By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
The Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments recently in an appeal by a Georgia teacher who was convicted of having sex with a 16 year old student at her school. The teacher was convicted under Georgia Code Section 16-6-5.1 which provides a 10 year mandatory sentence for any “custodian or supervisor” who has sexual contact with anyone who is enrolled in a school.
By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Madeline Kara Neumann died at the tender age of 11 years old in Wisconsin. Madeline had an undiagnosed and untreated condition – diabetes. With proper treatment, Madeline could have and would have lived a long and full life. Unfortunately, Madeline was deprived of the medical care that she so desperately needed. Madeline’s death and the criminal prosection of her parents Leilani Neumann and Dale Neumann has raised the debate of religion versus healthcare – what is in the best interest of the child? Yes, we have freedom of religion in this country; however, the best interests of a child must be considered when weighing healthcare decisions versus religious preferences of the parents. This is especially true when a child’s life has been lost. The Neumann’s believed that their daughter’s illness was a test of faith or a challenge to her spirituality. Unfortunately and tragically for Madeline, no amount of prayer or faith healing was going to medically treat her diabetes. Medical science has made great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes over the years. This is a proven fact. While prayer does have a place in society and is important to so many families like the Neumanns, the needs and best interests of the child must be considered. A jury will ultimately decide the fate of the Neumanns. You can read more about this story at District Attorney – Girl Whose Parents Prayed to Defeat Illness – Suffered a Needless Death.
By Brooks P. Lynn, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Liberty County, Texas, a seven year boy (Donald Coffey, Jr) was shot when a property owner believed that he was a trespasser. Tragically, Donald died from the gun shot wounds. Donald was shot in the head after he and three other people took a break from off roading in an area about 40 miles outside of Houston, Texas.
By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Working parents and caregivers in North Carolina rely on day care centers to provide their children with a safe environment free from hazards and dangers. Standards are in place that regulation North Carolina child care centers / day care centers under the North Carolina Administrative Code Title 10 A – Health and Human Services – Chapter 9 – Day Care Rules.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Utah and other states, parents entrust their children to baby sitters with the expectations and hopes that the child will be properly cared for and protected. Unfortunately, some children are harmed by babysitters due to lack of supervision, inexperience, negligence, neglect, and, in some cases, due to intentional acts of violence. It is well know that shaking a baby can cause serious personal injuries including brain damage and wrongful death. In Provo, Utah, a baby sitter (Danielle Ruiz), age 27, was recently sentenced by Judge David Mortensen for the wrongful death / child abuse homicide of 5 month old – Brandon Zamora. Prosecutors presented a case of child abuse homicide caused when Danielle Ruiz lost control and shook the baby causing brain damage and other injuries leading to the death of the child. Ms. Ruiz begged the judge for leniency and probation but the Judge noted that this crime was too serious to impose a mere sentence of probation.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Minnesota and other states, some parents are choosing religion over necessary life saving medical care. In New Ulm, Minnesota, a judge issued an arrest warrant for Colleen Hauser after she missed a court hearing and fled with her son who has a treatable but potentially fatal condition – Hodgkins Lymphona. Daniel Hauser’s condition is curable with necessary treatment (chemotherapy and radiation). Daniel’s parents instead choose to treat Daniel with herbal supplements, water, and natural type of products. Seeing that it is the year 2009, it really defies good sense and good parenting to ignore proven medical science in favor of products that just fill a child up with hope rather than a proven cure. You can read more about this story at Minnesota Mom – Arrest Ordered for Resisting Medical Treatment for Son.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
BB guns are weapons that can lead to serious personal injuries and wrongful death. BB guns and toy guns are especially dangerous when others believe that BB guns are high powered fire arms. Parents should keep in mind that a weapon is a weapon. This advice applies to BB guns. Parents and caregivers should supervise their children any time that children use a BB gun.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In New Hampshire, two high school students were arrested for bringing a toy gun to school. Another student had noticed the gun on the hallway floor and notified school officials. In the abundance of caution, school authorities contacted law enforcement who then went to the school to investigate. Police found the plastic toy gun with an orange tip in a locker. In response to the situation, the school was put on lockdown. Parents were notified via text message and other means and also went to the school.
By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In 2005, the Georgia General Assembly severely limited an injured child’s, as well as injured adults, right of recovery in medical malpractice actions. With the passage of the Tort Reform Bill, the Georgia legislature limited recovery for pain and suffering to $350,000.00 against a health care provider such as a doctor or a hospital. In the event that more than one entity is named in a medical malpractice action, the child can recover $350,000.00 from each named defendant but can never recover more than $1,050,000.00.
By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In North Carolina and other States, personal injuries to children result from unsafe child care centers / day care centers and negligent supervision. In North Carolina, child care centers are regulated by North Carolina child care centers / day care centers are regulated by the North Carolina Administrative Code Title 10 A – Health and Human Services – Chapter 9 – Day Care Rules.
