Child Injury Lawyer Blog

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

In Monroe County (North Greece) New York, a child injury was reported at the YMCA located on Long Pond Road. Fire fighters / paramedics with Monroe County EMS responded to the YMCA and reported that a child was in a crawl tube with a neck injury. The story was posted on the site Monroe County Fire Wire which is a website owned and managed by Scott Ellman who is a firefighter with the Brighton Fire District. The website provides good public service information to residents served by hard working men and women who work as firefighters and paramedics in the area. See Child Injury Reported at New York YMCA.

When a child suffers a personal injury at a YMCA and / or a day care center, an investigation will typically be conducted by the facility and in some instances by local law enforcement, fire rescue, and / or the social welfare agency that regulates day care and child care facilities. Some incidents involving an injury to a child are unexpected and unforeseeable. Others, however, are foreseeable and more importantly preventable with better supervision and better equipment in place.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - is a good resource guide for parents seeking answers and basic information when a child suffers an injury at a school, day care center, home, or other location. The book has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. This book can be obtained by parents and other interested person for free at - Free Child Injury Book for Parents Seeking Answers to Common Questions and Issues.

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

In Georgia and other states, drag racing can turn deadly for the drivers and / or spectators. One such race caused the death of two spectators - Keshon Burdette - age 15 - and Kevin Johnson - age 27. The incident took place in Waynesboro Georgia. During the race, a car went out of control and crashed into these unfortunate spectators. Drag racing is a dangerous activity which can and does cause serious personal injuries and, sadly, in some instances the wrongful death of others. See Two Killed When Drag Racer Loses Control of Vehicle in Wayenesboro Area Drag Race.

The loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare. It is even worse when the death could have been avoided. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, Automobile Accidents, and other topics.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Louisiana DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) is the governmental agency in charge of licensing, supervising, and disciplining licensed day care centers in the State of Louisiana. For a day care center to remain in good standing and to retain its state day care license, the facility must follow the rules and regulations set forth and enforced by the Louisiana DCFS. These regulations include those related to documentation, attendance records, and staff to child ratios. Unfortunately, many day care centers violate these policies and put children under the supervision of the day care center at risks for serious personal injuries and, in some instances death. The Louisiana DCFS recently revoked the child care license of a facility due to alleged violations of the State day care regulations and rules. See Louisiana DCFS Suspends / Revokes Day Care License of Children of the Future.

When a child suffers an injury as a result of the lack of supervision, an unsafe facility, or some other cause that is the fault of a day care center employee or administrator, a parent is often times faced with many challenges and questions. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, School Injuries, Day Care Center Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A parent or other interested family member can obtain a copy of this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By George Fusner, Jr., Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Whitehaven, Tennessee, a family and community are mourning the death of a 6 year old boy - Anthony Scott. It was reported that Anthony was hit and killed by a day care center van with Pee Wee Wisdom Child Care Center. The Tennessee Department of Human Resources is the governmental agency that licenses and regulations day care centers in the State of Tennessee. A full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and preventability of this tragic day care center transportation pedestrian accident. See State of Tennessee Department of Human Resources to Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Accident - Death of Anthony Scott.

When a child is injured as a result of the negligence or inattention of a child care provider, a school, or other entity, parents are faced with a number of questions regarding legal rights, insurance, and compensation. 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, Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, and Medical Bills / Medical Treatment. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Apple iBookstore. It is also available to parents and other interested persons at Free Book for Parents Dealing with a Child Injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) are popular with children and teens. Unfortunately, many children and teens suffer serious personal injuries and, in some instances, death as as result of an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) accident. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) presented statistics and studies at a conference in Florida regarding ATV related accidents and injuries. It was estimated that children were injured in approximately 1/3 of the 130,000 to 150,000 ATV related emergency room visits each year in the United States. Some injuries result from excessive speed and some result from the lack of the use of a helmet. See Too Many Kids Injured in ATV Crashes and Accidents.

When a child is injured in an ATV accident, a parent is often faced with many issues and queston. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Medical Bills / Medica Treatment, Damages / Compensation and other issues. A parent or interested person can receive this book for free at Free Book on Child Injuries and Legal Rights.

