Child Injury Lawyer Blog

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

In Brunswick, Georgia, a serious automobile accident / school bus accident took place when a school bus hit a car. Due to the impact, the car and its driver were pinned by the larger school bus. See Glynn County School Bus Hits Car - Pins It Against a Tree Trapping Driver Inside. Police and rescue workers responded to the scene and were able to free the trapped driver from the vehicle. Thereafter, the injured driver was taken to a Savannah hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Driver safety is key for all drivers on Georgia roads. It is important for all drivers to pay close attention to speed limits, road signs, traffic conditions, and road conditions. When there is an automobile accident, there are often many issues and challenges faced by the injured driver or passenger. These include those related to medical care, medical treatment, medical bills, insurance claims, wage loss, and other compensation. It is often times helpful to have assistance and representation by a personal injury attorney to guide the injury victim through the claim. When necessary, a lawsuit can be filed to enforce the rights to compensation of the injured person.

In Derry, New Hampshire and other communities, school bus drivers have a duty to drive safely and otherwise properly supervise the children on the school bus. It was reported that a school bus drive, Amy Weeden, was accused of stopping short which, in turn, caused two students to suffer personal injuries as a result of the braking. The incident was reported to police and Weeden was ultimately charged with disorderly conduct and assault. See Derry New Hampshire - School Bus Driver Stops Suddenly - Personal Injuries.

Parents rely on schools and day care centers to safely transport and otherwise supervise their children. From time to time, there can be challenges on the job for a teacher, assistant, school bus driver, and others charged with driving and / or supervising children. It is important for these adults with the fiduciary duty of caring for children to keep their calm and composure and always act in the best interests of the children. Safety first - safety always should be followed.

When a child suffers personal injuries as a result of bad acts or negligence of others, a claim and / or civil lawsuit may be pursued to enforce the rights of the injured child. 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 Treatment / Medical Bills, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

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 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 C. Reed, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Las Vegas is well known for gambling, bright lights, Wayne Newton, and show girls. It also has been listed as one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. According to a national study, Las Vegas is listed as the sixth most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrians. Over 400 pedestrians have died between the time period of 2000 and 2009. The study was completed by Transportation for America which is an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. Statistics are collected and analyzed but it should be pointed out that a pedestrian is at risk in almost every city and town in the United States. While drivers should yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, many motorists are in a hurry to the destination and / or are distracted by mobile phones, texting, eating, and other activities that can make it dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists in or near the roadways. See Las Vegas, Nevada - 6th Most Dangerous Metro Area for Pedestrians.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Children should not be left unattended in a vehicle. There are dangers to the children in the Winter, in the Summer, and all other times of year. In the Winter months, a child can be at risk for hypothermia if left unattended in a vehicle. Hypothermia can lead to serious medical complications including death. Weather and temperature are not the only dangers that parents and caregivers should keep in mind on the issue of leaving children unattended in a vehicle. There are also other risks of leaving a child unattended included by not limited to strangulation by seatbelts, doors, and power windows. There is also a risk for abduction. In addition, a toddler or child who can walk may just decide to wander away which can bring with it a whole host of other dangers and risks to the child. Whatever conveniences are gained by leaving a child unattended in a vehicle pale in comparison to the associated risks of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle especially during Winter and Summer months. See also Children Alone in Cars Not Safe In Winter Either.

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

In Idaho and other States, driveways can be a very dangerous place for children. Driveway incidents or accidents causing injuries to children are so dangerous that there is a designation or name for these type of accidents. These accidents are frequently referred to as backover or frontover accidents or injuries. Safe Kids is a non profit organization with offices and affiliates all over the United States. Safe Kids and other child advocacy and safety groups urge parents and drivers to take a few moments to when entering or exiting a driveway to look out for children and to make sure that all children are cleared away from the driveway area. A good article was recently posted at the Idaho Statesman about the problem and dangers of backover and frontover driveway accidents. Read the article, pay attention, and watch out for children.

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

Carmen Huertas, a mother from the Bronx, New York, appeared in court regarding manslaughter charges for the death of 11 year old - Leandra Rosado. In October 2009, it is alleged that Ms. Huertas drank heavily and then put seven children in a cr to take them to a slumber party. A subsequent crash caused the death of 11 year old Leandra Rosado. Parents and caregivers should avoid drinking and driving altogether. Having several drinks and then getting behind the wheel of a vehicle puts many people in danger especially innocent children. An adult can chose to risk her own safety and welfare by drinking alcohol, doing drugs, or otherwise engaging in dangerous activities or behavior. It is quite another thing to put your own children and other children at risk. Ms. Huertas will have the ability to defend herself from this criminal charges with a private attorney or public defender. Whatever the result on the criminal case - an innocent child is dead and would be alive today but for this fatal automobile accident. See Bronx Mother Faces Manslaughter Charges - DUI Automobile Accident Resulting in Death of 11 Year Old.

