Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In many homes, day care centers, school, and other locations, there is a hidden danger that many parents and child care providers are not aware about. Button batteries are the size and shape of a small coin. Button batteries power many small toys and electronic devices. In the hands of a child, a button battery is seen as a toy and often times is ingested. The swallowing of a button battery can cause significant health risks and hazards to a child. There is a question and answer quiz posted online that will test your knowledge of the hazards of button batteries. Take the quiz to see how you so. How much do you know about the dangers of button batteries? What should you know about the dangers of button batteries? See Test Your Knowledge - How Much Do You Know About Button Battery Safety?

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Most circumcision procedures are professionally performed in a manner that allows for a quick recovery period. Unfortunately, many children are left with permanent injuries following a circumcision procedure that is performed with defective equipment or by a doctor who fails to follow the standard of care for such procedures. Whether it is a defective product, a negligent doctor, or a combination of the two, injuries suffered during or following a circumcision can be quite serious and permanent in nature. Some people advocate for a ban on circumcisions while others advocate for them as long as the medical devices are proper and the doctors are well trained and able to perform the circumcision procedure. You can read more information on the dangers and risks of circumcisions at Injuries Linked to Circumcision Clamps.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Auburn, Alabama and other locations, school buses can be seen all around the community during the morning hours and later in the day during the afternoon hours. When a school bus is stopped to allow children to get off the bus, drivers should stop as well and be on the look out for children walking across or near the street. Unfortunately, some Alabama drivers do not obey these traffic regulations and pass stopped school buses. This can and does put a child at risk for personal injuries. One such incident took place in Auburn, Alabama when a 21 year old college student from Auburn University passed a stopped school bus and then hit a 7 year old child who was crossing the street. Tragically, the 7 year old girl died as a result of pedestrian / automobile accident related personal injuries. The driver was later charged with reckless driving and passing a stopped school bus. See Alabama Driver Charged with Reckless Driving for Hitting Child Crossing the Street.

It can be quite difficult and stressful for a parent dealing with personal injuries or the loss of a child. Of course, it is vital to get the support of family, friends, church / house of worship, and from the community. At times, there are also legal and financial issues to deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

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In Loveland, Colorado, it was reported that a man attempted to kidnap a 9 year old girl from a Wal Mart. The girl had strayed away from her family near the men's clothing area. Children often stray away from their families when visiting malls, Wal-Marts, Targets, grocery stories, and other locations. In most instances, all is well and the child eventually finds his or her family. Unfortunately and quite frightening, there are child predators out there in many communities looking for an opportunity - a brief moment - to kidnap a child. Fortunately, the 9 year old was able to escape from her captor before he was able to leave with her from Wal Mart. Many other children are not so lucky. See Girl Escapes Kidnapping Attempt at Loveland Colorado Wal-Mart.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Kentucky and other States, day care providers have a duty to provide for a safe and clean educational and learning environment for the children under their care. Day care providers should be trained to notice or observe signs of abuse and neglect. If a day care provider has a reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect that is taking place outside of the day care center, the day care provider has a duty to report such information to the local Kentucky social service agency. In Floyd County, Kentucky, a day care center was shut down after a toddler died as a result of alleged abuse and neglect. The child's family caregivers have been arrested for the crime. State authorities closed down the Kentucky day care center and will conduct a more thorough investigation as to the cause of the death, preventability of the death, and whether any day care providers failed to properly report abuse or neglect to authorities. First and foremost, it is the best interest of the child that should control when a child is the suspected victim of abuse or neglect in the home setting. See Floyd County Kentucky Day Care Center Shut Down Following Toddler's Death.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Far too often children are subjected to abuse and corporal punishment as disciplinary measures. There are much better ways to supervise, discipline, and / or mentor a child. Furthermore, the personal injuries to a child from abuse, violence, and corporal punishment can last a lifetime. Children make mistakes and will misbehave. Adults are the same way. With children, it is well known that they have poor judgment and will do things that upset others. It is the nature of being a kid. There are no perfect kids. At some point in time, all kids misbehave in one from or another. Some misbehave more than others and some less.

It is vital that parents and child care providers serve as good role models for children. Parents should communicate clearly and firmly. It is also important that a parent is consistent with his or her words and actions. While positive child guidance and discipline is not easy, it is a better route to go than corporal punishment, abuse, neglect, and injury. See Principles of Positive Child Guidance.

