Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By Thomas J. Duff, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In North Liberty, Iowa, a day care center recently closed its doors. KCRG TV 9 ABC News reported the story. The center had 95 children enrolled in the day care program. Now the families of these children will need to find another Iowa day care center for child care. The State of Iowa - Department of Human Services did not force the closing of the center; however, a recent inspection of the facility did reveal a number of violations of day care / child care regulations including vans in disrepair repair, safety issues in the playground, and dirty carpet. Parents were reportedly happy with the staff and kept the children in this facility despite these and potentially other problems.

Day care centers in Iowa should employ caring staff members and also maintain the facility in a safe and clean manner. Parental loyalty to a facility and the willingness to overlook violations of day care regulations does not mean that a child is enrolled in a safe facility. You can read more about this story at North Liberty Iowa Abruptly Closes Its Doors.

Day care facilities that are in disrepair often times are the sites of serious personal injuries to children enrolled in the facility. Safety should be a primary concern for a day care center rather than an after thought.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Johnston, Rhode Island, a mother (Julia Castillo) pulled up to a day care center to pick up her 8 month old child. Something seemed different as she pulled up to My Special Place Early Learning Center. The parking lot was empty. Julia Castillo entered the security code which did not work. She then range the door bell and knocked on the door. There was no response. She then tried to call the day care center on her mobile phone. The calls went unanswered. All through this ordeal - Julia Castillo was thinking about her child who she dropped off earlier that day. Julia Castillo along with her 8 year old daughter (Beverly) then banged on the windows until they heard the cry of her 8 month old son - Christian Martinez - inside the day care center. The police were called and later arrived on the scene. Apparently, the owners, supervisors, and employees of the day care center had all left for the day. All employees failed to realize that Christina Martinez was left behind in a building all alone. While the child was crying, it does not appear that he suffered any serious personal injuries. However, the violations and negligence of the day care center cannot really be defended by the fact that there were no serious physical injuries.

The Rhode Island State Department of Children, Youth and Families put this day care center on probation and are conducting an investigation into potential licensing violations. You can read more about this story at 8 Month Old Left Alone in Rhode Island Day Care Center.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Albany, New York, a bar owner backed a vehicle out of her driveway into a day care center. Marion Albert (age 77) backed out of her drive way, jumped a curb and then crashed into a day care center. A 15 year old girl was injured and suffered a fractured leg. Two other people (a 21 year old in the day care center and a one year old) suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, most of the children enrolled in the day care center were on a field trip at the time of the crash. Ms. Albert was charged with reckless driving, aggravated vehicular assault, felony driving while intoxicated, and endangering the welfare of a child. You can read more about this story at Bar Owner Backs Vehicle into Albany, New York Day Care Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Riverton, Utah, a couple has been charged for child abuse. A story in the Salt Lake City Tribune Newspaper reported that a 12 year old boy with autism and a form of Muscular Dystrophy was the victim of the child abuse. Steven Kimball (age 42) and his wife Holly Kimball (age 34) were charged by authorities with child abuse. It was reported that the mother (Holly Kimball) and her husband (Steven Kimball) were involved with the duct taping of the boy. Apparently, the couple did not like some of things that the boy was saying. The 12 year old boy learns at the level of a 1st grader. Duct taping a boy (who is wheelchair bound and who suffers from Autism and learning disabilities) should be a crime. While Autism and other medical issues do challenge the patience of a parent or caregiver, taking drastic steps like duct taping the child's mouth is a form of abuse. When the tape was removed, the boy suffered superficial injuries to his lip and skin. The boy's biological father observed the injuries when he went to pick up his son. You can read more about this story at Couple Accused of Child Abuse After Duct Taping Child with Autism.

