Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a controversial but increasingly popular type of legislation that is currently being introduced into several U.S. cities and abroad. BSL laws implements regulations or bans specific to dog breeds. For example, in cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Miami and Boston, owners of Pit Bull Terriers are required to have these dogs neutered, on a leash, and wearing a muzzle whenever they are outside. Several countries even ban Pit Bull Terriers as pets completely. After a jogger was killed by two Pit Bull dogs in Colorado in 2003, Denver has attempted to join in banning Pit Bulls and enforcing dog owners to get rid of these dogs.

However, there are many dog owners that feel their Pit Bull Terriers are non-violent family pets. They argue that Pit Bulls are undeserving of their bad reputation and that the dog owners of the violent dogs are to blame. The American Veterinarian Medical Associate agrees that any dog, regardless of breed, will become dangerous and even violent if they are poorly trained, neglected or abused.

Pit Bull Attack Case Studies

The reasoning behind passing legislation that regulates or bans pit bull terriers is due to the statistics and scientific evidence that this breed of dog is inclined to be more aggressive and violent. Dr. Beck of Purdue University confirms that Pit Bulls are genetically more dangerous—they are bred to be fighting dogs; they have more muscle and a more powerful and destructive jaw.

• April 2010- 5-year-old Saleena Wickward of Hurricane, Utah, mauled by neighbors Pit Bull. It took over 900 stitches, a metal plate and 6 ½ hours of surgery to put her face back together.
• 2005- 12-year-old, Ebony Stanely of Colorado, attacked by a Pit Bull. It took 5 bullets fired by police officers to get the dog off the child. She almost lost her arm.
• 2003-48-year-old, Anna Cieslewicz, a marathon runner who was jogging in Dan Ryan Woods, was killed by 2 Pit Bull Terriers.

Sobering Statistics

In Chicago for example, pit bull terriers account for only 10% of the total registered dogs yet they are responsible for over 30% of the reported dog bites. In a study conducted by Merrit Clifton, dog bite occurrences from 1982 through 2006 demonstrated that Pit Bull dogs, Presa Canarios, and Rottweilers were responsible for 74% of dog attacks and 68% of dog attacks on children. In the twenty-four year period, Pit Bull Terriers were responsible for twice as many dog bite attacks than any other dog breed. To read further about this study, dog bite statistics and how Utah Law relates to dog bites, order a FREE copy of The Utah Dog Bite & Attack Handbook today.

Are You a Victim of Dog Bite Attack?

If you have been injured in a Utah dog bite accident, you probably have many questions regarding how to proceed. You may be wondering who is responsible for your medical bills. How do you make sure the dog owners are held responsible? What legal options do you have? Attorney Ken Christensen’s book, The Utah Dog Bite & Attack Handbook answers these questions and provides more information that will help you through this difficult process. Mr. Christensen, of the Christensen Law Firm, is an experienced dog bite and Utah accident lawyer. To schedule a FREE no obligation consultation with him to discuss your dog bite accident, you may contact us at 801.506.0800.

Salt Lake City dog bite attorney Kenneth Christensen specializes in Utah Dog Bite cases and is the author of the "Utah Dog Bite and Attack Handbook." This valuable book is written to help educate Utah residents about their legal rights after a dog bite incident. It helps answer common questions concerning dog bite cases and provides detailed guidelines that can help you navigate Utah State law.

This is the book that insurance companies DO NOT want you to know about! Get your free book today by calling (801) 506-0800 or visiting our Free Utah Accident Books Web Site.

Date: October 27, 2009
Location: Provo, UT
Type: Utah dog bite

An 11-year-old boy is recovering from injuries he received in a dog attack that occurred in Provo on Tuesday. According to the Daily Herald, Miles Graham was on his way to Provost Elementary School that morning when he passed a home around 1100 E. and 800 S. A dog jumped over the home’s privacy fence and attacked him. Miles punched and kicked the dog, but it continued to attack and bite him. Fortunately, the young boy was assisted by a Good Samaritan. Juan Riboldi was driving past in his car and saw the dog attacking Miles. He rushed out of his vehicle and chased the dog away. He helped Miles into the car and drove him home. Both Miles and his family are extremely grateful to Riboldi for his kindness and willingness to help.