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

In California and other States, railroad trains and tracks are present in most every community. Unfortunately, there are severe personal injuries and, in some instances, deaths that take place on or near railroad tracks in California. One such incident was recently reported in Riverside, California. A woman (Susan Dibene) from Riverside was pushing a baby stroller across the train tracks when the baby stroller got stuck in the track. The frantic woman tried to dislodge the stroller. She was finally able to push the stroller away from the approaching train but was not able to flee out of the path of the train. The 2 year old child did not suffer any injuries. Tragically, Susan Dibene died as a result of the train accident inures. Due to the fact that a death or serious injury resulted from this train accident, it will be investigated by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Riverside Police Department, Metrolink, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and other government authorities. See Mother Hit by Train in Riverside California.

By Jay Foster, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

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In Mississippi and other States, children are the unfortunate victims of pedestrian / automobile accidents. Whether it is near a residential area, commercial area, school or playground, drivers should exercise due caution when there are pedestrians in or near the roadway. This is especially important when there are children present. It was reported in Biloxi, Mississippi that a 6 year was hit by a vehicle when she was crossing U.S. 90 and White Avenue. She was attempting to cross the street with her father. She suffered personal injuries including a head injury and a fractured leg. Traffic in the area was heavy earlier in the day during the Cruisin' The Coast event. See 6 Year OId Girl Crossing the Street in Biloxi Mississippi.

It can be quite difficult and stressful for a parent dealing with the aftermath of a serious child personal injury. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Medical Bills / Treatment, Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, and other topics.

By Rob Shainess, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Minnesota, it is estimated that there are 150,000 unlicensed day care centers throughout the State. Yes, that is correct one hundred fifty thousand unlicensed day care centers. Most of these "day care centers" care for a friend, neighbor or relative in their own home or the child's home. If the day care center is registered, then the day care center can qualify for funds through the state's child care assistance program. The laws and regulations pertaining to these Minnesota day care centers have changed recently to require first aid training and CPR training in addition to background checks. Some basic training of child care providers can help save a life or prevent serious personal injuries from taking place in a day care center. See Day Care Center Regulations for "Unlicensed Minnesota Day Care Centers".

Unfortunately, children are often injured in a day care center. Some are injured in small unlicensed day care centers while other children are injured in larger licensed day care centers. When a child suffers a personal injury in a day care center, many questions or issues arise for the parent doing his or her best to get the child cared for and handle other work and home responsibilities. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child -What Every Parent Should Know - has helpful information for parents on topics including Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Medical Treatment / Medica Bills, and Damages / Compensation.

By Joseph R. Hillebrand Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Missouri and other States, children are at risk in day care centers during sleep time or nap time. Many day care administrators and care givers do not get the proper training or lack the proper knowledge as to the risk to infants and young children during nap time. It has been reported that from the years 2007 - 2010, at least forty five children died in child care from causes other than existing illness or medical problem. Of these deaths, thirty five occurred while the baby / infant was napping or sleeping at the day care center. Medical experts and pediatricians point out the risks to children who are placed on their abdomen / stomach to sleep. There is also dangers of suffocation from bedding and pillows. Furthermore, some cribs are unsafe for babies and toddlers. All the proper safety techniques in the world cannot replace the role of the day care provider to properly supervise and monitor children during nap time or sleep time.

Some argue that Missouri has weak day care regulations and that there is a problem with unlicensed day care centers. You can read more about these issues at Day Care Related Deaths - Investigation Reveals Problems with Supervision and Monitoring of Child in Day Care Centers.

When a child suffers an injury at a day care center, there are many questions and issues for a parent to deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and other topics.

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

An Oswego County, New York high school student died from injuries suffered in a high school football game. Ridge M. Barden, a 16 year old student at Birdlebough High school, suffered severe head trauma when he made helmet- to - helmet contact with another football player. Braden complained of a severe headache and collapsed on the field shortly after the collision. School officials and paramedics were on the scene and transported the teen to a local Syracuse, New York hospital about 30 minutes away. Braden's condition worsened during transport. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The autopsy of the teen revealed that he suffered a massive sub-dural bleed after colliding with another football player. The police has ruled this tragic death as an accident.

