By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In New Mexico and other States, most parents believe that their children are safe from harm while tucked into their own beds. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, parents received quite a scare recently when a car crashed into the apartment complex. Actually, the car crashed right into a bedroom. Fortunately, there were no serious personal injuries suffered by the children. Just minutes before the automobile accident, the 2 year old awoke and went into another room. Tragedy was avoided but it was quite frightening of this family. You can read more about this story at Car Crashes into Albuquerque, New Mexico Apartment Complex.
In Utah and other states, driveways are a very dangerous area for small children especially toddlers who have mobility but limited to no sense of danger. In Provo, Utah, it was reported that a 16 month old child was hit by a vehicle as the driver was backing out of the driveway. Fortunately, neighbors / bystanders were nearby and quickly alerted the driver about the child. While the child did suffer some personal injuries, tragedy was avoided by the quick thinking and actions of the neighbors / bystanders.
In Boise, Idaho, children were removed by the Sheriff’s office after a search warrant revealed dirty / squalid conditions at the home. The parents (Stacey Marie Cox and Michael Cox) were living in the home with four children ranging from the age of 3 to the age of 8. Adults generally have the right to live as they please as long as the health, safety, and welfare of others including children are not affected. In this home, detectives found what was reported as “deplorable” conditions.
The State of Ohio has filed a lawsuit against one of the largest day care center chains in the State alleging that Angels Learning Center failed to pay many of its child care workers according to the wage guidelines set by the state. The lawsuit was filed by the State Attorney General Office and the Department of Commerce. It was reported that 150 employees were not paid the wages that they were entitled to under the law.
In California and other States, parents send their children to school with an expectation that there will be supervision and instruction in a safe learning environment. In Bakersfield, California, a sixth grade teacher was recently arrested for intoxication. The teacher was removed from the school in handcuffs. Science teacher Larry Michaels was arrested at the school during lunch time. Mr. Michaels was evaluated by deputies who determined that he was under the influence of alcohol and possibly prescription medication. Mr. Michaels reportedly refused testing. Like any other criminal defense case, Mr. Michaels will be entitled to a defense on this matter.
Virginia has a voluntary program in place that rates day care centers on a 4 star scale. The name of the Virginia program is the Virginia Star Quality Initiative. At this time, there are 31 day care centers with a 4 star rating which is the highest rating on the scale. The rating system provides accountability for day care centers / child care centers in Virginia. Since participation in the rating system is voluntary, many day care centers are not included in this rating system. Inspections and visits evaluate the facility. The quality and consistency of teacher child interaction are also observed.