By Sara J. Powell, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network Teens and adults in Arizona and other states ride for hours at a time on ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles). Some teens and adults, after months or years of operating ATVs, believe that they are skilled enough drivers to avoid accidents causing personal injuries or wrongful death. Even the most simple jumps or turns for an experienced driver can turn into an accident causing serious injuries and, yes, sometimes even death. In Arizona, a 13 year old boy (Logan Walters) recently died from injuries related to an ATV accident. Logan suffered these injuries when his ATV flipped over and landed on him. His father stated that Logan made similar jumps with ease in the past. As such, the father was surprised as to how the incident took place seeing that Logan had been driving or riding ATVs since Logan was four years old. It has been a very tough time for the Walters family, school, and community. ATVs are motorized vehicles that, at times, flip and cause serious personal injuries to children and adults alike. The death of a child is a typically unexpected and a very difficult for everyone connected with that child to deal with. Hopefully, the memory and deeds of Logan Walters will inspire others to excel in life and do good for others. You can read more about this story at Teen Dies As a Result of ATV Related Injuries.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Many homeowners pull out the lawnmower on weekend to cut the grass and do yard work. Every year, lawn mowers cause serious personal injuries to homeowners and, in some cases, children. I recently read a helpful article that outlines steps to take to prevent lawn mower related injuries. It was reported that over 110,000 are injured in the United States from lawn mowers. Some injuries involve the loss of fingers and toes while others involve fractures, burn related injuries, and eye injuries. Many injuries result from having bodily contact with the blades of the lawn mover. Others involve propelled objects from the lawn mover like rocks and glass. For any one using a lawn mower or comes near a lawn mower, I recommend that you read the article - Lawnmower Safety - How to Avoid Injury.

By Anthony Ferguson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Lewiston (Maine) Sun Journal reports that an early morning fire claimed the life of 9-year old Taylor McQueeney. A candle used as a light source, after the Central Maine Power Company shut off the electricity to the apartment for non-payment, ignited a bed. The fire spread quickly. Taylor McQueeney had spent the night with her cousins, 18-year old Nathan Cote and 25-year old Justin Cote. Craig Austin, age 39, rented the apartment. According to police, the men ran an extension cord from a second floor apartment up to their third floor apartment to power a television and video games, but used candles for light.

The Lewiston Fire Department received at 3:30 a.m. a report of the blaze at 52 River Street. The building is located in the “Little Canada” section of Lewiston – a densely populated area with 4 story apartment buildings. The fire spread to neighboring 48 River Street. Firefighters evacuated as many as 50 people from five apartment buildings.

Craig Austin, who was sleeping in the bed that caught fire, sustained minor burns to his feet. You may read more about the story at Fire Claims Life of 9 Year Old.

Maine law requires smoke detectors in apartments. It is unknown whether smoke detectors were installed and operating properly.

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.

This was a tragic loss for the Martin family and the community. This story shows that animals are unpredictable and can be dangerous. You can read about this story at Alaskan Boy Dragged by Cow at Fair Dies of Head Injuries

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In New York and other states, parents have both a legal and moral duty to properly supervise and protect their children. Small children should not be left alone at home because circumstances can arise that require parental supervision and intervention. One such circumstance is a fire. When a fire happens, small children often times do not know what to do or where to go. In many instances, children left alone when a a fire strikes and then engulfs a house suffer serious personal injuries and some even die. In Rochester, New York, Nicole Allen left three of her children home alone at midnight to go get beer. Yes, this mother left in the middle of the night on a beer run. A three year old died in the blaze. Two other children (a toddler and a newborn) suffered serious burn injuries. The fire took place in 2008.

To leave three small children home alone is really negligent and selfish. Ms. Allen's defense attorney may argue that she had no intent to harm her children. However, Ms. Allen can still be prosecuted if her conduct amounted to a reckless indifference to the health, safety and welfare of her children. You can read more about this story at New York Mother Arrested for Leaving Children Alone at Home - One Child Dies.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Parents use the internet to research the price of toys and their availability. Parents as well as teachers and day care providers should also use the internet to search for toys with safety issues that have been recalled. Toys "R" Us, a major toy retailer, has toy recalls posted on its website. I recommend that parents, day care providers, and any other responsible for the supervision of children periodically review this site and others to see what toys have been recalled. If you have such a toy or know of someone or some place with such a toy, take action to protect a child and get the toy removed or repaired. Go to Toys "R" Us Recalls for more information. Have fun and be safe.

By Sara J. Powell, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Arizona and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of drownings. Some die from the drownings. Many others suffer brain damage and other injuries that can last a life time. Many people are mistaken to believe that the survival from a drowning means that there are no future problems. For parents like Angie Thomas, it is quite a different story. Her son, Ryan Thomas, was a normal 2 year old boy who loved to play. One day, Ryan got over a wall and into a neighbor's pool. Ryan suffered a near drowning incident that left him with medical problems and complications that are still being treated to this day. Ryan, who is now 5 years old, is enrolled in special education kindergarten class and receives therapy for the injuries related to the near drowning incident.

While near drowning and drowning accidents / incidents can happen, it is important for parents and those responsible for the supervision of children to put safety measures in place to prevent these incidents from taking place. If a child is near to any body of water, supervision is key because, in some cases, the curious child can get over or around a barrier and into the water.