When your child plays an organized sport it is important that they always wear the sport specific equipment. The equipment should fit properly and be inspected for defects. If your child suffers a blow to the head, make sure that they are checked out by the sports medical team. The organization sponsoring the sporting event should have a well established emergency plan to deal with this type of head injury. Helmet- to- helmet contact is no longer accepted in the National Football league. Professional football players have received large fines for violating this rule. Make sure you child understands the risks of helmet- to - helmet contact. For more information see, Helmet to Helmet Play Leads to Serious Head Injury and Death For High School Football Player.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Kentucky and other States, children are the unfortunate victims of abuse and neglect. Some children even die from abuse and neglect due to the abuse, neglect, and / or beatings by a family member, a boyfriend or girlfriend of a family member, a babysitter, and even other children in the household. It is certainly difficult to predict when abuse or neglect will occur if there are no prior arrests or any prior incidents of reported abuse or neglect. In Louisville, Kenucky, it was reported that a 3 year old died as a result of an alleged beating at the hands of the mother's boyfriend. Criminal charges have been filed. it should be pointed out that the criminal defendant will be entitled to the services of a Kentucky criminal defense attorney or services of the public defender's office. See Unconscious Boy Found by Local Police - Boy Was Severely Beaten.

By Michael P. Healy, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A five year old Oahu, Hawaii child suffered severe head trauma as a result of playing tackle football. This child was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he slipped into a coma. Oahu Pop Warner football, recently introduced a Mighty Mite division, ages 5-7, tackle football program. Pop Warner Officials claim that compared to soccer there are much less sports related injuries.

Many professionals are questioning if age 5 is too young to play tackle football. According to Pop Warner Statistics, about 250,000 children participate in Pop Warner programs around the country. Medical professionals report that 250,000 children visit the Emergency Room each year. Of these visits, 100,000 have suffered from a concussion.

According to the Director for Trauma Services at the Queens Medical center, football is a contact sport. He also warns that a bump or hit to the head can not only bench your child , but is can also cause learning deficits.

When your child plays a sport it is important to make sure your child is always wearing the appropriate sport specific equipment. This equipment should fit properly and be inspected for defects throughout the season. If your child is playing an organized sport check with the program regarding their athletic training program. Make sure that the program has complete emergency plans in case of an injury. For more information see, Concerns Over Pop Warner Football For Young Children in Hawaii and Other States.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Product recalls of toy and play equipment often times come "too little - too late" for children who have already been injured by a defective toy or play equipment. Nevertheless, recalls of dangerous toys and play equipment are vital to the future safety of children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a voluntary recall of a tent that was sold by IKEA. It was reported that the BUSA children's folding tent had a steel wire frame that could protrude through the fabric which, in turn, could cause a puncture or laceration hazard for children. The tent was manufactured in Vietnam. See IKEA - U.S. Product Safety Commission Announce Voluntary Recall of Children's Play Tent.

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

In Bedford County, Virginia and other cities / towns, children reply on school bus and public transportation. Many special needs children rely on school bus transportation to travel to and from school. Most bus drivers and aides are quite attentive to the children. Unfortunately, some drivers and aides are not prepared to work with children. Some school / transportation employees lack the training, patience, and / or common sense to work with children especially special needs children. In Bedford County Virginia, a lawsuit was filed seeking damages associated with the battery of a 12 year old autistic study by Bedford County School employees. The incident was captured on videotape. See Bedford County Bus Beating Caught on Video Camera - Lawsuit Filed Against County.

Unfortunately, thousands of children are injured on school buses every year. In some instances, the bus driver or the attendant assault the children on the bus. In other instances, another student is the aggressor and attacks or bullies a student on the bus. Getting to and from school in a safe manner is an important beginning or end to the school day. If a child goes to or leaves from school in fear or with personal injuries, that is a problem - a big problem - that should be addressed by the school, administration, and the bus company.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. It is important for parents to know the legal rights of an injured child when there is an injury sustained on a school bus, at a school, at a day care center, or other location.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Washington and other States, parents rely on day care centers to watch their children due to work and other obligations. Most day care centers perform background check on their employees and do not allow people who have not been subject to a background check to supervise the children or otherwise be around the children withou proper adult / employee supervision. Many smaller day care centers and home day care centers allow family members to be around the children even if the family member may pose a risk to the children. These family members who are not technically employees of the day care center often "fly under the radar" of background checks and other regulations put in place by the State.

In Everett, Washington, a teenager (Dakota Wilson) is facing criminal charges stemming from allegations that he molested two girls enrolled in a Washington day care center operated by his mother. It was reported that there were issues with this teen in Idaho before the mother even opened or applied for her day care licenser in the State of Washington. Unfortunately, it appears that the State of Washington was not provided with or aware of the issues with this teen in Idaho when the mother applied for her day care license. See Teenager Accused of Sexually Assaulting Children Who Were Enrolled in Washington State Day Care Center.

