Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By Joni J. Franklin, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Kansas City, Kansas, a three year old girl was hit as a pedestrian on Washington Boulevard. It was reported that the incident took place at 1:50 a.m. Due to the circumstances surrounding this incident, the police will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause and preventability of this Kansas pedestrian accident. See Child Injured in Pedestrian / Automobile Accident in Kansas City.

Often times, there are questions as to the cause and fault for an automobile accident / pedestrian accident in Kansas. A Kansas Personal Injury Attorney can conduct an investigation as well of the causes and circumstances of the accident. When a child is injured in a pedestrian accident, there are often a number of questions or issues that a parent must deal with on behalf of the injured child. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Treatment, Automobile Accidents, and other topics. A parent or other concerned person can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By Thomas Hastings, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Indiana and other States, drivers should slow down and stop as necessary when driving in or near school buses and school bus stops. Unfortunatly, children are at danger and risks for serious personal injuries and even wrongful death when people drive too fast or fail to otherwise stop when required at or near school bus stops. In Clay County, Indiana, it was reported that Logan Parr - age 15 - was in the process of walking across a street when he was hit by a truck. At the time of this pedestrian accident, it was reported that the school bus stop arm was extended which means that the drivers in the area should have stopped to allow the children to depart the bus and safely walk across the street. See Clay County Indiana Pedestrian Accident - Personal Injuries to Teenager Trying to Cross the Street.

Following the pedestrian accident, the teen was taken to St. Vincent's Clay Hospital for medical treatment for a injured leg and other personal injuries. The Indiana State Patrol responded to the scene of the pedestrian accident.

Many pedestrian accidents are preventable if drivers obey speed limits and otherwise pay attention to traffic condition, school bus stops, weather, and other factors. Children are put at risks when drivers are distracted or just simply ignore traffic conditions, speed limits, and / or the presence of pedestrians.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Needs to Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Care, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

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

In Texas and other States, drivers should exercise the utmost of caution when driving in or near an area of school bus stops. School buses are typically large, yellow vehicles that are easily seen. When a school bus stops, it should be obvious to all drivers in the area. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the obvious presence of a school bus and put children in danger by reckless and careless driving. As a result thereof, children suffer serious personal injuries when they are hit by a vehicle in or near a school bus stop zone. See Texas Child Struck by Driver While Walking from School Bus.

A driver was recently arrested and charged with a hit and run collision after he hit a child walking home from school after getting off of a school bus. Ivy Pilgreen, a 1st grade student from Silsbee, Texas, suffered serious personal injuries and required care at the UMTB pediatric unit.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Treatment / Medica Bills, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A parent or other interested person can receive a free copy of this book at The ABCs of Child Injury.

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 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 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.

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

A tragic hit and run accident in Flint, Michigan has ended the life of a teenage mother. According to the police, 17-year-old Kadijah Powell was walking home from a party at Skateland when she was struck and killed by an SUV. The incident occurred near the corner of Coldwater Road and Dort Highway. The police have obtained a surveillance video from three separate area businesses. In addition, detectives are working with local auto dealerships to determine the exact make and model of the vehicle involved. The police expect they will soon be able to locate the person responsible if they do not turn themselves in first.

Lynette Powell, Kadijah’s mother, is taking care of her five-month-old granddaughter. She said the baby misses her mother and whoever is responsible should take responsibility for his or her actions. Powell said a friend pulled her daughter out of the street, and when she got the phone call, her daughter was already dead. Powell also said that her daughter was working on finishing up her education and applying for jobs. She was concerned about her baby’s future. “She was a sweet little kid who loved her baby,” said Powell.

The Kadijah Powell Memorial fund has been set up at Citizen’s bank to help the family pay for funeral expenses. If you have any information about the hit and run accident, please contact the Genesee Township police. For more information on this topic, see Mother of five month old baby struck and killed, police looking for driver.

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

In Chicago, Illinois, an eight-year-old girl was tragically killed in a hit and run automobile/ pedestrian accident. Mariela Crisostomo was riding her bike outside her house in the neighborhood when she was hit by a gray or silver SUV. The incident occurred in the 3300 block of West 62nd Place. She was taken to the Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was sadly pronounced dead. According to witnesses, the SUV was driven by a female with a passenger in the front seat. Unfortunately, the witnesses were not able to record the license plate number. The neighborhood residents said that heavy traffic has been an ongoing problem. They have requested the city to install speed bumps or make their street a cul-de-sac, but no action has taken place.

