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:
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.
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.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Children often times are the unfortunate and sometimes tragic victims of dog bite injuries. Dog owners and parents should use their best efforts and judgment to take actions to prevent dog bite injuries from taking place. Various actions can be taken to prevent dog bites or reduce the incidents of dog bites. These actions include but are not limited to socializing the dog, training the dog, neutering the dog, obeying leash laws, and attending the health and nutritional needs of the dog. It should be kept in mind that dogs are animals and are, at times, unpredictable. As such, it is important for dog owners and parents to take all reasonable efforts to protect children when near a dog. See How to Prevent Common Dog Bite Injuries for more tips and advice on preventing dog bites.
By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Four year old Nathaniel Stafford is in critical condition after being attacked by a Labrador / Pit Bull mix. According to the boyfriend of the victim’s mother, Brian Caron, the attack was so vicious that it nearly killed the boy. The dog reportedly tore into the child’s head, tearing his ears off and lacerating his throat – only narrowly missing Nathaniel’s jugular vein. Caron and his girlfriend were watching the dog, named Chaos, for friends while they were out of town. They had the dog tied up at the edge of their property, but it managed to break free. The dog’s owner, Thomas Chastain, has agreed to have the dog put down. In the meantime, Nathaniel’s face and ears have been stitched back together, but he may have to wait up to ten days for a skin graft to cover his damaged scalp.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Parents can sometimes have a hard time determining when it is appropriate to take a child to the emergency room. CBS News medical correspondent and pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Ashton recently outlined some pointers for parents to recognize when an illness or injury is an emergency.
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.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Many families with pet dogs install doggie doors to allow easy access for dogs to go in and out of a house or patio area. Doggie doors are very convenient. Doggie doors can also be dangerous in that small children / toddlers get out of house through the doggie door. Once out of the house, small children / toddlers have been known to suffer serious personal injuries and death from pools, ponds, and other dangers outside of the house. In August 2006, Matthew Ranfone got out of a doggie door from his Orlando home and was found floating face down in the family pool. He died later from drowning related injuries. Carol Ranone, Matthew’s mother, has launched a website to get the word out about the dangers of pet doors / doggie doors and small children at www.petacessdangers.org. I recommend that all dog owners who are parents of small children or who have small children in their home to take a look at the website. The safety of small children / toddlers is much more important than the mere convenience of a doggie door. Safeguard your home to the best of your ability to protect children who live or visit your home.
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.
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.
Child Injury Lawyer Blog