Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By Rob Shainess, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Minnesota Day Care Centers – What Laws Apply to Outdoor (Playground) Play Space? Minnesota day care centers are regulated by the Minnesota Administrative Code Rule 9502.0425 as to Physical Environment including Outdoor Play Space. Pursuant to Subparagraph 2. Outdoor Play Space, there must be at least 50 square feet per child in attendance of play space at the day care center or adjacent to the day care center in the form of a park or other play space available for the regular use of the children. On-site supervision is required by the Minnesota child care providers for children who are younger than school age when the play area is not adjacent to the residence. Depending on the traffic, water, and / or other hazards in or near the outdoor play space, an enclosure in the form of a fence or other barrier may be required. For safety reasons, the area must be free of litter, toxic items, water hazards, machinery, and other items that may cause potential harm or risks to the children in the outdoor play space.
In the United States, most day child care facilities are legally required by law to be licensed. The Child Care Licensing Program in South Carolina enforces laws and regulations established by the State Legislature to ensure that child care facilities provide the basic health and safety requirements for all children in their care.
In Star County, Texas a two-year-old girl suffered burn injuries when her parents left her unattended in a bath tub. Her mother, Carolyn Garza has been charged with injury to a child by omission. Her husband, the toddler’s stepfather, Jesus Alberto Lerma has also been charged for negligence. The toddler was taken to San Antonio Hospital and treated for burns. She has since been placed in the care of another family member. The parents claim it was an accident and blame a faulty water heater.
In Kansas City, Missouri and in every community in the United States, there is one common dangerous place in most homes and apartments – the bathtub. Unfortunately and tragically, children continue to be victims of drownings in bathtubs. Just a few moments of inattention or lack of supervision can have deadly consequences. It is vital that a smal child be supervised at all times while in the bathtub – don’t take that phone call and don’t multi-task by cooking and doing other activities while a child is bathing in a bathtub. In addition, never leave water in an unattended bathtub before or after a child’s bath time. In Kansas City, Missouri, police are investigating the death of a toddler – 18 month old Jermane Johnson, Jr. At the time of the incident, Jermane was staying with relatives. It was reported that a 16 year old (mentally handicapped) was babysitting the children on the day of the incident but was sleeping at the time that that the drowning incident took place. It is suspected by police officials that another child (5 years old) may have drowned the toddler because the toddler was crying too much. Due to the age of the 5 year old and the circumstance involved in the incident, it is uncertain how the case will be handled. Since the 5 year old is so young, it would be difficult to prove that she understood the magnitude and seriousness of her actions. See 
Minnesota day care centers are regulated by the Minnesota Administrative Code Rule 9502.0355 as the code pertains to Supervision, Behavior Guidance, and Corporal Punishment. A simple but important question is as follows:
Supervision in Minnesota day care centers is key to the safety and welfare of children. Licensed day care centers are governed by the
In Long Island, New York, three bounce houses went airborne after some strong winds lifted up the bounce houses at a soccer tournament. The incident took place at the Town of Oceanside (Long Island) New York at the United Soccer Club. Bounce houses can be susceptible to strong winds and thereby create a zone of danger when the bounce houses are not properly secured in place. When operating or renting a bounce house, it is important to read the weather forecast. Furthermore, it is also important to monitor the weather forecast and weather reports during the time that the bounce house is in place. While bounce houses are typically fun for children, safety is a priority at all times. It was reported that 13 people were injured as a result of this bounce house incident. See 
A new study confirms what common sense has known for a long time – that proper installation of appropriate safety devices can prevent child injuries at home. The study shows a clear link between babyproofing one’s home and a reduction in child injuries. The researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center looked at two groups of families with infants. One family had properly installed and maintained child safety devices in their home whereas the other family did not. The family that took the safety precautions had 70% fewer injuries requiring medical attention.