Author: Pat Miller

Wisconsin toddler dies after being attacked by pit bulls

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People can be injured by a number of things – motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and biking accidents. There is, however, a growing concern with the number of dog bite-related injuries and deaths that have occurred in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S.

This concern surely hit home for the family of a toddler who lost his life after being attacked by two pit bulls recently. According to WISN 12 News, the police noted that they received a call informing them that two dogs were attacking a female and a 14-month-old boy.

Fatalities from dog bites in Wisconsin

According to the National Canine Research Council, there have been 16 dog bite-related deaths in the state of Wisconsin over the past 48 years. The NCRC also notes that dog bite fatalities are still quite rare, but when they do happen, they tend to gain a great deal of attention.

Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Law

Under the laws of Wisconsin, dog owners are held strictly liable for the damages and injuries resulting from an attack or bite of a dog. Additionally, injured parties should be aware that in cases where dog owners have known that their dog has caused injuries in the past, the owner can be required to pay double the amount in damages, along with various fines and penalties.

Wisconsin law also holds dog owners liable based on negligence and having knowledge of a dog’s dangerous propensity or inclinations. Simply stated, dog owners can be held legally responsible for the injuries inflicted by their dog that resulted from a dog that is known to act in a dangerous manner based on previous tendencies and actions.

Help for those who are injured

Anyone who has been injured or has had a loved one killed by a dog should consider speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney.

Male motorists ignore the dangers of texting while driving

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In recent years, safety and transportation agencies have uncovered a lot of information regarding texting and driving. It is now accepted knowledge that the habit is dangerous, causes car accidents and is common among teen motorists.

What you may not have known is that texting and driving is more accepted among male drivers. Specifically, a recent study that is detailed in the International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management has confirmed that 80 percent of surveyed college students texted while driving, and of those studied, males were more likely to downplay the known dangers of this practice. The study investigated 120 male and female students on their texting habits and personal views of the practice. Many male motorists believed that they were skilled, experienced drivers and capable of doing both at the same time.

Of course, the male respondents agreed that the practice is dangerous; however, unlike the females surveyed, they also thought they were better at engaging in texting and driving than others.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the study was conducted for the purpose of determining whether there was a documented link between an individual’s impulsiveness and one’s propensity to text and drive.

The results of the study

The study found that on average, students sent 82 texts each day. Female students often sent more messages than males; however, despite females’ impulsiveness with texting, this did not carry over to the road.

Males, conversely, did not text as often. They were not as impulsive with the act of texting, but they did demonstrate less awareness of the dangers associated with texting and driving.

The dangers of texting and driving

Many studies have shown that texting and driving slows reaction times. Also, Americans are simply not good at multitasking (despite beliefs). Several states, including Wisconsin, do not allow texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving. Nevertheless, many people ignore the laws.

Unfortunately, researchers linked with this study are aware of the fact that making laws that prohibit the practice is just not good enough. Too many people – especially young drivers – ignore the warnings. Moreover, as technology continues to grow, it is becoming harder to detach individuals from their phones.

If you have been injured in an accident as a result of another persons negligence or carelessness, take the time to speak to a seasoned personal injury law attorney in the area. A legal professional with experience and knowledge can help you uncover various avenues of recovery.

Wisconsin woman suffers burn injuries after an explosion in her home

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A Wisconsin woman was injured in late February 2014 after a propane tank exploded in her home. Authorities note that the fire explosion blew out doors, windows and one complete wall of the woman’s duplex, resulting in structural damage. The victim, who was in the home at the time of the blast, was taken to a local medical center.

Fire officials and investigators suspect that an LP tank was being used inside the woman’s home prior to the explosion. The tank was a 20-pound propane tank, which is commonly used for outdoor grills. However, this is not always the case. After the accident, fire officials had not yet uncovered the intended use of the tank in the damaged home. In connection with the explosion, there was also fire damage to the walls of the duplex.

Fortunately, the other side of the duplex was not damaged. The resident of the neighboring home was okay; however, the woman involved in the accident sustained serious burn injuries.

Burn injuries

It will take some time before authorities uncover the ultimate cause of the accident. In assessing the scene, fire officials will probably aim to resolve the following questions:

  • Why was the propane tank in the building?
  • What was it used for?
  • Who put it there?
  • What triggered the explosion?

These questions can aid with the assessment of liability. Until then, the woman will need to focus on recovering from her severe burn injuries. If she was not responsible for the explosion, maybe someone else is, and she can pursue financial recovery for her sustained injuries.

In general, burn injuries require several surgeries, physical therapy, skin implants and other complex and expensive medical assistance. A serious burn can prove to be unbearable and last for years after the incident. To make things worse, victims of burns must deal with scarring and disfigurement. Furthermore, some burn injuries become very sensitive to changes and temperature, making it difficult for victims to endure fluctuations in the weather. Also, specific clothing materials are more abrasive to the damaged skin.

If you have been a victim of a burn injury, the first step is to seek applicable medical therapies. The scar is forever, but you can work with doctors to minimize physical and emotional consequences after an accident. After treatment and medical assistance has begun, the next step might be to retain legal assistance – especially in cases where you believe you were not responsible for the accident.

If you have been harmed in a burn accident, speak to a lawyer about potential financial recovery.

Some still fighting FMCSA safety regulations

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Despite criticism from safety experts, Congress is considering a move to suspend federal safety regulations intended to prevent truck accidents.

For nearly two decades, safety advocates fought to enact rules that would help prevent truck drivers from getting behind the wheel while fatigued. Finally, in 2013, after a series of heated legal battles with multiple trucking industry groups, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that new rules reducing the hours that truck drivers could work during a given week were set to go into effect. Many experts believe that these rules, which have been in effect for nearly one year, have played a key role in preventing serious truck accidents. Nevertheless, some in Congress are considering a move to suspend the new rules to allow for further study.

At the heart of the current controversy is the requirement that truck drivers work no more than 70 hours in any given week. Under the previous rules, truck drivers were allowed to work for up to 82 hours per week.

Initially, trucking companies complained that the reduction in work hours would cause problems with delivery schedules and would cost a great deal of money. Some have said, too, that the new 70 hour requirement makes it necessary for more trucks to take to the road during daylight hours, when highways are most congested. In addition, many in the industry have expressed doubt that truck driver fatigue is as serious an issue as federal regulators believe and have said that the new rules do little to prevent the occurrence of truck accidents.

The current proposal in Congress, sponsored by Susan Collins, a Republican Senator from Maine, is intended to provide the U.S. Department of Transportation an opportunity to address whether the regulatory changes have had their intended effect. Critics of the proposal say, however, that it is nothing more than an attempt by interested parties in the trucking industry to revisit the issue of hours of service regulation. It remains unclear whether this proposal, which is an amendment to a larger transportation spending bill before the Senate, is likely to pass.

The reality is that no matter the cause, truck accidents can cause significant, debilitating injuries. If you have been injured in a truck accident, schedule a meeting with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can provide you with legal advice tailored to your situation and can help you decide on what to do next. For more information about how a personal injury can help you and your family, do not delay: meet with an attorney today.