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

In houses, apartments, condomiums, and hotels, there is a danger to children - the bathtub. It is a common part of most homes and hotels and it also presents a danger that can cause serious personal injuries and, in some cases, deaths. Two common injuries that take place in the bathtub are: drowning injuries and burn related injuries. In Mojave, California, it was reported that an 8 month old child suffered scalding related injuries and burns. The child was later treated at Antelope Valley Hospital. See Mojave, California Infant Suffers Burn Injuries in Bathtub.

When a child suffers an injury as a result of the fault of another person, there are often many issues and questions faced by the parent. The book - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and Homeowner's Insurance and Injuries at the Home.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Shrevport, Louisiana, Sheldon Lewis, age 4, suffered critical injury while attending the Louisiana State Fair. According to the State Fire Marshal, the injuries could have been avoided if safety protocols were followed by the ride operator. In particular, it was reported that the accident and resulting personal injuries could have been avoided if the amusement park ride operator turned the ride off and then removed the key. Another child had pushed a start button to the ride while Sheldon Lewis was on the ride platform. As a result of the unexpected start of the ride, Sheldon became trapped between the floor of the ride and the moving cars on the ride identified as The Twin Ring Demolition Derby. See Fire Marshal Releases Information Regarding Louisiana State Fair Ride Accident Causing Serious Personal Injuries to Sheldon Lewis. See Fire Marshal - Operator Error Was a Factor in Louisiana State Fair Accident.

Parents and other visitors to amusement parks expect that the rides are properly managed and that all reasonable safety measures are followed for safety purposes. This is especially important for children who are frequent visitors to amusement parks, theme parks, and fairs. Safety should always be the primary focus of a ride operator. Unfortunately, mistakes are made from time and time which, in turn, can cause serious personal injuries to children.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Amusement Park and Theme Park Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. The book is a good resource for parents looking for some guidance and answers when a child suffers personal injuries as a result of the negligence of another person or business. See Free Child Injury Book for Parents Seeking Answers When a Child Is Injured.

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

In Georgia, a jury awarded the parents of a 2 year old child over $9 Million dollars in a lawsuit that was filed against a day care center. The case involved the drowning death of a 2 year old (Abiola Bankolemoh) who was not properly supervised by the day care center employees. As a result of the lack of supervision, the child drowned in a Georgia swimming pool. While swimming pools can be great fun for children, swimming pools also pose a significant risks to children. Because of the inherent risks associated with swimming pools, it is vital that proper supervision is in place at all times when children are in or near a swimming pool area. In particular, gates should be locked, pool fences should be secured and in place, and supervision should be consistent and constant. See Gwinnett County Georgia Jury Awards Parents a Verdict in Day Care Drowning Case. The verdict in this case was quite significant. Hopefully, the parents are able to collect upon the verdict. Many day care centers lack insurance or have minimal insurance in place to cover personal injuries and deaths that take place at a day care center.

When a child suffers personal injuries at a Georgia Day Care Center, there are often times many questions and issues involved with such an incident. 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 / Medical Treatment, and other topics. You can obtain this book for free at Free Book for Parents Searching for Answers and Help with Personal Injury Matters.

By George Fusner, Jr., Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Tennessee and other States, parents send their children to school with the hope and expectation that the child will be educated and supervised in a safe environment. Unfortunately, some children suffer serious personal injuries and some even die while on school grounds or while engaged in a school related activity or field trip. In Whitehaven, Tennessee, it was reported that Anthony Scott (age 6) was hit by a day care by a Pee Wee Wisdom Child Care Center. A full investigation will be conducted as to the cause and preventability of such an accident.

The incident took place in the parking lof of Oakshire Elementary School. During the investigation, it is expected that school and law enforcement officials will review videotapes (if any are available), school policy and protocol, and witness statements regarding the incident. No matter the outcome of the investigation, the death of Anthony Scott is certainly a tragic loss to his family, school, neighborhood, and community. See 6 Year Old Struck by Tennessee Day Care Center Van - Oakshire Elementary School.

Parents often times have a number of questions and issues to deal with when a child suffers an injury at a school or day care center. 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, Automobile Accidents, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at Free Child Injury Book for Parents.

