Child Injury Lawyer Blog

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

Texting while driving has become a major safety issue for teens and adults alike glued to their telephones while driving. Talking on a mobile phone can be distracting in that the driver's mind is occupied with the conversation rather than the road, other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Texting is a bigger problem because drivers are looking at the mobile phone screen. Texting can be blamed for a number of deadly automobile crashes during the past few years including the following:

In Amarillo, Texas, Stephanie Phelps, who was driving her 4 month old daughter, ran a red light into a cement truck. Both Stephanie and her daughter died as a result of cell phone use and driver inattention.

In Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, Janet Indermuehle was speeding and talking on her mobile phone when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed. Janet and two teenagers died as a result of this accident.

In Florida, Stephanie Phillips and Heather Hurd were killed when a trucker was reportedly distracted while text messaging on his mobile phone while driving on U.S. 27.

In Glendale, Arizona, Ashley Miller and Stacey Stubbs died in an automobile accident after Miller reportedly drove across the center line while she was text messaging.

You can read about other incidents of driver distraction and cell phone use / text messaging at Text Messaging and Cell Phone Use While Driving Is Dangerous.

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

Madeline Kara Neumann died at the tender age of 11 years old in Wisconsin. Madeline had an undiagnosed and untreated condition - diabetes. With proper treatment, Madeline could have and would have lived a long and full life. Unfortunately, Madeline was deprived of the medical care that she so desperately needed. Madeline's death and the criminal prosection of her parents Leilani Neumann and Dale Neumann has raised the debate of religion versus healthcare - what is in the best interest of the child? Yes, we have freedom of religion in this country; however, the best interests of a child must be considered when weighing healthcare decisions versus religious preferences of the parents. This is especially true when a child's life has been lost. The Neumann's believed that their daughter's illness was a test of faith or a challenge to her spirituality. Unfortunately and tragically for Madeline, no amount of prayer or faith healing was going to medically treat her diabetes. Medical science has made great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes over the years. This is a proven fact. While prayer does have a place in society and is important to so many families like the Neumanns, the needs and best interests of the child must be considered. A jury will ultimately decide the fate of the Neumanns. You can read more about this story at District Attorney - Girl Whose Parents Prayed to Defeat Illness - Suffered a Needless Death.

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

In Chippewa County, Wisconsin, Raymond Knez was sentenced to a 9 month jail term for shooting 6 pets to death in front of children causing mental harm to the children. News report indicate that Mr. Knez was drinking before he got his gun and started shooting pets around the house. Mr. Knez pleaded no contest to the charges and admitted to reporters that it was a stupid drunken reaction to the situation. Chrystalyn Adcock, Knez's girlfriend, was sentenced to 50 hours of community service.

These heinous and criminal acts should have been punished. Some may argue that a person has a right to own a gun, use a gun, and shoot an animal which, in many states, is considered a piece of property like a couch. Nevertheless, the mental health of a child should be considered. Mr. Knez committed these acts under the influence of alcohol and apparently in anger. Inflicting this kind of mental distress on any person, especially a child, should be a crime that is punishable by a jail sentence, community service, and a fine.

You can read more about this story at Wisconsin Man Who Shot Pets In Front of Children Gets Jail Sentence and Community Service.

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

An 18 year old student was recently arrested at Washington High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The student was seen carrying a gun in his waistband. The principal called the student into his office and took the .22 caliber semi-automatic weapon / hand gun.

Attentiveness and quick thinking on the part of the principal and staff at Washington High School led to action and safety measures at the school. Fortunately, no one was harmed and the gun did not play a part in the shooting or harm to any teacher or student at the school.

You can read more about this story at Milwaukee Wisconsin Teen Arrested for Bringing a Gun to School.

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

Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is program put in place by the Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin provides training and public awareness about child support. It also to helps build community resources and carry out advocacy activities to promote child abuse prevention efforts throughout the State of Wisconsin.

It would be wonderful to rid Wisconsin and other States of all child abuse. It would be nice but it is not realistic to believe that child abuse and neglect can be eradicated.
However, child abuse can be reduced or prevented to some extent with the efforts of Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin, other organizations, and dedicated individuals including parents, doctors, social workers and other.