By James Bailey, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention collects and publishes data regarding child injuries and deaths for Delaware as well as other States. According to the CDC, transportation related injuries had the highest death rate among children ranging in age from 0 to 19 years old in Delaware. It is tragic when a child dies. Other categories reported by the CDC were drownings, falls, fire/burns, poisoning, and accidental suffocation. Co-sleeping arrangements can, in some cases, cause suffocation related death or injurires to children. See Infants in Wisconsin and Other States at Risks for Personal Injuries and Accidental Death When Co-Sleeping with Parents or Others.

It is a great loss for the family, friends, school, and the community. In Delaware, drivers should obey traffic laws and operate vehicles according to the road conditions and traffic. Safe driving can help prevent many deaths and injuries to children. Other types of accidental injuries to children can be prevented or at least reduced with better child care supervision. In an effort to help reduce the incidents of child injuries, the CDC publishes tips and advice for parents, caregivers, teachers, and others charged with the responsibility for supervising and or caring for children. See Road Traffic Injuries - The Reality for tips regarding topics like car seats and teen driving. See Falls - The Reality for tips regarding safety at play, home, and while participating in sports.

Prevention is key to preventing the pain, suffering, and, in some cases, death to children. If a child is injured or dies due to the negligence of a care provider, school, day care center, or medical provider, a child injury lawyer can provide consultation and advice as to the legal responsibilities and rights associated with such a matter.

By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Gwinnett County Police reported an accident involving a death of a teen and personal injuries to two other teens. Tristan Sadler (Age 18) lost control of a 1989 Volvo while driving in a curve. The vehicle hit a drainage ditch and then overturned. Tristan was ejected. It was reported that Tristan was not wearing a seat belt.

Two other teens (Vernon Thomas and Ashtyn Roper) were treated at Gwinnett Medical Center. Tragically, Tristan died as a result of accident related personal injuries.

Parents often times buy Volvos for their children since Volvos are often times rated high in crash testing. Despite the safety records of Volvos and other vehicles, deaths still occur in these vehicles as well as other so called high rated vehicles. This story shows how the life of a teen can end so quickly when behind of the wheel of a vehicle. The death of Tristan Sadler is certainly a great loss for his family, friends, and his community. You can read more about this story at Teen Killed in Gwinnett Automobile Accident.

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

In California, traffic signals and devices should be obeyed by drivers. The simple act of running a red light can be quite deadly. In Novato, California, Steven Culbertson, age 19 from Lakeville, California, first hit a car stopped for a light and then drove through the red light and into the intersection. Then, Culbertson in a BMW Mini Cooper crashed into a mini-van occupied by the Maloney family. The father (Johnathan Maloney - age 45), the mother (Susan Maloney - age 42) and two children (Grace and Aiden) died as a result of the impact according to the California Highway Patrol.

This crash is truly tragic. The sudden and avoidable deaths of the Maloney Family will be such a loss for their other family members, neighbors, friends, and the community.

All drivers should obey the speed limit and obey traffic signals. Running a red light as you can see can be deadly not only for one person but an entire family. See California Family Killed in Red Light Automobile Accident.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

n Longmont, Colorado, a crash sent a truck into the front of a Blockbuster Store. Police investigators reported that a Dodge truck crashed into a Subaru Outback. The force of this impact put the Subaru into a curb, then into the Cubby's Coffee Shop, and finally into the Blockbuster Store. Police reported that Steven Williams (age 37) from Longmont, Colorado sped through the intersection prior to the crash. There were 5 people injured as a result of this crash including: Bruce Kline, Kline's wife, Kline's 17 year old daughter, Maricuz Gutierrez, and Steven Williams.

Crashes of this nature can cause chain reactions that at times can be deadly. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from Cubby's Coffee Shop or Blockbuster. Speed limits and traffic signals are in place for a reason - the safety of others. You can read more about this story at Vehicle Crashes into Blockbuster Store - 5 People Including Teen Suffer Personal Injuries.

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

In Louisiana, four children died and seven were critically injured in a van accident. According to a news story reported at Breaking News 24 / 7, the van was traveling on Interstate 10 near Baton Rouge, Louisiana when the van blew a tire. Thereafter, the van crashed into a delivery and then rolled over. The children, reported to have died from the accident, were Ricky Hines, Jr. (age 2), Lachante Floyd (age 12), Edward Barnes (age 14), and Ashley Hines (age 14). Louisiana police and automobile accident detectives will investigate this van accident to determine the following:

What was the make, model, and year for the van involved in the automobile accident?

What were the manufacturer specifications for seating for the van?

How many seatbelts were available on the bus?

Who was wearing a seat belt?

For toddlers and small children, were booster or child seats available?

