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5 Ways Kids Can Get Hurt in the Summer

by Children Injuries & Accidents

As the days grows longer and the weather turns warmer, youngsters’ thoughts begin drifting towards waterparks, camping trips, and sleepovers with friends. Few imagine their summers will involve a trip to the emergency room.

 

Regrettably, emergency room trips are all too common during the summer months, when the national number of hospital visits rises. Children in particular are vulnerable to injuries during the summer months, when time off of school allows kids to spend more time outside playing and getting into mischief.

 

According to a study from Safe Kids Worldwide, unintentional injury is the number one killer of kids in the US, with more than 2,000 youngsters dying every summer from preventable injuries.

 

However, this does not mean that parents should keep their kids shuttered up in the house while the temperature skyrockets. If you are a parent, you can keep your child safe this summer by actively supervising them when they engage in summertime activities and keeping an eye out for safety risks. Watch out for these five common ways kids can get hurt during the summer.

 

Drowning. While swimming is an excellent form of both exercise and recreation for youngsters, children are at a high risk of drowning when left unsupervised in the water. In the US, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death among kids ages 1 to 14. During the summer, the risk of drowning increases more than any other type of unintentional injury.

 

To ensure your child’s safety, always keep a careful eye on your child when near a pool, lake, ocean, or other body of water. You should always be within arm’s reach of your child in the water, ready to snatch him or her up in the event of a strong current, undertow, or other dangerous condition. Enroll your children in swimming lessons at a young age, and outfit the entire family in life jackets when boating or swimming in open bodies of water. If your home has a pool, install a four-sided isolation fence to keep unsupervised children from falling in, and install anti-entrapment drain devices to prevent drain entanglement and entrapment.

 

Bicycle injuries. Aside from automobiles, bicycles are involved in more injuries among young children than any other consumer product. In the summer, bike-related child injuries and fatalities increase an estimated 45 percent. Nearly half of all children hospitalized for bike injuries are diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. Other wheeled sports, such as skateboarding and roller skating, are also common causes of injury.

 

As a parent, you can help to protect your child from biking injuries by outfitting your child in a helmet and appropriate protective gear every time they bike or skate. Teach your child about road safety, instructing them on hand signals and traffic rules. Make sure your child’s bicycle is the proper size, and regularly check the bike to ensure all parts are working correctly.

 

Boca Raton Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Burns. The risk of burns increases among young children around camp fires, barbeques, and fireworks. Younger children are also more likely to suffer burns from hot food and water.

 

Never leave your child unsupervised around an open flame or hot appliance. Maintain all the smoke alarms in your home, and use stove-guards to prevent curious hands from suffering burns. Discuss a fire emergency plan with your family, ensuring that your children are aware of escape procedures and a family meeting point in the event of an incident.

 

Falls. Year-round, falls cause more injuries among kids than any other type of accident. During the summer, the risk of falls increases, as children spend more time in playgrounds, parks, and decks. For young children, open windows can also create a serious risk.

 

As a parent, you can help prevent fall-related child accidents by keeping a close eye on your child on the playground, sports field, and balconies. To avoid window-related falls, install safety guards and keep furniture away from windows.

 

Motor vehicle accidents. In the US, auto accidents are the most common cause of death among children aged 3 to 14. In addition to crashes, children can get hurt and injured when playing in parking lots and driveways, or when left unattended in hot vehicles.

 

You can help keep your child passenger safe by correctly installing and using an age- and size-appropriate car seat. If your child is older, you should stress the importance of seatbelts and wait until everyone is buckled up before beginning your ride. Keep an eye on your child and discourage horseplay in parking lots and driveways, and never leave your kid unattended in your car.

 

Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer

However, even the most responsible and vigilant parent cannot eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries for their child entirely. If your child is injured this summer due to another’s negligence, consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience in child injuries. With the help of an attorney, you can hold the guilty party responsible and work to prevent similar accidents from harming children in the future.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

 

Common Holiday Accidents for Kids

Common Holiday Accidents for Kids

by Children Injuries & Accidents

Common Holiday Accidents for Kids
With the holidays fast approaching, many parents are looking forward to unwinding, sleeping in, and maybe making an appearance at a few holiday parties. But while you may feel inclined to relax parental supervision and be more lenient with the kids, this might not be what’s best for your children. The holidays come with an increased risk of accidents and holiday related-injuries, particularly for young carousers.