At the Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin website, you can read more information on Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect, What is Child Abuse?, Web Resources and More.

If your child has suffered personal injuries or death as a result of child abuse and neglect, legal representation through a Child Injury Lawyer / Attorney may help you get answers and pursue a civil case against the responsible persons and / or organizations responsible for the abuse.

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

Prompted by the recent death of a four-month old Milwaukee, Wisconsin infant who was left in a child-care transport van, the State Senate and State Assembly have passed a bill which will require child-care van owners to install alarm systems in transport vehicles, necessitating van drivers to physically go through the van interior, to the back door, to disarm the alarm. See Child-Van Alarms to be Required for Safety Purposes.

It is hoped that this legislation will insure that van drivers check all seats for any remaining passengers, in order that young children or infants are not left in vans. This type of legislation was passed in other states, such as Tennessee, in 2004, where no further deaths have occurred from children being left in child-care vans. According to KidsandCars.org, a national organization working to promote automobile child safety, at least 27 children nationwide have died since 1994 as a result of being left in child-care vans. In Wisconsin, three children have died in the Milwaukee area since 2005 and seven children have died in similar situations since 1991. Although Wisconsin has laws providing for the issuance of felony charges against child-care van drivers who leave a child in a vehicle, resulting in a child's death, it would appear that this deterrent is not sufficient. The State of Wisconsin, Department of Children and Families, also requires day cares to have procedures to make sure that children are not left behind in transport vans, however, the requirement for procedures does not spell out what exactly should be done. See Wisconsin Government Website.

It is unfortunate to think that legislation is required to insure that child-care transport van drivers and day care operators carry out the simple process of making sure that children are not left in transport vans. Parents leave the safety of their children in the hands of such people every day, and the act of leaving children behind in transport vans is not excusable. Parents need to be active in speaking with day care providers and van transport drivers to make sure that they are following procedures to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

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

In yet another case of unfortunate and preventable deaths, a two month old baby has died due to being smothered while sleeping with an adult. For the third time in two months, an infant has died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a result of what is known as co-sleeping or bed-sharing. The Milwaukee Health Department has documented that between 2004 and 2007, 72 of 120 Milwaukee infants who have died have done so when sharing a bed with parents, other children or caregivers. Due to the growing concern of this phenomenon and the recent deaths, the City of Milwaukee Health Department has launched a safe sleep awareness campaign by posting a demonstration on YouTube, preparing videos. issuing guidelines for safe sleep and preparing pamphlets for distribution.

You can read more about co-sleeping and the associated risks and dangers at Infants at Risks for Injury When Co-Sleeping with Parents or Caregivers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that infants not share a bed with others, due to established hazards and concerns. You can read safety tips and recommendations at Safe Sleeping Recommendations for Infants.

There is no doubt that alcohol or drug use by adults is often an issue in these infant deaths with adults being impaired and not sufficiently aware of their actions.

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

In Wisconsin and other States, most mothers age gracefully and comfortably say goodbye to their teenage and high school years. Some never get over high school and dream of going back to their glory days. One mother took this idea and dream too far in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Wendy Brown, a 34 year old mother, stole her daughter's identity, posed as a teenager, and then tried out for the Ashwaubenon High School cheerleading squad. She was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and then sent to a mental health facility for treatment and counseling. Wendy Brown apologized in court and stated that she just wanted to re-live her high school days. You can read more about this bizarre story at Mother Reliving Her High School Days Committed to a Mental Health Facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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

The Mayor of Racine, Wisconsin - Gary Becker - was arrested on five felony counts for his internet chats and arranging for a meeting with a 14 year old to have sex with the 14 year old. In actuality, the 14 year old online was an undercover agent with the Wisconsin State Division of Criminal Investigation. Mayor Becker previously had taken his computer to a city employee for have some work done on it. The technician found child pornography on the Mayor's computer. Thereafter, the State Division of Criminal Investigation had undercover agents engage in chats with the Mayor. Mayor Becker had engaged in these chats before.

