By David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In every state, there are laws in place that set forth the time limits, restrictions, procedures in which a criminal case or a civil personal injury case can be filed when a child is victimized by a molestation or abuse incident.
With respect to time limits, the statute of limitations is the deadline in which a lawsuit can be filed or for a criminal case in which charges can be filed against a criminal defendant.
By David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
DNA profiling for use in criminal and civil case investigations was developed in 1984 and first used as part of the forensic science to convict a Defendant in a murder case in 1988. DNA can be obtained from a variety of sources including hair, saliva, skin, semen, and blood.
If a criminal investigation is conducted, a CSI (Crime Scene Investigator) will inspect the crime scene to determine if there are any traces or samples of DNA evidence to obtain. If blood is found at a crime scene, the blood is tyoically collected carefully on a gauze pad or other sterile cloth. The blood is then allowed to dry at room temperature and then it is packaged and taken back to the lab. If dry blood is found at a crime scene, the investigator will attempt to remove or take as much of the article that contains the blood, package it up, and then transport it back to the lab. See also How is DNA Collected at a Crime Scene? Items like hair follicles are carefully collected by the use of sterile gloves and / or tweezers in an attempt to prevent the damage and / or contamination of the item.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
When a child is subject to the abuse or molestation by adult teacher, coach, teacher’s assistant, volunteer, neighbor, or other person, DNA evidence can be used to establish a case or claim against the perpetrator and possible other entities. DNA evidence is not always available or collected in each case. Because the DNA evidence can be a powerful tool in helping establish a civil or criminal case involving the abuse or molestation of a child, investigators will typically inquire and research whether DNA evidence can be obtained. There are various sources of DNA evidence following the abuse or molestation including the following:
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
The U.S. Product Safety Commission publishes guidelines and recommendations for the set up, maintenance, and supervision of children in playgrounds in the publication – Public Playground Safety Handbook. Because playgrounds are present in virtually every school, community, day care center, and park, it is important that guidelines and recommendations are considered and followed when reasonable and practical to do so.
By Benjamin Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Are all Maryland day care centers subjected to the same policies, procedures, and regulations? The simple answer to this question is “No.” Under Maryland law, there are different classifications of day care centers. Like many other States, a day care center is regulated depending on the type of day care center, size of day care center, religious affiliation, and / or other factors.
The three key categories of day care center facility in the State of Maryland are as follows:
By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Ohio and other States, children may be at risk for molestation, abuse, and / or bad acts of voyeurism in the locker room of schools. Because of these risks, it is important that school districts and administrators set forth policies and procedures for each school to follow as to the presence and conduct of both school employees and the children as to locker room use. There should be a separation of the children from the adult employees and some kind of provisions put in place for the privacy of the children. Furthermore, it is important that schools complete proper background checks on all employees, coaches, trainers, and volunteers involved with physical education and / or any sports activities conducted in or by the school.
By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In New York in other states, parents rely on day care centers to provide a safe, clean, and affordable educational environment for their children. Many in home and commercial day care centers take good care of children. Child care providers in most facilities are composed of trained individuals who understand that the focus and primary goal the day care center is the safety of the child. In New York and other states, there are rules and regulations that govern the staffing, operation, and maintenance of day care centers. Those day care center owners and operators who follow these rules and regulations invest the time, resources, and finances necessary to properly run the day care center. Those facilities who cut corners, fail to follow rules and regulations, or fail to bother with the licensing process at all should be avoided by parents searing for a day care center.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In California and other States, parents rely on day care centers for the supervision and safety of their children during the day. Most day care centers do a great job with the children and are quite mindful and diligent about staff training, background checks, policies and procedures, and other actions that can help provide for the education and safety of children enrolled in the day care program. Unfortunately, at times, children suffer personal injuries at day care centers. Tragically, some children are abused, neglected, harmed, and / or molested by the very child care providers who are required to protect the children. Anyone with access to the children in the day care center can be a potential risk to the children including volunteers, other parents, visitors, and relatives of employees.
By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Wisconsin and other States, drivers should slow down and be very cautious when driving in or near school zones. This is especially true when a child is being guided or directed by a school crossing guard. It should be noted that school crossing guards perform a vital function in our community. The school crossing guard is in place to protect the health, safety and well being of school children during morning and afternoon hours. While the pay for a school crossing guard is not the highest on the pay scale for a government employee, school crossing guards serve a valuable service and function in most communities. When you see a school crossing guard in your community, show them the respect that they deserve. More importantly, obey the instructions and directions of a school crossing guard.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
When a parent sends a child off to school on a school bus, it is the expectation of the parent that the child will be transported safely to and from school. Unfortunately, school bus accidents result from the negligent driving of the school bus driver, other drivers, or the combination of the two. Since school buses are on the roads of most communities year round, it is vital that school bus safety is given a top priority by school bus drivers and other driving in the area of a school bus. This is especially true at bus stops and school zones. One basic safety tip to keep in mind is the following: SLOW DOWN. While this is very basic and simple advice, it is something to keep in mind any time somebody is driving near a school bus, school bus stop, or school zone. When a child is injured as a result of a school bus accident, here are the potential sources of payment of medical bills and / or compensation for the injuries sustained by the child:
