By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
USA Today reported on school killings in schools since 1983. A map published by USA Today illustrated school killings in elementary, secondary and post secondary schools across the nation. The map is interactive in that a reader can click on a geographic area or incident to find out more details on the school killings.
By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Long Island New York and other areas, all too often we hear of school bus accidents and fear the worst—a child being injured or killed due to the negligence of school bus drivers and other drivers on the road. It’s horrible when a negligent vehicle causes an accident involving a bus. Its even more frightening when the accident is caused by the school bus driver him/herself. On a small road in Eastport Long Island, one student suffered a hand injury and three others were taken to the hospital as a precaution when a mini-school bus skidded off of the road, hitting a pole and trees. It is odd that the vehicle skidded as there was no snow or ice on the ground at the time. While we cannot control the operation of the school buses by the drivers, it is very important to obey all New York traffic laws and take extra caution when approaching school buses that carry our most precious children! You can read more about this story at Long Island New York School Bus Accident Causes Personal Injuries to Children.
By Jeremy Vishno, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A Masuk of Monroe, CT school bus, carrying its high caliber football team was struck by a pick-up truck that failed to yield the right of way. The collision caused serious injuries to the pick-up’s driver, but the players had no immediate complaints of injuries during on-scene evaluations. It remains to be seen as to whether the players, students at Masuk High School in Monroe, CT will feel the effects of that bus versus truck accident in the days to come, as is often the case in motor vehicle accidents. Many times, hours, days, and even weeks after an accident, the first real signs of injuries can rear their ugly heads. That is why it is critically important to have any child who was in an auto or school bus accident fully evaluated by a doctor or hospital personnel, and to pay attention to their complaints in the days and weeks after. This is true even if the accident seems to have minor damage to the vehicles involved. Cars are designed to absorb these impacts, while the human body is not.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Throughout the United States at schools, day care centers, after school programs, and public parks, children are injured on playground equipment every day. Many injuries result from falls from monkey bars or jungle gyms. A report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicated that most playground injuries resulted from falls off, falls from, or from being pushed off monkey bars or jungle gyms. Due to the high incidence of child injuries from monkey bars and jungle gyms, it is important for child care workers, teachers, parents, and caregivers to provide close supervision and assistance when small children are using monkey bars and jungle gyms. A helping hand from an adult will go a long way to preventing serious injuries like fractures, bruises, and lacerations from taking place.
By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
New York day care and child care centers are regulated by the New York Office of Children and Family Services. Pursuant Section 418-1.9, Discipline, New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), child care centers are prohibited from using corporal punishment for discipline or any reason whatsoever. The New York child care center regulations define corporal punishment punishment directed directly on the body. What does corporal punishment include? It includes spanking, biting, shaking, slapping, twisting, or squeezing the child. It also includes the requirement of excessive physical exercise or forcing or requiring the child to remain in an uncomfortable or bizarre position. Forcing the child to eat certain foods like spicy foods is also a form of corporal punishment.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A State of Washington Court ruled this week that teachers can legally have sex with 18 year old students. This ruling ignited outrage among educators, parents, and psychologists among others. The Washington Court of Appeals ordered the dismissal of a case brought against Matthew Hirschfielder, a former choir teacher at Hoquiam High School. There is a Washington State law that bans sex between teachers and students but the Court ruled that the law was vague as it pertained to sex with an 18 year old. In Washington and other States, 18 year olds are considered adults and not minors under State law.
By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
New York day care and child care centers are regulated by the New York Office of Children and Family Services. Pursuant to Section 418-1.8, Supervision of Children, New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), child care centers must employ staff sufficient to meet the minimum standards for staff to children ratios.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A California appeals court approved the expulsion of two students from a California religiously based high school for an alleged lesbian relationship. California Lutheran High School expelled the students after discovering some postings on My Space that indicated that the students were gay or had thoughts of being gay. After being expelled by the school, the students hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit for discrimination. The trial court dismissed the case and reasoned that the school is not bound by the same discrimination laws as a private business or public school. The appellate court agreed. You can read more about this story at Court OKs Expulsion Based on Sexual Orientation.
By Joseph R. Hillebrand Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Missouri day care / child care caregivers in the State of Missouri. According to 19 Code of State Regulations 30.60.070, Responsibilities of Caregivers, the following responsibilities apply to caregivers:
By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Massachusetts and other States, children in child care / day care suffer personal injuries on playgrounds and outside areas. Some personal injuries result from poor supervision or negligent inspection / maintenance of playground equipment. Some personal injuries result from a poor design or dangerous heights of playground areas. Many injuries on playgrounds in Massachusetts day care / child care centers can be avoided with diligent supervision, properly designed playground areas considering the size and age of the children, and consistent maintenance.
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