child injury

Published on: December 9, 2014

What if a Child is Injured While Playing on a Trampoline at a Home, School, Theme Park, or a Business?

By David Wolf, Attorney and Robert Fernicola, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Trampolines are common sites in most neighborhoods especially those with small children. While a trampoline can provide children with an activity that is away from the computer, smart phone, X-Box, and other sedentary activities, the trampoline can also be the site or location for serious personal injuries. Unfortunately, many homeowners, business owners, school administrators, or amusement – theme park operators with trampolines on the premises fail to maintain the trampoline in a safe condition OR fail to provide adequate and appropriate adult supervision during the child’s use of a trampoline. Small children especially those with poor motor skills are especially at risk for trampoline related personal injuries. There are some safety precautions that can and should be taken as follows:

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Published on: November 24, 2014

What is a Strong Statement Against Corporal Punishment? Here is one by the National Football League.

By Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A.

American Football National League Championship Poster

By David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In professional sports, there is a wide gambit of behavior for coaches and players. Many are wonderful role models who use their celebrity, good work, and inspiration to help others and improve the community and beyond. Other professional athletes, however, by a single act or many bad acts put the league and professional sports in general in a bad light. The National Football League is tested on a daily basis to bring entertainment to the masses while at the same time policing its own players, coaches, and other personnel. It is a tough balancing act but an important one especially since the players and coaches are looked upon for guidance, inspiration, and, yes for role modeling. Recently, the NFL issued a firm statement regarding the playing status and suspension of one of the finest athletes in the NFL – Adrian Peterson. While the suspension was handed down to one individual by the name of Adrian Peterson, the carefully and well crafted words of Roger Goodell took a strong stance against corporal punishment and child abuse. As so aptly pointed out by Goodell, the injury was inflicted on a child who was only 4 years old. Goodell pointed out that the size and strength of the child was so much different than that of Peterson. Furthermore, Goodell pointed out that unlike an adult – a child had no realistic ability to fight back, flee, or seek the assistance of law enforcement. Then, Goodell noted that the switch (i.e. tree branch) was the equivalent of a weapon that Peterson repeatedly used on his son. Goodell then noted that Peterson indicated that he would not stop “whopping his kids” in the future. (It should be noted that Peterson recently stated that he would never use a switch again on his son.) These statements caused much concern to Goodell about Peterson’s proclivity to repeat these criminal acts and inflict harm on a defenseless child. Because of all of the above and more, the NFL is requiring Peterson to undergo counseling and to sit out the rest of the 2014 season. His reinstatement in 2015 will depend on Peterson’s compliance and the results of counseling and treatment.

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Published on: October 15, 2014

Should Swing Sets be Restricted or Banned From Playgrounds?

By Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A.

By Sara Schlafstein, Law Clerk and David Wolf, Attorney

Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In the State of Washington as well as other States, playgrounds provide children a place to have fun and be active. Playgrounds allow children to move around, use their imagination, and interact with their friends. To have fun, playgrounds should be a place where there can be a certain amount of adventure. This must be tempered with safety and adult supervision. Unfortunately, playgrounds can be the site of serious personal injuries or even the death of a child when equipment is in disrepair, equipment is not age appropriate for the children in and around the playground, equipment is dangerous, and / or there is a lack of supervision. While most playgrounds are designed with safety in mind and provide a great environment for children, adult supervision should always be provided because most playgrounds have swigns, ropes, monkey bars, and / or elevated areas in which a child can be injured. Furthermore, children need to be supervised to make sure that the playground is being used as designed. Furthermore, any time that children play in the same area, there is always a risk of rough play, bullying, and other acts that can and do lead to the injury of a child.

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