Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Texas day care center bus crashed into a Ford Excursion on Thursday, September 23. Witnesses at the scene told officers the driver of the bus failed to yield the right of way to the Excursion. The bus was carrying 7 children, a day care teacher and the bus driver. All 7 children and the day care teacher were taken to Metroplex Hospital. Thereafter, one four-year-old female was transferred to Scott & White Memorial Hospital reportedly in serious condition due to a head injury. The bus driver was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. The driver of the Excursion was not transported from the scene. Police are still continuing to investigate the accident. If you would like to read more on this story please see Day care bus accident in Kileen, Texas sends 7 children to the hospital.

Drivers, especially those transporting children, need to pay attention and keep their focus on the road while driving. State roadways can be especially dangerous; cars are traveling at fast speeds and many drivers are engaged in forms of distracted-driving. By keeping your focus on the road, not diverting your attention away from the road and paying attention to the street signals, road signs and other surroundings while driving, you will make state roadways a safer place for all, especially children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Recently, a new interactive Web tool has been designed to aid those families that live on farms in obtaining information on what to consider when designing or constructing a play area for their children on the farm. The guide highlights key elements of injury prevention such as fencing, ground cover, supervision and proper distancing between play structures. If you would like to visit this interactive guide please see Create your own play area that is safe for you children.

Most childhood personal injuries sustained on farms occur when the children are actually with their parents in work area, either helping with chores or playing. If you live on a farm and have children, keep your child out of areas such as agricultural worksites and away from machinery, motor vehicles and open water. Doing so can save your child's life. According to statistics a child dies every 3 1/2 days on U.S. farms and annually more than 3,000 children under the age of 10 are injured. If you would like to read more on this story please see Prevent your child from sustaining personal injuries on farms.

Child personal injuries can be avoided by parents taking extra precautions. One key element to preventing your child from sustaining personal injuries is supervision. Always be aware of where your child is whether it be at the playground, park, beach, or other place.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 19-year-old Milford teenage boy who worked as a day care worker was arrested on September 10 for allegedly downloading child pornography onto his computer. According to a spokesman wit the Department of Justice, Pennsylvania authorities contacted Milford police as well as agents with the Delaware Child Predator Task Force when authorities linked some pornographic images to a Delaware computer. After being notified, local police went to the teenager's home and found numerous files of child sexual exploitation.

The teenager was identified as Sean J. Kennedy. Kennedy is a student at Delaware Technical and Community College as well as a part-time employee at The Breakfast Club, a child-care center in Milford. He has been charged with 29 counts of using a computer to depict a child engaged in an illegal sex act; he was also released on $89,000 unsecured bail. Kennedy will be entitled to an attorney to defend the allegations against him. If you would like to read more on his story please see 19-year-old day care employee arrested and charged with child pornographic charges.

The sexual exploitation of a child is a morally depraved crime. The pornography industry only encourages those who are out to exploit children. Perpetrators need to be placed behind bars. If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse contact local authorities immediately. Contacting your local police will prompt a criminal investigation and stop the abuse as soon as possible.

By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former day care worker in Cincinnati, Ohio has been convicted for drugging toddlers to get them to fall asleep. Donna Scott, 42, was charged with three counts of endangering children. Scott and her boss were arrested in March 2009 for giving at least four children at the day care facility the natural supplement and sleep aid melatonin. According to the charges, Scott laced the children's candy and baby formula with melatonin to get the children to fall asleep faster. These children were given the supplement for over a six-month time frame.

Scott has already been convicted on her three counts of child endangerment but is awaiting sentencing - Scott could receive up to 6 months in jail. Her boss, Pamela Hartley, has already been sentenced to serve 6 months in jail, but is appealing her sentence.

Since this incident, the day care has been closed and all the employees, including Scott and Hartley, have lost their jobs. If you would like to read more on this story see Former day care employee convicted on three counts of child endangerment after drugging children under her care, awaits sentencing.

Ohio Day Care Centers have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for children. When Day Care Center employees take short cuts or put their own interests ahead of the children, it creates dangers and injuries for children.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Jordan Braden Casey, 19, is facing two Texas criminal indictments, each charging him with aggravated sexual assault of a child. The 19-year-old man use to be an employee at Covenant Child Development Center, a child care program for Covenant employees. Covenant says he worked there for 14 weeks, from February 2009 to June 2009. According to police reports, the indictments appear to arise from allegations of sexual assault against two different boys occurring sometime between 2008 and 2010.