 

Happily, the chances for such accidents can be dramatically reduced with caution and responsible preparation. Here’s a list of the most common holiday accidents for kids and how to avoid them:

 

Hypothermia and other illnesses

 

Thankfully, this is one that Floridians don’t really have to worry about, but it’s still worth considering if you’re going to be traveling north to visit family. Youngsters who spend long hours playing outdoors are at risk for hypothermia, which can occur at temperatures as warm as 40 degrees. Cold weather can also bring about coughs, cold, and the flu.

 

To reduce risk for such illnesses, make sure children are dressed properly before venturing outdoors. Outfit kids in loose-fitting layers, and be sure to cover heads, hands, and feet. Avoid activities that cause a lot of sweat, as wet clothing allows heat to leave the body more quickly.

 

Burns and fires

 

From bubbling pots of gravy to flickering candles to electric lights, the holidays come with countless burn and fire hazards.

 

To prevent burns, keep children out of the kitchen, and never leave young ones unsupervised with lit candles. Christmas tree lights, decorations, and space heaters can also pose a threat—be sure to examine wires for damage or fraying, and avoid overloading electrical sockets. Always unplug lights before sleeping or leaving the house.

 

Poisoning

 

Common Christmas plants—including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly berries—can be highly toxic if digested. If eaten, these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes.

 

Keep plants and flowers out of reach of children and pets, and be sure to have the number for your local poison control center on hand.

 

Choking

 

Children are especially at risk for choking-related injuries, and the opportunity for choking accidents only grows around the holidays. Not only are common holiday foods such as drumsticks, candy, and popcorn potential hazards, non-food items such as ornaments and toys pose dangers as well.

 

Remind children to take their time and chew their food to reduce potential for choking. Refrain from purchasing small or breakable decorations, and do not allow young children to play with unsafe toys with parts small enough to fit through a paper towel roll.

 

Car accidents

 

Boca Raton Car Accidents

When the holiday season rolls around, driving becomes an especially dangerous endeavor.  During this busy travel time, roads flood with drivers—many of whom are tired or impaired by alcohol. What’s more, holiday weather conditions can be treacherous.

 

To avoid tragedy, never drive under the influence of alcohol, and refrain from driving during bad weather and busy traffic times. Make sure youngsters buckle up, and little ones are tucked safely in car seats.

 

Even with responsible care and precautions, holiday accidents happen. There is little you can do if a reputable manufacturer allows you to purchase a defective product  or if an irresponsible driver hits your car. If your child or loved one has suffered injury because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you and your family can receive the compensation you deserve.

 

Boca Raton Child Injury & Accident Lawyer

Hot Car Deaths Are Preventable

by Children Injuries & Accidents

Boca Raton Child Injury & Accident Lawyer

As we reach the hottest part of the summer, it’s essential that parents avoid leaving their children alone in the car, even for just a short while. Children are even more susceptible to heat stroke than adults, and it’s never okay for a child to be left inside a vehicle on a hot day.

 

The issue of leaving children unattended in vehicles has gained more attention this summer after the horrifying case of Cooper Harris, a 22-month old boy who died after his father allegedly forgot he was in the car on the way to work. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the boy’s death, and the father is currently facing murder and child cruelty charges.

 

Whether Harris’ death was intentional or truly an accident, it is far from being the only case of a child perishing in an overheated vehicle. An average of 38 children have died in a hot car every year since 1998, and almost a third of those children snuck into the car without their caregiver knowing, while about half became trapped in the car because their caregiver forgot they were there.

 

There is no good excuse for a child dying in a hot car, and all parents and caregivers should take safety precautions to make sure their child is not accidentally trapped in a car this summer.