Miles jeans were torn from the attack, and he suffered significant bit wounds to both of his calves. He had to receive several stitches in the emergency room. He said he tried to prevent the dog from biting his face, and Mr. Riboldi’s rescue likely spared him from more serious injuries. We wish Miles a quick recovery from his injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. 800,000 of these victims suffer injuries serious enough to receive medical attention. Young children face even greater risk of serious injuries, as dogs can more easily reach a child’s neck and face. A dog bite to the face can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, leaving the child with difficult physical and emotional obstacles. Many nonprofit organizations tailor to victims of facial scarring, helping them cope with the physical pain, as well as providing support and guidance for self-esteem and social issues. Angel Faces and About Face are two very helpful resources.

Attorney Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, has authored “The Utah Dog Bite and Attack Handbook.” In this book, Mr. Christensen offers dog bite victims important information on how to best pursue their injury case. He also discusses the effects of dog attacks on children, and provides helpful resources for victims and their families. As a public service, this book is FREE to all Utah residents. To request your free copy, call us at 801.506.0800 or request a copy online.

Date: September 23, 2009
Location: Cottonwood Heights, UT
Type: Utah dog bite, Dog bite lawyer Salt Lake City, Utah

A mail carrier was viciously attacked by a pit bull this past week in a Utah dog bite case. According to ABC 4 News, Norm Frye was on his daily mail route on Wednesday when a pit bull suddenly sprang on him. The dog went for his leg, biting into his thigh and shin. The force of the attack knocked Frye to the ground, causing him to drop his pepper spray. Fortunately, Frye’s supervisor was accompanying him on his route. He picked up the bottle and sprayed it at the dog, causing the animal to retreat. This was the second time the pit bull had attacked someone, and animal services put it to sleep. Frye expressed his gratitude for his supervisor’s quick thinking, noting that he potentially saved his life.

Did you know that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800,000 of these attacks necessitate medical treatment. Furthermore, children are victims in nearly half of all dog bites and attacks. Because of their short stature, children’s faces and necks are within easy biting range, resulting in a high rate of facial disfigurement and severe injuries among dog bite accidents involving children. For more information on dog bite statistics, victim resources, and tips on how to avoid bites, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online dog bite accidents library.

Dog bites and attacks can leave the victim in serious pain and with highly debilitating injuries. Working with the insurance company to recover damages is a difficult process, and can add stress to an already burdensome recovery. This is why Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, wrote “The Utah Dog Bite and Attack Handbook.” This book breaks down complicated legal and insurance jargon into plain English, providing readers with important information that will help them through their Utah dog bite case. In the book, Mr. Christensen discusses common mistakes dog bite victims make that can hurt their claims, analyzes Utah dog bite laws, and provides helpful resources for parents whose children have been attacked. As a public service, Mr. Christensen is offering this book to Utah residents free of charge. To request your free copy, call us at 801.506.0800 or visit the Christensen Law Firm’s website.

KSL News has reported a second pit bull attack in the past two days. According to police, two unleashed pit bulls came near a man near a gas station at 3900 South and Main Street. As they continued to approach, the man got scared and began kicking at one of the dogs. The dog attacked the man, biting him on the face and arm. This is the fourth pit bull attack this summer. Many Utah cities are looking to regulate the pit bull breed, citing their predisposition to violence and aggression. Ogden has recently proposed such a regulation, and Orem is also contemplating action against the breed. South Jordan has completely banned the breed. The director of the Humane Society of Utah considers these regulations “breedism,” equivalent to racism. Those in favor of the regulations say that pit bulls empirically attack and bite far too much for the small size of the breed.

Did you know that 4.7 million dog bites occur across the nation each year? Roughly 800,000 of these victims suffer injuries that require medical attention. Children are often the victims of dog bites, accounting for 60% of all dog bite accidents. Young children under the age of four are especially susceptible to serious injuries to the head and/or neck. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah dog bite, call the best Utah dog bite lawyer, Kenneth Christensen, for a free consultation of your legal rights.

Mr. Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, has recently written a book entitled “The Utah Dog Bite and Attack Handbook.” In this book, Mr. Christensen analyzes research about violent dog breeds; defines the legal and settlement process of dog bite claims; discusses the legal intricacies of medical bills and economic damages; and describes the eight most common mistakes dog bite victims make that can hurt their case. Mr. Christensen also helps his readers understand the pros and cons of hiring an attorney for legal representation. The Utah Dog Bite Book is being offered for free to consumers in Utah as a public service. To request your free copy, call the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800.