Casey is entitled to a criminal defense attorney and a trial. If you would like to read more on this story please see Former day care employee indicted on two separate allegations of sexual assault.

Committing acts of physical or sexual assault against anyone, especially children, is a heinous and immoral crime. Physical or sexual abuse can have lifetime consequences, both emotionally and physically. If you know someone or suspect someone is the victim of sexual abuse please contact local authorities. Doing so will initiate a criminal investigation and place the offender behind bars.

Texas Day Care Centers should be safe havens for children where they are properly supervised and protected from dangers. Unfortunately, Texas Day Care Centers are far too often the site of tragic incidents and injuries for children.

By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

According to local officials Jackie Bennett, a 57-year-old teacher, was suspended with pay after being accused of breaking the arm of a 5-year-old student. According to Bennett, the incident occurred while he was attempting a "therapeutic hold" - a technique used to restrain a student to prevent that student from causing to himself or herself and others. Theresa Perry, a spokeswoman for the Cumberland County, North Carolina school system, stated schoold regulations permit teachers to physically restrain students where safety of the students, school employees or volunteers are in jeopardy.

The child's mother, Tarsha Gunn, said her daughter was in a class for children with behavioral problems at the time the incident occurred. Gunn admitted that she understood what typed of class her child was in and that, in certain situations, restraint is required; however, restraint should never be so intense that inflicts serious personal injuries on to a child. Gunn also said neither angry nor does she hold any grudges against home, but she did say that teachers working with these types of children need an extreme amount of patience.

Bennett has been charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury and child abuse inflicting serious injury. He is suspended with pay. However, the school system's lawyers stated that the maximum amount of time a teacher can be suspended with pay is 90 days. Bennett intends on hiring a private attorney to defend the allegations against him. If you would like to read more on this story please see Teacher charged after breaking 5-year-old student's arm.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

New research, conducted by researchers with the Center for Injury Research and Police at Nationwide's Children Hospital, suggested a dramatic increase in the number of youth athletes in the US who have sustained basketball-related traumatic brain injuries. For example, Nationwide's Children Hospital reported a 70% increase between 1997 and 2007 in children who were treated in the emergency room for brain injuries that occurred while playing basketball.

According to researchers, about 375,350 basketball-related injuries requiring medical attention occur each year. The most common injuries including strains and sprains to the lower parts of the body and broken or dislocated bones in the upper-half of the body. The researchers also suggest that younger children are more susceptible to suffer traumatic brain injury than the older youth athletes. If you would like to read more details on this study please see Basketball-related injuries may cause traumatic brain damage to youth athletes.

Awareness about personal injuries suffered by student athletes while engaged in physical sports is increasing. If you have a child who is involved in any athletic sport it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with that sport and sports-related injuries in general. Children are more susceptible to incurring severe personal injuries and brain trauma because their bodies are not fully developed - this is especially true regarding youth athletes and concussions. Therefore, if your child does incur a sport-related injury it is important not to downplay the injury. Seek out a doctor or someone with medical expertise so you know the full extent of your child's injury. Also, be alert for any symptoms that may indicate your child has suffered a sports-related personal injury: ask how he or she is feeling, whether it is difficult to concentrate, does he or she feel nauseous and/or dizzy, etc. As a parent, becoming aware of the possible dangers associated with youth sports will increase the safety of your child and reduce the risk that he or she suffers severe personal injuries or brain trauma.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Recently, safety advocates have been urging Congress to enact legislation that would require automobile manufacturers to install a warning device that would prevent distracted parents from leaving their children inside a car, and thus, preventing hyperthermia-related deaths (heat stroke).

According to the awareness group Kids and Cars, at least 41 children have died this year as a result of hot cars, August being the deadliest month to date. What most people do not realize is how dramatically the temperature within a car can escalate. According to meteorologist, Jan Null, the temperature inside a closed automobile can increase 19 degrees in just 10 minutes and 43 degrees in an hour.

The device most safety groups are urging is a chime similar to the reminder system in cars for people to buckle their seat belts. The advocate groups' argument is basically if you are going to remind people to buckle up, why not remind people if they have not taken their child our of his or her seat.

