Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Playgrounds are great environments for children to have fun and get exercise. However, parents need to ensure that the playground area is safe before they allow their children to play on the equipment. According to group reports, approximately 200,000 children in the United States visit the hospital after sustaining playground-injuries. Nearly 80% of playground-injuries are the result of falls, says the National Playground Safety Institute. And about 45% of those injuries are considered severe, meaning the injuries are fractures, internal injuries, concussions or dislocations.

Here are some safety tips that can be employed to prevent playground injuries:
1. Children should always be supervised. The younger the children, the more supervision that is needed.
2. Inspect the playground equipment before allowing you children to play on it. Check for broken or protruding pieces, cracks and other open spaces and open bottles or other sharp objects around the area.
3. If the playground is crowded and prevents you from maintaining constant supervision on your child, comeback at a different time with the volume is not as heavy.
4. Teach your children not to run, shove or push others at the playground.

To read more on this topic see How to keep playgrounds a safe place for children.

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

A 6-month-old baby girl, identified as Gianna Ricciutti, was killed and her mother injured by a falling tree branch at New York's Central Park Zoo. According to police, the mother was posing with her baby in front of the zoo's sea lion exhibit while her husband was taking a picture of them when a tree branch fell and hit the two victims. The mother and infant were taken to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where the infant was pronounced dead and the mother in stable condition.

Surprisingly, this is not the first death of the year caused by falling tree branches in Central Park. In February, a 46-year-old man was killed when a branch heavy with snow broke from the tree and hit him. Also, in July 2009, a Google engineer was knocked unconscious after a rotted tree branch fell and hit him on the head. If you would like more information on this story please see Falling branch at New York's Central Park Zoo kills infant.

The death of this child is a tragedy for her family and the community. Hopefully this recent death will prompt the zoo to take action and implement a new plan that requires zoo workers or other employees to care for and maintain the site in order to provide a safer environment for visitors.

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

A tram accident at the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park in Vallejo, California left 3 injured. Nancy Chan, a Six Flags spokeswoman, told local reporters that the tram was transporting guests to the parking lot when it was struck by a swinging metal gate. Apparently, a guest inadvertently pushed the gate causing it to swing and hit the tram. A 34-year-old man suffered from a protruding injury to his leg and a two-year-old girl had a laceration to her stomach. The third victim, an adult woman, only suffered minor injuries. The 34-year-old man was airlifted to UC Davis Medical and the two-year-old child was airlifted to Kaiser in Vallejo and later taken to Children's Hospital in Oakland. Bill Tweety, a spokesman with Vallejo Fire, stated both victims are still believed to be in serious condition. If you would like to read more on this story please see Three injured at Six Flags amusement park in California.

These accidents are very unfortunate for both the families and loved ones of the victims. Hopefully, the two victims in serious condition make a full and speedy recovery. Amusement parks are fun and exciting environments, however, the potential of danger is alwayspresent. Park guests should follow the rules and guidelines of the theme park and not wander into any authorized areas so as to minimize the risk of injury.

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

The Michigan Supreme Court handed down a decision that may have an effect on businesses and schools within the state that offer recreational activities for minors. The Supreme Court of Michigan ruled that a parent's signature on an injury waiver does not waive the legal rights of a child who is hurt at play. Essentially, a parental signature on behalf of a child binds the child to the contract. The Michigan Supreme Court said that parents do not have the authority to do such. The court's decision reasoned that Michigan's common law prevented a parent from entering into a contract restricting the rights of a child.

The case involved a 5-year-old boy, Trent Woodman, who broke his leg at Bounce Party, an indoor recreation center, after he jumped down an inflatable slide. Woodman's mother sued the owner of Bounce Party claiming improper supervision and negligence on behalf of the recreation center; the child was not provided a pad to move down the slide as required by the device's manufacturer.