 

Safety Tips to Help Prevent Hot Car Deaths

 

Safety Tips to Help Prevent Hot Car Deaths in Children

Make a habit of keeping your car doors locked and keeping keys out of reach at home. When you’re parked at home, lock your doors and hide your keys somewhere that your child cannot get to them and use them to sneak into the vehicle.

 

Teach your child that the car is not an appropriate play area. Talk to your kids about what is and what isn’t an appropriate place for play. Let them know that it’s never okay to hide in the car.

 

Always check the entire vehicle before leaving. While it might seem unlikely to you that your child could have quietly snuck into the car before you drove away, you should make a habit of checking the whole car before you park and leave for an extended period.

 

Remind yourself when a child is in the car. If dropping your child off is not a normal part of your routine, find a way to remind yourself that the child is in your car, such as putting a Post-It note on the dashboard or placing an item that you’ll need for the day, such as a purse or briefcase, in the back seat.

 

Remember that cracking the windows or parking in shade is not a safety measure. A child’s body temperature can increase three to five times faster than an adult’s, and heat stroke deaths have occurred even when the car was parked out of the sun and had the windows cracked. Heat stroke can also occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees, so it’s not safe to leave your child in the car even on a cooler day.

 

Get help if you see a child left alone in a car. If you spot an unattended child in a parked car, call 911 immediately. If the child is in distress, get them out as soon as possible. They will need to be cooled using cold water but should not be placed in extremely cold temperatures, such as an ice bath.

 

This summer, let’s all work together to prevent more hot car deaths. This type of accident is entirely avoidable if we take some basic safety precautions and seek help whenever we see a child left alone in a car.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

 

Boca Raton Child Injury and Accident Lawyer

How to Keep Your Kids Safe at a Public Playground

by Children Injuries & Accidents

Boca Raton Child Injury and Accident Lawyer

Play is an essential part of the development for children, and what better place for kids to play, explore, and interact with other kids than a public playground? Unfortunately, not all playgrounds have equipment that is appropriate for children of all ages, and if your city’s parks department doesn’t keep up with maintenance, or if a playground equipment manufacturer releases a defective or dangerous product, your child could be at risk for injury.

 

Over 200,000 children age 14 and younger are taken to the emergency room every year due to serious playground injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Injuries can result from a number of different accidents, including:

 

• Falling from climbing equipment
• Falling from a swing
• Entangling of clothes or hair in equipment
• Being cut by sharp and potentially rusty equipment
• Head entrapment (e.g. becoming stuck between two vertical bars)
• Tripping over suspended components (e.g. ropes or cables)
• Limbs being caught under moving component, such as a seesaw

 

The CDC classifies 45% of playground injuries as severe, including fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations, and amputations. No parent wants their child to ever experience such a horrible injury, but most parents still want their children to be able to play as they grow up. So how do you let your kids enjoy public playgrounds while keeping them safe at the same time?

 

6 Tips to Prevent Playground Accidents

 

Hot To Prevent Playground Accidents

While some accidents are unpreventable and may be the fault of the equipment manufacturer, playground designer, or parks department, many accidents can be prevented. Here are 6 tips you should follow when you take your kids to a public playground:

 

1)Always supervise your children—and always make sure that they have a clear line of sight to see where you are, as well.

2) Don’t go down slides with your child in your lap. A 2009 study revealed a link between tibia fractures in children and going down a slide with an adult, because children’s legs can become stuck or twisted while they and their parent keep moving down the slide. If your child isn’t old enough to go down a slide by themselves, direct them to more age-appropriate equipment.

3) Look out for playgrounds with rough surfaces. Steer clear of playgrounds built on asphalt, concrete, gravel, or hard-packed soil. The safest surfaces are mulch, shredded rubber, or wood chips.

4) Keep kids away from any equipment where their head or a limb could become entrapped. These might include vertical bars on climbing equipment, merry-go-rounds, or partial openings in a playground fortress.

5) Watch out for tripping hazards. In addition to suspended equipment components, like ropes or a low balance beam, these might include natural elements like tree roots or rocks.

