Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

There is nothing more terrifying for a parent than a childhood injury. Each year, hundreds of thousands of children across the US are admitted to emergency rooms with childhood injuries. In many cases, these injuries are preventable. While parents can’t do everything to prevent simple accidents, experts agree that there are many things that parents can do:

1) Avoid distracted parenting. Research has proven it: just as distracted driving often leads to Florida car accidents, distracted parenting can make parents make mistakes. Parenting is a stressful job, which is why it is important that parents take good care of themselves and get help when needed. Help and support ensure that parents are rested and ready to be vigilant about safety.

2) Know what your children are doing – and where they are. Whether you keep a list of your child's friends and phone numbers on hand or use a cell phone to easily communicate with your child, knowing what your child is up to and taking an active interest in their life is important. This allows you to notice and target any behaviors that can lead to an injury. Knowing that your child is not wearing a helmet while biking, for example, is the first step to having a talk about the importance of preventing Florida brain injuries and bicycle accidents.

3) Secure the pool. If you have a pool, use a self-locking gate, pool cover, and alarm system to ensure that no child can wander into the pool area. Unfortunately, Florida pool drownings and injuries are a common cause of childhood injuries and fatalities across the state.

4) Avoid Florida car accidents and car accident injuries. Children spend a lot of time in cars, being ferried to school and activities. In fact, car accidents are a leading cause of death for children of all ages. In a car accident, children are more likely to be flung about and ejected from their seat, unless they are wearing the correct safety restraints. As well, children are more likely to be injured by adult seat belts and air bags in an accident. Invest in a good, age-appropriate safety restraint and use it faithfully each time your children are in the car.

5) Secure windows. Each year, Florida children are seriously injured and even killed in falls from windows. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a two-storey home, securing windows with bars or gates is important to ensure that children cannot climb onto the window ledge and fall.

6) Do a safety audit of your home. It is important to periodically check the safety of your home with a walk-through. Create a simple check list that you can use to check for basic safety items and concerns. For example, if you have very small children you may want to check that all electrical outlets are covered. You will want to check that your fire alarms are operational and that all aerosols and chemicals are stored in a safe and locked area.

Continue reading "How Parents Can Help Prevent Injuries to Children and Minors " »

More than fifty percent of high school students play some type of sport in after-school or in-school programs. However, experts say that sports injuries among children are increasing. Some statistics also show that girls are especially vulnerable, and have twice the rate of concussions as well as a greater chance of sustaining serious sprains and fractures, when compared with boys. Part of the problem is that girls use their quadriceps more than their hamstrings as well as their ligaments more than their muscles for running and jumping, increasing risk of injury.

The according to pediatricians and other experts, there are many things that parents can do to keep both boys and girls safe from sports-related personal injuries:

1) Make sure your child has all the right safety gear for her sports – and uses it every time. This is especially important in terms of mouth guards and helmets, if your child plays a sport that requires them. A good helmet that is properly fitted and worn every time your child plays can vastly reduce the risk of your child's sustaining a serious Florida brain injury. Your child's coach or a local sporting supply store can help you understand what safety equipment your child needs. Consider buying equipment even if your child is given safety equipment at school. If your child has their own equipment, you can ensure the best quality and a better fit, ensuring greater safety.

2) Make sure that the gear fits correctly and is replaced as needed. The safety equipment for sports wears out quickly and as children grow, the equipment may need to be replaced frequently to ensure a proper fit. A helmet that has been in an impact should be replaced with a new one to provide full protection against brain injuries. Periodically check the quality and condition of your child's safety equipment and upgrade as needed.

3) Encourage your child to get some additional strength training. This improves overall fitness and may reduce the risk for some types of injuries.

4) Sign up for after-school activities that have a good safety record. Parents who take an active interest in the safety records of after school programs can potentially notice problems and address them before an injury occurs. Ensuring that children are encouraged to play safely and always wear the right equipment goes a long way towards ensuring that your child's after school or in school sporting activities are safe.

Continue reading "Sports Injuries to Minors and Children: Girls May Be Affected More" »

As the summer draws to a close, many people are celebrating the final days of the warmest part of the year with parties and special events. At the same time, everyone's schedule is getting more hectic with back-to-school preparations. If you want to stay safe heading into fall, make sure that you:

1) Monitor your pool – and have a good pre-winter clean-up plan in place. If you will not be using your pool in the summer, make sure that you secure it well, using an alarm system, self-locking gate and secure pool cover. Before fall gets here, be aware that children are still home from school, and a sparkling pool on a hot day is a great temptation. Keep your pool gate closed at all times – even if you are only headed into the house for a minute – and use your alarm system and lock to keep unwanted visitors out.