While these safety groups are doing what they can to force Congress to enact legislation, parents still need to be aware of the dangers of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. Never leave a child in a car alone - parents must be vigilant. According to Null, from 1998 to 2009, 51% of deaths involved children forgotten in cars - 30% were unsupervised and playing in unattended vehicles and 18% were intentionally left in the vehicle.

Enacting legislation and getting these types of devices will take a while. Therefore, in the mean time, public awareness on the dangers of leaving children unattended in automobiles is key to preventing hyperthermia-related deaths. Other steps that parents can take include but are not limited to locking your car (however, check your car before locking it to ensure a child is not left inside) and keep car keys out of a child's reach. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Safety Groups advocate for a warning device in cars to alert parents a child has been left in the vehicle.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In recent years, the number of school-age athletes sent to the emergency room with concussions has skyrocketed. This fact suggests that the intensity of youth-sports has increased. The study examined national data of concussions in youth sports involving children from ages 8 to 19. The findings of this study were that ER visits for teenagers ages 14 to 19 visit than tripled from 1997 to 2007 and more doubled for children ages 8 to 13.

Although public awareness regarding the dangers of concussions has increased, many parents, coaches, teachers and student athletes still underestimate the serious nature of a concussion. Most of these people seem more concerned with the time the injured youth athlete can return to the sport.

Physicians stress that a concussion is not an injury that can simply be "shaken off." A concussion means the brain has been jostled and sometimes the symptoms are not always obvious. There is usually no loss of consciousness and a concussion will not show up on an imaging scan unless there is bruising or bleeding. The following are symptoms of a concussion: headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble concentrating. These symptoms may go on for about a week. And, in severe cases, it may take months to fully recover from a concussion.

Treatment is mainly rest - both physically and mentally. Specifically, avoid activities that require concentration and focus - this can include reducing school work, staying home, and reduce playing video games, TV, and computer use as these worsen symptoms. Also, some doctors advise against aspirin and other painkillers because these may potentially cause the brain the bleed. If you would like to read more on this story please see ER visits associated with student athlete concussions increase drastically.

Also if you would like to read more in depth articles on the severity of concussions please read Parents Lack Important Knowledge and Experience Regarding Dangers of Concussions to Children and Brain Injuries / Concussions May be Linked to ALS.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Evan Coubal, a 6th-grader of Muskego, Wisconsin tragically died from a head injury he sustained after falling off playground equipment. Evan was an athletic boy and had recently sustained a concussion during a youth football game about a week prior to the playground incident. Although Evan took time off from playing football after sustaining the concussion, he was playing around the school's football sleds during recess. Evan accidentally hit his head on one of the sleds and was immediately rushed to a hospital. He died two days after the accident. If you would like to read more on this story please see 6th grade boy dies from head trauma after injuring himself on playground equipment.

Evan's death is a tragedy for his family and his community. Concussions happen all too often to young athletes. However, parents, coaches and teaches seem to be ill-informed on how dangerous a concussion can be, especially for children. Doctors say that concussions present more dangers and risk to children than adults. Specifically, youths are more likely to sustain concussions, have a longer recovery period and are at a greater risk of suffering brain damage. If you would like to read more information regarding children and concussions please see Parents Lack Important Knowledge and Experience Regarding Dangers of Concussions to Children. This is not to accuse Evan's parents, coaches or teachers of being ill-informed, but to increase awareness that if a child has sustained a concussion he or she needs to be very careful and perhaps avoid engaging in physically-demanding activities until he or she has received clearance from a doctor.

If you would like to read more information on Playground Safety please see Playgrounds Are Great Fun For Children . . . Especially When Playgrounds Are Safe.

By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Columbus, Ohio, a minivan crashed into the front of Kiddy Grove Daycare Center, a West Side daycare facility, while 40 children were napping. Luckily, no one was injured. According to authorities, the female driver of the minivan told officers that one minute she was in the parking lot and the next she was through the front of daycare. After being interviewed by police, the driver was taken to Doctor's West to be treated for her personal injuries.

It is unclear whether any charges will be filed and the crash remains under investigation. If you would like to read more about this story please see Woman driving minivan crashes into the front of and Ohio daycare while 40 children were napping.