Download file

KSL News reports that the Humane Society is proposing a new leash regulation for dog owners in Salt Lake County. The new law would mandate the length of time a dog could be chained up outside. Utah currently has no law against tethering pet dogs, and the Humane Society hopes to change that. The ordinance would make it illegal for owners to tie up their dogs during harsh weather conditions and for more than eight hours per day. Exceptions would be made if the dog is attached to a running line or is being used in a farming operation. The director of the Humane Society of Utah says that dogs living in isolation from being chained for extended periods of time or more prone to violent behavior. Councilman Randy Horiuchi and Council Chairman Joe Hatch have backed the proposed ordinance in a press conference, saying that tethering dogs for long periods is inhumane. If passed, the ordinance would affect unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County, and would impose a fine of up to $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Pent-up dogs can easily become antisocial and aggressive, lashing out by attacking and biting humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States – that is about 2% of the entire population. Every day 1,000 people nationwide are treated in the emergency room from injuries resulting from a dog bite. Ordinances like this one would help keep dogs from exerting violent behavior. Yet even the most well behaved dog can act out aggressively, biting and injuring a human victim. These injuries can be extremely debilitating, especially when inflicted on a child. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries resulting from a dog bite, consider contacting the Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm. We are experts in Utah dog bite laws, and will diligently work to ensure you receive a proper settlement to pay for your medical expenses and other damages you received in your accident. For a free consultation, call us at 801.506.0800.

Date: June 5, 2009
Location: Cottonwood Heights, Utah near 8000 South and 3400 East
Type: Utah dog bite, Children and Utah dog attacks

A violent Utah dog attack took place last Thursday that left a 4-year-old girl a mother injured. According to the Deseret News, a 90-pound pit bull tore through a wood and chain link fence, leaping into the neighbor’s yard where three young children were playing. The dog attacked the young girl, knocking her down and biting her back near her neck. Tanya Schroeder, the mother of two of the children, heard their screams and rushed to the yard to fight off the dog. The 4-year-old victim ran into the house with the other children. Schroeder, however, was attacked by the dog, which ferouciously bit off part of her ear. The pit bull also bit her in several other places. The dog was put to sleep and its owner was cited with four violations.

Did you know dog bites are a common occurrence across the country? Every year, dogs bite roughly 4.7 million people nationwide. 1 out of 6 of these attacks result in injuries that are serious enough to require medical attention. Statistics also show that dog bites are the second-leading cause of childhood injury. For more information on dog bite statistics and helpful tips on how to avoid dog attacks, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you have suffered injuries resulting from a dog bite, you are entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Dog owners are stricly liable for their dogs actions. The expert Utah dog bite attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer superlative representation to dog bite victims, bringing their unmatched knowledge of Utah dog bite laws to every case. For a free, no-obligation consultation on your legal rights, call 801.506.0800.

KSL News has reported an interesting story pertaining to Utah dog owners. The Ogden city council had been entertaining the possibility of imposing stricter laws for pit bull owners in the city. The council planned to work out details for the proposed amendments on April 21. However, council members say they have received over 20 emails from around the country asking them to refrain from enacting stricter requirements. Due to the recent feedback from dog lovers and animal advocates, the council has decided to postpone the discussion of the amendments until a later date as they consider and weigh these opinions. The issue is a bit contentious, as one councilman worries that these proposals would single out a particular breed of dog. However, others say the amendment would target irresponsible owners and not pit bulls. According to the director of the Carol Conroy Browning Ogden Animal Shelter, pit bulls and pit bull mixes are responsible for 40% of all Utah dog bites reported in Ogden City.

There are 4.7 million people bitten by dogs each year in the United States and although it would be helpful to limit the public's interaction with vicious dogs, it would be better for everyone, if state and local government focused on ensuring every dog owner carries liability insurance. Unfortunately, we are often contacted by dog bite victims who have no way to recover for medical bills and permanent scarring because the dog owner did not have renters or homeowners insurance.

Every year, 800,000 people across the United States, half of them being children, seek medical attention for dog bites. Children are commonly dog bite victims and approximately two thirds of these injuries involve the head or neck area. If you have been injured by a dog bite, please call the Christensen Law Firm’s experienced dog bite attorneys at 801.506.0800.

A woman from Kearns is recovering from a Utah dog bite attack after her next-door-neighbor’s dog bit off the tip of her finger. KSL News reports that two Bull Mastiff dogs broke through a wood fence separating their owner’s yard from that of the victims at 6085 South and 5185 West. The victim attempted to put the dogs back when one of them jumped up and bit her. The victim’s grandson told reporters that his grandmother had been having difficulty with the dogs for about two years. The woman was taken to the hospital. Her finger was severed at the last knuckle. Fortunately, Animal Control officers found her finger-tip and sent it to the hospital in hopes doctors would reattach it. The two dogs are in a rabies quarantine as authorities determine if they are still a threat. Authorities should also consider filing criminal charges against the dog owner for wrecklessly endangering the public.