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

In California and other States, college campuses like the University of California are common places for students and others to stage or have protests or gatherings to discuss or publicize important issues of the day. The college campus protest and meetings have formed in many ways the fabric of change in many instances in the United States. Most protests are well organized and do not result in any personal injuries or harm to the protestors or spectators at the event. The President of the University of California System is requesting a probe / investigation into events in which protestors were sprayed with Pepper Spray. See California College President Vows Pepper Spraying Probe.

It is important that college campuses are managed, supervised, and policed when necessary and a safe and orderly matter. The force used must be reasonable and necessary in light of the facts and circumstances involved with the rally, protest, and activity of the protestors and bystanders. Safety should be the goal. If force and/or Pepper Spray is not necessary to protect the protestors, bystanders, and / or law enforcement, other means should be used for crowd control and monitoring. Unfortunately, excessive force is often used when other actions could have been taken by law enforcement.

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

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An unfortunate and tragic automobile accident took place in near Belleview, Illinois. It was reported that a child care giver was rushing a child to a hospital after the child suffered a facial injury at the home. During the automobile trip to the hospital, the driver lost control of the vehicle and drove into a lane of oncoming traffic. The child was ejected from the driver's side of the vehicle. It was reported that the child had been sitting on the lap of a passenger rather than secured by a seat belt and / or approved child seat. See 3 Year Old Child Dies in Illinois Automobile Accident.

In Illinois and other States, parents, babysitters, child care providers, and day care providers are faced with emergency situations every day. When faced with an emergency situation, it is important for the child care provider / adult to remain calm and do their best to keep the child safe and calm. Otherwise, additional injuries can result.

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

In Wisconsin and other States, school children often times attend field trips organized by the school. In most instances, the field trip is well run and organized. School officials, teachers, and volunteers are put in place to make sure that the children are properly supervised during the field trip. It is vital that children are supervised during transportation and at the field trip site location. A news story was reported about an incident that took place on a field trip in Wayne, Wisconsin. It was reported that a mother attending the field trip was found in the bathroom unconscious and surrounded by drug paraphernalia. A criminal background check was previously completed the the Kewaskum School District and did not identify any prior criminal activity by this parent. It was reported that this was an isolated incident. If a parent or volunteer has not prior criminal record, there does not appear to be any prior notice to the school about the potential problems that could be created by a parent like this supervising the children. Fortunately, no children were injured or hurt due to any issues with supervision but the potential is there anytime that a parent, volunteer, or teacher is impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol. See Parent Chaperones on Field Trips - Wayne, Wisconsin.

Continue reading " Who is Supervising or Chaperoning Kids on School Field Trips? Mother Passes Out on Wisconsin Field Trip - Drugs Found " »

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Kentucky, parents rely on day care centers to provide care and supervision to their children. It was reported that a child choked on a push pin while she was at a Louisville Kentucky day care center - Trina's Daycare Center. It was reported that day care workers at the Kentucky day care center observed that Jacorey Davis, age 2, was having convulsions at the day care center. It was not known at this time why the child was having the convulsions. The child was later rushed to Kosair Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy later concluded that the child choked on a push pin. Recently, owner of the day care center - Katrina Clyburn gave a statement about the incident and her feelings regarding the death this child. See Day Care Owner Talks About Child's Death - Louisville, Kentucky.

Some injuries / deaths that take place at day care centers are prentable and some are not. Often times, there are many questions that a parent has when a chilld is injured at a day care center. 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, and Medical Care / Medical Treatment. See Free Book to Parents Dealing with Injuries at a Day Care Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Nebraska and other States, parents rely on day care centers, babysitters, and schools to supervise their children and keep them safe. Unfortunately, in some instances, these child care providers neglect children under their care and cause serious personal injuries to children and sometimes even death. In Nebraska, a babysitter was sentenced to a prison term of up to 4 years. Pamela Johnson pleaded no contest to the charges of intentional child abuse and first degree assault on a child. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors pursued the case based on evidence that showed that the child victim had injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. See Nebraska Babysitter Sentenced in Child Abuse Case.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious condition that is caused essentially when a person shakes a baby and thereby causes brain injury to the child. When supervising, babysitting, monitoring, and / or disciplining a child, it a vital that the caregiver NEVER EVER shake the child. First, it is not an effective way to discipline a child. More importantly, it can and does cause permanent and serious personal injuries to the child.
See also Parents of Shaken Baby Syndrome - Mission to Increase Penalties for Unlicensed Day Care Centers and for Violation of Day Care Center Regulations in Washington State and Omaha Nebraska Day Care Provider Charged with Child Abuse - Shaken Baby Syndrome.

