Child Injury Lawyer Blog

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

In Texas and other States, trampolines are often seen in most communities. For the most part, trampolines are a source of fun, entertainment and exercise for adults and children alike. Unfortunately, many children are injured every year due to trampoline accidents and injuries. Some incidents are avoidable with safety precautions and adult supervision while others are not. While trampolines are quite common, they should still be considered dangerous when used in an unsafe manner and / or when the trampoline is not properly maintained or equipped. Often times, a child injury lawyer can help the injured child and the family pursue damages for medical bills, pain, and suffering when there is a trampoline personal injury.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Parental Supervision. Some parents prefer that a child refrain from using a trampoline. Each parent has his or her different thoughts and philosophies on parenting and safety. Because of this, it is important to get the permission of the parent before allowing a child to use a trampoline.

2. Inspection of the Trampoline. Make sure that the trampoline is properly maintained and in good repair. Also, make sure that there are not items or objects in or around the trampoline that could cause injury.

3. Safety Precautions. It is helpful to have a net around the trampoline to help prevent falls off the trampoline. The barrier comes with many trampolines or can be added to an existing trampoline.

4. Supervision. The maxim - "Kids will be kids" - applies to trampolines and other recreational activities. Children are best served with adult supervision to make sure that the children follow the rules and play safely. What may seem like an innocent or harmless wrestling match or move can lead to serious personal injuries.

5. Age and Occupancy of the Trampoline. Make sure that the number of children on the trampoline does not exceed manufacturer recommendations. Furthermore, the age and size of the children should be considered when using the trampoline. A couple of rowdy teenagers should not be on the trampoline with a four year old.

Following the above safety measures and using common sense can go a long way to preventing personal injuries from taking place when using a trampoline.

It was recently reported in Vidor, Texas, a 12 year old boy (Everett Williams) was injured when he fell off of a trampoline. He was taken by air transport (medical helicopter) for treatment and evaluation at Christus Hospital Elizabeth - Beaumont, Texas. It was reported that the boy fell off of the trampoline and that there was no protective net in place. See Vidor Texas Boy Injured in Trampoline Accident.

It can be quite a challenge for a child when there is a serious personal injury. The challenge also extends to the parents and caregivers. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Homeowner's Insurance, Sports Related Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills, 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

Important questions that every parent of a child in a day care center should ask are as follows:

Who is running my child's day care center?

What are the risks to my child?

These are basic but important questions for a parent to ask and get the information. Most day care providers are responsible adults who truly care about the safety, education, and welfare of children. Unfortunately, there are others who see a day care center as only a business center. Worse than that, some day care operators use the venue of a day care center to abuse, neglect, and / or assault children under their care.

Certainly, a parent cannot prevent or anticipate all abuse, neglect, or assault related incidents that take place at a day care center. When such acts are discovered, it is important for a parent to take action by reporting the incident to law enforcement, social service, and to a child injury lawyer. Hopefully, these acts will prevent other incidents in the future at the day care center.

If a person has no prior criminal history of assault or abuse, there probably will not be any public records to clue a parent in as to the dangers of a particular person. Furthermore, if a day care center provider has never been caught committing bad acts, the dangerous or abusive propensities of the day care center owner or provider may be unknown or undiscovered. Nevertheless, it is important for a parent to do his or her due diligence to find out what he or she can about the people owning or operating a day care center.

Once a child is enrolled in a day care center, it is important for the parent to frequently visit and, yes, inspect the day care center. Also, a parent should speak to his or her child to find out about the activities and interaction at the day care center with other children and the child care providers. If there are any signs of suspicious activity, immediate action should be taken.

It was reported in San Antonio Texas that a day care center owner was criminal charged with sexually molesting a boy under his care. Bradley Bendele was arrested for multiple incidents of child sexual abuse at a Texas day care center owned and operated by Bendele and his wife. If the allegations are confirmed, it is most unfortunate and tragic that a boy was abused by a person who was responsible for his care, supervision and well being. Mr. Bendele will be entitled to legal representation by a Texas criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office. See Sexual Assault Reported at Texas Day Care Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Tragedy can take place in a matter of seconds . . . . This is especially true with children in day care centers. When children are arriving or departing the school in car pool, pick up, or drop off areas, children are at risk for personal injuries. Unfortunately, some children suffer serious personal injuries and even die at or near day care center during pick up or drop off time periods. It was reported in Omaha, Nebraska that a 2 year old child - Maximiliano Delgado-Morales was hit by a truck when he ran into traffic. Max was a enrolled in the Next Generation Child Care and Pre-School. For more information, see Child Hit Outside of Omaha Nebraska Day Care Center.

