Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Bellevue, Washington, there was a terrible automobile accident that caused serious personal injuries to several drivers and passengers. One of the accident victims, Rachel Beckwith, sadly died as a result of the automobile accident related injuries. Rachel was a remarkable girl who cared for others and even started a charity drive prior to the automobile accident. The death of Rachel Beckwith resulted in an outpouring of support for her charity and wish to help others. For more information, see Girl Gets Charity Wish After Death in Washington Automobile Accident.

The unexpected death of a child is one of the hardest things for a family, neighborhood and community to deal with. This is especially true when the child shows great promise and potential in life.

By David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former Olympia, Washington day care worker, Elisha Tabor, 20, pleaded guilty to molesting a five-year-old child in the child’s home and molesting a four-year-old child while at work. As part of the plea bargain, Tabor pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree child rape and two counts of first-degree child molestation. The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office dismissed one count of first-degree child rape and a count of first-degree child molestation in exchange for the guilty plea. John Skinder, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, said that he will recommend that Tabor serve 18 years to life in prison. Tabor’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Tabor worked at the Olympia Early Learning Center’s McPhee Road site on Olympia’s west side from May 2008 until January 2011. Tabor admitted that he raped and molested the five-year-old boy while acting as his babysitter. Prosecuting Attorney Skinder said that during Tabor’s sexual deviancy evaluation, Tabor told the psychologist that he molested the four-year-old.

The Early Learning Center’s McPhee Road site has been closed since mid-April. The Washington child care center is being investigated by the state Department of Early Learning (DEL) for a complaint made in January that the center failed to report an allegation of child abuse at the school. According to a DEL spokeswoman, the McPhee Road site’s license is inactive and was placed on the department’s do-not-refer list in February. Read more at ex-Olympia day care worker guilty of child rape.

By David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Shaken baby syndrome is a form of child abuse that causes traumatic brain injury when a baby is violently shaken. The characteristic injuries of shaken baby syndrome include subdural hemorrhages (bleeding of the brain), retinal hemorrhages (bleeding of the retina), damage to the spinal cord and neck, and fractures to the ribs and bones. Symptoms include convulsions, vomiting, irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, and pale or bluish colored skin. Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs in children younger than two years old but could occur in children up to the age of five.

About one year ago, then 9- month- old Colby Thompson was diagnosed with Shaken Baby Syndrome after being airlifted from his day-care center in Auburn to the intensive care unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fortunately Colby defeated all odds, but sadly he is left with permanent brain damage and the inability to eat through his mouth, sit up, or see. The incident was a result of alleged child abuse at an unlicensed child care center.

In Washington and other states, child care providers must have a license to operate legally in the state but many fail to do so because of time and cost regulations. As a result of Colby’s incident, the Thompsons helped draft a bill that Governor Chris Gregoire signed on Tuesday called the Colby Thompson Act. The purpose of the Colby Thompson Act is to place harsher penalties on childcare centers that operate illegally without a license. For more information on this topic, see Couple joins fight for child care safety.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Children in a local day care center located in Renton, Washington, were temporarily trapped inside due to fallen power lines. Although no one was hurt, a video showed the lines crossing a metal fence and lying on the Renton Day Care Center. The wires had arced and shortened over time, which caused them to burn through and hang lower than usual. A representative for the city reported that a U-Haul truck drove through the area at the time the wires went down and may have made contact with the wires to cause the reaction. A worker who fixed the lines said they were supposed to be 18 feet off the ground but were only 16 feet off the ground when measured. The owner said she didn’t know the lines were supposed to be higher.