The dissenting justices predicted that the majority's interpretation of the Michigan's common law would result in widespread fallout because of increased liability risks for recreation sponsors. Justice Stephen Markman, a dissenting justice, said consequences of the majority's decision will be felt throughout the state, "including both an increase in litigation and a reduction in sporting and recreational opportunities for children." However, justice Diana Hathaway said the dissent's predictions of doom were overstated. Justice Hathaway stated that children will still continue to play sports or other recreational activities and go to bounce parties, just as they do in other states. The family's lawyer, Paul McCarthy, said anyone who takes a child into their custody "needs to be held to the minimum standards required by law." To read more about this topic see Michigan Supreme Court rules against enforceability of injury waivers. You can read more about inflatable bounce devices at Dangers of Inflatable Slides and Bounce Houses at Parties and Amusement Centers.

The validity of parental waivers is ruled upon State by State. Some States may very well enforce them while others may not. It is certainly against public policy to allow a business, individual or other entity to act with reckless disregard or negligence and avoid legal responsibility for such actions. The Michigan Court's decision is a good one for child safety and public policy.

By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Tremont City, Ohio, a 6-year-old girl fell off the trampoline located at her home. The child was being watched by her grandmother through the back door of their home. After the accident, which the grandmother witnessed, the child walked into the home then vomited and lost balance. She was flown to a nearby hospital where she was diagnosed with a mild concussion. The grandmother stated the trampoline was usually secured by a safety net, however, it happened to be unattached on the day the accident occurred. Although the family has had the trampoline for four years, the family took the trampoline down after the accident.

Devices such as trampolines or other play equipment are a great source of fun for children. However, fun-filled playgrouund equipment can be extremely dangerous and pose a serious risk of injury to children. Parents should take extra precautions if they decide to maintain playground equipment for their children, such as the safety net for the trampoline this family had. Children sometimes do not appreciate the dangerous nature of the equipment they play on. Therefore, parents, care takers, daycare providers, babysitters, and others need to take all reasonable precautions and safety measures to protect children from sustaining bodily injury from these types of playground equipment.

To read more on this incident see 6-year-old Ohio Girl Falls Off Trampoline, Suffers Head Injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Playgrounds are a great place for kids to be active and spend time with families and friends. Unfortunately, some playgrounds are the sites of serious personal injuries and tragedy. Some incidents are pure accidents that could not be expected or prevented while other incidents were preventable with good supervision and proper maintenance of the playground. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 200,000 children suffer injuries from hazards in playground every year. Many children are treated in hospital emergency rooms. Some injuries are serious enough to require surgery and an extended hospital admission. There are some basic steps and safety precautions that can be taken by and for children on playgrounds that can help prevent or reduce the incidents of child personal injuries including the following:

Make sure that there is sufficient space on a playground around the equipment in case a child falls. Obstructions and hazards should be removed.

Make sure that children are not wearing jewelry or clothing that might snag or cause of choking hazard.

Make sure that playground equipment is kept in good repair including all platforms, railings, and other protective equipment.

Make sure that the equipment is not overloaded or crowded but is properly spread out.

Make sure that playground is free of debris, garbage, broken glass and other hazards.

Make sure that there is ongoing and consistent supervision during play on a playground. A child can get injured even with the newest and safest playground equipment.

Make sure that the playground equipment is free from sharp, jagged edges, or splinters or other conditions that could cause injury, lacerations, and / or cuts.

You can read more about these playground safety tips and others at Dangers of Playgrounds and Safety Tips for the Protection of Children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

When addressing playground safety issues, I thought it would be interesting to post an article from a child's point of view. My 11 year old daughter provided me with the following article on Playground Safety:

On the playground, kids just want to have fun. Boys like to play sports like football and soccer. Girls like to play on the jungle gym. The boys' games can get pretty intense and the girls' jungle gym play can get competitive.

The teachers monitoring the playground cannot see every child playing at once. Let's just say your child is participating in a football game at school during recess. There is a fifth grader on the other team while your child is only in the second grade. Your child may have the chance to catch the ball BOOM! The big fifth grader tackles your child. After the incident, the teachers come running toward your child. They call you, the parent, and tell you about the terrible occurrence.