It is very fortunate, for all involved, that no one was severely injured. However, this incident stresses the important of driver attentiveness. Today, drivers face a host of distractions including but not limited to cell phones, music, other passengers, other drivers, etc. The dangers of driving of usually underestimated because the activity of driving becomes mundane. It cannot be stressed enough, however, that drivers need to be alert and aware of their surroundings before getting behind the wheel. Doing so will make the roads a safer place, especially for children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In North Mankato, Minnesota, the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services recently fined a day care center for failing to follow procedure in contacting 911 regarding the incident. While the State did not find that the day care center were negligent as to the incident itself, the State of Minnesota did fine the facility as to the timeliness of the reporting of the incident to 911.

This case shows that children are at risk for choking at a day care center. Grapes commonly cause choking problems for young children. This is or should be well known to all child care providers.

Golden Heart Child Care Center is located in North Mankato, Minnesota. The protocols for Golden Heart called for items such as grapes and hot dogs to be cut up for infants and toddlers up to the age of 3 years old. Hannah Kozitza was 4 years old at the time of the incident. While the facility policies and procedures did not require that the grape be cut up, there may be an issue or question as whether it was appropriate to feed a 4 year old a whole grape. The news report also did not mention one way or the other if the parents were made away (prior to the incident) that the child was being fed grapes at the day care center. The news report also did not mention whether the facility provided the child the grapes or if the grapes were sent in by parents.

Whole grapes are a known choking hazard for children. It is in the best interests of children to cut up grapes and hot dogs for children in pre-school or day care for children of all ages. You can read more about this story at Day Care Center Fined - 4 Year Old Choked at North Mankato, Minnesota Day Care Center.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Dallas, Texas, a 2 year old (Sir Anthony Smith) was left unattended in the van of a day care center (H.H. Banks Learning Center)- in the heat of Texas. As a result of being left unattended in the day care vehicle for hours, the child died. An autopsy will be performed due to the age and circumstances of the death. It is suspected that the child died from hyperthermia. Deaths like these can be wholly avoided with some common sense and by following some very basic safety precautions. Namely, using a simple checklist and making sure that the day care vehicle is checked and double checked to make sure that all children were removed from the vehicle. The heat in Texas overwhelmed this young and innocent child and ended his short life.

Day Care Centers in Texas have a legal obligation to provide children with a safe learning environment in the facility and during any transportation activities. Cases like this are not uncommon which is most unfortunate since the deaths are avoidable.

The Texas Administrative Code is quite specific in Title 40, Part 19, Chapter 746, Subchapter X, Rule 746.5605 - What safety precautions must I take when loading and unloading children from the vehicle?

Drivers and child care providers must account for all children exiting the vehicle before leaving the vehicle unattended.

Drivers and child care providers must never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

This incident shows that even when laws are crystal clear - children die. Following the law and exercising good judgment and common sense would have avoided this Texas tragedy from taking place.

You can read more about this story at 2 Year Old Dies in Dallas, Texas After Being Left Unattended in Day Care Vehicle.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Tyler, Texas, there was an accident involving the rear end collision of a school bus. Typically, school buses are quite large and a bright yellow color. Despite the size and color of the typical school bus, there continues to be reported incidents of crashed into school buses. Whether the crash involves excessive speeding, driver inattention, or other unsafe driving, all drivers need to a better job of yielding to school buses and keeping a safe distance away from school buses. Furthermore, obey all school zones and slow down in school bus stop areas. School bus accidents similar to the one in Tyler Texas involved a rear end collision that most likely could have been avoided with better driving and less driver distraction. You can read more about this story at 5 Children - 1 Adult Taken to Hospital Following Rear End Collision into School Bus.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Pennsylvania school district has settled the case of a student for $33,000. The student through an attorney claimed that her rights were violated when the school principal searched through her mobile phone and found nude photos of the student. Thereafter, the principal turned the phone / photos over to prosecutors. While the $33,000 settlement was reached with the student, the school district denied any wrongdoing or fault for the incident. The ACLU was involved with this case.

This case raises an interesting issue of the privacy rights of students against the administrative duties and powers of school administration. While the student did obtain a settlement, it is foolish for the student and other people to take risky and inappropriate photos on a mobile phone or camera. Yes, there are privacy laws and rights but you never know who is going to have access to your phone and, as we all know, phones are lost and stolen all of the time. You can read more about this story at Pennsylvania Sexting Lawsuit Settled for $30,000.