What was the approximate speed of the van at the time the tire blew?

What condition was the blown tire in prior to the incident?

When was the van last repaired or maintained?

There are many facts to be determined by the investigation. Accidents like these do help illustrate the importance of planning and safety when transporting children. Vans and other vehicles should not be overloaded beyond manufacturer specifications or recommendations. Safety belts should be worn by all occupants. Toddlers, infants, and small children should have child seats or booster seats to better secure them when there is an accident. Finally, all vehicles should undergo periodic and consistent maintenance including but not limited to inspection and repairs of brakes and tires.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, a car crashed into a day care center that was full of children. Fortunately, the children escaped injury. It was reported that the driver was distracted by a puppy riding in the front seat. It is most fortunate that no children suffered personal injuries; however, this incident could have easily caused serious personal injuries and even the death of children. Driver distraction whether caused by a puppy in the car or a Blackberry, mobile phone, or iPhone is a real problem in Pennsylvania and other States. Drivers should do their best to limit distractions and pay attention to traffic and road conditions. You can read more about this story at Car Crashes into Port Carbon, Pennsylvania Day Care Center.

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

In Cupertino, California, a 5 year old child was run over by a teacher. Tragically, the 5 year old died. It was later determined that the day care center, Elite Chinese School, did not have a day care license. Elite has a business license but did not have the separate California day care license. As such, the State of California never inspected the facility or its grounds for safety or compliance with the applicable day care center guidelines and regulations. The accident at issue is also under investigation.
Nelson Wei was the student enrolled in the day care center who died as a result of this most unfortunate accident.

While having a license in place does not guarantee the safety of a child, proper licensing and compliance with applicable regulations are often times good indicators that a day care center is set up in a manner to promote the safety and welfare of the children enrolled in the day care program

You can read more about this story at Cupertino, California Day Care Center Did Not Have License to Operate Day Care Center.

By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Bob Dallas is the DIrector of State of Georgia - Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Director Dallas recently wrote a letter / statement that was published at the Florida (Jacksonville) Times Union Website. Director Dallas pointed out that "Americans are driven to distraction." There are a number of causes of driver distraction these days including misbehaving kids, billboards, mobile phones, text messages, radio, video, and many other causes. Among the many causes of driver's distraction, texting may be the biggest and dangerous problem these days. Texting requires that the driver keep his or her eyes on the mobile device screen rather than the road. A very interesting or engaging text message can turn into a tragic and fatal automobile accident. Text messages can wait and should wait for a safe time to read and respond to the text message. You can read more about the comments of Director Dallas at Driver Distraction Dangers.

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

In Alabama, a mother was arrested for having her teenage child ride in a cardboard box on top of a van. The driver, Jackie Denise Knott, informed Albertville, Alabama police that she had a good reason for placing her teen on top of the van. The reason was that the driver needed someone to hold down a box. Here is a better idea for this driver: leave the box and avoid putting a child at risk for personal injuries. Several drivers had called in this dangerous situation to police.

Parents do not always use good judgment in operating motor vehicles or supervising their children. Many children have been injured when riding unrestrained in the back of a pick up truck. While not many children are spotted riding on the top of a van, it is quite dangerous for the child. Fortunately, the teen was not seriously injured in Alabama. However, circumstances could have taken place that would have lead to serious personal injuries. A simple rear end accident or the wind or force from a passing semi tractor trailer could have turned this odd story into a tragedy. You can read more about this story at Alabama Mother Arrested for Having Teen Ride on Top of Van in a Cardboard Box.

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

The Canadian Press recently published an article that contained some interesting information regarding city design, roads, and playgrounds. A city in Canada was compared to a similar city in Sweden. The incidents of child deaths and injuries in Sweden was lower due, in part, to city design, road planning, and playground safety. One important difference is planning for cars or vehicles and planning for pedestrians, bicyclists, and children. You can read more about this topic at Improving Design of Environment Reduces Child Injury and Death.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Allentown, Pennsylvania and cities across the nation, there is a common danger to children: parked cars and traffic. When cars are parked on the side of a street, it may be difficult for a children to see oncoming traffic. In addition, drivers may not see children who walk between parked cars into a street. A 10 year old boy in Allentown, Pennsylvania was recently hit by a car as he walked between two parked cars. The boy was taken to and treated at Cedar Crest Hospital. He suffered a severe personal injury to his leg. Local police will conduct an investigation as to the cause and manner of the accident.

Incidents like this are valuable teaching tools for parents, caregivers, day care providers, and teachers to use when speaking to children about traffic and pedestrian safety. The incident can also serve as a teaching tool for drivers. Be careful out on the roads. You never know when a small child or adult for that matter will be crossing the street especially when parked cars line the roadway / street. You can view a video of the news report at the FOX News Philadelphia Website.