Parents, who have children enrolled in a day care center, should ask for a copy of the policies and procedures for pick up and drop off. While not all incidents or accidents can be avoided, having clear policies and procedures in place can help prevent many incidents from taking place. A parent can also recommend or suggest improvements or changes to policies or procedures if it appears that there is a better way to keep children safe during drop off / pick up times.

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, Day Care Center Injuries, Medical Care / Medical Treatment, School Injuries, and other topics. When a child suffers a personal injury, there are often many questions and issues faced by a parent. The book has information that can help guide a parent through some of these matters. A free book can be obtained at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In South Carolina and other states, parents rely on babysitters,schools, and day care centers to supervise their children when parents are working or otherwise unable to be with their children. In most instances, the babysitter is diligent and conscientious. The children are well cared for and they are kept safe and free from dangers. Unfortunately, at times, children are put at risk for serious personal injuries or medical complications when a babysitter uses poor judgment or tries to take short cuts when babysitting or supervising children. In Horry County, South Carolina, it was reported that a babysitter gave a 4 year old Xanax. The child was given this medication in an attempt to ge the child to nap / sleep on New Year's Eve.

The child was seriously affected by the medication and the mother drove home to intervene. Thereafter, the child was taken to Seacoast Medical Center for evaluation, care, and treatment. The babysitter was later arrested for unlawful neglect of a child. Blood work at the hospital detected the Xanax in the child's blood stream. It does not appear that the child suffered any permanent injuries from the ingestion of the medication; however, the dangers and risks were there. For more information, see Babysitter Admits to Giving Child Xanax.

Medications should never be given to a child without a proper medication or without a medical reason for giving the child th medicaton. When a child is supervised by a babysitter, day care center, school, or others, it is important to provide the child with a safe and clean environment. To the extent possible, medications, alcohol, chemicals, and poisons should be locked up and kept out of the reach the children and any unauthorized individuals.

The book titled -The ABCs of Chid Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Homeowner's Insuance, Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Medical Care / Medical treatment and other topics. If a child suffers an injury as a result of the negligence or fault of others, the book has information that a parent can use to determine how to handle the various issues or questions that arise with child injuries. A parent or other concerned person can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The death of a 1 year old (Zachary Taylor) was reported at Lincoln, Nebraska day care center. Since the cause and circumstances of the death were unknown and because the death involved such a young child, police and the local medical examiner will be investigating this matter. When child care providers found that Zachary was unresponsive in the day care center, CPR measures were taken to try to revive the child. Unfortunately, these efforts were not successful. For more information regarding this matter, see Police Investigating Death of One Year Old Child at Day Care Center.

In most States, the death of a child at a licensed day care center are governed by rules and regulations as to procedures and documentation. There are also procedures and documentation required as to staff to child ratios, indoor facilities, emergency procedures, attendance, and other matters at a day care center. Furthermore, many States have implemented policies and procedures for nap time at a day care center / child care center.

When an autopsy is performed, medical and scientific information are often times obtained that determine the cause of death, timing of death, mechanism of death, and preventability of death. Some deaths are unforeseeable and unpreventable and stem from an unknown or undiscovered medical problem or undiagnosed congenital problem. On the other hand, some deaths are preventable with better care and supervision. Each incident / case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. In some cases, it can be helpful to have a personal injury attorney / child injury lawyer investigate the case as well to determine and assess the legal issues and insurance issues that may apply to the case.

The book - 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, Medical Care / Medical Treatment, Automobile Accidents, and other topics. A parent or other concerned person can obtain this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Omaha, Nebraska, a family and community are now grieving the death of a 2 year old boy who was hit by a truck near the day care center (Next Generation Child Care) that he was attending. It was reported that Maximiliano Delgado-Morales was hit by a 1998 Chervolet pick up truck. The mother of Maximiliano arrived at the day care center to pick up her son. It was reported that Maximiliano ran into 36th Street and then was hit by the truck. For more information regarding this incident, see Toddler Hit by Truck Outside of Omaha Nebraska Day Care Center.

Drop off times and pick up times at or near a school or day care center can be quite busy and hectic. It is vital during these times that children are well supervised and that all reasonable precautions are taken to keep children away from moving cars in or near parking lots and adjacent roadways to the school or day care center. When a child is injured, a parent often times has questions as to insurance and legal liability for the bills, damages, and injuries. When these questions arise, it is often times helpful to discuss the matter with a Personal Injury Attorney / Child Injury Lawyer.

Following the accident, the boy was rushed to Creighton University Medical Center for medical care. Unfortunately, he did not survive the trauma and injuries resulting from this tragic Nebraska pedestrian accident.