2) Have a get-home safe plan at all times. End-of-summer parties usually mean alcohol and barbecue, so avoid become a Florida drunk driving accident statistic; have a plan to get home safely. Better yet, have a few alternatives to get home so that you are never tempted to drink and drive.

3) Avoid distracted and fatigued driving. If you have children heading back to classes, especially, this time of year can be very hectic. This can make it easy to get into a car accident, especially since many mall and shopping center parking lots are chaotic and hectic. Give yourself plenty of time to get your back-to-school errands completed so that you are not distracted by all you need to get done. When shopping and running errands, keep your cell phone tucked away so that you can focus on driving safely. As well, make sure that you get plenty of sleep. As the daylight fades faster at this time of year, it is natural to feel a little more groggy. Compensate with a little bit of extra sleep.

4) Stay alert for recalls. Many parents and families stock up on school supplies, electronics, and other must-have items at this time of year. However, just because these items are in stores, that is no guarantee that they are safe. Sign up for a recall warning list online, so that you can be informed when items are recalled. It can help prevent a Florida products liability suit.

5) Practice safe boating – and get ready to store your boat safely. If you are storing your boat for the winter, make sure that you have a good plan for keeping your boat safe until next summer. Keep in mind that if you boat is not stored safely, you could be held liable if someone gets injured. If you plan on heading out on the water again, make sure that you practice safe and sober boating at all times.

6) Clear up and secure your summer home. If the end of summer also means leaving your summer home, make sure that you secure it correctly.

Continue reading "Preventing Personal Injuries on the Last Weekends Before School Starts" »

Back to school season is an exciting time. It is also a time when parents need to stay vigilant about injuries to children and minors. There are several things that parents need to consider during back to school:

1) Consider commuting. The commute and drive back from school represent the riskiest time for your child, as the school commute exposes your child to Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and other forms of injuries. Whether you drive your child to school or whether your child takes the bus, take some time before the school term to review safety. If your child bicycles to school, review the route and ensure that your child will wear a well-fitted helmet to and from school to prevent brain injuries. Make sure that your child will not be texting or listening to music while riding or walking to school, as this will distract them from traffic. If your child is walking to school, review pedestrian safety and consider having your child walk with a friend for safety. If you will be dropping off your child at school, consider whether the school has a drop-off zone you can use. As well, consider which routes are best and least congested.

2) Consider your child's school activities and after-school activities. Many childhood Florida brain injuries occur as a result of sporting activities. If your child is taking part in any school clubs or after-school activities, make sure that correct safety precautions are being taken and ensure that your child has the right safety equipment to stay safe.

3) Set up a system so that you can know where your child is at all times. Many Florida parents use cell phones to ensure that children can reach them at all times. It is also useful to set up a schedule at home, so that it is easy to keep track of where everyone is headed throughout the day. In the first few weeks of school, it is natural that your children will make new friends. Ensure that you have the names and phone numbers of these friends (and their parents) so that you can contact them easily if you need to.

4) Volunteer at your child's school or keep up with developments at the school. Getting involved at your child's school – whether through Parent Teacher Associations or volunteerism – helps you notice any safety problems or issues that need to be addressed. If you cannot spend the time, at least get involved through social media or through newsletters so that you know what is happening at the school.

Continue reading "Preventing Back-to-School Personal Injuries in Florida" »

Many parents across the state already know that summertime is a high-risk time for Florida injuries to children and minors. After all, summer is a time when most children are home from school and taking part in all sorts of activities – including activities that are less supervised. Most children are also taking part in swimming and in sporting activities, which pose their own dangers. Older teens may be driving about for the first time, and even going on road trips, leaving parents worried about Florida car accident rates.

However, many parents may in fact be surprised to learn about the most common injuries to children and minors at this time of year. According to a recent article in the Sun Sentinel, gun accidents and drowning are among the biggest risks to children in the summer. The good news is that these types of accidents are in fact very preventable.

Many parents do not expect firearm injuries to be a leading concern for summertime injuries. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics report that firearm injuries are the second leading cause of death for children year-round. Only car accidents cause more childhood deaths. Statistics show that in Palm Beach County, Florida, one child dies per month, on average, due to firearm injuries.