You can read more about the challenges of injuries caused by near drowning incidents at Dealing with Injuries from Near Drowning Incidents.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Pennsylvania and other states, teens and others have an affinity for their i Pods, i Phones, and other devices. While these devices are fun and can be great toys and tools, they are also dangerous devices in the hands of a driver. In Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, a 20 year old driver (Rachel Jankins) was driving a car and took her eyes off the road in search of an i Pod. As a result of this distraction and inattention, she ran over two friends who were leaving the Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DELCO Hospital). One friend (Nicole Gallo) died at the scene of the crash. The other (Christine Bochanski) was later treated at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

This tragedy shows the dangers of i Pods, other MP 3 players, and mobile phones while driving. You can read more about this story at Distracted Driver in PA Plows into Two Friends Leaving Hospital.

By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Virginia and other states, teens and children are abducted and then abused, neglected, and, in some cases, murdered by criminals. Some abducted teens and children are never found ever again by concerned family members. In Portsmouth, Virginia, a brave and quick thinking teen escaped her captor and ran to police for help. WAVY-TV 10 reported that the 15 year old was abducted and then driven into Portsmouth, Virginia. When the vehicle was stopped, the girl ran out of the white pick up truck. Her abductor, Christopher Scott Little, tried to grab her and get her back in the truck but she was able to get away and to a Portsmouth Deputy Sheriff for help. The teen was able to give a description of the vehicle and the license plate number. This was key to the police tracking down Little to arrest him and charge him with abduction.

This story shows that abductions can take place on any given street at any given time. This brave teen was able to get away. It is uncertain what perils she would have faced if she had remained with her abductor. You can view a video of this story at the WAVY-TV 10 Website.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Nashville, Tennessee, a 17 year old girl could be tried as an adult for burning a 1 year old and a 3 year old with a hot curtain rod. While babysitting these children, the teen burned the children because they were crying. Crystal Neal and Henry House, Sr., the children's parents, left their children (Anthony and Henry House) at home with a babysitter and a friend. Apparently, there were no prior problems with the babysitter.

It is really mind boggling that a teen or any person for that matter would think that burning a child with a hot curtain iron was a good way to discipline or supervise small children. Maybe the babysitter was abused. Maybe she learned this tactic from someone else. Regardless, child should not be disciplined in this manner. This should never happen and the babysitter should be prosecuted for this crime. Yes, it is a crime even though the injuries have faded.

Parents should not have to tell babysitters, "Listen, while I am gone, do not burn or hit my child." This is just common sense; however, it appears that some babysitters do not get it and need basic instruction like, "if there are any problems call me, we do not hit or punish our children and you certainly should not while we are out."

It is a shame that small children are victimized by ignorant, immature, and untrained babysitters as well as day care workers, child care workers, and others. You can read more about this article at Nashville, Tennessee Babysitter Who Burned Children Could Be Tried as an Adult.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In schools throughout the nation, children participate in physical education activities. Although budget cuts have reduced or eliminated many physical education programs, there are still millions of children engaged in school supervised physical education programs and activities every day. A recently released study has found that the numbers / incidents of injuries related to physical education programs at high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools are increased between the time period of 1997 and 2007. Common reported injuries were sprains, strains, and fractures. The sports accounting for most of the reported injuries were running, football, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, and soccer.

It is important for physical education teachers and coaches to recognize the risk of injuries and take measures to help prevent and / or reduce the incidents of injury. Supervision is key to prevent many personal injuries. Stretching and warm up periods would also help with the mission of preventing injuries. You can read more about this study at Physical Education Related Personal Injuries in Schools Increased According to Study.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Lindenhurst, New York family is mourning the drowning death at a Catskills campground of their oldest son, Ryan Barrett, a teenager with autism and a history with seizures.

Ryan, 14, his brother, Kevin, 6, and their father, David Barrett, 43, had gone to the North South Lake Campground in Haines Falls on Thursday afternoon on their annual father-son camping trip. Some eight families make the trip, and Ryan eagerly looked forward to it every year, said his mother, Mary Ellen Barrett.

"He loved this trip," she said Saturday. "It was what he talked about all year."

The group was setting up tents when Ryan went to play at a shallow creek about 20 yards from the campground.

"He was there one minute and gone the next," David Barrett said.

When the father and others realized Ryan was missing, they immediately began searching for him but couldn't find him. They called state police, who searched for him overnight.