In most cases, the majority of speeders on residential streets are residents themselves in the neighborhood. This has been confirmed through local Police Departments that check addresses of motorists who were cited for speeding. As such, one of the most effective ways to reduce speeding on residential roads is through neighborhood involvement. The best way to raise awareness of speeding issues is through circulating a neighborhood newsletter. In addition to the newsletter, posting speed limit reminder signs around the neighborhood will also raise awareness.

For more information on this topic, see 8-year-old girl killed by hit and run driver.

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

In Trenton, New Jersey, a 12 year old boy suffered a leg injury when he was hit by a city bus according to local police officials. It was reported that there was a bicycle with a damages wheel at the scene of the accident. Firefighters and ambulance personnel responded to the scene to evaluate and treat the injuries sustained by the boy. Busy streets and intersections are often the sites of serious automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents in Trenton, New Jersey and other cites. Whenever there is a bicyclist or pedestrian in an area (especially children) drivers should drive extremely careful so as to avoid hitting the bicyclist or pedestrian. Children often times do not recognize the danger of an intersection and sometimes cross outside of a sidewalk or against the instructions of street signs and / or traffic light indicators. The details provided by the Trenton, New Jersey news article were very broad. The police report and investigation would probably have additional details as to the cause and preventability of the accident. See Trenton Boy Suffers Lega Injury When He is Struck by School Bus in City.

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

In Raleigh, North Carolina, a family, neighborhood, and community are in grief over the unexpected and tragic death of a 5 year old girl (Nadia Hines). The little girl was simply playing outside in her front yard on a Sunday afternoon when a vehicle when out of control and hit young Nadia in the front yard. What a tragedy for any family to deal with. A home including the front yard should be a safe haven for a child not a place where a child takes her last breath. You can read ore about this story at 5-Year-Old Killed by Car in Raleigh, North Carolina.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Recently, a mother and her 8-year-old daughter were s struck by a truck while crossing a street in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. The collision occurred around 5:30 p.m. and many rescue vehicles arrived to the scene shortly after. Although neither the mother nor the daughter sustained life-threatening personal injuries, their personal injuries were significant and each had to be taken to and treated by hospital physicians. The mother sustained a serious personal injury to her leg and was rushed to Mercy Hospital. The child suffered a head laceration and was transported to Children's Hospital. Police have not stated whether any charges will be filed regarding the pedestrian incident. If you would like to read more on this accident please see Mother and young daughter severely hit and injured in Pennsylvania car collision.

Personal injuries related to automobile accidents / pedestrian accidents in general can be very stressful and traumatic events, not only physically but also emotionally and fiscally. The consequences of collisions involving pedestrians can potentially be more severe because the pedestrian victim is not protected by a vehicle's armor. Drivers responsible for causing collisions should incur the liability for causing stress and physical personal injury to the collision's victim. Courts will usually impose liability in the form of damages including but not limited to (re)payment of past, present and future medical expenses, compensation for one's ability to enjoy life as one previously did before the collision and lost wages. An injured party's spouse may even bring a claim against the tortfeasor for loss of consortium damages. The extent of damages will vary from jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction.

Continue reading "Mother and Child Hit and Injured - Pedestrians Hit While Crossing Street in McKeesport, Pennsylvania" »

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A pickup truck, pulling a plow behind the truck, struck 4 children while they were crossing a street in Wyoming. The road is near the children's elementary school, Godfrey Elementary. The children had a half-day of school on the day of the accident and the crossing guard, who was directing traffic at the crosswalk earlier that day, left about fifteen minutes before the terrible incident occurred.

The driver of the pickup was identified as Steven James Scobey, 40, of Byron Township. All children were received some form of medical attention. Alejandra Garcia and Anet Martinez were both treated for minor personal injuries and then released after the accident. Another child, Alejandro Garcia, was admitted to the hospital for a day and then released. The fourth child, Madeline Martinez is listed in critical condition at DeVos Children's Hospital. Madeline sustained a serious head injury, she is believed to have bleeding in her brain.