Thereafter, you arrive at the school and take your child to the doctor. You then find out that your child has a broken wrist.

To avoid this happening to your child or another child in the future, you should ask your child what they were doing with their friends. If some activity taking place does not sound safe or appropriate, you should speak to the teacher and, if necessary, the principal about the dangerous activity.

You should ask that the school to provide close supervision of your child and other children during recess and other times on the playground. A school and its staff should always do their best to keep kids safe.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Playgrounds are a great place for children to play in a defined area with other children. Many playgrounds are safe and built to standards. With good supervision, these playgrounds are great for children. Other playgrounds, however, are not well maintained or built and contain a number of hidden dangers to children. Before a child is allowed to play on a playground, a parent, caregiver, day care provider, or teacher should inspect the equipment to make sure that it is safe and age appropriate for the children. If everything checks out, supervision is key to the safety of children. Children often times lack good safety awareness and judgment. As such, supervision is the best way to keep children safe on playgrounds. You can read other safety tips from a pediatrician who believes that many playground accidents and injuries are preventable at Playground Injuries Are Preventable.

Playground injuries are preventable

Posted By DR. SUSAN SURRY

Posted 22 hours ago

One of the sure signs of spring is children let loose in the playground. After a long winter, children are naturally thrilled to be out in the warm and sunny weather and ready for some fun. That's especially true for children aged five to nine who are active and imaginative, and learning new skills every day.

At this age, children like to push their physical boundaries and really enjoy jumping, climbing and balancing. They also think that they can do more than they are able to do and often take chances that can result in an injury.
Fall-related injuries are the number one reason for children aged five to nine years to be treated at hospital emergency departments. They are also the second leading cause of brain injuries for children. These injuries involve playground equipment more than any other type of fall.

While the actions of children can be unpredictable, injuries do not have to be. There are some simple ways that parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of injuries in this age group.

Start by making sure that the places children play are safe. Before children start to play, check the playground equipment for any damage, including loose bars, broken swing chains and nails or bolts that protrude. Make sure the hand rails are secure and free from splinters. Deep, soft surfaces such as sand, pea gravel and wood or rubber chips will cushion falls and prevent many injuries. Don't forget that injuries can also happen on backyard equipment, so do a safety check of your own home playground areas.

Young children can be injured on playgrounds designed for older children. If a child is too small to reach and use equipment alone, it is not designed for that age. Make sure that the equipment is the correct size and meets the physical abilities of your child.

Supervision of children decreases the chance of injury, so watch children closely. Stand next to all children when they are learning a new skill or climbing. Reduce a child's chance of choking on play equipment by avoiding clothing with drawstrings or scarves and removing bike helmets before playing on the equipment. Do not taking skipping ropes onto playground structures.

Teach children the playground safety rules. Children should know to wait and take their turn, to avoid pushing and to slide down feet first and walk up the steps or ladders, rather than running up the slide. Make sure you are consistent with the rules and that children follow them every time. Praise your children for playing safely and role model by following the safety rules yourself.

Playgrounds can be a great source of exercise, a time to meet other children and be involved in creative play. By playing safely together your family can make this season one of fond, and injury free, memories. For more information on preventing childhood injuries call Your Health Connection Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 721- 7520 (1-877-721-7520) or check www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Dr. Susan Surry is an associate medical officer of health and a paediatrician.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A seven year old girl and her mother were leaving the soccer fields at Bear Creek Park, Texas, late one recent evening. As they made their way back to their car, the child ran into the road and was struck by a passing SUV. According to the girl’s mother, the automobile appeared to be a silver Isuzu Trooper or Mitsubishi Montero.

After hitting the girl, the driver of the SUV reportedly stopped a short way down the road, and a woman got out of the passenger’s side of the SUV and walked back to the girl and her mother to see if the child was injured. After seeing that the girl was clearly injured and lying in the road, she walked back to the SUV and got in. The vehicle then drove off without anyone offering their identity or any further assistance.