At 10 a.m. Friday, police found the teenager's body, face-down under a culvert leading from the creek into North Lake, a 70-acre lake that is one of two lakes at the campground, according to New York State Police Investigator William Fitzmaurice.

David Barrett said his son had not wandered off, but had suffered a seizure.

"Everybody knew where he was. He fell in an odd place and disappeared from view," he said.

Ryan's death is the second such in the area in the past month, Fitzmaurice said.

Mary Ellen Barrett writes a blog about her experiences as home-educating mother of eight. In April, she wrote a poem about Ryan during Autistic Awareness Month. Read it here.

You can read more about this story at the New York Daily web site a Family Mourns Death of Autistic Son.

By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The New Hampshire Union Leader website has reported that an eleven year old dirt biker died recently in a crash with a gate on a rail trail. Very few details or facts have been reported regarding this tragedy. It would be important to review the following as part of the investigation:

*What kind of dirt bike was the child riding?
*What was the child's experience with the dirt bike?
*Were there any witnesses to the crash?
*What were the lighting conditions? Weather conditions? Trail conditions?
*What kind of gate was involved? What position was the gate in?
*What was the condition and purpose of the gate?
*Who was responsible for maintaining the gate and the trail?
*Was the child wearing a helmet?

It was reported that a local New Hampshire police department and the State of New Hampshire Fish and Game department are investigating the crash.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Be Good to People is a company and concept created by Kris Wittenberg who lives in Eagle, Colorado. What in the world is " Be Good to People"? It is a simple but clever reminder for people to do good things for others. As I understand it, it is kind of like the concept of Pay It Forward. Do good things just for the sake of doing good things. In our busy world around us, some times we forget about others and how important it is to do good for our friends, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, acquaintances, and, yes, strangers. As noted on the Be Good to People website, "it's performing simple acts of kindness and recognizing others for their 'Good'." A portion of the profits from this company will be used to recognize others who are doing good. I recommend that you visit the Be Good to People website, Facebook, and Twitter to find out more about the message of this company. Go ahead and buy a T-Shirt or Mug and help spread the message. I am not a paid spokesman and do not stand to benefit by any sales to this company in any way. I just liked the message and wanted to help Be Good to People get the word out.

By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Richmond, Virginia, state officials with the Department of Social Services have recommended that the day care license for Yellow Brick Road Day Care be revoked. Lynne Williams, the Director of the Virginia Department of Social Services, issued this ruling or determination in response to the tragic death of Andrew Joseph Johnson who died in July 2009. The day care center left Andrew in a vehicle for 7 hours. The owner previously stated that she plans on fighting any decision by state officials to close down her day care center. Criminal charges have been filed and are being pursued against the owner and driver from the day care center.

What happens when a day care center leaves a child in a vehicle and the child dies? The answer is simple. The day care center gets shut down and the responsible employees and owner get arrested.

All day care centers / child care centers in Virginia and other States should take note of this case. It is a tragedy that could have easily been prevented with better procedures and due diligence on the part of the day care center. Many child injuries and deaths resulting from negligence in day care centers can be avoided with better training, a policy and procedure manual that is clear and followed, and with dedicated staff members who care about the health and safety of the children. You can read more about this story at Virginia Department of Social Services Recommends Revocation of Day Care License Following Death of Child.

The attorneys in the Child Injury Lawyer Network are dedicated to child safety issues. Hopefully, day care centers throughout the nation will institute necessary procedures to make sure that no child is ever left unattended in a vehicle for any reason.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Monterey, California, William Aguirre-Fajardo, age 24, has been arrested on charges of child abuse and other criminal charges involving the death of a 8 month old boy. Aguierre-Fajardo was arrested following a report from the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, California to Monterey, California police investigators. Mr. Aquierre-Fajardo claims that the child fell. Investigators and medical providers believe that the child actually died from Shaken Baby Syndrome. The injuries according to preliminary investigation were inconsistent with Mr. Aguierre-Fajardo version of the incident leading to injuries to the child. Medical providers including emergency room nurses and doctors have a duty to report any child who is the suspected victim of child abuse and neglect. Medical providers do not need to be absolutely certain that there is abuse or neglect. You can read more about this story at California Toddler Dies as a Result of Suspected Child Abuse - Shaken Baby Syndrome.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In New York and other states, day care operators, owners, and employees have a duty to report suspected abuse and neglect of children attending the day care program. Most states have statutes in place that require day care operators, teachers, counselors, doctors, and others to promptly report abuse and neglect. Why are such laws in place? It is simple - the laws are in place for the protection of children. A person like a day care operator does not have to witness the actual abuse or even be certain of the abuse. Most states require that the person reporting the abuse have a good faith belief or suspicion of abuse.