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

In Massachusetts and other States, parents rely on day care centers to provide supervision and education during the work day. Most parents hope and believe that their children are receiving quality care and mentoring while in the day care center. Unfortunately, children often times do not receive the care or supervision they need in a day care center. As a result of the lack of timely and consistent supervision in a day care center, children suffer personal injuries. Many of these injuries could have been avoided with better and more attentive care and supervision on the part of the day care center staff. A study by the Children's Investment Fun surveyed 182 day care centers and found deficiencies ranging from unsafe playground to lack of available indoor play space to poor ventilation at various day care centers. See Study - Many Massachusetts Day Care Centers Are Deficient.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Over the last 10 years, professionals have seen an increase in head injuries of basketball players. Head injuries, include concussions and head fractures. The question remains, has basketball become more of a contact sport or are coaches and professional just better at recognizing sports related head injuries? According to an article posted in "Pediatrics", the increase in reported injuries may be due to better recognition by coaches and trainers of these types of head injuries.

It is important to be able to recognize head trauma in athletes. What seems like a little bump to the head may be a serious head injury. It is important to recognize early signs of head trauma. Sometimes, signs of a head injury may be very subtle. Athletes may complain of headaches. The athlete may have a brief memory loss or the even may seem confused. Some athletes will complain of feeling pressure in the head after suffering a blow to the head. Dizziness, slurred speech, nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, can all be signs of a head trauma. Some signs of a head trauma can develop over the next day or two.

Coaches and trainers are being encouraged to assess head injuries on the spot. The Sports Concussion Assessment (SCAT), is a tool for coaches and trainers to use to help evaluate head injuries. The SCAT contains several questions, such as recite the months of the year, that will help assess the severity of the injury.

If you suspect that your child has suffered a head injury, it is important to have the injury assessed and evaluated by a doctor. It is important to seek immediate medical attention, head injuries can be very serious. Do not allow your child resume playing any sport until all head injury symptoms have disappeared. For more information see ">Traumatic Brain Injuries and Basketball- Important Information for Parents and Coaches Involved in Youth Sports.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Jordan Everhart, a 21 year old Idaho man, was arrested on a felony injury to a child charge. Everhart was accused of physically abusing and 18 month old child. Everhart was babysitting his girlfriend's child when the toddler was rushed to St. Lukes Regional Hospital. A rescue team rushed to the child's home, after they received a call regarding an unconscious child. Paramedics assessed the child and determined the injuries were consistent with head trauma. The child underwent surgery, however she did not survive.

There are several risk factors for child abuse, these include, parental drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, lack of parenting skills, mental illness, lack of parenting supports and stress. It is important to be able to recognize these risks factors and report any suspected abuse or neglect to the police or social welfare office for the State where the incident toook placer There are several agencies and programs that are available to help families that are at rick for child abuse. For more information see, Idaho Toddler Dies as a Result of Physical Abuse According to Medical Examiner.]

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

According to the professionals at the Children's Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, sports related knee injuries in children are on the rise. The overall number of torn meniscus injuries have grown over 400% in the year 2011 compared to the number of meniscus injuries in 1999. Doctors are also seeing and increase in torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in youths that participate in sports. Doctors are attributing the injury increase to the the fact that many children are playing sports year round. A torn ACL can be a serious injury and may sideline a young athlete for several months. This type of injury can possibly affect the growth of a child.

Many sports injuries are preventable. It is important to be in proper physical condition regardless of the sport you play. Make sure your children understand the rules of the sport they are playing and the follow those rules. Your child should wear properly fitting sports specific protective gear. Warm up and stretching will also help reduce sports injury. Remember, your child should never play when you are experiencing pain. Pain usually is a sign that something is wrong. Make sure your children listen to there bodies. For more information see, Sports injuries- Increase of Knee Injuries in Youth Athletics.