Children should be provided with a safe haven when enrolled in a day care center. The children should be supervised in a caring and safe environment rather than one in which there are potential sexual offenders or predators lurking in and around the day care facility. When a child suffers personal injuries in a day care center, there are often times many questions or issues that a parent must face and deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has Chapters on Day Care Injuries, Playground Injuries, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. This book is a helpful resource to parents looking for information and guidance when there is a child injury incident.

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

In McMinnville, Oregon, a tragic and unfortunate incident was reported. A 16 month old boy died as a result of a traumatic head injury that he suffered while under the care and supervision of a 12 year old babysitter. It was even reported that the baby-sitter caused the injuries. The child was taken to McMinnville Immediate Care Clinic and then Willamette Valley Medical Center. The child was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital. See 6 Month Old Dies of Traumatic Head Injury.

Since a child died, there will be an investigation by local law enforcement and the medical examiner's office. The death of this child is certainly a great loss for the family, neighborhood,and community at large. In most instances, a baby-sitter is responsible and does a great job of supervising the children. In other situations, however, the babysitter is either distracted or ill equipped or prepared to deal with the proper supervision of children.

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

In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a two year old boy suffered serious personal injuries when he was bit by a Pit Bull breed dog owned by a relative. It was reported that the Pit Bull breed dog grabbed the child and shook the child vigorously. The personal injuries suffered by the Wisconsin child included a laceration to the head, an injury to the eye, and an injury to the jaw. The boy had been playing with the dog and then patted the dog on the dog's head. At that moment, the dog then grabbed the child by his head and would not release the child. The boy was later rushed to Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. The injuries were so severe that the child was airlifted to Childen's Hospital near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can read more about this story at Boy Attacked by Pit Bull Dog Suffers Serious Personal Injuries Incliuding Facial Injuries.

Dog bite injuries can be especially serious and problematic for children. When there is a serious personal injury to a child, there are many issues and problems that parents must deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, School Injuries, Day Care Injuries, Homeowner's Insurance and other topics.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning monitors and licenses day care centers in the State of Georgia. This agency released statistics regarding incidents involving the death and / or injury of children in a Georgia day care center. Over the past give years, there have been over 500 major incidents reported involving a Georgia day care center. Of these incidents, it was noted that there were 239 injuries and 8 deaths of children while enrolled in or participating in day care center activities and field trips. These statistics included reported incidents that were on record with the Department. Of course, there were likely a number of incidents involving injuries or dangers at a Georgia day care center that were never reported to authorities. The Department can and does take action regarding dangerous incidents and violations of Georgia laws and regulations. There were 497 severe penalties issues for violations of day care regulations and / or standards. Some child safety advocates do not believe that the Department is doing enough to enforce standards or shut down day care facilities that violate regulations and put children at risk for serious personal injuries and death. It was reported that there is over 6000 licensed day care providers in the State of Georgia. You can read more about this topic at Day Care Problems Reported for Georgia Day Care Centers.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Many child safety advocates, child rights advocates, and parents are against the use of corporal punishment. Some, however, firmly believe in the use of corporal punishment. Beyond the emotional harm that results from any instance of corporal punishment, many children suffer from serious personal injuries and, in some instances, death from excessive or extreme corporal punishment. At times, parents, caregivers, teachers, babysitters, and / or others go too far to "prove a point" or to "show the child who is the boss." Corporal Punishment is an issue that is dealt with in school policies and procedures, magazines, newspapers, and, yes, in some child rearing books. Just because a book covers a topic or advocates a certain position or action does not make the book authoritative or good advice. The book titled - "To Train Up a Child" provides parents and caregivers techniques to impose corporal punishment. The book is a "how to" book in a way that can be quite dangerous to a child. When the imposition of corporal punishment is given priority to the health and safety of the child, serious personal injuries and death can and do result. There are plenty of methods and theories of child discipline that do not involve the imposition of corporal punishment. This is especially true in schools and day care centers - many of which outlaw or ban the use of corporal punishment. If there is any threat to the health, safety, and welfare of a discipline method, parents and caregivers should reconsider their actions. See Book Advocating Extreme Discipline May Be Connected to Deaths of Adopted Children.

