5 year-old Utah child is injured from a pit bull dog bite.

Tragedy struck a Hurricane family early Monday evening of April 20, 2010. 5-year-old Saleena Wickward was viciously attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull. Katie Weeks remembers her daughter playing outside when she heard Saleena’s screams. Although the Pit Bull was on a chain, the child had gotten close enough that the dog was able to bite her several times on the face. Katie told KSL reporters that the dog owner had to pry the jaws off Saleena’s head.

The Severity of Dog Bite Injuries

Katie faced a mother’s worst nightmare when she saw her daughter’s disfigured face after the dog owner was able to pull the dog off of Saleena’s head. The young girl’s face was completely mutilated and unrecognizable.  Two plastic surgeons at Dixie Regional Medical Center worked for 6 ½ hours to put Saleena’s face back together. Saleena Wickward needed around 900 stitches to close up the exterior cuts and lacerations on her face. The stitches are concentrated from the middle of her lip, to her nose and cheek and around her head to her ear.  A metal plate and screw are stabilized her fractured cheek. It is too early to determine whether Saleena has suffered irreparable nerve damage in this horrific dog attack. There is no doubt that the child will need therapy to deal with the psychological trauma she endured in this Utah dog attack.

My thoughts and prayers are with Saleena Wickward and her family as they go through this difficult time. I pray that Saleena will have a full recovery and that her injuries will not have a lasting effect on her life.

Warning: Dog Bite Statistics You Need to Hear

Contrary to popular belief that dogs only bite unfamiliar people, statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 77% of dog bite victims are members or friends of the dog owner’s family. Each year 800,000 people suffer injuries from dog bites that require medical attention. Children 4 year of age and younger account for 64.9% of dog bite attacks.

The Utah Dog Bite & Accident Handbook

As a father of three young kids, Attorney Ken Christensen understands a parents’ fear for the safety of their children.  Statistics demonstrate that young children are the most susceptible to being attacked by a dog. A child may incite a dog to aggressive behavior with actions that the child thinks is playful. Due to their small size, children are completely helpless to fend off a dog attack. Mr. Christensen has written a Utah accident book for Utah residents that delicately approached how to deal with aftermath of a dog bite and how to prevent a dog attack. Look for other possible Blogs and Websites Marketing for more information.

To get a FREE copy of Attorney Christensen’s The Utah Dog Bite and Accident Handbook visit our website at www.utahaccidentbooks.com or call The Christensen Law Firm directly at 801.506.0800. You will find the information in this book to be empowering and beneficial to you and your family.  

Salt Lake Pedestrians Targeted In BB Gun Shootings

Pedestrians of the greater Salt Lake area have been the target of eight separate BB gun attacks this week alone. South Salt Lake Police Department Lieutenant Gary Keller told KSL news reporters that four people were injured between 4:30 pm and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2010. A thirteen year old girl was bleeding profusely when she was shot in the thigh that witnesses thought she was hit by a bullet from a Utah drive by shooting. The young woman was transported to a local area hospital in shock, where she was treated for the injuries she sustained in this Utah pedestrian accident.

Who is Endangering the Lives of Utah Residents?

Authorities believe three teenage boys are committing these drive-by BB gun attacks as part of a prank; however, no arrests have been made. The alleged offenders are using different cars and shooting random people throughout the Salt Lake valley. Community members are shocked at the reckless behavior that could very well result in a serious injury or even cause a Utah accident if a motorist or cyclists were hit.

Liability Issues

Thus far in the investigation, multiple cars have been used by three teenage boys who have been on a BB gun shooting rampage. The offenders will face criminal charges, fines, community service and maybe even jail time. Once the offenders are caught, these Utah accidents can make a personal injury claim against the offenders for the injuries they sustained by the reckless actions of these young men. As Salt Lake personal injury attorneys, we have assisted Utah accident victims who have endured the catastrophic consequences of the reckless actions of individuals. We remind Utah residents to stay alert and diligent in reporting any helpful information to the police such as getting the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.

If you have been injured due to the negligent behavior of another, you need an experienced Utah personal injury attorney that understands Utah law and how to negotiate with insurance companies. You can contact The Christensen Law Firm at (801) 506-0800 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Utah accident lawyer.

Keep Your Kids Safe from Bicycle Accidents

Attorney Vaughan de Kirby Explains How to Keep Your Kids Safe from Bicycle Accidents

It’s never too early to teach your children the rules to keep them safe on their bikes. Even if your child is just a passenger on your bike, you can start pointing out the rules of the road as you ride. Once they have their own bike, you should go over this list with them, and make sure to review real-world examples when you’re actually on the road. Here’s the essential list for bike safety directions for kids:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Stop and look both ways before entering traffic.
• Walk the bike across busy intersections.
• Watch for cars entering the road from driveways or parking spots.
• Use hand signals and look in all directions before turning.
• Ride predictably—avoid swerving suddenly.
• Ride single file on the right.
• Never ride at night or at dusk. If you are out late, you should call for a ride.
• Wear bright colored clothing.
• Never wear headphones or eat while riding.
• If you need to carry something while on the bike, you should put it in a backpack to keep your hands free.
• Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Never carry anyone on your bike.
• You should make your own decisions about safety—don’t do something just because your friends did it.
• Wear a helmet at all times.

Set an example for your children and follow these rules at all times.  

If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in a California bicycle accident, please visit www.4accident.com for more information, or to read more safety tips.

Traffic is a danger to bicyclists

Traffic is a danger to bicyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every year around 23,000 bicyclists visit the hospital. An additional 580,000 cyclists are checked into the emergency room for injuries sustained from a bicycle verses car accident. Over 900 bicyclists lose their lives in accidents with motor vehicles each year. In Utah, five bicycles were killed in 2008 alone.

What Can You Do to Promote Safety on Utah Roads?

• Be Considerate. Bicyclists have the same rights to the road as any other vehicle. Generally speaking, cyclists are prohibited from using freeways and interstate highways. Most other roads are for all types of commuters including motor vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, bicyclists and even pedestrians.

• Be Generous. Share the Road.

• Be Patient. Bicyclists do need additional time to clear intersections, to turn and to get going after a red light. By giving cyclists enough space, you can ensure their safety and avoid a Utah car accident.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Check for bicyclists in your side view mirrors. When you exit a driveway, take extra caution to check for children, pedestrians and cyclists.

Protect Your Rights

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a Utah bicycle accident, you need expert legal representation to ensure your rights are protected. The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, has been helping injured clients in the greater Salt Lake City area for years. We understand Utah Bicycle Law and how to deal successfully with difficult insurance companies. Call us at (801) 506-0800 for more information and to set up a FREE consultation with one of our skilled Utah personal injury attorneys.