By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Trampolines are common in most every community. Many commercial play areas also have trampolines for use by children. While trampolines can provide great fun and a form of exercise for children, trampolines are also well known hazards and risks to children as well. This is especially true for young children who play on trampolines. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that there were approximately 100,000 trampoline related personal injuries reported in 2009. The American Academy of Pediatrics has taken the position that recreational trampoline use by children is just plain dangerous. Many parents do not recognize the dangers of trampoline use until there is a serious personal injury that grabs the attention of the parents.
Cheerleading over the past 10 years has developed into a extremely competitive and dangerous sport. It is been quite some time since the role of cheerleaders has been relegated to the sidelines doing simple cheers and shaking Pom Poms. These days cheerleading is filled with gymnastic maneuvers, acrobatic moves, jumps, flips and other activities that are both exciting to watch and dangerous to perform. Because of the nature of the sport of cheerleading, it is important that schools, coaches, clubs and others set forth policies and procedures for practice and competition. In particular, cheerleading policies and procedures should be comprehensive and include rules, procedures, and guidelines for cheerleaders designated as “flyers” and “spotters”.
In Alabama and other States, most day care centers are required to apply for and maintain a license. For the reputable day care centers, background checks are completed to determine if the day care center employee has a criminal history and if the person presents an apparent risk to children. In addition, employment and backgrounds are completed as to the work history of the employee. While it is impossible to weed out or keep out all bad elements from being employed at a day care center, due diligence should be taken to check on the backgrounds and work histories of the day care center workers. When a parent enrolls a child into a day care center, it is reasonable for a parent to ask about and meet the day care center employees working in the facility. It is also reasonable to ask if any other employees or visitors have access to or will be near the children in the day care center. At some day care centers, the owners and / or relatives of the owners present a risk to children in the day care center facility. Background checks are not always completed on relatives living at the home day care center or who may visit the home or commercial day care center. Tragically, children are, at times, abused and molested by day care center employees, day care center owners, family members of owners / employees, or visitors to the day care center.
In Pennsylvania and other States, working parents rely on day care center to provide supervision and transportation for children enrolled in the child care program. In addition to the general dangers and risks involved with traffic and transporation, there is an added risk for children who at times get left behind on a school bus or day care center van. During hot summer and spring months and cold winter months, a child left alone in a vehicle can suffer from extreme heat or extreme cold to the point that the child suffers serious personal injuries, and, in some instances, even dies as a result of being left in the van or bus. In addition, there are other risks and dangers to a child left alone in a school bus or van. The risks and dangers include those related to strangulation, abduction, choking, wandering away, etc . . . . The mission of every day care center should be to provid consistent and professional supervision of the children.
When a parent enrolls a child in a day care center, the parent expects that the child will be cared for in a safe and caring educational environment. The purpose of day care is to provide for the education, socializatio, and yes, the safety and well being of children. Unfortunately, there have been attacks and violence reported at day care center. Many occur in the United States and some even outside of the United States. Children are the innocent victims of criminals who have committed acts. Why are these acts committed? What prompts a person to harm a child or a group of children? Is it mental illness? Is it a desire to gain a moment of fame? There may be a variety of “reasons” for these acts or no reason at all. Whatever the trigger, children are injured and some even die due to senseless violence. Parents and the community are then left to deal with the aftermath of a child’s death. When a child dies as a result of intentional or negligent acts, there is a ripple effect of sadness and emptiness to the family, school, Church and other religious institutions, and the community as a whole.
In Georgia and other States, children are the unfortunate victims of automobile accidents, trucking accidents, and bus accidents. When a child dies, it has a ripple effect throughout the family, school, Church and related institutions, and the community. When a child dies as a passenger in a vehicle, the fault of the accident (if any) typically falls on one or more drivers. There are a myriad of issues for parents to deal with following an accident. Since it is an emotional nightmare for a parent to deal with these issues, it is vital that the parents of the deceased child get the emotional and financial support during these troubling times. It is interesting but tragic to note that there is no term in the English language to designate a parent who loses a child due to a tragedy. This is especially true when the child is a minor and has yet to live her or her full life or potential. When a man loses his wife, he is a widower. A woman who loses a husband is referred to a widow. A child who loses both parents can be called an orphan. Despite the existence of these terms and many other words in the English language, there is no such term for a parent who loses a child. It is somewhat unnatural and indescribable for those who have endured or suffered though such a loss or tragedy.
In Michigan and other States, children, at times, are the unfortunate victims of personal injuries resulting from off road dirt bike and / or ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) accidents. Parents and other adults should take all necessary precautions and steps to prevent injuries to a child as a result of these activities. Some safety advocates will argue that there should be an age limit in every State for the operation of a dirt bike and / or ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Furthermore, safety advocates will argue that a helmet should be required for every operator / occupant of a dirt bike / ATV and especially for children. The use of off road dirt bikes and ATVs can be especially dangerous due to the speed of the bikes / ATVs, changing terrain, hidden dangers, stunts, and other factors. While it is impossible or unrealistic to believe that every injury or accident can be avoided, due care and thought should be taken to prevent injuries of children engaged in these activities or present in the area at the time of these activities.
In many homes, day care centers, schools, and other locations, there is a danger present for children. Simply enough, the danger presents itself in the form of an open window or a window that can be opened by a child. Whether the child crawls out a first story window or higher window, the danger is present. A child can suffer fractures, lacerations, and head injuries from a fall out of a window. Because of the risks and dangers of windows, it is vital that all child care providers including babysitters, relatives, parents, neighbors, coaches, day care centers, and schools properly secure windows accessible to children. A safety check should be performed and recommendations should be made as to all windows and doors in the building, facility, or home.