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

In Ohio and other States, children continue to be the unfortunate victims of abuse and neglect at the hands of their parents, family friends, relatives, babysitters, teachers, and / or day care providers. Often times, a caregiver will present a child to an emergency room or a pediatrician and invent a story regarding how the injuries took place. When the history provided does not match the suspected mechanism of injury, state officials should be contacted to further investigate the injuries. The safety and best interests of the child are paramount to any other concerns or issues. Furthermore, a child, who is residing in a potentially abusive or neglected environment, should be removed and cared for in a safe and secure living situation.

In Ohio, it was reported that a Germantown man plead guilty to a count of child endangerment. The child, who was 5 weeks old at the time of the incident, suffered a fractured leg. See Man Who Broke Child's Leg Received Prison Sentence.

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

In Virginia and other States, parents rely on day care centers to supervise and educate their children in a safe and closely monitored environment. Unfortunately, some day care centers fail to honor their responsibilities and lose track of children at the day care center, on field trips, or during transportation trips. Since children lack safety awareness and often times have poor judgment in situations of crisis or danger, children, who are left unattended or unsupervised, often times suffer serious personal injuries. Some even die due to lack of proper supervision. It was recently reported that a child went missing from a Norfolk day care center. While the child was ultimately located and did not suffer any injuries except for being scaed and dirty, the fact that he went missing should cause concern for the day care center, parents, and the community. See Norfolk Virginia Day Care Center Loses 18 Month Old Boy.

Some children attending other day care centers in Virginia and other States have not been so lucky especially those who have been left unattended in vehicles in the heat of summer. Parents should ask the day care centert about the attendance and check in policies as well as how the children are monitored and supervised during the day. Policies and procedures as well as simple check lists can go a long way to keeping children safe in and outside of day care centers.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Center City, Pennsylvania, it was reported that a 7 month old child was found unresponsive in a crib. Since the cause of death or manner of death was not apparent, an investigation will be conducted by the Special Victims Unit (SVU). See Baby Dies in Pennsylvania Day Care Center.

Deaths unfortunately take place in Pennsylvania day care centers. Some deaths are from natural or medical causes that could not have been predicted or anticipated while other deaths do result from inattention, lack of supervision, and / or the failure to follow day care and child care rules and regulations. Infants in day care centers are often times at risk for injuries or death when they are placed to sleep or for a nap in a vulnerable position or with items like stuffed animals and pillows that may lead to suffocation or asphyxiation type of injuries. Of course, no assumptions should be made as to any incident until the facts and evidence are gathered together to determine the manner / cause of death and whether the death was preventable with more timely action or care on the part of child care providers.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Millions of children participate in youth sports every year. Generally, participating in a team sport is a fun and pleasant experience. It can also be a great learning experience for a child. Team sports can help teach leadership, team work, and sportsmanship. In some instances, participating in youth sports leads to serious personal injuries including but not limited to concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Safety is key to preventing or reducing the severity of head injuries when a child is participating in youth sports.

The Center for Disease Control reports that a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a jolt, blow, or bump to the head that, in turn, changes or affects the manner in which the brain functions or operates. At times, the signs and symptoms of a concussion are difficult to observe. It is important for coaches, parents, and officials to be on the look out for the signs and symptoms of a concussion or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). See Managing Concussions in Children's Sports.

By Mark Freedman, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Flint, Michigan, a family, neighborhood, church, and community are all mourning the death of an innocent girl (Misty Dawn Kumas) who was the tragic and unfortunate victim of a driver / criminal suspect avoiding or fleeing from the police. Misty was on her way to church on a Wednesday afternoon when the incident took place. There were witnesses and even vido surveillance that captured the tragedy. In one moment, a girl is walking to church. In the next moment, she is hit as a pedestrian and suffers serious life threatening injuries. You can read more about this story at Police Pursuit in Flint Michigan - Girl - Misty Dawn Kumas Dies from Accident Related Injuries.

When law enforcement makes a decision to pursue a criminal suspect, many factors must be taken into consideration including the danger of the criminal suspect, crimes allegedly committed, the risks involved with such a pursuit, the areas in and around the pursuit including school zones and playgrounds, and other factors.

