Articles Posted in Crimes Against Children

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By Thomas Hastings, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

household%20bathtub%20faucet%20hot%20and%20cold%20burn%20injuries.jpgWhile a child is under the care of a babysitter, parent, grandparent, day care center, school, or other person or entity, the child should be provided with a safe and clean living environment. Unfortunately, there are many inexperienced or inpatient child care providers out there who use means to punish or discipline a child that can cause serious personal injuries to the child. The fact that certain disciplinary acts have a long history do not make them safe, legal, or morally right. Using scalding water as a form of discipline can lead to serious personal injuries. In addition, the person, who uses this technique of discipline, may face criminal charges especially in situations in which the abused child is hospitalized or otherwise needs medical care and treatment.

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By Sara Powell, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

education%20school%20day%20care%20building%20block%20y.jpgIn Phoenix, Arizona and other States, parents rely on day care centers to provide a safe and clean environment while the parents are at work. The day care center has a duty to provide consistent supervision so that the children are kept safe and free from dangers and hazards. Unfortunately, some day care centers put a child at risk for personal injuries when the supervision is lacking. It is vital that day care centers have policies, procedures, and safeguards in place to prevent children from wandering out of the facility. In Phoenix, Arizona, it was reported by the local news that a child wandered away from a day care center. Fortunately, the child did not suffer any serious personal injuries and was returned safely to the day care center and ultimately to the child’s family. While there were no injuries reported, the risks were still there and actions should be taken by this facility to prevent future incidents of this nature. See Toddler Wanders from Daycare Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

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By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

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In Pennsylvania, the first civil lawsuit has been filed against Jerry Sandusky, Penn State, and the charity founded by former Coach Jerry Sandusky. The victim, who is now 29 years old, alleged that Jerry Sandusky sexually abused him more than 100 times. It is anticipated that other lawsuits will follow by other victims of Jerry Sandusky. In an attempt to use public relations, Jerry Sandusky has given some interviews to major news outlets. He has admitted to “horsing around” and to “showers” with or near the boys. Mr. Sandusky’s judgment was certainly poor and it appears that he continued his bad behavior or poor judgment for years without any appreciable intervention by the police, Penn State University, or any of his superiors at the college. It will be interesting to see what evidence is developed through the lawsuit as well as the criminal investigation that is currently pending. In light of the criminal investigation and the multiple reports from different victims / witnesses of Jerry Sandusky’s bad acts, it is difficult to comprehend Sandusky’s ongoing denial of any criminal or abusive conduct. Of course, Sandusky will be entitled to a criminal defense in the prosecution(s) against him. The case will result in a dismissal, plea deal, or trial. Since there appears to be plenty of evidence against him, it is unlikely that there will be a dismissal of the criminal charges. As such, the case will either be tried in front of a jury or will result in a plea deal. As for the civil case, there will be a settlement, trial, or court order establishing the case or throwing it out. Time will tell how all of these cases turn out. Hopefully, the truth will shine through and justice will prevail. See Sandusky Sued for Abuse in Pennsylvania.

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By David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

State%20Map%20Nebraska.jpgIn Nebraska and other States, parents rely on day care centers, babysitters, and schools to supervise their children and keep them safe. Unfortunately, in some instances, these child care providers neglect children under their care and cause serious personal injuries to children and sometimes even death. In Nebraska, a babysitter was sentenced to a prison term of up to 4 years. Pamela Johnson pleaded no contest to the charges of intentional child abuse and first degree assault on a child. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors pursued the case based on evidence that showed that the child victim had injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. See Nebraska Babysitter Sentenced in Child Abuse Case.

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By David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

ambulance%20paramedic.jpgJordan Everhart, a 21 year old Idaho man, was arrested on a felony injury to a child charge. Everhart was accused of physically abusing and 18 month old child. Everhart was babysitting his girlfriend’s child when the toddler was rushed to St. Lukes Regional Hospital. A rescue team rushed to the child’s home, after they received a call regarding an unconscious child. Paramedics assessed the child and determined the injuries were consistent with head trauma. The child underwent surgery, however she did not survive.

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By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

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In Kentucky and other States, children are the unfortunate victims of abuse and neglect. Some children even die from abuse and neglect due to the abuse, neglect, and / or beatings by a family member, a boyfriend or girlfriend of a family member, a babysitter, and even other children in the household. It is certainly difficult to predict when abuse or neglect will occur if there are no prior arrests or any prior incidents of reported abuse or neglect. In Louisville, Kenucky, it was reported that a 3 year old died as a result of an alleged beating at the hands of the mother’s boyfriend. Criminal charges have been filed. it should be pointed out that the criminal defendant will be entitled to the services of a Kentucky criminal defense attorney or services of the public defender’s office. See Unconscious Boy Found by Local Police – Boy Was Severely Beaten.

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By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

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Many child safety advocates, child rights advocates, and parents are against the use of corporal punishment. Some, however, firmly believe in the use of corporal punishment. Beyond the emotional harm that results from any instance of corporal punishment, many children suffer from serious personal injuries and, in some instances, death from excessive or extreme corporal punishment. At times, parents, caregivers, teachers, babysitters, and / or others go too far to “prove a point” or to “show the child who is the boss.” Corporal Punishment is an issue that is dealt with in school policies and procedures, magazines, newspapers, and, yes, in some child rearing books. Just because a book covers a topic or advocates a certain position or action does not make the book authoritative or good advice. The book titled – “To Train Up a Child” provides parents and caregivers techniques to impose corporal punishment. The book is a “how to” book in a way that can be quite dangerous to a child. When the imposition of corporal punishment is given priority to the health and safety of the child, serious personal injuries and death can and do result. There are plenty of methods and theories of child discipline that do not involve the imposition of corporal punishment. This is especially true in schools and day care centers – many of which outlaw or ban the use of corporal punishment. If there is any threat to the health, safety, and welfare of a discipline method, parents and caregivers should reconsider their actions. See Book Advocating Extreme Discipline May Be Connected to Deaths of Adopted Children.

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By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

State%20Map%20Ohio.jpgIn Ohio and other States, children continue to be the unfortunate victims of abuse and neglect at the hands of their parents, family friends, relatives, babysitters, teachers, and / or day care providers. Often times, a caregiver will present a child to an emergency room or a pediatrician and invent a story regarding how the injuries took place. When the history provided does not match the suspected mechanism of injury, state officials should be contacted to further investigate the injuries. The safety and best interests of the child are paramount to any other concerns or issues. Furthermore, a child, who is residing in a potentially abusive or neglected environment, should be removed and cared for in a safe and secure living situation.

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

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Hazing is an unfortunate act that still continues to take place in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and yes, even colleges and universities. In Quincy, Illinois, a hazing incident reportedly took place at Flinn Stadium by some Junior High / Middle School Students. The Quincy Report reported that the hazing incident involved student athletes who were the same gender and same age. Often times, students believe that an act is acceptable if it is a rite of passage. Hazing in any form should not be tolerated by school systems or law enforcement. Just because something has taken place in the past does not in any way give it legitimacy. Hazing is a crime – plain and simple. Of course, with any criminal prosecution, the case must be proven by prosecutors beyond a reasonable doubt and the intent of the criminal Defendant does play a role in the prosecution and defense of the case. The criminal Defendants are entitled to the services of a criminal defense attorney or the services of the local Public Defender’s office. See Quincy Junior High Students Charged with Hazing in Illinois.

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