Parents in Washington entrust day care centers with the care of their children. As a result, it is important for day care centers to provide a safe environment for children. When evaluating a prospective Washington day care center/ child care center, parents should choose a facility that is regularly inspected for its safety. Parents should also check to see that in case of an unexpected emergency, a child care facility also has an emergency evacuation plan and designated emergency exists. For more information on this topic, see Power Lines Trap Children in Day Care Center

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Automobile accidents occur several times daily. However, some accidents can be more unpredictable than others. For example, the driver of a sports utility vehicle drove his car through day care classroom in Olympia, Washington. A teacher and two children were hit by falling debris. No personal injuries were reported but the teacher was transported to a nearby hospital for precautionary reasons. The name of the man driving the 2007 Acura SUV was not released. The SUV smashed into Olympia's west side KinderCare Learning Center. The classroom had a teacher and 8 children inside at the time of the accident. The 33-year-old driver of the SUV was reported to not be under the influence or drugs. Police are currently investigating the collision and the SUV for a possible mechanical problem. For more read SUV smashes into Olympia, Washington day care center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former Olympia child care teacher and live-in baby sitter has been arrested on suspicion of raping a 5-year-old boy. The alleged rape occurred at the boy's home where 20-year-old Elisha Tabor was a live-in babysitter. According to court papers, Tabor has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation. Tabor was an assistant teacher at the Olympia Early Learning Center from 2008 - 2011, taking care of and teaching preschool-aged children. According to Renee Dey, business manager of the center, Tabor quit for "personal reasons" after a parent made allegations against him; Dey was unaware of what the allegations were. Rose Horgdal, program director for the center, stated there are no indications that any abuse took place at the child-care center. However, parents will be notified that an arrest has been made. Tabor admitted to police during an interview about repeatedly raping and molesting the boy while he lived with him. For more please read Former Olympia teacher and live-in babysitter accused of raping 5-year-old boy.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Redmond, Washington, a tragic fire was reported that involved the unfortunate and tragic deaths of 4 children and 1 adult. The incident took place on January 1, 2011. The blaze resulted in the response of six fire departments as well as fire investitors from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Exposlives. There was no indication from the initial inspection or response to the scene that the fire was intentionally set or that there was criminal activity involved with this fire or the resulting deaths.

The building that caught fire was described as a three story complex in Redmond, Washington. The building reportedly had smoke detectors but no sprinkler system which was not required by the the building codes at the time that the building was constructed.

Fires seem to be more prevalent in Winter months as opposed to other times of the year due to the use of fireplaces, heaters, portable heaters, and other items that may lead to uncontrolled and deadly fires. You can read more about this story at 4 Children, 1 Man killed in Seattle, Washington Suburb Fire.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A woman of an unlicensed day care in Yacolt, Washington, was arrested after she was found passed out in her minivan with two children inside. The woman was identified as Sheia Mikolos, 45. According to authorities Mikolos was drunk and passed out behind the wheel. Along with the two children inside the minivan were empty and half-empty cans of beer. Mikolos was arrested on two counts of Reckless Endangerment. The children were inspected by medics then turned over to Child Protective Services, they were later returned to their parents. Mikolos is entitled to representation by a Washington criminal law attorney or a public defender. To read more on this story please see Owner of unlicensed day care center arrested after found passed out in car with two children.

Drunk driving is illegal, unsafe and highly irresponsible, especially if children are in the car with the drunk driver. Alcohol reduces ones judgment as well as impairs a person's visions and other senses. Children require constant care and supervision. Consuming alcohol while attending to the needs of a child will only negatively affect one's capabilities to properly care for and supervise the child.

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

Parents hire babysitters to watch and supervise their children. In most instances, the babysitter does a great job and there are no problems during the babysitting job. Unfortunately, there have been many incidents reported in which a babysitter intentionally or accidentally caused harm to a child. In Auburn, Washington, it was reported that a baby sitter has been charged with causing serious personal injuries to a 9 month old child under her care. Law enforcement officials have charged Dotty Reed with the crime of first degree child assault. The charges stem from an incident in which investigators and prosecutors believe that Reed slammed the boy's head on the floor. This act was believed to be done out of frustration. The child was later examined by medical doctors at Seattle Children's Hospital. Medical doctors diagnosed the child with a severe brain injury. It was reported that the mother found this babysitter on Craigs List. For more information regarding this incident, see Washington Babysitter Charged with Crime Following Brain Injury to Child Under Her Care.

