As a parent, you work to ensure your children are safe and protected. However, it is not always possible to do this.
Hearing your child is injured is difficult and emotional. However, you and your children have rights, including holding a negligent or reckless person accountable for their actions.
At Bernard Law Group, we understand the devastating impact an accident involving your child can have, and we are here to help. Our experienced child injury attorney can review your case and help you understand what legal options you have.
Common Causes of Child Injuries
As parents, caregivers, and guardians, our top priority is keeping our children safe. However, accidents can happen, and it’s essential to be aware of the common accidents that can lead to child injuries. Understanding these risks can help us take preventative measures to protect our children.
Playground Accidents
Playgrounds allow children to have fun and develop important social and physical skills. However, they can also be the site of accidents.
Common playground injuries include falls from equipment, collisions with other children, and injuries caused by poorly maintained play structures. Always supervise your child on the playground and inspect equipment for safety.
Bicycle Accidents
Riding bicycles is a popular childhood activity, but it comes with risks. Children may not always wear helmets or follow safety rules, leading to accidents. Ensure your child wears a properly fitted helmet and understands road safety rules when riding a bike.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in severe injuries to children, especially when proper child safety seats and seatbelts are not used. Ensure your child is securely fastened in an age-appropriate car or booster seat, and always follow safety guidelines.
Falls
Falls are a leading cause of child injuries. Children may fall from furniture, stairs, or playground equipment. Secure furniture to the wall, use safety gates on stairs, and supervise children playing in areas with potential fall hazards.
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Burns and Scalds
Children are naturally curious and may be drawn to hot objects or liquids. Keep hot items out of their reach, use stove guards, and never leave a child unattended while cooking.
Sports Injuries
Participation in sports is excellent for a child’s physical and social development, but it can also lead to injuries. Ensure your child wears appropriate protective gear and receives proper coaching and supervision during sports activities.
Poisoning
Ingesting harmful substances is a significant risk for young children. Keep household chemicals, medications, and poisonous plants out of reach and in secure containers. Educate your child about the dangers of ingesting unknown substances.
Common Injuries Resulting from Child Accidents
Accidents involving children can lead to a range of injuries, from minor scrapes to more severe conditions. Awareness of these common injuries is crucial for parents and caregivers to provide the necessary care and seek prompt medical attention.
Bruises and Scrapes
Bruises and scrapes are among the most common injuries in children and often result from falls or collisions with objects or surfaces.
Treatment includes cleaning the wound, applying an antiseptic, and covering it with a sterile bandage. Monitor for signs of infection.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Falls, sports injuries, and accidents can lead to fractures or broken bones in children.
To treat these injuries, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. The affected area may require immobilization with a cast or splint.
Sprains and Strains
Overstretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or muscles (strains) can occur during physical activities or accidents.
While these are not usually severe, they do require treatment. Common treatment for minor strains and sprains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). More severe cases may require medical evaluation.
Cuts and Lacerations
Sharp objects or accidents can result in cuts and lacerations in children.
This injury requires cleaning the wound thoroughly, applying pressure to stop bleeding, and seeking medical attention if stitches are needed.
Burns
Burns can happen from contact with hot objects, liquids, or flames.
The severity of burns varies. Cool the burn with cold running water and seek medical help for more severe burns.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can result from falls, sports, or motor vehicle accidents.
Head injuries should always be taken seriously. Seek immediate medical attention if there is a loss of consciousness, vomiting, or altered behavior.
Concussions
Concussions are a type of head injury resulting from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head.
Rest and medical evaluation are crucial for managing concussions in children. Avoiding further head trauma is essential.
Internal Injuries
Serious accidents can cause internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
Immediate medical attention is vital for diagnosing and treating internal injuries.
Proving Fault in Child Injury Accidents
When an accident injures a child, it’s crucial to determine who is at fault for the incident. Proving fault is a critical step in seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the child’s injuries.
Establishing Negligence
To prove fault, you typically need to establish negligence on the part of the responsible party. Negligence means that someone failed to exercise reasonable care, which harmed the child.
For example, in a car accident, negligence may involve a driver disobeying traffic rules or driving recklessly.
Gathering Evidence
Collecting evidence is essential in demonstrating negligence. This evidence may include:
- Eyewitness Statements: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident can provide valuable insight into how it occurred and who was responsible.
- Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, injuries, or hazardous conditions can be powerful in proving fault.
- Police Reports: If applicable, a police report can document details of the accident and provide an objective perspective.
- Expert Testimony: In some cases, expert witnesses may be called upon to analyze the evidence and provide their professional opinion regarding fault.
Reviewing Laws and Regulations
Reviewing laws and regulations is fundamental to any legal case, including child injury accidents. These guidelines serve as the framework for determining liability and responsibility.
In child injury cases, specific laws may apply, such as child safety seat regulations, premises liability laws, and traffic rules. Understanding these laws and regulations is essential when seeking compensation or justice for a child’s injuries.
A comprehensive review of the relevant legal statutes and regulations helps identify the standards of care expected from individuals or entities involved in the accident. It provides a basis for assessing whether these standards were met or breached, which is crucial in proving fault.
For individuals dealing with child injury cases, consult an attorney with experience handling these cases. At Bernard Law Group, our attorneys possess the expertise to navigate complex legal frameworks, interpret regulations, and use them effectively to advocate for the best interests of the injured child and their family.
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Child-Specific Considerations
Child injury cases often require special attention to the child’s age, maturity, and ability to understand and follow safety rules. Courts may consider whether the responsible party should have reasonably foreseen the risk to a child and taken appropriate precautions.
Let Us Help with Your Child Injury Accident Case
Seeking legal advice and representation from an experienced attorney specializing in child injury cases can be invaluable. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove fault on behalf of your child.
In child injury accidents, proving fault is essential for ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable and that your child receives the compensation and care they deserve. With the right evidence and legal support, you can seek justice for your child’s injuries.