Child predators should be removed from office as Mayor. Furthermore, the City of Racine deserves to have somebody smarter in office. The Mayor's intelligence and judgment can both be called into question as well. Let's see - he brought his computer into a city office with child pornography on it. Then, Mayor Becker, who is the Mayor of a Wisconsin City, arranges for a meeting with a 14 year old girl for sex. This married father of two lacks any judgment to run a City that affects the lives of many other people.

You can read more about the criminal investigation and arrest of Mayor Gary Becker at Racine, Wisconsin Mayor Charged with Five Felony Counts - Arrested at Food Court.

Soon after the incident and the arrest, Mayor Gary Becker resigned as Mayor of Racine, Wisconsin. You can read more about his decision to resign at Mayor of Racine, Wisconsin Resigns After Sex Sting Arrest at Mall.

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

Anthony Stanci, age 18, has been arrested for blackmailing teenage boys for sex and having sex with minors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. According to news reports, Stanci set up an account on Facebook, a popular social networking website, and posted as a teenage girl. "Emily" convinced many teenage boys to send naked photographs of themselves to "Emily". Once "Emily" received the photographs, "Emily" then threatened to e mail and send the naked photographs to family and friends if the teenage victim would not have sex with Anthony Stanci. These horribly deceptive and heinous acts resulted in Stanci having sex with teenage boys as young as 15 years old. So far, 31 boys sent Stanci naked photographs of themselves have been identified. Stanci faces many felony counts on this matter. His attorney stated that Stanci may be interested in a plea agreement. Of course, Stanci is entitled to a lawyer and is innocent until proven guilty; however, there appears to be a mountain of evidence in the form of Facebook, e mails, text messages, and witness testimony against Stanci. If there is a conviction or plea deal, Stanci needs to serve a prison sentence and get registered as as sex offender / sex predator.

This story illustrates the dangers of Face Book and the deception that easily takes place on the Internet. Whether a child knows a person or not, naked photographs should not be taken or shared with others. The Facebook is just another tool for those intent on harming and defrauding others. As parents and caregivers, talk to your children about the dangers of Facebook and other networking sites. Take an interests in your child's computer activities to help them avoid the mistakes that the 31 boys made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can read more about this story at Teen Accused of Using Facebook to Blackmail Students Into Sex Acts.

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

Although statistics reflect that the percentage of uninsured motorists has decreased in Wisconsin and nationally in the past few years, there is a concern that recent economic problems may result in a rise in the number of uninsured motorists. In a recent study conducted and released by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), it estimated that nationally in 2007 approximately 13.8 % of motorists were uninsured. The study provided data, by state, as to the percentage of uninsured motorists, with the highest being New Mexico and Mississippi, at 29% and 28%, respectively, and the lowest being Massachusetts and Maine, at 1% and 4%, respectively. Wisconsin's estimated percentage of uninsured motorists in 2007 was 15%, ranking it in the highest third of uninsured motorists in the nation. The study found a strong correlation between the percent of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate. To view the News Release, dated January 21, 2009, by the IRC, go to Study and Statistics as to Uninsured Motorists.

As problems with the economy continue and as more jobs are lost, it is expected that the percentage of uninsured motorists will increase from 13.8% in 2007 to 16.1% in 2010. Wisconsin mandates that auto insurance policies written in the state include uninsured motorist coverage, to protect injured victims of vehicle collisions with insurance coverage for their medical expenses and damages, however, it is clear that without mandatory vehicle insurance, responsible citizens who purchase auto insurance coverage will continue to pay for injuries caused by citizens who fail to purchase insurance on their vehicles.

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

The good news is that in Milwaukee, Wisconsin fire deaths have dropped this past year in comparison with years past. An article reported in the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel reported on the improved statistics as to fires in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at City of Milwaukee Fire Deaths Dropped in the Year 2008.

The bad news is that fires continue, with often tragic results, especially as it relates to children personal injuries and death. Although lawsuits and legislation over the years have lead to changes in the lighter industry, it is still an all too common story when fires are started by children playing with lighters. Within the past week or so there has been yet another fire involving a child playing with a lighter in southern Wisconsin, this time luckily not resulting in a death, however, the dangers are still there and often times result in serious injuries including catastrophic burn injuries and deaths.