The girl was flown by medical helicopter to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital sometime later; her injuries are said to be critical. Police are looking for any information on the driver or passenger of the SUV. The female passenger is described as a slim Caucasian with a mole on her left cheek. She was wearing a black baseball cap.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the Houston Police Department Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065.

You can read more about this hit and run accident that left a little girl critically injured at Child injured in hit and run at Bear Creek Park.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Many parents dread the first day of summer almost as much as their children look forward to it. What to do with antsy kids for three months over the summer? Now is the time to start thinking about summer camp. The good ones fill up their rosters quickly. The following are some tips for narrowing down your choices.

1. Talk to your children: Find out from them what kind of camp they would be interested in attending so they can get the most out of it.
2. Stay organized: Once you know what type of camp you are looking for, make a list of available options. Keeping all the details in a neat list will help make the decision process easier.
3. Watch the budget: Make sure to pick a camp that is in a comfortable price range for you. Some camps offer financial assistance, so be sure to ask.
4. Day camp or Sleep-away? Before deciding, honestly assess whether your child is mature enough to handle a sleep-away camp, or if a day camp would be a better choice.
5. Make it work for your schedule: Make sure the pick-up and drop off times work with your work schedule. Finding other parents who can share carpooling duty can help as well.
6. Talk to the director: Getting a feel for the philosophy of the camp is important. Ask to speak to the director and find out what the camp values are.
7. Check into the staff; While you have the director on the phone, find out how they screen and train counselors and arrange to meet with them if it will make you feel more comfortable.
8. Ask about medical services: Many camps require staff to be trained in CPR and first aid, but don’t assume – ask.

Read more tips for making sure your kids are safe and happy at summer camp by visiting Summer Camps: Tips for picking the best camp for your kid.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Both spring break and summer are just around the corner, so now is a great time for parents and children to refresh their water safety skills. Planning ahead can make a day at the beach, pool or water park fun and relaxing for everyone.

Before you go:
Most drowning accidents involving children under five years old happen at a residential pool. Families with backyard pools should make sure they use appropriate safeguards, like a latched four foot high isolation fence around the pool area with an alarm. You should also keep the pool covered when not in use, and keep safety devices within reach at all times.

Even if you do not own your own pool, parents should get themselves CPR trained and carry a first-aid kit when they go out with their kids for the day.

While in the water:
Supervision is the most critical aspect to keeping everyone safe. Never just assume someone else is watching your child. A life vest is the most important piece of safety equipment for your children – “floaties” and water wings are for recreation only. Parents should also consider water shoes for everyone to protect feet from rocks and broken glass.

At the end of the day:
If you own a pool make sure it is covered, the gate is locked, and that any toys are moved out of the pool area.

Read more tips for water safety at From the YMCA: Get your water-safety procedures in place as spring break approaches.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Governor Ritter of Colorado was recently in a bicycle accident that caused several broken ribs. After his own experience with a bicycle injury, he is throwing extra support behind a bill that would require Colorado kids from ages two to seventeen to wear a safety helmet when riding a bike, roller blades, or skate board.

The bill has already passed the House, but is drawing criticism from those who say that the government is taking on too much responsibility that should go to parents. Chris Brown, the owner of Brown’s Cycles, said that he believes strongly that kids should wear helmets when biking or blading, but does not want the government getting involved. He went on to say that the consequences of the proposed law are “ridiculous bureaucracy;” a police officer is supposed to stop the child, issue a ticket and give him a pamphlet explaining the dangers of riding without a helmet.

One of Brown’s employees, who himself suffered a head injury in a bicycle accident, summed it up nicely, saying “your child’s life is worth 35 dollars for a helmet.” The bill will now go to the Senate for a vote before it can become law.

Read more about pending legislation in Colorado that would require minors to wear bike helmets at Ritter Supports New Helmet Bill after Accident.

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

Unfortunately, arguments and hot tempers have become commonplace at child sporting events. A survey by SportingKid magazine found that 76% of respondents had witnessed a verbal argument at a game, and a whopping 29% had witnessed a physical altercation – all between adults.