A full investigation by local and / or state law enforcement officials will be conducted to determine the timing, cause, and preventability of this incident. The loss of a child is certainly an event that has a ripple effect in the family, school, neighborhood, church, and community. In other words, the loss of a young life is felt and grieved by many. When a child dies from a pedestrian or automobile accident, it certainly is unexpected and a shock for the family. At these tragic and trying times, it is important for the family of the child to have the support of family, friends, and neighbors.

At day care centers in Nebraska and other states, child suffer personal injuries. Some are preventable and some are not. It is important for parents to have a basic understanding of the legal rights of the injured child and seek legal advice when appropriate. 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, Automobile Accidents, and other topics. A parent or other concerned person can obtain this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By Stephen New, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In West Virginia, a tragic incident was reported involving a 4 year old child. While at a James Madison University (JMU) basketball game, a 4 year old child sustained a head injury after falling approximately 10 feet at the Convocation Center. The incident took place in the bleacher section of the center. Harrisonburg Fire Rescue as well as officials from the university responded to the scene to render aid and transportation to the child following the personal injury. For more information regarding this incident, see Child Sustained Head Injury While at JMU Basketball Game.

Unfortunately, at times, children are injured at arenas, convention center, stadiums, and other sporting events. Some of these injuries are preventable with better safety precautions and supervision while other incidents are no foreseeable and could not have been easily prevented. Either way, it is a tragic day when a child suffers a personal injury especially a serious one that can have life long effects on the child.

When a child suffers a head injury, it is important for parents, day care providers, teachers, coaches, and / or other responsible adults to assess the situation and get the child examined, evaluated, and treated as necessary for the head injury. Every year, many child suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to automobile accidents, slip and falls, sports participation, and other causes.

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, Damages / Compensation, Sports Related Injuries, and other topics. A parent or other concerned person can obtain this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

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

In Walkertown, North Carolina, a 6 year old boy (Mason Kenerly) fell 25 feet in a well. The incident took place in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Fortunately, the child was rescued from the well and was able to return home to his family. In many instances, the child is not so lucky to get rescued. For more information regarding this story - see North Carolina Boy - Age 6 - Rescued from Well After Falling 25 Feet.

Children are curious and seek adventures and explorations every chance that they get. Unfortunately, children often times suffer serious personal injuries when they are curious and lack the good judgment to stay out of danger. Because it is well known that children are curious and get into dangerous situations, day care providers, teachers, babysitters, parents, neighbors, and other responsible adults should use their best efforts to supervise children and monitor their activities. While it is impossible to prevent every single incident causing injury, supervision and safety precautions can help prevent the frequency and number of incidents leading to serious personal injuries to children.

In many States, there is a well known legal concept called "Attractive Nuisance" which means that children are lured to certain areas. These include pits, electrical equipment areas, ponds, lakes, and swimming pools. It is important that landowners use reasonable efforts to secure the area and put enclosures in place when feasible to keep children away from these potentially dangerous areas.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Water Parks and Swimming Pool Injuries and Drownings, Homeowner's Insurance and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By Roy Dickinson, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Now that the holiday season is over - - - children will be busy playing with the toys, bikes, skateboards, and other items that they received in December. While these items can occupy the time of a child, entertain them, and help them be active - these items can also be the cause, in part, of injuries to children. As reported by Safe Kids USA, speed and small parts are included as the causes for toy related injuries. Emergency room visits take place due, in part, to accidents while a child is riding a tricycle, bicycle, or scooter. While the only way to avoid every single injury is to avoid these items and activities - this is not realistic or sensible; however, there are safety measures that a child can take under the guidance and supervision of a parent, babysitter, school, day care center, or other responsible adult. Training and instruction can go a long way to prevent injuries. Make sure that the child understands the mechanism of the toy or bike and that he has lots of practice before taking longer rides or riding faster. It has been reported that 150,000 children are seen in emergency rooms every year due to toy related injuries. Of these injuries, approximately 1/3 of the injuries resulted from riding toys like a tricycle or scooter. Between the years of 1990 to 2009, almost 200 children have died due to choking related injuries caused by small toy parts. For more information on this topic - See Causes of Injuries from Toys - Small Parts and Speed.

Child safety experts recommend that all children wear a helmet on any riding toy or device. Whether the riding toy is a slow one or a toy capable of higher speeds, a child should always wear a helmet for his or her protection. Furthermore, parents should know that a serious injury can just as easily occur close to home in the driveway as it can further away from the home. Concrete is concrete and when a child hits the ground without a helmet - serious head or brain injuries can and do happen. While a helmet will not reduce all injuries or incidents, it is one safety measure or item that should always be used.