By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Massachusetts and other States, there is a problem and danger to children enrolled in day care centers. The problem lies with the simple but potentially deadly mistake of leaving a child in a hot vehicle. When a child is left unattended in a vehicle without air conditioning or other proper ventilation, the temperature in the vehicle can reach heights that affect the health and well being of a child. Even the passage of a few minutes can result in serious personal injuries and, in some instances, the death of a child. Often times, action is only taken after the tragic death of a child left unattended in a school or day care center vehicle to change or strengthen laws and regulations. A simple checklist and due diligence by the staff of a school or day care center can and does prevent tragic personal injuries and deaths from taking place. See Massachusetts Panel Considering Measures to Prevent Day Care Center Tragedies from Taking Place in the Future.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills and Medical Treatment, and other topics. You can get this book for free at Free Child Injury Resource Book for Parents.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Tragically, day care centers in the United States have, at times, left children in vans, buses, and at parks on field trips. There is available technology that can help track the whereabouts of a child enrolled in a day care center. Some parents and privacy rights advocates may have a problem with GPS tracking and the technology involved in the same. Other parents and child safety advocates applaud the use of technology as long as it promotes the safety and well being of the children. It should be pointed out that technology is no substitute for proper adult supervision of children; however, additional tools and technology should be utilized if it improves and enhances the supervision in place. It was reported that a day care center in Sweden is using GPS technology to track children enrolled in the day care center. See Swedish Day Care Center Uses Technology to Track Whereabouts of Children.

Unfortunately, with or without the presence of technology, children suffer personal injuries in day care centers when there is a lack of proper supervision and when the regulations are not followed. Safety should always be job one for a day care provider. It is an important responsibility to be entrusted with the safety and well being of a child. If one accepts this responsibility, everything possible and reasonable should be done to supervise the children and keep them out of harm's way.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Hazing is an unfortunate act that still continues to take place in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and yes, even colleges and universities. In Quincy, Illinois, a hazing incident reportedly took place at Flinn Stadium by some Junior High / Middle School Students. The Quincy Report reported that the hazing incident involved student athletes who were the same gender and same age. Often times, students believe that an act is acceptable if it is a rite of passage. Hazing in any form should not be tolerated by school systems or law enforcement. Just because something has taken place in the past does not in any way give it legitimacy. Hazing is a crime - plain and simple. Of course, with any criminal prosecution, the case must be proven by prosecutors beyond a reasonable doubt and the intent of the criminal Defendant does play a role in the prosecution and defense of the case. The criminal Defendants are entitled to the services of a criminal defense attorney or the services of the local Public Defender's office. See Quincy Junior High Students Charged with Hazing in Illinois.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The school year brings with it a need for parents, children, and drivers to exercise good caution and driving for the safety and well being of school aged children. The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and other child safety advocates urge parents and drivers to keep kids safe when they walk to school or are at bus stops. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 25,000 children are injured every year as pedestrians. The injuries range from minor personal injuries to traumatic brain injuries to death. Here are some safety tips for children, parents, day care center providers, schools, and others:

1. Prior to traveling the route as a pedestrian or bicyclists, parents should first make sure that the child is familiar with the route;

2. Parents should walk or ride the route themselves to make sure that it is safe and that the parents are familiar with any potential hazards along the way;

3. Parents should take the time to talk to the child about safety while walking or riding a bicycle to school;

4. When possible, routes should be selected based on safety, traffic, and the presence of crossing guards, crosswalks, and traffic signals; and

5. Whenever available, sidewalks should be utilized.

For drivers, it is important for all drivers to slow down in school zones, playground zones, residential areas, and any other place or location where children walk or ride their bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. Drivers should do their best to eliminate or reduce driver distraction and keep their mind and eyes on the task at hand - driving safely on roadways, near schools, and near bus stops.

For more information on this topic, see Parents and Drivers Must Do Their Part to Make Safety a Priority for Children Walking or Riding Bicycles to School.

By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Massachusetts and other States, children are at risk for personal injuries due to dangerous intersections, crosswalks, and bus stop areas. The State of Massachusetts identified dangerous intersections and spots where serious personal injuries have been reported. Statistics, while useful, will do nothing to protect the next child from being a victim of an accident at or near an intersection, crosswalk, bus stop, or school. Here are some tips that parents and other child care providers can follow or keep in mind:

*Educate your child on safety tips while walking to school and / or riding a bicycle to school;

*Make sure that the child is age appropriate and has good judgment to be able to walk or ride his or her bicycle to school; and

*Select routes to school that are safer than others. Try to use routes that have crossing guards.

For additional safety tips and information on this subject matters, See Dangerous Intersections and Areas for Children in Massachusetts.