Parents and care givers must be even more careful these days due to the proliferation of novelty cigarette lighters shaped like toys, cartoon figures and other items attractive to children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, children under the age of 5 cause more than 5,000 residential fires resulting in approximately 150 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries every year.

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

A Wisconsin cheerleader, Brittany Noffke, was a student at Holmen High School near La Crosse, Wisconsin. While practicing certain moves and students before a basketball game, Brittany suffered a head injury. The stunt required Brittany to stand on another cheerleader's shoulders and then required another student to catch her or spot her while performing the spot. Brittany fell backward but the student standing behind her did not catch her. As a result, Brittany fell to the ground and suffered head injuries. In Wisconsin, these type of cases require a Plaintiff / injury victim to prove recklessness in order to recover compensation for injuries. This can be a tough standard to prove. Fortunately, these onerous legal standard does not apply to all other States. A negligence standard would be a more reasonable standard to follow in Wisconsin and other States.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a cheerleader (Brittany Nofke) could not bring an action for injuries against another student or the school district for injuries that she sustained as a result of a fall. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that cheerleading is a contact sport. The Court also ruled that the stunt in question which involved the cheerleader falling from a height and being caught by another student did not create a "compelling danger" to students. In this case, the other student failed to catch the cheerleader and she suffered head injuries when her head struck the ground.

The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators estimate that approximately four million people are involved with cheerleading activities and events.

You can read more about this story at Former Wisconsin Cheerleader Loses Case Against School District and Another Student.

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

In another sad example of how the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare has failed to protect the most vulnerable children of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a 29-year--old mother of five has now been charged with Child Neglect Causing Death, more than two years after she allegedly allowed her 7-month-old daughter to starve to death. Citing "issues in completing and acquiring medical examiner's and other doctors' reports," the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has charged the mother, however, the father has not been charged. According to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin criminal complaint, local police found no baby food in the house other than an empty can of infant formula, but the parents spent as much as $500 per month on gambling. The parents allegedly spent the day after the child's death at a local casino. The mother received state assistance, food stamps and SSI benefits. Although a 9-year-old sibling was being monitored under a court order, and child welfare caseworkers and a therapist made visits to the family's alleged "filthy, roach-infested home" to check on the older child, it does not appear as though they were aware of the issues and services which were to be provided to the younger child. The deceased child, Layunnia Lewis, was born 14 weeks premature and suffering from herpes, weighing 4 3/4 pounds, and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds when she died at 7 months of age. An independent review panel report noted that "for some portion of time that the safety services case was open [for the younger child], neither the ongoing worker [for the older child] nor the safety service worker knew of their co-worker's involvement with the family."

To see the full text of the article, go to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Journal Sentinel article at Mother Charges in Starvation Death of 7 Month Old.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A mother of a five month old was recently given a five year prison term for drowning her own child in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Arkisha Johnson was brought into a Wisconsin courtroom to receive her sentence. Arkisha Johnson is brought into the courtroom Wednesday for sentencing for drowning her 5-month-old son, Will, last year. This is a tragic story for the mother, child, the family and the community.

Arkisha Johnson was well known to be emotionally troubled by the State of Wisconsin Welfare System. As such, caseworkers knew or should have known that placing any child, especially a 5 month old, in her sole care and custody created a dangerous situation for the child. According to an investigation, caseworkers were aware of Ms. Johnson's instability and had been instructed not to leave the baby (Will Johnson) with her unless she was stable and taking all of her medications.

During the weeks prior to the drowning death of Will Johnson, Ms. Johnson was increasingly erratic and suicidal. It is unclear from newspaper reports what efforts (if any) the caseworkers took to determine if Ms. Johnson was stable and taking her medications. Of course, the worst thing that a caseworker can do is assume that everything is fine. Based on Ms. Johnson's troubled history and mental condition, would it be reasonable for a caseworker to assume that the child is in no danger if left alone with this woman? How much time if any was spent interviewing or speaking to Ms. Johnson prior to the fateful day that Ms. Johnson killed her child? What questions were asked?

