By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Aaron Pace of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was babysitting twenty month old Suliaman Orrell Kirkland recently, with other family members present in the home. Pace, who refers to himself as the child’s godfather, allegedly wet a rag with Drano and applied it to the child’s skin to punish him for being uncooperative.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Lab testing of children jewelry detected high amounts (some levels exceeding 90 % of the item’s weight) of a dangerous and toxic metal called Cadmium. Direct exposure to Cadmium can cause health problems for children. There is not a great deal of scientific literature or study of this toxic metal as the typical exposure to children and others has been limited. Nevertheless, parents and medical professionals should be aware of this study and the danger of Cadmium. The safest way for parents to handle this matter is to refrain from putting jewelry on a child unless it is made from a metal like gold or silver that has no potential harmful side effects or health hazards. You can read more about this story at Toxic Metal Found in Kids’s Jewelry Very Dangerous.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A five year old boy from West Wales, United Kingdom, fell off a child’s motorcycle that he had been given as a Christmas present. He suffered serious head injuries from the fall and died after being taken to the local hospital. The child was reportedly playing with the gift in an enclosed playground when the motorcycle accident took place. His father had taken him to the park to practice, since it was closed to automobile traffic over the holiday. Unfortunately, because the enclosed area is usually used for driving practice, it has a concrete surface. According to a neighbor, the park was locked up, but the short fence would be easy for someone to hoist a bike over. Police are calling this a tragic accident. They would not say if the child was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are not toys. ATVs are powerful machines that can be a lot of fun. In addition, ATVs can be quite dangerous to the health and safety of children. Because ATVs are powerful machines, it is important to exercise safety precautions any time that a child is on or near an ATV. Helmets are vital in case a child falls off an ATV. Training is also essential so that the child is taught how to properly operate the ATV. Some child safety advocates recommend that a child refrain from operating an ATV until a certain age. Parental or adult supervision is also key to the safety of a child when a child is operating or riding on an ATV. For more safety tips, see ATV Safety Tips for Children.
By Andrew Prine, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Oscoda Township, Michigan police are investigating an accident in a supermarket parking lot that took the life of a twelve year old girl. Reportedly, the driver of a 1999 Buick was backing out of his parking space when he lost control of the vehicle due to an alleged mechanical failure. The car spun out of its spot in reverse, crashing into the entrance of the market where a woman and three children where exiting. All three children were hit by the car, the twelve year old died at a local hospital, a nine year old girl was airlifted to the hospital, and a four year old boy was treated and released. The driver of the Buick has been questioned, but no charges have been filed.
By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Four year old Dakylie Hamilton and his three year old sister Desean Hamilton were given a battery powered plastic toy all terrain vehicle (ATV) for Christmas this year. According to the Wills Point Police Chief, the two children were not being supervised by an adult when the toy plunged into a creek near their home. They were pulled from the water but were not responsive and could not be revived. The children’s single mother was at work when the accident took place, and the children were supposed to be under the care of their grandmother. Texas Child Protective Services have been alerted, as there are other children living in the home. While the investigation is still underway, police are calling this a tragic accident.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
According to a British organization, the Child Accident Prevention Trust, attractively packaged capsules containing dishwashing detergent pose a serious poisoning risk for children. The capsules contain highly-concentrated detergent, which can cause serious chemical burns. According to the Trust, “hundreds” of children are being poisoned, and they attribute an 11% increase in calls about accidental poisoning to the introduction of the new tablets on the market. Toddlers have reportedly suffered chemical burns to the throat, eyes and skin after biting or playing with the tablets. The vibrant packaging and attractive design of the tablets are believed to make the poison more attractive to young children.
By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Years ago in Wisconsin and other States, school aged bullying mainly consisted of bullying on the playground, hallways, and classroom. These days, the concept of school aged bullying has extended well past the walls of the school and the fields of the playgrounds. Children and teens are now using mobile phones, text messaging, Facebook, and other avenues on the Internet to bully and harass other children and teens. Some bullying incidents have even lead to suicides by some children / teens who became overwhelmed by the harassment and bullying. Parents and teachers should use their best efforts to try to prevent these bullying tactics. Children and teens should be held accountable and should be called out when they bully in person, via mobile phone or by the internet. You can read more about this topic at Milwaukee – Wisconsin Journal Sentinel – Bullying Extends Well Beyond School Walls.
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.
By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Hazing incidents continue to be reported in Louisiana and other States across the nation. Unfortunately, high school and college students in clubs, organizations, fraternities, and even marching bands feel a need to inflict physical harm and / or humiliation as pre-requisites to get initiated or get membership in the group. It was recently reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that a student is suing Southern University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana over a hazing incident that took place off campus. Southern University will argue that the incident took place off campus and that the University did not sponsor or have knowledge about the incident. The attorney for the victim may argue that there was a lack of supervision by the University and that the University knew or should have had knowledge of past incidents of hazing yet took no action to intervene. It is by no means an easy case to pursue on behalf of the victim. It will be interesting to see how the court case turns out and what information is obtained through the court case.
Child Injury Lawyer Blog