In Syracuse, New York, a day care provider is accused of failing to report signs of abuse to authorities. Diane Shakir, age 48, has been charged with the crime of failing to report suspected child abuse involving a child by the name of Imani Jennings. Just a few weeks before Imani was beaten to death by her mother's boyfriend, Imani was at the day care center with visible injuries. Imani's mother was criminally negligent homicide for failing to protect her child from the boyfriend's beatings. Of course, the boyfriend has been charged with murder and that case will be tried in the future.

Ms. Shakir, who ran a day care center out of her home, should have reported the abuse and neglect. If the abuse and neglect was reported in a timely fashion, it is possible that a life could have been saved. Certainly Ms. Shakir's responsibility for the death of this child does not even approach that of the mother and boyfriend; nevertheless, the safety and protection of the child should have been given more attention by this day care provider.

You can read more about this story at New York Day Care Operator to Stand Trial for Failing to Report Child Abuse.

By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Maryland and other States, parents often question when a child should be allowed to be placed in a the front seat of a vehicle. In answering this question, parents should look at the State law and also look at what safety experts recommend. Just because a particular action does not violate State law does not necessarily mean that it is safe for children. For instance, the Maryland Child Passenger Safety Law does not prohibit the placement of children in the front seat of a passenger vehicle except for infants or toddlers in seats that are rear facing. Regardless of the law in Maryland and other States, some safety experts recommend that parents hold off on placing children in the front seat until they are 13 or older. The timing or age to put a child in the front seat can also depend on the size of the child as well. Some 12 year old children are undersized and should be kept in the back seat for their safety. You can read more about Maryland's law and comments of safety experts at Putting a Child in the Front Seat - Maryland Law and Advice from a Safety Expert.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Minnesota and other States, tragedy is also the precursor to the passing of new laws for the protection of children. Laela's Law as passed in 2007 and took effect in 2009. This law was named after a Minneapolis girl who suffered injures in a fall from a building. The purpose of Laela's law is to safeguard windows in apartment, The law requires the attachment of safety screens, guards, or fall prevention devices in new or replacement windows above the 1st story in most apartment and multi dwelling unit buildings in Minnesota. Some child safety advocates question the provision of the bill that exempts window sills that are more than 24 inches from the floor. Even though the windows are 2 feet from the floor, a small child can still fall out of a window from a bed or other furniture. Apparently, the bill was passed with child safety advocates on one side and the building and window industry on the other. These safety regulations will cost money but hopefully will save lives. I expect there to be debates and changes to this law in the future. You can read more about Laela's Law and the problems and dangers of children falling out of windows at New Minnesota Child Safety Law Gets Mixed Reviews and Comments.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Tennessee and other Southern states, many parents and school districts continue to use corporal punishment (as well as the threat of corporal punishment) as a means of disciplining children and students. The Tennesean Newspaper / Website had a very interesting article on the spanking / paddling / corporal punishment debate. As noted in this article, each school district in Tennessee can make the decision on whether to use corporal punishment. Some Tennessee school districts allow corporal punishment while other school districts prohibit it. Whether corporal punishment is permitted or not, school districts and parents for that matter have a duty to refrain from abusing a child. Serious personal injuries should never result from using corporal punishment, paddling, or spanking as a means of punishment or discipline. Personally, I am against the use of corporal punishment. I believe that it is an archaic, ineffective and cruel means of punishment.

By Joshua Shulman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Oregon, the Department of Human Services receives and investigates incidents of child abuse and neglect. Like many other states, Oregon has laws in place that define abuse. Abuse is defined by Oregon law by the effect on the child rather than the parent's motivation.

Physical abuse includes the following personal injuries / medical conditions:
bruises & cuts, head injuries, poisoning incidents, fractures, sprains, injuries due to burning or scolding incidents, electrical shock, and / or death.