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, Damages / Compensation, Homeowner's Insurance, Playground Injuries, and other topics. You can get this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

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

In New York and other States, wrongful death cases are filed to pursue damages / compensation for the death of a child. In Oyster Bay Town / Nassau County, it was reported that Oleksandr Safronov, age 15, dies when he was hit and killed by an automobile as he was skateboarding in Syosset, New York. The New York wrongful death lawsuit alleged, in part, Oyster Bay Town and Nassau County were negligent in their maintenance of the sidewalk area. In particular, the lawsuit / complaint alleged that the sidewalk was "impassable" which, in turn, caused Oleksandr to ride his skateboard into the street. See Wrongful Death Lawsuit filed in Nassau County, New York.

Wrongful death cases, claims, and lawsuit can be very complicated. A Child Injury Lawyer can help guide a family through the process and provide advocacy to the family regarding the wrongful death of the child. Wrongful death cases can present themselves in many forms including automobile accidents, day care injuries, pedestrian injuries, bicycle injuries, medical malpractice, and other causes.

It is well known that children often times lack good safety awareness and judgment. While a child (certainly an older child) may bear some responsibility for the injuries, most States have comparative fault standards in place. In other words, even if the child was partially negligent or at fault, the parents can still pursue a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the child.

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 / Medical Bills, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free copy of this book at The ABCs of Child Injury.

The State of Kentucky will release child death / child fatality reports to the public. This information can help researchers and child safety advocates make recommendations as to measures to take to prevent or at least reduce the number of child abuse related deaths that take place in Kentucky and other States. See State of Kentucky to Release Child Abuse Records.

When a child dies as a result of the negligence or fault of another person, business, school, or government entity, there are many issues and questions faced by a family. Some child related deaths result in criminal prosecutions. Some also result in civil wrongful death claims and lawsuits. It is often times helpful to have the advice, consultation, and representation from a Child Injury Lawyer when a child dies as a result of the negligence or fault of others.

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, Child Abuse - Neglect, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

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

In Louisiana and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of dog bite attacks. With dog ownership comes responsibility for the control of the dog. It is important for dog owners to maintain control of a dog. Many dog bite incidents are preventable with better preventive measures put in place by the dog owner. Fencing should be secure and dog leashes should be used when dogs are off of the owner's property.

When a child suffers injury as a result of a dog bite incident, there are often times many issues and questions faced by the family of the child. A Child Injury Lawyer can help a family get through the issues with advise, consultation, and representation.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, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A free book can be obtained by a parent or other concerned person at The ABCs of Child Injury.

In Lafayette Parish Louisiana, a dog bite incident was reported. A deputy sheriff and an 8 year old boy were bitten by a Pit Bull breed dog. It was reported that the boy was playing with three Pit Bull breed dogs when one of the Pit Bulls became aggressive and bit the boy on the shoulder. Officers responded to the scene when one of the dogs bit the police officer. See Dog Attack Reported in Louisiana.

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

In New York and other States, hazing is a tradition or problem that continues to victimize children in elementary school, middle school, and high school. In many instances, the tradition or initiation of hazing goes unpublished and there is a degree of tolerance for the bad acts of members, athletes, or students who commit these bad acts. Many schools have anti-hazing policies and procedures in place. The enforcement of these policies and procedures is not so easy and it a challenge to spot hazing activities and to punish the wrongdoers.

A Child Injury Lawyer can advise, consult, and represent the hazing victim in a case against the bullies, homeowner's insurance, school, and other possible defendants. There are a myriad of problems associated with hazing activities. The victims of hazing often suffer physical and / or emotional personal injuries. In some instances, serious personal injuries and even wrongful death result from hazing related activities.

It was reported in Warsaw New York that two high school wrestlers were charged with crimes involving alleged hazing acts that took place in a locker room. The victim suffered a broken jaw as a result of the hazing related activities. The charges were filed after a criminal investigation that included almost 30 interviews. The Wyoming County District Attorney filed the charged against a 16 year old and a 17 year old. The students charged reportedly bullied two other students into fighting against each other. The inverstigation also uncovered evidence in the form of a mobile phone video of at least a portion of the fight. The students charged will be entitled to representation by a New York Criminal Defense attorney or the services of the public defender's office.

It is difficult for victims and their parents to deal with the aftermath of a hazing incident. There are many issues to address including continued attendance at the school, dealing with or being around the bullies involved in the incident, medical care / treatment counseling, and other issues. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on School Injuries, Homeowner's Insurance, Damages / Comnpensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.