Dog bite attacks are quite frequent in the United States. Dog bite statistics show that dogs bite roughly 4.7 million people each year. 1 out of 6 of these bites is serious enough to warrant hospitalization. Every day, 1,000 Americans are taken to the emergency room on account of dog attacks. For more information on dog bite statistics and how to handle dog bite legal claims, by visiting the library section of our law firm’s website.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal a two year old boy in Las Vegas was at his grandmother's house when her mixed breed dog attacked and killed the two year old baby.

This tragic accident comes just two months after a 4 month old North Las Vegas baby girl was mauled and killed by their family's pit-bull.

A Salt Lake City man was attacked by two Pit Bulls today while walking his dog in his neighborhood. According to KUTV news report,Pit Bulls Attack Man While Walking His Dogs, the man was walking his dogs near 10 North and 1300 West when two pit bulls got loose from their yard and attacked him. The victim received serious flesh wounds and was transported by ambulance to the hospital.

The dog owner, Roland Lee, said that his dogs have never been aggressive and had never attacked anyone before, but under Utah law Lee is responsible for the actions of his dogs, even if it is the first time this has happened.

According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers accounted for more than half the fatal dog attacks between 1977 and 1998. Over two thirds of the people I have represented in dog attack cases were bitten by either Pit Bulls or Rottweilers.

That said, all dog owners are responsible for their pets. They should make every attempt to keep the dog restrained in their home. The fact that these two pit-bulls were out of their neighborhood roaming the streets is a matter of grave concern.

This Salt Lake City dog bite victim will be well-advised to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who has a track record of successfully handling dog bite cases and of counseling dog attack victims. He is entitled to significant compensation. A skilled attorney will look into how and where the victim can seek compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering and future scar revision caused by these traumatic attacks. The dogs’ owner has almost no defense to a liability claim.

According to an ABC 4 News article, “Dogs attack Utah County men,” two Orem men were injured in a pit bull attack. Anthony Denovellis was walking near 600 East and 1500 South in Orem when three dogs, including a pit bull, began circling him. The dogs then left but returned minutes later and began circling him again. The pit bull then attacked Denovellis, leaving a puncture would to his leg. Jim McFarland, who was at his nearby auto body shop, saw what was happening and started to yell at the dogs. The dogs then ran towards him and McFarland was bit by the pit bull as well. McFarland was finally able to lure the dogs into a gated area of his property where the dogs were kept until authorities arrived to take them away.

There seems to be an increase in dog bites and animal attacks in Utah the last few months. This may be why several Utah cities, including Provo and Sandy are considering laws to register vicious dog breeds and limit their interaction with the public. These laws are a good step forward in protecting others (especially children) from vicious dogs, but since no one knows when a dog will attack, even if the dog hasn't bitten in the past, a more important law would be to ensure all dog owners carry homeowners or renters insurance to cover the medical bills and other expenses associated with these attacks.

Under Utah law a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries inflicted by his dog upon a person, even if the owner was not negligent and the dog had never bitten anyone before, as long as the person who was bitten had the legal right to be where he was attacked. If the victims of these attacks are left with injuries and medical bills they would be best served consulting with an experienced Utah dog bite lawyer to ensure their expenses are covered and that these vicious dogs do not attack again.

A recent article in The Daily Herald reported that Provo City may implement new laws effecting dog owners. Instead of banning specific breeds, the proposed ordinance would regulate all breeds of dogs and their owners by setting forth measures against dogs that exhibit at risk and dangerous behavior. Provo City Councilwoman Midge Johnson said that they did not want to name breeds in the ordinance because that would “lump in the good with the bad.”

According to Utah's ABC 4 News, the ordinance would take a two tier approach by categorizing dogs as “at risk” and “dangerous.” At risk dogs would have to be fenced in or leashed at all times, have a microchip implanted and have its photo on file with the city. If an at-risk dog continued to cause problems it would then be placed on the dangerous list, which would mean that in addition to everything else the owner would have to carry liability insurance of at least $100,000.

Homeowner's insurance for the dog owner will typically cover any injuries and damages their dog may cause. But, many renters own dogs and are not required to carry insurance. This means, that if their dog attacks and injures someone, they will be personally responsible and will have to pay out of pocket for the damages caused by their dog. Even if this law is not enacted, we strongly encourage all dog owners to carry some form of insurance, wether it be home owners or renters.