By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Ohio and other States, child are the unfortunate victims of corporal punishment that is both senseless and excessive. In addition, corporal punishment can and does lead to serious personal injuries to children. In Norwood, Ohio, Fox 19 News reported that a man was arrested when he dragged a six year old boy by a football facemask. The incident was actually witnessed by a police officer according to the news story. The adult, Charles Robinson - age 41, now will be facing a criminal charge of endangering children. See Police: Ohio Man Dragged 6 Year Old Child by Football Facemask While Mother Watched.

Mr. Robinson will be entitled to defend himself from these criminal charges through the representation of a private criminal defense attorney or the public defender. If a police officer witnessed the actual incident, it may be a very tough case to defend assuming that the officer had a good view of the incident and makes for a credible witness.

A child should never be pulled by the facemask. Some may have witnessed a child being pulled by a facemask by a coach or zealous parent on the football field. Whether the act is done on the football field, park, or playground, facemask pulling should be avoided because of the risk of personal injury. While it is understand that a child should be disciplined for improper behavior or language; however, excessive corporal punishment can cause physical and / or lasting psychological injury to a child.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Manuel Armendariz, a 2-year-old boy from Socorro, Texas, died after he was locked inside a vehicle for several hours. Socorro Police and rescue units were called to Micacita mobile home park where the boy was located. Investigators arrested the boy's father, Emmanuel Armendariz, and charged him with child injury leading to death, a first-degree felony. Emmanuel Armendariz will be entitled to a criminal defense attorney and the case may go to trial if plea deals or other negotiations prove unsuccessful. If you would like to read more on this story please see 2-year-old Texas boy dies after locked inside a car for several hours.

The death of this young boy is a tragedy for his family and his community. Since the child was locked inside a hot car for several hours the child probably died as a result of hyperthermia, or heat stroke. However, an autopsy will confirm the actual cause of death. Children are more susceptible to hyperthermia-related deaths or personal injuries. A child's body does not adapt to temperature changes as well as an adult's body. Also, there can be a 20-degree difference between the temperature outside and the temperature inside a locked vehicle. Therefore, a child should never be left inside a vehicle, even with the windows down. If you do see a child alone in a vehicle contact authorities immediately. If you would like more information on hyperthermia please read The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Issues Consumer Advisory as to Hyperthermia (Leaving Children in Hot Cars Is Dangerous).

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The packaging, scent, and color of common household cleaners are alluring to children. And, instead of looking like toxic chemicals, these products appear to children as fascinating toys or cool treats and drinks. According to a study in the September issue of Pediatrics, household cleaners such as bleach, drain cleaner and swimming pool chemicals put 267,269 children 5-years-old and younger in U.S. emergency rooms between 1990 to 2006. Most of the child personal injuries noted in the study were a result a swallowing products. Other personal injuries included chemical burns or irritation to the skin and eyes. Bleach was the number one product associated with the child personal injuries and about 40% of the cases were caused by spray bottles because they are easy to trigger, even for young children.

However, these types of personal injuries to children are decreasing. According to Lara McKenzie, a Columbus, Ohio researcher with the Center for Injury Research and Policy, the study revealed a 46% decrease over the 17-year period that was analyzed. If you would like to read more results from the study please see Household cleaners can cause personal injuries to your child and send him/her to the ER.

Although this decrease is good news, child injury researchers still urge parents, guardians, babysitters, day care providers, etc. to do better. First and foremost, lock these hazardous products up in a place where and child cannot get to them. And, after use, immediately return these products to the safe and locked location. Purchase products with safety caps and/or child-resistant packaging. But, perhaps the most important and successful means of preventing chemical-related personal injuries to children is maintain supervision and proper storage.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 13-year-old boy, Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Washington, died after a motorcycle crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Peter was reportedly run over by another motorcycle driver after he fell from his motorbike during a warm-up lap. The driver of the other motorcycle was identified as 12-year-old Xavier Zayat of Flushing, New York and reportedly did not sustain any personal injuries. Peter was immediately placed in a neck brace and onto a stretcher by medical workers who also performed chest compression on him until he arrived at the hospital. Peter was pronounced dead several hours later.

