By Andrew Prine, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Detroit and other cities, even standing at a bus stop can prove to be dangerous. Recently, gunmen opened fire on a group of teenagers in Detroit. Seven teenagers were wounded. The incident took place near Cody 9th Grade Academy. Police later recovered a green minivan that is believed to be the vehicle used by the shooters to flee away from the scene. It is unfortunate the children attending summer school are put at risks of violence and shooting just for attending class. Hopefully, police will capture the gunmen and there is a reduction of violence in and around Detroit and other cities. You can read more about this story at Shots Fired at Bus Stop Near School in Detroit, Michigan.
In a bizarre twist on leaving children in cars, a 12 year old boy has been charged with felony murder and cruelty to children in the death of his five week old cousin. The baby was left in a car by the mother at a store in Cobb County, Georgia. The 12 year old boy was apparently left in the car to watch the baby. When the mother came out, the baby was not breathing. The baby was taken to the hospital but died the following day.
In Topeka, Kansas, a toddler recently died from severe head trauma / personal injuries when the child was hit by a vehicle in a driveway. Further investigation by the Topeka Police Department revealed that the child was run over by Raul A. Retana-Vasquez, age 25. Mr. Retana-Vasquez was later arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter and Driving under the Influence of Alcohol.
Tragedies and deaths often times result in changes to laws to provide safety measures for children. In Arkansas, a law recently went into effect that raises the minimum age
Nevada law requires children under 6 years old and under 60 pounds be placed in a car seat with a 5 point harness while traveling in a motor vehicle. Parents should take great care to make sure that the car seat is appropriate for the child, safely installed, and securely applied for the safety of the child. In Reno, Nevada, a 4 year old boy suffered severe head injuries following a three car accident. The boy was partially thrown or ejected from the vehicle. The boy, who was not identified by news reports, was later treated at Renown Regional Medical Center.
Spartanburg, County South Carolina special needs girl, Meah Weidner, died as a result of child abuse according to South Carolina law enforcement officials. Deputies have charged David Anthony “Tony” Tyre with homicide (child abuse). The incident and death took place on July 5, 2009. Tyre is believed to have shaken the child and dropping her on her head. Based on Meah’s special needs and disabilities, she had no ability to defend herself from the violent or harmful acts of others. There was a prior incident in which Tyre is believed to be involved with child abuse resulting in a broken arm to Meah.