Craigslist can be a great way to buy and sell items. It can also be a great way to offer a job and / or to find a job. It should be pointed out that there is no quality control or background checks done by Craigslist with respect to job listings and opportunities.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Washington and States, children continue to be the unfortunate victims of drive way and back over accidents. In Newcastle, Washington, a father was backing out of his driveway when he accidentally hit his son with the back end of the vehicle. As the father was backing up, the boy ran over from a corner to where the vehicle was backing up according to local police.

Drivers, to the best of their ability, should be on the look out for children when backing out of driveways or parking lots. Many incidents are unfortunate tragedies while other incidents can be prevented by keeping children away from the moving vehicle and having other adult supervision in place.

You can read more about this story at 5 Year Old Washington Boy Fatally Struck in Driveway.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Spokane Washington child is expected to survive according to authorities despite being subjected to horrible child abuse and neglect. It was previously reported that doctors did not expect this child to survive. Some how, this child found the strength to hold on despite being a victim of flagrant child abuse at the hands of her father according to allegations made by police / prosecutors. Skyelynn Jamison is being treated at Sacred Heart Medical Center. According to Spokane Police, hospital officials are reporting that her condition is improving and she is expecting to survive. While she is surviving, it appears that she has suffered permanent life long injuries. She is on ventilator and is brain dead or has severe brain damage according to court documents. You can read more about this story at Baby Expected to Survive Horrible Child Abuse.

How did this child suffer such horrific injuries? According to the story posted at KREM.COM, her father allegedly choke and smother her when she cried. In Washington State, a parent needs to take a test to get a driver's license but does not need to take a test or even take a class to be a parent. Unfortunately and tragically for this child, she was the subject of severe and brutal child abuse just for crying and being a typically baby.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Craigslist Ad - "Boy for Sale" has sparked a criminal investigation. The Craigslist Ad was posted for Spokane, Washington. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is investigating this matter. It is a crime to try to buy or sell a child. The Ad was eventually removed from Craigslist. Children are not pets or possessions to be bought, sold, or traded over the Internet or anywhere else. Illegal ads and acts are often posted on sites like Craigslist and Ebay because there is a limit to the screening process of these sites. The millions of items and services listed every day make it difficult to perfectly screen out disturbing ads like this one. Hopefully, investigators can track down the person who posted the Craigslist Advertisement. If there is a real boy that was going to be sold, child welfare services need to step in and provide this child and family some services. You can read more about this story at Boy Listed for Sale on Craigslist in Spokane, Washington.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Washington, a man pleaded guilty to the rape of a 4 year old girl. How was he caught? What evidence was there against him in the criminal case for the sexual abuse and sexual molestation of this Washington child? Well, it appears that the man posted a video of the heinous crimes on the Internet and thereafter another man reported him to the authorities. Brian Beston, age 36, pleaded guilty to the cirmes of sexual exploitation, child rape, and dealing in child pornography.
Prosecutors will recommend a minimum 26-year sentence when he is sentenced May 14 in King County Superior Court. He could also face life in prison. Beston wife's also faces charge for her role in this criminal acts. You can read about this story at Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Child Rape Charges.

People who molest and abuse child fail to recognize the serious physical and psychological personal injuries that the child suffers at the time of the terrible act and the years thereafter. It is pure selfishness and depravity that leads people to commit such horrible acts.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Washington and many other States, spring brings weather in which we can finally enjoy the outdoors and open our windows. Parents, teachers, caregivers, and day care providers should be aware that an open window can be very dangerous for curious children who lack good safety awareness. Safety precautions should be taken which can include screens and other devices that keep the child from falling out of the window. In Marysville, Washington, a 3 year boy fell out of a window. Another child was reported to have fallen within the last month of so. Emergency rooms in Washington and other States report that these incidents typically occur between the months of May and October. You can read more about this story and the dangers of open windows at Maryville Washington Boy Injured After He Falls Out of a Window.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Vancouver, Washington, it was reported that a chid died from complications related to an E Coli outbreak at the day care center. E Coli is a bacteria that forms in the intestine. Some E Coli outbreaks can be mild and cause minimal complications while others can cause serious medical problems, personal injuries, and even death. Tragically, a child from the day care center contracted a very dangerous and ultimately dangerous strain of E Coli. You can read more about this story at Child Dies from E Coli Outbreak in Vancouver, Washington Day Care Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A mother’s piercing screams brought the Washington state high school wrestling championships to a sudden halt in Tacoma recently. The woman’s seventeen month old child had just slipped through a gap in the bleachers at the Tacoma Dome, and had fallen twenty to thirty feet to the concrete below.