Peter is the youngest driver or rider ever killed at the 101-year-old speedway, which allows teens to drive vehicles that can top speeds of 120 mph. This teenager's tragic fatality will almost certainly spark a debate amongst the public about how young is too young for racers to be competing on nationally known speedways. Racers insist that age is not the issue, but are new rules needed? Those in the racing circle disagree and compare it to other dangerous sports such as football and gymnastics. The U.S. Gran Prix Racers Union stated this was their first fatality in the series in 9 years. Others say a fatality is an ugly, terrible part of the sport but it is still a consequence most are willing accept. If you would like to read more on this story please see Teenage boy dies in motorcycle crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter's death is a tragedy for his family and his community. Condolences are also sent to the family of the driver involved in this terrible accident. Adults and parents need to counsel children on the dangers of motorcycles. These machines are capable of reaching fast speeds and do not provide the same protection like that of an automobile (safety belts, body is not as exposed, etc.). However, if your child chooses to engage in motorcycle racing, parents and adults need to take the proper safety precautions. The child should always wear approved safety gear from head to toe. Also, be aware of weather conditions before driving and teach your children to drive and/or ride responsibly.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Teeny Tiny Tots Day Care of Little Rock, Arkansas is under investigation by the State of Arkansas Department of Human Services due to a police report filed by a mother whose child attends the day care. The mother, Jeanette Mojica filed the police report after she found bite marks all over her 11-month-old daughter, who attended the day care - Mojica is accusing the day care of negligence. After the shocking discovery, Mojica took her toddler to a hospital where doctors counted close to 20 bite marks.

Julie Munsell, of DHS, said the fact the child was bitten is not so shocking because children, at certain ages, tend to resort to biting as a means of expressing themselves; however, the scope is what is troublesome in this incident. Munsell also stated that the day care facility, Teeny Tiny Tot Day Care Center, is currently in compliance with licensing rules. But, that has not always been the case - over the past couple of years the day care center had quite a few violations and citations for various things. If you would like to read more on this story please see Arkansas mother charges day care center with negligence after she found her toddler covered in bite marks.

Hopefully, the toddler is not permanently injured, emotionally or physically (scarred), as a result of this incident and she has a full and quick recovery. Day care centers can never underestimate the amount of supervision that is needed when dealing with children. Also, day care providers and the employees and day care facilities need to appreciate the amount of trust they are given - parents pick these day care centers to adequately watch their children when they, the parents, cannot. Children engage in unpredictable behavior. Therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of day care centers to provide a sufficient amount of supervision to ensure the children in its custody are safe from sustaining personal injuries.

Also, DHS lists all the licensed day care centers in Arkansas with information about complaints and violations. The webpage is open to the public. Click here to do your own search of licensed day cares in the state of Arkansas.

By Andrew Prine, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Recently, in Jackson County, Michigan, a 6-year-old girl, Tyah Norris, sustained serious personal injuries to her face and skull after the child was mauled by a group of pit bulls. It was reported that one of Tyah's tear ducts was injured and part of her skull is gone. At the hospital, Tyah's mother stated her daughter had stitches all over her face and was still in pain. And, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot, Tyah is in serious condition.

The incident occurred while Tyah was playing with a friend in Blackman Township, Michigan. Apparently one of the pit bulls knocked the child down and, after she was down, the other pit bulls joined in on the attack. All of the dogs have since been euthanized and their owners were charged with keeping a dangerous animal that caused serious injury. If you would like to read more on this story please see 6-year-old girl reportedly in serious condition and sustained serious personal injuries after attacked by a group of pit bulls.

This incident is a tragedy for Tyah's family and her community. Although domesticated, dogs are still inherently dangerous animals with inherent animal-instincts to attack. If a child is around a dog there should always be an adult or other responsible person capable of restraining the dog supervising. Children are too often the tragic victims of dog-related personal injuries. Dog owners and parents should use their best efforts and judgment to take actions to prevent dog bite injuries from occurring. To read some common strategies to prevent dog-bite-related injuries please see Preventing Dog Bite Injuries to Children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The 2010 - 2011 school year has now officially started in most school districts across the United States. It is a good time for everyone (whether you have a child in school or not) to focus on key safety tips for children in and near school.

School Zones - School Bus Stops - All Residential Neighborhoods - Crosswalks. With children in school, the roads are more crowded and there are areas where everyone should exercise caution and safe driving. These include school zones, school bus stops, residential neighborhood, and crosswalks. Always yield to child pedestrians and bicycle riders. Keep in mind that a child will not always exercise good judgment. In addition, a child is not always the best bicycle rider. Give the child pedestrian and child bicycle rider plenty of time and space to get to where he or she needs to go.

