Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Anchorage, Alaska, a 9 year old boy died after suffering injuries at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair. The boy was at the fair with his family and a cow owned by the family. Apparently, Mathias Martin tied a rope around his waste that was also tied to the cow. Since the cow was domesticated, Mathias did not recognize the risk or danger of such an act. According to the father, the cow became spooked or scared for some reason and took off. The boy was then dragged by the cow. As a result thereof, the boy suffered serious head injuries. Mathias later died at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

This was a tragic loss for the Martin family and the community. This story shows that animals are unpredictable and can be dangerous. You can read about this story at Alaskan Boy Dragged by Cow at Fair Dies of Head Injuries

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Alaska has enacted a new law that required children under the age of 8 years old or under the weight of 65 pounds require to be placed in a car or booster seat while traveling on roads in Alaska. Complying with the law is important. Making sure that a child is adequately provided with safety measures is vital. It has been reported that the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 14 years old in Alaska is related to motor vehicle accidents. Using infant seats, booster seats for children and seat belts can save lives. You can read more about Alaska's new law at What You Need to Know About Alaska's Child Booster Seat Laws.

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

Federal authorities snared an extremely dangerous child predator. Their efforts have removed an extremely dangerous person from the community. Danny Michael Harvey used his computer to enter chat rooms. One such chat room catered to child pedophiles. An undercover federal agent responded to a post by Mr. Harvey. The agent claimed he was a grandfather with the sole custody of a 4 and 5 year old child. Mr. Harvey informed "the grandfather" that Mr. Harvey wanted to sexual molest the 5 year old granddaughter and films the acts. Mr. Harvey then purchased a lap top, other items, and a plane ticket and flew to Anchorage, Alaska from Lancaster, California. Mr. Harvey was arrested. Fortunately, this was an undercover operation and no children were harmed. It is quite frightening to read about this story. Mr. Harvey planned this trip and (in his mind) conspired with "the grandfather" to perform heinous, illegal, and immoral sexual acts on a 5 year old girl. Thank you federal authorities for removing Danny Michael Harvey from the communities of Lancaster, California, Anchorage, Alaska, and any others in which he could have abused or molested young children. You can read more about this story at California Man Sentenced to 36 Years for Child Pornography.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Drinking and driving or driving under the influence is a danger in every city and town throughout the United States. Alaska is no exception to the dangers. in Fairbanks, Alaska, a mom used a different approach to dealing with the dangers of driving under the influence. This mother used her 7 year old son to drive her car. According to Alaska State Troopers, the mother was passed out next to her son. Karen Koch was charged with reckless endangerment and permitting an unauthorized person to drive a motor vehicle. You can read more about this story at Alaska Mother Uses Her 7 Year Old Son to Drive Her Car - Mother Passed Out Drunk in Car.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The United States Department of Health and Human Resources has a website that has a great reference tool for parents and caregivers with children in day care centers and child care centers. Each state regulates day care centers / child care centers through a state specific administrative code and / or policy manual. Go to State Administrative Rules and Policy Manuals for Child Care. Another good resource is located at the website for the National Resource Center for
Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Parents should use these and other resources to educate themselves on the various state specific rules and regulations for day care centers and child care centers. Each state regulates day care centers slightly differently. As such, parents should be informed on the regulations that apply to their children's day care center. Is the facility following the law? Are the state specific requirements for staffing being met? Are records being kept according to the state law? What information as a parent and caregiver am I entitled to regarding incidents and accidents? What disciplinary measures are allowed? What disciplinary actions are prohibited? These and many other issues are addressed in these day care rules and regulations. In addition, parents concerned about the care being received in a day care center / child care center can also consult with a child injury attorney / lawyer to find out if there is a viable case or claim to be pursued on behalf of a child who has been injured in a day care center as a result of day care negligence, abuse, or neglect.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Cruelty to animals is no laughing matter. Recently, students at Colony Middle School were disciplined after their actions led to the death of a moose. The students thought it was a good idea to taunt and tease the animal. The moose was so upset that the moose repeatedly threw itself against a wall until it died. Some may read this article and dismiss it as a childhood prank. The incident really does have a bigger meaning. It shows how far students will go to tease animals or other children for that matter. Children should show empathy for their peers, teachers, and animals. Many animals are defenseless and should be treated with respect and dignity. It is a shame that bullying and teasing led to the death of the Moose. Officials acted properly in disciplining the children.

You can read more about this story at Middle School Students in Alaska Disciplined After Teasing and Taunting a Moose.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Alaska State Trooper and other search teams have been investigating the disappearance of two teens, Rondy Lamont (age 17) and Matalena Tinke (age 14). The two teens were on a snowmachine heading home to Pitka's Point, Alaska from St. Mary's, Alaska. The search revealed fresh snowtracks from a snowmachine leading into the an area where the Andreafsky River meets the Yukon River. The search continues for the teens and the snowmachine but it is feared that they died when the snowmachine went into the icy waters.

Cold weather and the elements bring children out for sport and adventure in many states including Alaska. It also brings with it dangers of unsafe roads, trails, and weak grounds leading into icy waters and other perils.

You can read more about this story at Search for Missing Teens in Alaska - Tracks Discovered Near Icy Waters.