Articles Posted in Child Safety

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By Robert Chaiken, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Homeowner%27s%20Insurance%20Trampoline.jpegIn Texas and other States, trampolines are often seen in most communities. For the most part, trampolines are a source of fun, entertainment and exercise for adults and children alike. Unfortunately, many children are injured every year due to trampoline accidents and injuries. Some incidents are avoidable with safety precautions and adult supervision while others are not. While trampolines are quite common, they should still be considered dangerous when used in an unsafe manner and / or when the trampoline is not properly maintained or equipped. Often times, a child injury lawyer can help the injured child and the family pursue damages for medical bills, pain, and suffering when there is a trampoline personal injury.

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By David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Toy%20Dangers%20Choking.jpegChildren just love playing with games and toys. Unfortunate, the very games and toys that bring hours of enjoyment to a child can also cause serious personal injuries and, in some cases, the untimely death of a child. When a child suffers an injury due to an unsafe product and / or improper supervision of the child, it is often helpful to contact a Child Injury Attorney for consultation and representation regarding the matter. A Child Injury Attorney can advise a parent as to the legal rights of the injured child and the rights to compensation for the injuries sustained by the child.

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By David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

State%20Map%20South%20Carolina.jpgIn South Carolina and other states, parents rely on babysitters,schools, and day care centers to supervise their children when parents are working or otherwise unable to be with their children. In most instances, the babysitter is diligent and conscientious. The children are well cared for and they are kept safe and free from dangers. Unfortunately, at times, children are put at risk for serious personal injuries or medical complications when a babysitter uses poor judgment or tries to take short cuts when babysitting or supervising children. In Horry County, South Carolina, it was reported that a babysitter gave a 4 year old Xanax. The child was given this medication in an attempt to ge the child to nap / sleep on New Year’s Eve.

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By Stephen New, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

sports%20basketball%20court%20graphic%20full%20court.jpgIn West Virginia, a tragic incident was reported involving a 4 year old child. While at a James Madison University (JMU) basketball game, a 4 year old child sustained a head injury after falling approximately 10 feet at the Convocation Center. The incident took place in the bleacher section of the center. Harrisonburg Fire Rescue as well as officials from the university responded to the scene to render aid and transportation to the child following the personal injury. For more information regarding this incident, see Child Sustained Head Injury While at JMU Basketball Game.

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By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

State%20Map%20North%20Carolina.jpgIn Walkertown, North Carolina, a 6 year old boy (Mason Kenerly) fell 25 feet in a well. The incident took place in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Fortunately, the child was rescued from the well and was able to return home to his family. In many instances, the child is not so lucky to get rescued. For more information regarding this story – see North Carolina Boy – Age 6 – Rescued from Well After Falling 25 Feet.

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By Roy Dickinson, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Toy%20Riding%20Personal%20Injury.jpgNow that the holiday season is over – – – children will be busy playing with the toys, bikes, skateboards, and other items that they received in December. While these items can occupy the time of a child, entertain them, and help them be active – these items can also be the cause, in part, of injuries to children. As reported by Safe Kids USA, speed and small parts are included as the causes for toy related injuries. Emergency room visits take place due, in part, to accidents while a child is riding a tricycle, bicycle, or scooter. While the only way to avoid every single injury is to avoid these items and activities – this is not realistic or sensible; however, there are safety measures that a child can take under the guidance and supervision of a parent, babysitter, school, day care center, or other responsible adult. Training and instruction can go a long way to prevent injuries. Make sure that the child understands the mechanism of the toy or bike and that he has lots of practice before taking longer rides or riding faster. It has been reported that 150,000 children are seen in emergency rooms every year due to toy related injuries. Of these injuries, approximately 1/3 of the injuries resulted from riding toys like a tricycle or scooter. Between the years of 1990 to 2009, almost 200 children have died due to choking related injuries caused by small toy parts. For more information on this topic – See Causes of Injuries from Toys – Small Parts and Speed.

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By David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

education%20school%20day%20care%20book%20with%20glasses%20and%20green%20apple.jpgCNN reported that the University of Vermont suspended a fraternity for posting a rape survey online. The rape survey was no laughing matter to the university or the national fraternity. The university and the national fraternity of Sigma Phi Epsilon made it clear that acts that demean women were unacceptable and would not be tolerated. See Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Chapter Suspended After Posting of Rape Survey.

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By Stephen New, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

education%20day%20care%20building%20blocks%20assorted.jpg

In West Virginia, day care centers and child care centers have a duty to provide children with a safe and clean outdoor and playground environment. Pursuant to Title 78 – Legislative Rules – Department of Health and Human Resources – Division of Human Services – Child Care Centers Licensing – Hazards – Section 20.4.C, the Child Care Center has a duty to ensure that the play area for the children are well drained and free of debris. Furthermore, the child care center shall provide an outdoor environment that is clear of hazards including pits and abandoned wells, tree roots, appliances, and all other potential hazards including heat pumps, air conditioning units and external wiring, meters and telephone boxes. These areas shall be kept inaccessible to the child. The children enrolled in a day care center shall also be protected or kept away from moving vehicles when playing outside at the child care center. In addition, the soil of the playground area shall be free from any level of toxic chemicals and substances.

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By Stephen New, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Education%20Day%20Care%20Building%20Block%20F.jpgIn West Virginia, day care centers / child care centers are regulated by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The definition under West Virginia law as to what constitutes a child care center is quite broad and includes the following:

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By Stephen New, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Education%20Day%20Care%20Building%20Block%20G.jpgIn West Virginia, parents rely on day care center / child care centers to watch over or supervise their children while they are at work. It is vital that day care centers follow the applicable West Virginia laws and regulations. In addition, it is just as important that the day care center and its staff use everyday common sense and good judgment when supervising children. Pursuant to Title 78 – Code of State Rules – Department of Health and Human Resources – Division of Human Services – Section §78-1-3.2 Definitions – Adequate Supervision, a day care center has a duty to provide adequate supervision which is defined as “the observation, oversight, and guidance of the individual child or groups of children, by the staff member taking responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child or group of children so that the staff member is close enough to intervene, if necessary, to protect the child from harm. Adequate supervision requires the staff member’s physical presence, knowledge of the ]child’s program of activities, individual needs, habits, interests and special problems, if any, and the acceptance of accountability for the child’s or groups of children’s care.”

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