By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Parents rely on day care centers for the proper care and supervision of their children. Unfortunately, there are some day care owners and staff members who should never be in charge of children because they lack the patience, training, and common sense to properly care for children. At times, a child care provider / day care provider loses his or her patience and assaults child at the day care center.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Maryland and other States, acts of bullying have been caught or recorded on videotape, iPhones, Droids, videocameras, and surveillance video. Some bullies know that there brutal acts are being recorded and some do not. Some bullies even post their exploits to Facebook, You Tube, and other Websites for the whole world to see. It is unfortunate that bullying is still common in schools, day care centers, camps, sports teams, and elsewhere. Over the past few years, there appears to be more of an awareness of bullying and the passage of policies, procedures, regulations, and laws against bullying; however, bullying persists and comes in many forms including those that cause serious physical injuries and / or serious emotional harm. When a parent obtains videotape proof of bullying or a confirmed Incident Report of bullying, the parent is then faced with the issue of whether or not to puruse a claim or case seeking compensation for the harm caused by the acts of bullying. This is not an easy decision especially if the child victim is still enrolled in the school, day care center, camp, or other facility / location where the bullying acts took place. Furthermore, it is also complicated if the bully and the child victim continue to attend the same school or facility.
By Benjamin Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Child injured on Maryland State Fair swing ride. A 9 year old boy was injured at the state fair in Timonium, Maryland when he decided to exit the ride while it was still in motion. According to officials this Incident was the most serious injury at the fair this year. The injured child was taken to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The severity of the child’s injuries is unknown.
Millions of people attend state fairs every year. While at the fair, theme park, or amusement park, it is important to keep a watchful eye on your children. As a parent, you should always check regulations regarding age and height requirements for all rides. It the the job of the Maryland Department of Labor to inspect the safety of all the rides at the Maryland State Fair. For more information see, Maryland Sate Fair Swing Ride- 9 Year Old Child Injured.
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
When transporting children, it is important for school districts and school bus drivers to maintain control and order on the school bus. Because of the dangers and risks involved with transporting children, most school districts have written policies and procedures in place that school bus drivers and attendants must follow in order to promote the ongoing safety of the children on the bus and others on the roadway. When there is a problem with a school bus driver or transportation to or from a school, a parent should address the issue with the school administration and transportation department. In addition, a parent should review the policies and procedures in place for a school district to find out what the procedures are and if the procedures were followed. Of course, if there is a serious personal injury to a child that took place as a result of the negligence of the driver or other school employee, a Child Injury Lawyer can assist the parents with the investigation and all of the other issues that are associated with the child injury including the medical bills, medical treatment, and compensation for expenses as well as pain and suffering. It is important to address both the incident itself as well as the future transportation needs of the students so that other incidents do not take place that put children at risk for personal injuries.
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Howard County, Maryland, Judge Timothy McCrone sentenced Michael Adegoke Oye-Adeniran to a 20 year prison term for crimes committed against his niece. Prosecutors brought a case against this man for an incident involving a scalding incident. The allegations were that this man got angry when the child soiled herself so he put her feet into water that was 160 degrees. The severe heat of the water caused severe personal injuries to the child who was 2 years old at the time. The water was so hot that she suffered second and third degree burns to her feet. It was reported that the water was so hot that her toenails melted off. ( See Maryland Man Gets 20 Year Prison Sentence).
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Maryland, a father was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison based on child abuse charges brought by the State. Andre Nathaniel Robinson, age 31, was accused of the crime of child abuse for burn injuries to his baby son. Mr. Robinson maintains his innocence of a crime and stated that the injuries were accidental in nature. The baby treated at Baltimore Washington Medical Center for burn injuries to the chest, right arm and face. While Mr. Robinson had a right to an attorney and to defend himself at trial, he entered an Alford plea to the charges. This type of plea in Maryland allows a Defendant to maintain his or her innocence with a plea that there is sufficient evidence for a conviction.
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Officials in Howard, County Maryland voted to ban the use of tanning beds at salons / businesses by children under the age of 18. Child and health advocates argue that such tanning beds present a significant health risks to children as those exposed to tanning beds at a younger age may have an increased risk for the onset of skin cancer. Tanning business advocates and others may argue that tanning beds are safer alternative to the beach and that the medical evidence is far from certain as to statistics for cancer and other health risks.
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Bel Air, Maryland, a fire struck and destroyed a day care center – Celebree Learning Center. It was reported that the fire may have started in the bathroom. At the time that the fire was observed, there were 15 staff members and 55 children in the facility. Fortunately, all staff members and children were able to exit the facility. There were no deaths or serious injuries reported as a result of this fire. This story shows the importance of responding to a fire. Apparently, the staff at this facility were able to gather the children together and exit the facility. There were no children left behind or forgotten as the staff and children evacuated the facility. You can read more about this story at Fire Destroys Bel Air Day Care Center.
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Unfortunately, bullying has been around for years and despite all the advances in Maryland and the rest of the United States – bullying continues to be a problem that can and does result in serious personal injuries, and, in some instances, death to innocent victims of malicious bullies. In Cockeysville (Baltimore County) Maryland, police reported that three juveniles have been charged with first degree assault after brutally attacking, beating, and hitting a fourth grade student / neighbor with a baseball bat. Alex Ayers, age 10, was so severely beaten that he required emergency care a local hospital. The story was reported by WBAL TV 11 and other media outlets as well. The juvenile assailants lured Alex outside to join them by inviting him to play in a football game. It turned out to be much more a game for Alex and his assailants – it turned out to be a brutal crime that should be prosecuted. You can read more about this story at Baltimore County Police Report that Three Juveniles Charged for Beating a 10 Year Old Boy with a Baseball Bat.
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
It is important for day care centers / child care centers to have a properly maintained building and facility in place to comply with the State Board of Education rules and regulations. It is also important to have a properly trained and attentive staff in place. The old saying – “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” may apply in instances where there is a beautiful, new and modern day care center but it is staffed with unmotivated and careless day care center staff members. Parents should not just look at the building when considering a day care center. Parents should also look and interview the staff including the administrator, supervisors, teachers, and teacher’s aides. Every staff member at a day care center is important. Every staff member can make a difference – some for the better and some for the worse. Under Title 13 A – State of Maryland Board of Education Regulation 13A.16.08.01, a day care center / child care center has a duty to provide each child with individualized attention and care. Each child’s individual needs must be met and each child shall be provided with adequate supervision at all times. The supervision of the child needs to be based on the child’s age, needs and abilities. The day care operator must consider any special request and instructions by the parents in providing supervision for the child. When a child in Maryland day care center / child care center is using a potentially dangerous items or is engaged in an activity that could cause injury like using scissors or sharp tools, continuous supervision must be provided.
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