Experts charge that an atmosphere of tolerance has become pervasive, and that it is ruining the spirit of the game for children. Stories of ridiculous behavior include a former Mississippi congressman exchanging blows with a referee after the referee made a comment that caused the congressman’s child to cry. Other stories are much more serious, including the beating death of a parent at a youth hockey game in Massachusetts. The beating took place in front of two teams of ten year old hockey players. The National Association of Sports Officials reorts that it receives over 100 reports each year of physical contact by coaches, players and fans against referees. Referees have been kicked, punched, choked, head-butted and even knocked unconscious.

Ironically, the main lessons kids are supposed to get from team sports are teamwork, how to win or lose gracefully, and how to play by the rules. When parents lose control they are setting a very bad example for kids. Overzealous parents are teaching kids that it is okay to taunt the other team, to cheat, to keep playing even when injured, and to yell at officials when they disagree with a call. Experts and reasonable parents are calling for training, discipline and tough punishments for unsportsmanlike behavior. A special training program in Mississippi has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of players and coaches ejected from games for bad behavior. A similar program in Alabama has reduced ejections by 62%. Find out more about what schools and parents are doing to curb sports violence at Violence mars youth sports.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A five year old boy from West Wales, United Kingdom, fell off a child’s motorcycle that he had been given as a Christmas present. He suffered serious head injuries from the fall and died after being taken to the local hospital. The child was reportedly playing with the gift in an enclosed playground when the motorcycle accident took place. His father had taken him to the park to practice, since it was closed to automobile traffic over the holiday. Unfortunately, because the enclosed area is usually used for driving practice, it has a concrete surface. According to a neighbor, the park was locked up, but the short fence would be easy for someone to hoist a bike over. Police are calling this a tragic accident. They would not say if the child was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), and go-karts are very popular among kids. Unfortunately, if they are not used with appropriate care, supervision and safety precautions, these toys can turn deadly.

Find out more about this tragic motorcycle accident that took the life of a child at Boy, five, dies after falling off child's motorbike he was given as Christmas present.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Four year old Dakylie Hamilton and his three year old sister Desean Hamilton were given a battery powered plastic toy all terrain vehicle (ATV) for Christmas this year. According to the Wills Point Police Chief, the two children were not being supervised by an adult when the toy plunged into a creek near their home. They were pulled from the water but were not responsive and could not be revived. The children’s single mother was at work when the accident took place, and the children were supposed to be under the care of their grandmother. Texas Child Protective Services have been alerted, as there are other children living in the home. While the investigation is still underway, police are calling this a tragic accident.

Children of any age need to be supervised by an adult when riding any kind of motorized vehicle. Adults can make sure that the road is clear of debris and other hazards, and enforce proper safety habits like wearing a helmet and keeping the speed of the vehicle under control. You can find out more about this tragic ATV accident that killed two children at Two children die when toy ATV drives into creek in Wills Point.

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

Many of us can remember our parents telling us not to jump on the bed when we were kids. It turns out that they were not just being spoilsports; a vigorous bed jumping session in Massachusetts recently started a house fire that burned down two homes and damaged a neighboring apartment building. The blaze did not seriously injure anyone, but the homes destroyed were three-family residences and the apartment building had to be evacuated as well, so it left thirty-three people homeless just in time for the state’s first snowfall.

Brockton Fire Lieutenant Edward Williams explained how they believe the fire was started; the bed the children were jumping on was against a wall, and between the wall and the mattress was a cell phone charger that was plugged into a wall outlet. The vigorous jumping on the bed repeatedly jammed the heavy mattress into the charger, damaging the cord and causing a spark that set the bed, and the rest of the house, on fire.