The case of Will Johnson and other incidents involving other children have called into serious question the conduct, action, policies and procedures of Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare System and La Causa, a private child welfare agency.

In Wisconsin and other states, a test and license are required to operate a motor vehicle on the roadways. Those who fail the test or who do not have a license are not permitted to drive. Parents, on the other hand, do not typically take a test or need a license to have or care for a child. When a parent exhibits behavior or conduct that calls into question his or her ability to parent, Wisconsin and other States have a duty to step in to protect the child. In the case of Will Johnson, it appears that the State of Wisconsin and the La Causa dropped the ball in protecting this child.

You can read more about this story and other problems within the Milwaukee, Wisconsin child welfare system at Milwaukee Woman Gets 5 Year Prison Sentence for Drowning Death of 5 Month Old Son.

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

In Wisconsin, day care centers / child care centers are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. The Department also known as DCF has promulgated or put in place rules and regulations for each type of facility: Family Child Care Centers, Group Day Care Centers, and Day Camps. It is helpful to review the applicable rules and regulations to make sure that the child care center is providing the necessary care and supervision of your child in the day care setting according to the standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

When a child is injured in a child care center, it is often times difficult for the family to get information or to understand how or why the injuries took place. Did the facility follow the guidelines? Was my child provided with a reasonably safe and appropriate child care environment? Were the injuries preventable with better care, supervision or maintenance of the facility? These questions and others are all pertinent questions when a child is injured in a Wisconsin child care center / day care center. A Wisconsin child injury lawyer can assist the family of a injured child in a child care center review the incident report, rules and regulations, medical records, and medical bills to determine the appropriate legal course of action.

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

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families published helpful tips on Choosing a Child Care Center / Day Care Center. The tips should be considered and utilized by parents in selecting a child care center / day care center. Unfortunately, children are injured every day in day care centers in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. Carefully selecting a day care center may help reduce the risk of injury to children in day care centers. Just because a facility has passed inspection and has no violations does not guarantee your child's safety; however, it is one indication or factor to use when selecting a day care center.

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

In Wisconsin, there are hundreds of day care centers. Parents and caregivers can look up information regarding a day care center and access important rules and regulations as to day care centers by accessing the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Web Site. The database provides parents, caregivers and others important information regarding the day care centers / child care centers including name, owner, licensee, type of license, address, telephone numbers, hours of operation, and, most importantly, the history of compliance / inspections with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

It is important for child care centers / day care centers to comply with Wisconsin's child care center rules and regulations. Many incidents and personal injuries to children take place in child care centers when these rules and regulations are violated. Child safety should be a paramount concern for all child care center operators in Wisconsin.

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

Wisconsin, as does most states, requires that school bus drivers pass a criminal background check prior to receiving a school bus driver's license endorsement. Although Wisconsin allows school bus drivers to have felony convictions, it does provide a detailed list of felony convictions, including convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which will disqualify a person from being a school bus driver for periods of time ranging from two years to a lifetime disqualification. You can read more about the qualifications for school bus drivers in Wisconsin at the Official Department of Transportation Website for Wisconsin. Federal and State governments establish school bus driver qualifications and standards, and drivers must comply with both the Federal regulations and requirements located at the U.S. Department of Labor Website in addition to any State regulations which exceed the Federal requirements. You should check with your own State's Department of Transportation to determine what State regulations apply to school bus drivers in your state.

While the school district, county, and state have an obligation to make sure that bus drivers are properly qualified, activism and participation by parents and caregivers sometimes make the difference in getting unqualified and / or poor school bus drivers off the road. The focus of any school district whether it is in Wisconsin or other States should be the safety of children. Having qualified and diligent school bus drivers is one safety measure that can help prevent serious child injuries and death.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Police in Richmond, Wisconsin reported that a school bus driver was arrested for intoxication. The school bus driver was transporting 43 children at the time of the incident. In Wisconsin, the legal limit of intoxication for commercial drivers is .04. Fortunately, no children were injured as a result of the bus driver's drinking. It is quite unsettling to read about such a story. The school district rightfully suspended the driver. It is difficult enough to drive a school bus. No school bus driver should ever get behind the wheel while under the influence of any amount of alcohol. It puts our children at undue risk for personal injuries and even death.

