon. These types of attacks raise several legal issues:

What safety precautions were put in place to protect the child?

Was this the first incident of violence by the Pit Bull dog?

Has animal control been called before regarding the same animal?

Parents have a duty to protect their children from harm. Although a dog is a household pet it is still an animal and can snap at any time. Safety precautions should always be taken and one should always be aware of an animal’s behavior. Of course, some dog attacks cannot be predicted and can happen in a matter of seconds. When possible, children should be protected from dog bite attacks and dangerous dogs should be turned over to animal control or otherwise secured in a location away from children.

You can read more about this story at 9-year-old Girl in Serious Condition After Being Mauled by a Pit Bull.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The New York Daily News reported that a 3 year old boy was attacked by the family pit bull. The attack may have been triggered by a family argument which, in turn, may have agitated the dog. Further investigation may reveal additional details and / or causes of this incident. Whatever the results of the investigation, it is clear that a 3 year old suffered serious personal injuries from the family Pit Bull. There have been many reports of the family dog including the family Pit Bull dog attacking children. Is it the breed? Is is the individual temperament of the dog? Is it because of environmental factors? Is it because of the living space of the dog or family?

You can read more about this New York dog bite attack at Brooklyn 3 Year Old Attacked by Family Pit Bull. If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, contact a Child Injury Lawyer to determine the legal rights of the injured person and the legal responsibilities of the dog owner.

By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a child is recovery from surgery following a Pit Bull dog attack. The 10 year old boy (William Kunert) was bit by a neighbor's dog. William was reported to have been bitten by the dog in May 2009 as well. Pit Bull attacks have been reported across the Nation. Dog bite incidents like these raise several issues:

What safety precautions were put in place to protect children?

Was the dog in a fenced area?

Was the dog on a leash?

Did the dog have up to date vaccinations?

Who is going to pay for the medical expenses?

Was Animal Control involved in the past? current incident?

What measures will be taken in the future to prevent future dog attacks / dog bites?

You can read more about this story at Wyoming Boy Bitten by Pit Bull - Recovering following Surgery.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

You might be surprised to find out that in everyday life, commonplace items or activities are much more likely to be dangerous or even fatal than the alarming accidents we hear about on the news each night. Unfortunately, people are much more likely to use caution when they are in a situation they perceive as being dangerous than they are when doing normal activities. But 1 million Americans are seriously injured in their own kitchens every year – and that is only one room in the house.

An example that parents should be especially aware of is the teddy bear. Which is more dangerous – a teddy bear or a real bear? In the last eighty nine years, eighty two Americans have been killed in bear attacks. Teddy bears and other toys account for twenty two deaths each year, and nearly one hundred and fifty thousand injuries. Most of these deaths and injuries happen to children. The most common teddy bear hazard is the small parts that can fall off and become choking hazards, like their glass eyes. Teddy bears are also tripping hazards. Tripping and falling can cause no harm at all or can result in death, if the child trips and falls down a flight of stairs or hits his or her head on the sharp corner of a coffee table.

So while you should use caution while hiking in the woods with your children, it is even more important to make sure that their toys are age-appropriate, that they are picked up and put away after use, and that they don’t have any small parts that can break off.

Read about more everyday, little known hazards at Dangers Of The Commonplace.

By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A young girl recently accompanied her mother to Washington Dulles airport to pick up a friend who was arriving from Argentina. A Customs and Border Protection K-9 unit dog that was undergoing training suddenly attacked the girl, knocking her over and clamping down on her pelvis. The dog refused to release, and was eventually subdued by its handler. The girl’s mother was also bitten by the dog when she tried to help her daughter. According to witnesses, the child did nothing to provoke the dog.

The child was taken to a nearby hospital and has reportedly been given twenty stitches in her torso. She has been released from the hospital and is being cared for at home. The mother was understandably upset after the attack, but doesn’t appear to have a problem with ongoing dog training efforts at the airport. She did say she believed that the handlers should take more precautions with dogs in training, such as muzzling them and keeping them away from small children.

It is a shame that an animal being trained to protect citizens attacked this young girl. She will no doubt be scarred both emotionally and physically from the attack.

Read more details about the child mauled by a customs dog at Dulles Airport at Report: Customs patrol dog attacks child at Dulles Airport.

By Jay Foster, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Six year old Anastasia Bingham of Terry, Mississippi was on her way home from a friend’s house when she was attacked by an unrestrained pit bull that was kept in a doghouse behind one of the neighborhood homes. When emergency help arrived, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tragically, the pit bull that attacked and killed the girl appears to be a dog belonging to a distant cousin of the family. Anastasia’s grandfather, Willie Bingham, said that the family would press charges whether the owner is a relative or not.

Hinds County, Mississippi recently made its vicious dog ordinance tougher, making it illegal for felons to own dangerous dogs and requiring that such dogs be confined at all times. Malcolm McMillin, the Hinds County Sheriff, has said that the attack is under investigation and that if any law was violated that resulted in the death of the little girl, the county would bring charges against the dog’s owners.

You can read more details of the tragic death of Anastasia Bingham at Authorities continue search for vicious pit bull.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An Illinois Court of Appeals recently upheld the right of an Autistic child, Carter Kalbfleisch, to bring his service dog to school. The court upheld an earlier ruling by the Monroe County Court that allowed the child to bring his autism service dog, named Corbin, to school with him. The Monroe County Court decision had been appealed by the Columbia School District. The School District argued that the dog would be disruptive and that some of the other students might be allergic to it.

After the initial ruling, the School District declared that it could not meet Carter’s educational needs, and sent him to school at the Illinois Center for Autism. The School District agreed to pay for his schooling at the center, but refused to pay for transportation for Carter and Corbin to and from school. The family is hopeful that Carter and Corbin will be allowed to return to school together. The School District still has the option to appeal the decision to the Illinois supreme court. You can read more about Carter’s fight to stay in school with his Autism service dog at Autistic student’s right to service dog upheld.