In 2010, a 4-year old shot himself in Miami Gardens after picking up a handgun belonging to a visitor. In May, a teen in Palm City was showing a handgun to a friend when the gun accidentally went off and shot the teen. In Miramar this year, a toddler accidentally killed his mother after picking up a handgun in the home. In all these cases and in other Florida firearm injury cases, officials say that the problem was an unsecured and easily accessible handgun. According to authorities, the summer poses an especially high risk for firearm incidents involving children because children are home for longer stretches of time, during which they have access to any unsecured weapons. Police authorities as well as pediatric physicians have expressed concern that parents check their weapons to ensure any firearms in the home are secured and safely stowed out of children's reach.

The risk of Florida drowning and pool injuries is also very high. The number of waterways and pools as well as the weather mean that there are simply more people in the water – and therefore more children and adults at risk of injuries. More children in the under-5 category die of drowning in Florida than in any other state, according to the Florida Department of Health. In many cases, children are unsupervised when they drown. According to authorities, teaching children swimming skills early and being vigilant about securing any water areas – including pools but also including any area with more than two inches of water – is a must.

Continue reading "Summer is a High-Risk Time for Some Surprising Injuries to Children and Minors" »

Research has show that many individuals complete tasks on autopilot – without thinking about them – and this may place children at risk of serious injury. According to the study created for the Child Accident Prevention Trust less than half of parents store cleaning products safely or move hot drinks away from children, simply not thinking of the dangers. The study surveyed 5000 parents and found that 25% could not remember stopping at traffic lights. Another 50% had to turn back to remember whether they had locked the door.

According to the researchers, much of the problem is that people have so much to remember, that many simply function of autopilot just to get through the day. Katrina Phillips, the chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, says that the study results actually show that parents can keep their children safer – simply by creating safety routines that become part of autopilot. When safety habits are second nature, parents will automatically do the safe thing, reducing the risk of injuries and accidents. There are many ways that parents can do this:

1) Make it a habit to put away cleaning products as soon as you are done cleaning. This way, there is less risk that a child will open the product. Store cleaning products high, where children cannot get at the items.

2) Get into the habit of placing hot beverages (such as coffee) in higher places, where young ones can't reach. This will mean that children are less likely to suffer Florida burn injuries caused by hot liquids. After a while, it will become second nature to look for a higher shelf to set down your coffee.

3) Close the safety gate behind you quickly as soon as you walk through one. According to Dr. Pat Spungin, a parenting psychologist, repeating an action regularly allows it to become a habitual behavior. While learning the behavior may require some thinking at first, it will soon become a behavior done on autopilot.

4) Open windows at the top and push furniture away from windows. When opening a window, automatically secure it. Better yet, create safety features in your home – such as windows that only open at the top or windows that have installed safety bars which do not need to be removed – which do not require you to remember any safety precautions when opening a window. According to a study in Child Safety Week, 4,000 children are injured every year as a result of accidents involving windows. Falls usually prove fatal or result in serious Florida brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.

Continue reading "Researchers Find that Autopilot Parenting Contributes to Injuries to Children and Minors" »

In Florida, bounce houses and inflatable slides are a fun way to celebrate children's birthdays and summer festivals. These amusements are especially ever-present during the summer. However, a spate of injuries has some parents and experts questioning the safety of these amusements. According to Rideaccidents.com, there have been 10 reported accidents involving inflatable slides, bounce houses, and other similar inflatables over the past two months alone. More than 40 people suffered injuries as a result of these accidents.

High winds are a major risk factor with such amusements. Reputable operators report closing down this type of entertainment when winds exceed 15-25 miles/hour. However, there are multiple cases of accidents caused by winds. In the past month, a number of injuries were reported in Oceanside, New York, when inflatable rides were carried away by the winds at a sporting tournament. One woman was critically injured in the incident.

According to the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, such accidents are in fact quite common because in many cases the rides are not correctly inflated or installed. The National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials notes that such rides and inflatables have different standards from different manufacturers, and these must be followed very closely to ensure safety. In most cases, the inflatables need to be installed with metal stakes rather than sandbags.

Another problem may be that there are no laws in Florida which regulate inflatables such as bounce houses. While reputable operators follow manufacturer directors and the standards outlined by the American Society for Testing and Materials, no operators are required to adhere to these standards and face no penalties if they fail to do so. Florida's Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection is responsible for inspecting fair rides, but inflatables are not part of their responsibility. In fact, these amusements are exempt from inspections by the Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection in Florida.

There are safety precautions available with some of the higher-end slides and inflatables. Some, for example, have safety air bags which give children extra time to leave the inflatable if it starts to deflate. As well, reputable operators supervise rides carefully to ensure that there is no running down slides and no overcrowding – two risk factors which can contribute to Florida personal injury accidents on these slides.