The "Don't Walk" bulb in the crossing signal was burned out at the time of the accident. Officials are unaware of this was a factor in the accident. Scobey was not ticketed and police continue to investigate the accident. If you would like to read more on this accident please see 4 children injured after hit while crossing street.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Pennsylvania and other States, there are dangers to the children when riding their bicycles. It is vital that children obey traffic signals and road signs. Of course, drivers should drive with caution anytime that children are on or near the roadways as pedestrians and bicyclists. In Lower Makefield Township, it was reported that a 12 year old boy was hit by a Coca Cola truck. The accident happened in the morning hours and the boy was travelling to school on his bicycle. The boy was hit as he was attempting to cross an intersection. It was reported that the boy suffered a head injury and bruises to his body. Because of these personal injuries, the boy was transported to St. Mary's Hospital and then to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for evaluation and treatment. See Child Hit by Big Rig in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Back over accidents can cause serious personal injuries to children. Unfortunately, back over accidents continue to be reported all of the United States, Canada, and other areas. When a driver is backing a vehicle out of a driveway, parking space, or parking lot, it is often difficult to see small children who may be standing, walking or sitting behind the vehicle. While supervision of children is key to keeping them out of these dangerous situations, close observation and attention should be exercised any time that a driver is backing a vehicle out of a driveway, parking lot, or parking space. Taking a few extra moments and due care can make a world of a difference.

In Clark's Harbour, Nova Scotia, a 2 year old child suffered serious personal injuries when the child was hit by a vehicle that was backing out. It was reported that the child suffered a serious head injury and was air lifted to a hospital in Halifax. You can read more about this story at Toddler Facing Serious Personal Injuries After Being Struck by a Car.

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

In New York, parents should be able to use sidewalks with safety. This is especially true when parents are escorting children or pushing babies / infants in a baby stroller. Unfortunately, there are reported incidents in which a vehicle hits pedestrians who are walking on sidewalks. In Astoria, New York, a mother suffered personal injuries while she was pushing a stroller. A Lexus SUV popped up on the sidewalk and hit the mother. The incident took place on Broadway and 37th Street in Queens - New York. The mother suffered serious personal injuries. The baby did not suffer serious personal injuries according to news reports. You can read more about this story at Mother Injured While Pushing Stroller on Astoria New York Sidewalk.

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

In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a hit and run accident was reported. An 11 year old child was walking in a crosswalk when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle hit the child and then fled the scene. It was reported by police that the child was approximately four to five feet into the crosswalk when he was hit by a red four door compact vehicle.

It is truly a cowardice act to run into a child pedestrian and flee the scene. Hopefully, some leads will come into police on this incident and the driver will eventually have to answer for his or her actions. You can read more about this story at Wisconsin Child Suffers Personal Injuries in a Hit and Run Accident.

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

Cassius Walker, an 8-year-old boy of Augusta, Georgia, sustained critical personal injuries after he was struck by a pickup truck while trying to board his school bus. Cassius attends Thomson Elementary School in McDuffie County, Georgia. According to the Augusta Chronicle, Cassius was listed in critical condition at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital. If you would like to read more on this story please see 8-year-old boy in critical condition after struck by pickup truck.

This accident is a tragedy for the young boy's family and community. It cannot be stressed enough how attentive drivers must remain while behind the wheel. Drivers should keep distractions down to a minimum. This is includes not talking or texting on a cell phone, refraining from grooming, reading or eating and not talking with other passengers while driving. Engaging in these behaviors takes a driver's focus off the road and make him or her more likely to become involved in a collision or other type of accident. Drivers should also not drive aggressively and pay attention to their surroundings, especially during times of heavy traffic such as those during morning and afternoon commutes. During these times, drivers should expect a stop-and-go type of traffic flow and, therefore, should be extra attentive.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Louisville, Kentucky and other towns and cities, there is one particular area at a home that can be and is extremely dangerous to children - "the driveway". Unfortunately and tragically, driveway or back over accidents and incidents continue to be reported in Kentucky and other parts of the United States. In Louisville, Fox 41 News reported that a 22 month old girl died as a result of getting hit by a vehicle in a driveway. It was reported that the vehicle was driven by the girl's father. This appears to be an incident in which the driver just did not see the child as he was back up or driving in the driveway. Toddlers are short and small and often times cannot be seen by a driver operating a vehicle in the driveway. News reports indicate that no charges are anticipated regarding this incident.

The death of a toddler due to a back over or driveway accident is quite tragic and a tremendous loss for the family and community. You can read more about this story at
Toddler Accidentally Hit By Vehicle in Family Driveway.