Amazingly, when medics reached the girl behind the bleachers, they found her conscious and moving about. She was rushed to the hospital, and is reportedly doing well, though her condition was not officially released.

A spokesman for the Tacoma Dome is calling this a freak accident, saying that the dome has been in existence for over twenty five years and this is the first time an accident of this nature has taken place. Immediately after the accident, Tacoma Dome employees searched the arena for gaps and taped over several as a temporary measure until more permanent modifications can be made. Investigators are now talking to witnesses to piece together what happened. They have said they will do whatever it takes to keep such an accident from happening again.

At the same event, a person fell through a ceiling tile in a restricted area, but was not injured badly enough to require a trip to the hospital.

To find out more about this harrowing accident at the Tacoma Dome, visit Child injured in fall from Tacoma Dome bleachers.

In Skagit County, Washington, Safe Kids Skagit County is offering a free inspection of a child car seat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 12, 2009. Read the article - Skagit County Safe Kids Offers Free Inspections for more information.

The law in Washington State require parents, caregivers, and / or drivers to have children under the age of 8 in a child car seat. There is an exception to this general rule / law that exempts children who are 4 Feet 9 Inches in height and taller. Washington law also requires all children under the age of 13 to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. The purpose of these laws is to promote child safety and to attempt to reduce the number of child injuries and also to reduce the severity of injuries suffered as a result of an automobile accident. Parents have a duty to provide safety seats to comply with Washington's law. Safe Kids is an organization that helps organize and education parents about important child issues like car safety seats.

Follow Washington law and the good advice from Safe Kids.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Spokane County, Washington and other counties, maintenance supervisors have a duty to make sure that the public swimming pools are clean and safe for children. If there is a mechanical, maintenance, or hygiene issue with a swimming pools, government officials have a duty to repair, clean, and / or shut down the pool. In Spokane County, Washington, the opening of public swimming pools have been delayed by a maintenance problem or defect in the pool drains. There appears to be a problem with suction that could, in turn, trap a child and lead to a drowning and serious personal injury or death. A federal law requires that drain covers be placed over drains to prevent these kind of tragedies. The federal law requiring such a drain cover is named after a child (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act) who got caught in a drain in Florida. You can read more about this story at Spokane County Washington Delays Opening of Public Pools.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Families of two children in Washington state were given quite a scare when a man in a pick up truck lured their children into his vehicle on two separate incidents. The man (Dean Kinsman) offered one child a bicycle and the other shoes if they got into his vehicle. Children who go off with creepy strangers are really in danger and are often times injured, molested, and, in many tragic cases, killed. Fortunately, Kinsman did not take the children away from these families forever; however, the families were quite concerned that these incidents happened in the neighborhood. The boy was 9 years old and the girl was 4 years old.

News report did not indicate what Kinsman did with the children on his outings with the children. It is clear that Kinsman was not a friend of the family and did not have permission of family members to take the children anywhere. An investigation will be conducted to find out more details about these incidents and to determine if Kinsman took other children on similar excursions in the past.

This story shows the importance of staying away from strangers. Whether the stranger offers money, a bicycle, shoes, or a puppy, tell your children it does not matter. You can read more about this story at Bothell, Washington Man Arrested for Luring Children into his Pick Up Truck.