By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Lacrosse is a sport that increases with popularity each year. Due to the contact nature of the sport, there have been a number of reported injuries to children and young adults every year resulting from Lacrosse. David Marshall, M.D. recently posted an article about child injuries and Lacrosse. Dr. Marshall is the Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Program for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta Georgia. Dr. Marshall noted that approximately 300,000 children play Lacrosse and it is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States for boys and girls. The type of protective gear typically used by boys is different than that for girls. Many girl clubs and teams do not wear helmets or the protective gear when body checking is not permitted. Due to the potential contact and injuries that may be inadvertently caused by the Lacrosse stick and ball, some safety advocates may argue that it is better to have all available safety equipment in use even if the risks of injury is low when body checking is not permitted. Reported injuries from Lacrosse include abrasions, contusions, muscle and tendon strains, shin splints, fractures, and facial injuries. Parents should speak to coaches and club administrators about safety precautions in place and gear used for Lacrosse practices and games. You can read more about Dr. Marshall’s article at Lacrosse and Common Injuries from the Game.
In Wisconsin and other States, parents, as well as children, have a right to pray and to practice religious beliefs of a particular religion. The State and Federal government generally should allow people to pray and pay respect to a particular religion or practice without interference. Yes, we have the United States Constitution which has granted people the freedom of religion; however, when a child’s health, safety, and well being were put at risks, law enforcement authorities and prosecutors have taken action. In Wisconsin, parents were prosecuted for the 2003 death of their 11 year old daughter who died without the benefit of timely medical intervention. Instead of taking their daughter to the hospital, Dale and Leilani Neumann prayed along with ohters. Their daughter, Madeline Neumann, died from complications related to undiagnosed diabetes which is typically a condition that can be managed through medication and / or dietary intake. Madeline died on the floor of the family home. 911 was called only after Madeline stopped breathing. This case garnered national attention because there are thousands of other parents who may take a similar route to the Neumanns in dealing with a life threatening but treatable condition.
In Opp, Alabama, two children were taken to the Opp (Alabama) Mizell Memorial Hospital for personal injuries that were sustained in a school bus accident. Another student was later transported to the hospital by a school staff member. The other vehicle involved in the accident crashed into the side of the bus as the bus was turning. The driver of the other vehicle had to be removed or extracted by the vehicle by a jaws of life device.
Unlicensed day care providers and unlicensed in home day care centers can prove to be places of danger, injury, and even death for children. In Des Moines, Iowa, a 4 month old child was seriously injured when a grandmother went to the in home day care center to pick up her grandson (Emiliano Ramirez of Urbandale, Iowa).
In Allentown, Pennsylvania and cities across the nation, there is a common danger to children: parked cars and traffic. When cars are parked on the side of a street, it may be difficult for a children to see oncoming traffic. In addition, drivers may not see children who walk between parked cars into a street. A 10 year old boy in Allentown, Pennsylvania was recently hit by a car as he walked between two parked cars. The boy was taken to and treated at Cedar Crest Hospital. He suffered a severe personal injury to his leg. Local police will conduct an investigation as to the cause and manner of the accident.
A Clayton County, Georgia jury found a mother guilty on October 1, 2009 of eight criminal charges, including cruelty to children and contributing to the deprivation of a minor for starving her twin infant sons. The mother and the boys’ father were high on Methadone and other prescription drugs as well as alcohol and were not able to care for the babies. Relatives of the babies intervened—except for the maternal grandmother, a former special education official, who failed to report the child abuse. The grandmother will be tried on criminal charges later this month.