October 6, 2009

Gilchrist County 3 Year Old Boy Suffers Serious Personal Injuries from Pit Bull Dog Attack

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In Florida and other States, the family pet or dog often time causes serious personal injuries to children. Some family pets are indoor / outdoor dogs and are family members. It should still be noted that they are still animals. As such, dogs can bite even if they have not history of aggression or bites. Other dogs are outdoor / outside dogs. Some are allowed to roam around the property. Others are chained. Whatever the living arrangements for the dog, there is a danger to children when dogs are present. Some believe that certain breeds of dog are more dangerous than others. I believe the danger of a dog depends on the dogs breed, upbringing, living environment, and other factors. In Gilchrist County, Florida, a 3 year old suffered serious personal injuries when the boy was bitten by the family's pit bull dog who was on a chain outside. The Gilchrist County Animal Control took possession of the animal and are investigating the incident. You can read more about this dog attack at Gilchrist County, Florida Boy in Critical Condition Following Pit Bull Attack.

July 19, 2009

Orlando, Florida Fire Claims Life of Boy - What Are the Duties of Apartment Owners?

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In Orlando, Florida, a child was the tragic and unfortunate victim of a fire at an apartment complex. It was reported that at least four other people were also injured in this fire. The fire took place in Orange County (Orlando), Florida which is subject to the Municipal Code for the City of Orlando if the building is located within the city limits of Orlando, Florida. The City of Orlando Municipal Code requires that every dwelling unit within an apartment complex have a functioning smoke detector in place. This is the responsibility of the landlord / property owner to install and inspect smoke detectors for the safety and protection of the tenants and occupants. Fire rescue crews found only one working smoke detector in the building. An investigation will be completed into this matter to determine if the building / dwelling units were in compliance with the City of Orlando Municipal Code or other applicable fire protection laws in place. You can review various provisions of smoke detector / fire prevention provisions at City of Orlando Municipal Code.

The interpretation and applicability of city and county ordinances can be complicated. Furthermore, there are other issues that arise in situations of this nature including the following: How was the fire caused? Was the fire preventable? Would smoke alarms have saved this child's life? What other fire prevention or safety measures were in place? What was the status of the electrical system and ventilation system for this complex? What insurance coverage would apply to the injuries and deaths suffered as a result of this fire? These questions and others can be addressed by a Florida Child Injury Lawyer.

The death of this child is a great loss for this family and the community. You can read more about this story at Orlando, Florida (Orange County) Boy Dies in Fire - Others Suffer Personal Injuries.

January 16, 2009

Florida Teeanger Dies in Construction Site Trench in Port Charlotte, Florida

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In Florida, construction sites can be dangerous to children for a number of reasons. In Port Charlotte (Charlotte County), Florida, a 14 year old boy died after falling into a muddy trench at the construction site for the Behtanie Seventh Day Adventist Church. Danile Riccardi, Jr. was helping his father at the church construction site. He was trying to get water from a trench to mix concrete. Unfortunately, the process of trying to get the water, he fell into a trench. The trench's muddy area made it quick sand like in nature and the boy could not get out of the trench on his own. In fact, it took the Fire Rescue department over two hours to dig him out of the hole. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct an investigation into this incident.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the death. Numerous questions or issues will be addressed by this and any other investigations:

*How was the area near the trench set up?
*How long was the trench in place?
*Who knew about the trench?
*What entity had the responsibility for maintaining the property in the area of the trench?
*What safety measures should have been taken by the landowner?
*What safety measures should have been taken by the construction company?
*What safety measures should have been taken by the general contractor?


You can read about his story that was reported by the Associated Press and Sarasota Sun Tribune Newspaper at Port Charlotte, Florida Teens Dies in Construction Trench at Church.