Sports Activities and Parks. After school programs and activities are also in full force. The fall football season has begun. Soccer is also a fall sport with millions of players out there. Whatever the sport, keep in mind that children will be playing at or near parks and in their neighborhoods. Whether there is a sign that says - Slow - Children at Play - or not, drive slow and be cautious in near any residential area and park.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Below are some tips about "baby proofing" one's home and seven safety product categories to keep "top-of-mind".

Baby-proofing Tips
1. Nursery - Children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk of home-injury and fire-related death. Ensure your home's smoke alarms are working. Install carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Kitchen - Constantly supervise your infant while eating. Cut the infant's food into small pieces and avoid giving young children food that is too large, hard or round. A child's chewing techniques are not fully developed until around age 4.
3. Bathroom - A baby's skin is very sensitive - hot water can burn a baby's skin in mere seconds. Run your hand through the water before placing the baby in the water to ensure there are not "hot spots." Water thermometers are also useful here.
4. Playroom - Assess the play area from the child's eye level. Be aware of table corners and small toys or objects.
5. Around the House - Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairwells to prevent falls. Gates can also be placed to block access to fireplaces, furnaces, driveways, and other potentially dangerous areas.

7 Safety Products to Keep in Mind - Below is a list of 7 critical safety product categories for parents:
1. Safety Gates
2. Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detectors
3. Outlet Covers
4. Locks and Latches
5. Window, Corner and Stove Guards
6. Bath and Water Grips, Stops and Locks
7. First Aid Kits

It is important to keep the home a safe place for children. These are simple tips that can save your child's life or prevent your child from sustaining serious injury.

You can read more of these home proofing tips at Safety Tips for you Home and Day Care Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

It is called "playing through the pain" and it is a dangerous message that is sent to many young athletes who find themselves injured. Many people view the professional athletes who become injured are that he / she may be "whining and moaning" and need to quit and get back out on the field for the sake of the team. However, this "play through the pain" message is deceptive and dangerous, especially now since many high school athletes are returning from their summer vacation, some facing vicious two-a-days football practices.

However, consider this recent, true story: Two dozen high school athletes were recently admitted to a Portland-area hospital. All of the boys were football players on the McMinnville High School football team, and who had all participated in a week-long immersion camp conducted by the football team's new head coach. Three of the players had to have emergency surgery to reduce swelling in their arms. The boys were suffering from a condition called rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle cells tied to intensive exercise in hot environments and can cause severe kidney damage.

Young athletes face these situations all too often - to impress their coaches and their peers. These athletes are not only encouraged by their coaches and peers, but by an entire culture of athletic worship. In any other context this type of behavior would be sanctioned and seen as a form of child abuse.

Today, parents and other adults are taught to protect their children from a countless number of subjects ranging from peanut allergens to sexual predators. But why aren't parents just as concerned with an area that could leave their children disfigured, permanently injured, or worse, killed? Whether or not it is child abuse parents need talk to their children and teach them to be aware of their bodies and not to push themselves too far. If you would like to read more on this story see Are high school athletics practices borderline child abuse?

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Authorities say a mother of Farmington, Texas is likely facing charges after the mother left her two small children in her car, unattended for almost four hours. The investigation is ongoing, however, police have confirmed that the mother, identified as 20-year-old Mary Passey, left her children asleep in her vehicle while she went to visit a friend and fell asleep herself.

The registered temperature was 63 degrees when Passey arrived at her friends house around 8:30 a.m. However, by the time Passey woke up the temperature had increased almost 20 degrees. Passey found her children, 1-year-old Alexander and 3-year-old Taelyr, distressed inside the vehicle - the boy was found unconscious. Farmington Police Sgt. Robert Perez said by the time detectives responded to the incident, the temperature inside the car registered at 120 degrees.

Both children were taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center and, the boy, Alexander was later flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Albuquerque - Alexander is still there in serious condition.

The Children, Youth and Families department removed the young girl for 48 hours from her family to investigate the incident. If you would like to read more about this story please see Children left in car by mother, boy in serious condition.

