By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Shrevport, Louisiana, Sheldon Lewis, age 4, suffered critical injury while attending the Louisiana State Fair. According to the State Fire Marshal, the injuries could have been avoided if safety protocols were followed by the ride operator. In particular, it was reported that the accident and resulting personal injuries could have been avoided if the amusement park ride operator turned the ride off and then removed the key. Another child had pushed a start button to the ride while Sheldon Lewis was on the ride platform. As a result of the unexpected start of the ride, Sheldon became trapped between the floor of the ride and the moving cars on the ride identified as The Twin Ring Demolition Derby. See Fire Marshal Releases Information Regarding Louisiana State Fair Ride Accident Causing Serious Personal Injuries to Sheldon Lewis. See Fire Marshal – Operator Error Was a Factor in Louisiana State Fair Accident.
In Georgia, a jury awarded the parents of a 2 year old child over $9 Million dollars in a lawsuit that was filed against a day care center. The case involved the drowning death of a 2 year old (Abiola Bankolemoh) who was not properly supervised by the day care center employees. As a result of the lack of supervision, the child drowned in a Georgia swimming pool. While swimming pools can be great fun for children, swimming pools also pose a significant risks to children. Because of the inherent risks associated with swimming pools, it is vital that proper supervision is in place at all times when children are in or near a swimming pool area. In particular, gates should be locked, pool fences should be secured and in place, and supervision should be consistent and constant. See 
In Tennessee and other States, parents send their children to school with the hope and expectation that the child will be educated and supervised in a safe environment. Unfortunately, some children suffer serious personal injuries and some even die while on school grounds or while engaged in a school related activity or field trip. In Whitehaven, Tennessee, it was reported that Anthony Scott (age 6) was hit by a day care by a Pee Wee Wisdom Child Care Center. A full investigation will be conducted as to the cause and preventability of such an accident.
In California and other States, college campuses like the University of California are common places for students and others to stage or have protests or gatherings to discuss or publicize important issues of the day. The college campus protest and meetings have formed in many ways the fabric of change in many instances in the United States. Most protests are well organized and do not result in any personal injuries or harm to the protestors or spectators at the event. The President of the University of California System is requesting a probe / investigation into events in which protestors were sprayed with Pepper Spray. See 
In Kentucky, parents rely on day care centers to provide care and supervision to their children. It was reported that a child choked on a push pin while she was at a Louisville Kentucky day care center – Trina’s Daycare Center. It was reported that day care workers at the Kentucky day care center observed that Jacorey Davis, age 2, was having convulsions at the day care center. It was not known at this time why the child was having the convulsions. The child was later rushed to Kosair Children’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy later concluded that the child choked on a push pin. Recently, owner of the day care center – Katrina Clyburn gave a statement about the incident and her feelings regarding the death this child. See 
In 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 
Over the last 10 years, professionals have seen an increase in head injuries of basketball players. Head injuries, include concussions and head fractures. The question remains, has basketball become more of a contact sport or are coaches and professional just better at recognizing sports related head injuries? According to an article posted in “Pediatrics”, the increase in reported injuries may be due to better recognition by coaches and trainers of these types of head injuries.