6) Inform the parks department or an appropriate local office about potential hazards. If you see something potentially dangerous on a playground, such as rusty equipment or a tripping hazard in a high-traffic area, speak up! Let either the parks department or whatever local office is in charge of the park in your area know about the problem. This way, they can hopefully remedy it before someone gets seriously hurt.

 

If Your Child is Injured, Make Sure They Get the Medical Attention They Need

If your child is injured on a playground despite your best prevention efforts, your priority should be to get him or her the medical attention that he or she needs. Once you’ve gotten proper treatment, you need to consider who or what caused the accident. If the accident was the fault of a negligent city department, manufacturer, or designer, contact a personal injury attorney in order to fight for compensation and make sure playgrounds are safer for the children who may visit them in the future.

 

 

Swimming Pool Drains Pose Major Danger to Children

Swimming Pool Drains Pose Major Danger to Children

by Children Injuries & AccidentsSwimming Pool Accidents

Swimming Pool Drains Pose Major Danger to Children
Do you have a backyard pool that has been on your property for years? Do you know if that pool uses a drain system? If so, you may need to add some new safety features to keep your family safe this summer.

 

Many older pools, both public and residential, were built with drains because pool designers originally believed drains were necessary to keep water circulating and reduce contamination. However, the suction created by these drains can exert 500 or more pounds of pressure if a person or object becomes stuck in them, making it almost impossible to lift someone who is trapped against one of these underwater drains.

 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 83 reported swimming pool drain accidents between 1999 and 2008, including 11 deaths. This number is most likely a low estimate, as medical records and the police don’t always report the specific cause of drowning deaths. Whatever the exact number, it’s clear that the majority of accident victims are children who do not recognize the potential dangers of swimming pool drains.

 

Pool Designers Moving Away from Drains, but Older Pools Still a Problem

 

In recent years, swimming pool designers have looked at computational fluid dynamics using computer simulations of pools and have discovered that pools without drains are no less effective than pools with drains when it comes to circulating the water. This knowledge, paired with reports of horrific child drowning accidents, has led many designers to eliminate drains altogether from modern pools. Those public pools that were already built with drains are now required to use special rounded drain covers that don’t create suction.

 

Unfortunately, regulations on residential pools vary from state to state, and removing unsafe drains is not always a requirement. In Florida, people who have residential pools are only required to have one of several specifically outlined safety features, and some of those safety features are not necessarily enough to prevent a drowning accident (it is possible for a child to fall through a swimming pool cover, for example).

 

If you own a swimming pool, it is up to you to take the proper precautions to prevent drain-related and other drowning accidents.

 

5 Tips to Keep Your Pool Safe

 

Tips Keep Your Pool Kid Safe
If kids are going to be using your pool this summer, keep the following safety tips in mind: (It’s a good idea to follow these tips whether your pool has drains or not.)

 

1. Always supervise children. Never leave children without adult supervision in a pool, even if they have taken swimming lessons and appear to be competent swimmers (swimming abilities will not help if they become stuck on a drain).

2. Add a safety fence. Create some kind of barrier that completely surrounds your pool and that kids cannot easily climb over.

3. Update your pool’s safety features. If your pool currently has flat drain covers that create suction, upgrade to the kind of domed pool covers that public pools now use. You should also consider investing in a safety vacuum release system, which will cause pool drains to stop creating suction if a person or object becomes stuck in them.

4. Warn kids about drain dangers. Even if your pool already has domed covers and a safety vacuum release system, caution your kids to stay clear of the drain. They should also avoid wearing jewelry or baggy clothing and should put long hair in a bun or ponytail to prevent themselves from getting caught on any of the pool’s features.

5. Don’t try to lift a child straight off a pool drain. Because traditional pool drains have such powerful suction, it is impossible to pull a stuck child straight off the pool drain. If your child does become stuck, you will need to wedge your fingers or arm in between the child and the drain to break the suction, and then you will have to roll the child away from the drain.

 

If you take the proper precautions and know what to do in the event of an emergency, there’s no reason why you and your family can’t enjoy your backyard pool this summer.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.