Children are at extreme risk of hyperthermia (heat stroke) if they are left inside a car. Children have a lower tolerance to extreme temperatures because their bodies do not regulate temperatures as well as adults. If you would like to read a more in depth analysis of hyperthermia and children please see Hot Temperatures and Cars - Be Aware of the Dangers to Children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

On August 12 9-year-old boy, Trevor Howe, ran outside of his home chasing after his family's Labrador retriever, Sweetpea. However, when Trevor's parents discovered Sweetpea had returned to the home without Trevor, Trevor's parents rushed to a nearby pond to look for their son. When they arrived at the pond medical personnel were already working on Trevor's unconscious body. Trevor died four days later at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

Trevor's tragic death has sparked the city and county officials to focus their attention on pond safety, specifically stormwater pond improvements and pond design standards. Trevor's father is petitioning the city to place a 4-foot high chain-link fence around the pond where Trevor drowned, which would replace the nylon mesh fence that serves mainly to keep pedestrians from interfering with the ponds vegetation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death in children ages 1 to 14. Although most drownings occur in swimming pools, the percentage of drownings in natural water settings increase with age.

The laws regarding the safety and standards of ponds and stormwater retention areas were last updated in 2005. Jenny Miller, the city's engineer, stated that safety standard issues that are likely to be addressed are increasing warning signage. If you would like to read more on this story see Boy drowns in Indiana ponds, has city officials looking to update their pond and stormwater safety standards.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Since 2008, at least 10 children have been accidentally shot in central Indiana. This statistic includes the most recent shooting of a 5-year-old child who was accidentally shot by his cousin while his cousin was spinning a revolver in his hand. The five-year-old boy was identified as Miguel Luna. Miguel was last reported in critical condition at Riley Hospital for Children.

Although the police of Indiana stress the importance of gun safety and sometimes offer free gun locks, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Indiana State Police do not offer any gun safety classes. Furthermore, the State of Indiana does not even require people who purchase firearms to take such classes. If you would like to read more about this tragic accident please see 5-year-old boy accidentally shot by cousin.

Hopefully this child has a full and quick recovery. This accident is a tragedy for the boy's family and community. Parents, teachers, guardians and other adults should educate their children on the dangers of guns. If you are a gun owner and have children, use the trigger lock when the firearm is not in use. Also, store the ammo and clips in a place out of a child's reach.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Colorado Springs and other cities, child pedestrians are at risk in parking lots and roadways. A driver can never know for sure when a child is in a parking lot or attempting to cross a street. As such, drivers should be on alert and drive with care at all times. Of course, school zones, parks, and playgrounds are common areas where one would see a child pedestrian. We all also know that children are in all other areas as well. Drive with due care.

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, two toddlers in separate incidents suffered serious personal injuries. One was hit by a car near a car wash when the child wandered away from his father. Another was hit by a car while attempting to cross the street. For more details about these incidents, see Two Colorado Kids Hit by a Vehicle in Separate Incidents in Colorado Springs.

Any time that a child is injured - it is traumatic for the child, the family, and the driver as well. It is especially unfortunate when a child is injured and the incident could have been avoided with better driving and attention. Of course, some accidents are completely unexpected and unavoidable. If you have a question about an automobile accident involving an injured child pedestrian, get legal advice from a Child Injury Lawyer so that you can better understand the legal process, insurance claims process, and the rights of the injured child pedestrian.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Staffers at the Hennepin County Medical Center are concerned with the high rate of children falling through windows this summer. In this year alone, HCMC has treat 14 different pediatric patients after they have fallen from windows. These patients ranged from 17-months-old to 7-years-old. This number is double from 2009, where HCMC treated 7 pediatric patients who suffered injuries from window falls.

Minnesota has issued a new law that affects the construction of windows in new homes and buildings. However, this new law will do little for existing homes and buildings. If you would like to read more on this story see Windows present dangers for children.

Below are some Window Prevention Tips:
1. Use window guards or window stops.
2. Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (If you live on the 6th floor or lower, install a window guard that can be easily opened by both adults and children)
3. Install window stops to prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
4. Never depend on window screens to prevent your child from falling out of a window.
5. Whenever possible, open windows from the top - not the bottom.
6. Keep furniture (and other "launching pads") away from widows to keep children from crawling and climbing around windows.
7. Some jurisdictions require landlords to install guards. Check the laws in your local jurisdiction.

If you would like to read more articles about children falling from windows see Marysville, Washington Boy Suffers Injuries Falling From Window.