You can read more about this story at
>Wisconsin School Bus Driver DUI (Driving While Under the Influence).

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

Deputy sheriffs in Madison (Dane County) Wisconsin recently arrested 8 different drivers in various incidents in and around Madison, Wisconsin for OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). While there was no special task force or overtime put in place over the weekend, drunk drivers were out in numbers wreaking havoc on the roadways in Madison, Wisconsin. One drunk driver even crashed his vehicle in to a police car. Another driver was found parked while making a turn. She was arrested for OWI. People who drink and drive should not only think about the criminal consequences but also the civil, social, and moral consequences of such dangerous and reckless behavior. Too many children, teens, and adults have suffered serious personal injuries and wrongful death due to drunk driving / OWI. The best way to reduce drunk driving / OWI is through planning. If you plan to have some drinks at home, restaurant, or bar, make sure that there is a designated driver lined up. If there is no designated driver lined up, do not drink, call a friend for a ride, get a cab, or stay put. The safety of Wisconsin's children and adults is much more important than the joy, buzz, or fulfillment of getting drunk.
Arive alive and make sure others do as well. Do not drink and drive. You can read more about the weekend of arrests in Dane County (Madison) Wisconsin at Deputies Make 8 OWI Arrests Over Weekend.

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

The City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and other communities have instituted curfews for children / teens in an effort to protect children and to reduce crime. Parents often times face a battle with strong minded teens who do not want to follow a parent directed curfew. It is one thing to ignore a parent's rules and demands. It is quite another to ignore curfews set forth in laws and ordinances. Safety and law enforcement experts believe that curfews mandated by cities can often have a strong deterrent on juvenile crime. As an example, recently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 2400 block of W. Chambers Street, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a 16-year old boy, who was suspected of a curfew violation, was arrested and found to have 37 Ecstasy pills. The juvenue was arrested after attempting to flee from Milwaukee police and after he was seen tossing a gun / firearm. He was observed standing in the street, next to a car, speaking with others on the street and in the car. Pending charges include possession with intent to deliver, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a child. You can read more about this incident at Teen Arrested with Drugs and a Firearm in Miwaukee, Wisconsin.

Curfews limit and deter the number of teens on the roads, at late night parties, and teen drinking and driving. Many teens lack the judgment and good sense to stay out of trouble when unsupervised at late hours. Proponents of curfews hope that curfews will reduce juvenile crime as well as adult and child personal injuries / deaths caused by the intentional or negligent conduct of teens out late into the night.

The United States Conference of Mayors conducted a survey in 1997 of 347 cities which had curfews and asked city officials to describe their perceptions of the curfews' effectiveness. The consensus was that crime rates for juveniles had reduced and that the enforcement of curfews was a good use of police department resources. You can read more about crime statistics for cities in Wisconsin and other states at The Official Site for U.S. Mayors.

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

The R.M.S. Titanic sunk in 1912. Many people lost their lives because of inadequate safety measures on the ship. Another Titanic had problems in October 2008. This Titanic was an inflatable slide that was set up at a birthday party in Wisconsin. Apparently, the inflatable slide tipped over and dumped some of the children on the sidewalk and street. The incident raises question over the adequacy of the anchoring as well as the capacity of the slide for the number of children who were on the slide at the time that the slide toppled over. Supervision, placement, and anchoring are vital to prevent from inflatable slides and bounce houses.

An employee of the rental company was also injured. Two employees were at the party to monitor the inflatable slide. The reported injuries were minor but could have been more severely especially if a car was passing by at the time of the incident. This was a birthday party turned into a nightmare for the parents. Imagine seeing your child topple from a high and large slide onto concrete. You can read more about this incident at Titanic Inflatable Slide Tips Over and Dumps Children onto Street.