You can read more about child abuse and neglect at the Oregon Department of Human Resources

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Parents, caregivers, counselors, school employees, teachers, medical providers, and others should take steps to make sure that children are safely transported on roads and highways. Seat belts should be used. Child seats and booster seats should be utilized depending on the age and weight of the child. In some instances, special safety measures need to be used since the child has special health or medical needs. The National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs has information and resources on its web site. Parents and those driver and caregivers responsible for transporting children with special health care needs should review this web site and implement the recommended measures. By having the right safety equipment in place along with the correct use and application of this equipment - many serious personal injuries and deaths can be avoided.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A South Carolina girl suffered severe head injuries following a bicycle accident. Unfortunately, she was not wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the injury. Skyy Nesbitt of Wellford, South Carolina fell off her bicycle and was then taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital Skyy is in a coma from these injuries

Skyy's parents and child safety experts are urging other parents and caregivers to make sure that children under their care wear helmets while riding a bicycle, skateboard, or other similar activities. The National Safe Kids Campaign estimates that head injuries can be reduced by over 80 % with proper use of helmets. According to studies. only 41 percent of children were observed wearing helmets in wheeled sports like biking.

Parents should require their children to wear helmets. Hopefully, children will learn that a helmet must be worn at all times and put on a helmet without even questioning the parent on the matter. Children can develop good habits or bad habits. It is the responsibility of parents to make sure that there children consistently follow the rule - "At all times, I must wear a helmet when biking or participating in other wheeled sports."

I commend Skyy's parents for stepping forward to urge others to use helmets. You can read more about Skyy and the importance of wearing a helmet at South Carolina Parents Push for Bicycle Safety After Accident Causing Head Injuries to Daughter.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Virginia and other states, day care workers, child care workers, bus driver, and school employees have failed to follow proper and appropriate safety precautions in removing children from vehicles during times of extreme heat or extreme cold. A small children should never be left unattended in a vehicle no mattewr the temperature outside. It is the extreme temperatures among other causes that can lead to serious personal injuries or death for a child left unattended in a vehicle. A recent article - Day Care Vehicle Incidents Are Not Uncommon - published in the Richmond Times Dispatch Newspaper reported on incidents in which a child was left unattended in a day care vehicle. Working parents in Virginia rely on day care centers to provide for the health, safety and well being of their children. Children should be properly supervised at all time.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Indiana and other States, parents, caregivers, teachers, bus drivers, and others are placing children in car seats that are improperly installed and / or used. Some experts estimate that nearly 90 % of car safety seats are misused in some manner. I recently read a good article about the use of car safety seats for children. Anyone transporting a small child should read this article - Car Seats Are Misued. and take safety measures to make sure that car seats are properly installed and used for children. Inspection following injuries in an automobile accident is sometimes too late for some children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Child suffer physical pain and suffering when injured in an automobile accident, slip and fall, playground accident, bicycle accident, and by other causes. Medical professional identify the physical injuries and provide medical treatment for the same. A child also can suffer severe emotional injuries when suffering from a serious personal injury. Experts state that parents and medical providers should also identify and help the child deal with the emotional parts of the injury. A good article was recently posted at USA Today - Your Health - Helping Severely Injured Children Recover Emotionally from Personal Injuries.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Thousands of children suffered injuries every year as a result of slip and fall incidents in or near showers and bathtubs. Children also suffer injuries from scolding or burning type of injuries from hot water; however, there is a far greater number of injuries due to slip and falls according to a nationwide study. Parents and caregivers should take safety precautions in an attempt to prevent or reduce the number of injuries in or near showers and bathtubs. Use mats or slip resistant strips in the shower and bathtub. Install rails when possible. Supervision is also key to the prevention of injuries. Do not leave small children unattended and make sure that the bathroom has dry mats and areas for the children to walk following a bath or shower. It is estimated that 43,000 children suffer bathtub / shower related slip and fall injuries every year. Simple measures should and can be taken to reduce the number and severity of these personal injuries. You can read more about this story at Bathtub and Shower Injuries to Children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Children are transported every day on roads in New York, Pennsylvania, and other States. Two moms have a mission of getting the word out about C.H.A.D. (Children Have an IDentity) stickers which are "hot pink" stickers that can be placed on a baby seats, toddler seats, and even strollers for proper identification of children in case of an automobile accident or other medical problems by the driver or caregiver of the children in the vehicle. It is vital for children to be able to maintain their identity when transported to a hospital. The stickers also can contain vital information as to the child's health status, medical condition, medications, and allergy information. By providing telephone numbers on the C.H.A.D. sticker, another parent, caregiver, or contact person can be telephoned for more information and to let that person know the status and location of the child. You can read more about the C.H.A.D. stickers at Assisting Kid's Emergency Aid with Stickers.