It it likely that neither the children nor their parents had any idea that a bout of youthful exuberance would end in such a terrible fire. But parents everywhere can learn from this story and make sure that, even if they cannot keep their kids from disobeying house rules, they can keep electrical devices out of harm’s way. Find out more about how jumping on the bed can cause a fire at Children Jumping On Bed Sparked Brockton Fire.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Kickball is a popular elementary and sometimes middle school game that has been around for years. Typically, the game is played without incident or injury. Unfortunately, children are injured playing kickball and other schoolyard games. A school district can be held liable or responsible for the injuries if the game is not safely organized or if there is improper or inadequate supervision that leads to injury. It is the responsibility of the physical education coach, teacher, and or aide to make sure that playing fields are safe, free from hazards like above ground sprinklers, exposed rocks or fences, holes in the ground, or a grossly uneven playing surface. If a child suffers an injury as a result of negligence, a child can then pursue a case or claim against the school district. Of course, the laws of each State differ. Furthermore, each school district has its own rules and regulations that should be reviewed to determine compliance with the same.

In Mankato, Minnesota, a lawsuit was recently settled involving a fractured ankle. It appears from the story published at the My Fox 9 Web site that the field equipment, namely the kickball base which was merely a folder, was inadequate or unsafe for play. You can read more about this story at Mankato School District Settles Personal Injury Lawsuit.

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

A woman and her daughter were riding horses with a larger group along the Big Foot Horse Trail in the DeSoto National Forest when Evan Joseph Kane fired a gun in their direction. Apparently, Kane was deer hunting at the time of the incident. Both horse riders and a horse suffered gunshot personal injuries. The ten year old girl suffered a punctured lung and was placed in intensive care. For safety, the trail is designed so that most of its length is near a public road, where shooting is prohibited.

While wearing a bright colored vest is not required for horse riders riding in or near a hunting area, it would be a wise decision for both adult and child riders to wear such a vest to make sure that they are clearly seen by hunters as well as drivers of vehicles. While accidents do at times happen, safety precautions like wearing a brightly colored vest can at times prevent or reduce the incidents of accidental shootings.

A spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said that more details would be available as the investigation progresses. The agency automatically tests for drugs and alcohol when a hunting accident occurs. The agency indicated that more charges may be filed against Kane. Of course, Mr. Kane will have the right to defend himself against any potential charges or citations for the incident. Kane may argue that he was hunting in a correctly designated area or have some other excuse for the shooting. Regardless of the outcome of the possible citation or any possible criminal charges, a girl and her mother were shot while on a peaceful horse ride. It will be a difficult trauma to recover from physically and psychologically.

Hunting laws and regulations have been put in place to protect both hunters and other people who use public land. You can read the details of this hunting accident at Mother, Child Shot in Deer Hunting Accident.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In June of 2009, Mattel and its subsidiary Fisher-Price, were accused by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission of knowingly selling millions of children’s toys that were contaminated with lead paint, exposing children to lead poisoning. Mattel and Fisher-Price agreed to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty.

This month, consumers won a multi-million dollar recall suit, which will require Mattel to compensate consumers who purchased any of the affected toys. The settlement calls for the largest toy recall ever recorded.

It is encouraging, heading into the holiday shopping season, that shoppers will be able to buy toys for their loved ones with greater confidence. You can find out more about the recalled toys at Mattel Knowingly Imported Poison.

By Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Troy Helms, an 11-year-old from Grove, Oklahoma was attending the Strut Your Mutt dog walk sponsored by the Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake when he accidentally fell on the ground. A Great Dane attacked the child, biting down on his face and neck. The boy received more than 100 stitches.

Witnesses say that the dog’s owner simply loaded his dog into his vehicle and left the scene. He was later cited by police for the attack.

When owner’s take their dogs into public, they are liable for the actions of the dog. While animals are by nature unpredictable, an owner who suspects that his dog might behave aggressively in public has a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the public from the dog, whether that means leaving the animal at home or fitting it with a muzzle. They should certainly not bring the animal into a crowded event where there are children present. The story does not mention if the child’s family will file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or the humane society, but they are certainly within their rights to do so.

Find out more about this story at Okla. Boy, 11, Mauled By Great Dane At Dog Walk.