Continue reading "Personal Injuries to Children and Minors Possible with Inflatable Slides and Bounce Houses" »

Underage drinking is a serious problem in Florida, leading to many Florida drunk driving accidents. However, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), it also leads to many other types of injuries and health issues. In fact, underage drinking leads to 5000 deaths each year, and about 1900 of these are due to drunk driving accidents. According to MADD, the dangers include:

1) Injuries to minors and children. When teens and youths drink, they often take risks, such as boating under the influence or attempting daring feats. Many young Florida spinal cord injury patients and brain injury patients sustained their injuries while under the influence. According to MADD, underage drinking is a contributing factor to 1600 homicides across the country each year.

2) Sexual abuse. Underage drinkers are more likely to have unprotected intercourse. They are also more likely to become targets for predators. When drinking, teens are less able to defend themselves and less able to anticipate and get out of dangerous situations.

3) Substance abuse. Underage experimentation with alcohol can also lead to experimentation with drugs, according to MADD. As well, teens who start to experiment with alcohol early are more likely to become dependant on alcohol. MADD statistics suggest that teen who start drinking before their 15th birthday are four times more likely to become dependant on alcohol than peers who start drinking at the legal age.

4) Brain injuries and damage. Teens who drink are more at risk of sustaining brain injuries in accidents and pranks. However, drinking itself can also cause brain damage. When drunk in excess, alcohol can impact developing brains and cause permanent brain damage. The biggest risk is with binge drinking, which for a teen girl can include as few as four drinks at a time.

Continue reading "Underage Drinking Doesn’t Just Lead to Florida Drunk Driving Accidents" »

A new study out of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has found that injuries to children have declined with the wide-spread use of home safety devices. Researchers tracked two groups of families. One group of families with newborns installed stairway gates, safe storage areas for sharp objects, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, cabinet locks, electrical outlet covers, and hot water heaters set below 120 degree Fahrenheit. Another group of families with newborns did not install any of these safety measures. After two years, the families with safety devices had 70 percent fewer home childhood injuries.

According to the study's authors, most injuries to children take place in the home, especially for younger children. The authors note that first-time parents and low-income parents are more likely to be at risk for injuries in the home, possibly due to fewer quality safety devices and access to such devices. Statistics show that across the country 2800 children are killed from injuries in the home and many of these injuries are preventable. Millions of children visit the emergency room each year due to preventable injuries sustained in the home.

Parents interested in preventing Florida injuries to children and minors can work on introducing these safety devices into the home:

1) Stairway gates and other barriers. These prevent falls and are important in any home with a toddler. It is important to select quality gates that are sturdy enough to resist pushing. Parents should install these even on smaller steps and staircases. Parents should also install window barriers, especially on any windows that are accessible from cribs. Each year, infants and small children are killed by falls from windows they have been exploring.

2) Safe storage areas. In addition for safe storage areas for sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, it is important to create safe, locked storage areas for paints, aerosol sprays, cleaners, and other household chemicals. Even pots and pans can be dangerous, which is why cabinet locks are also important.

3) Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Working alarms are instrumental in preventing Florida burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and other fire-related injuries.

4) Electrical outlet covers. Electrical outlets are often at child level and are an attractive curiosity to small children. Small fingers stuck in these outlets can cause serious injury. Child-proof electrical outlet covers, correctly used, can help prevent injuries.

5) Lower heat hot water heaters. Setting water heaters below 120 degree Fahrenheit ensures that water from the tap does not get hot enough to cause serious scalding and burn injuries. As well, lowering water heater temperatures can help reduce energy usage and costs.

Continue reading "Preventing Personal Injuries to Minors and Children " »

According to a new study out of Brown University, aerosols are a leading cause of eye injuries for children and minors. In fact, the study found that half of children's emergency room visits between 1997 and 2009 were related to this type of injury. Researchers concluded that more can be done to help prevent this type of eye injury from affecting children.

Researchers found that young children (up to age 4) were most likely to be admitted to the hospital for eye injuries caused by aerosol cans, but all age groups – up to 18 years of age – were represented in the 10,765 patients admitted to emergency rooms for this type of injury. Authors of the study agree that the total number of incidents of pediatric eye injuries can be much higher, as the study only considered those cases serious enough to merit an emergency room visit.

In over 70% of cases, children sustained the injury at home, usually by spraying themselves accidentally. In a smaller portion of cases, children sustained injury when cans burst or hit the patient in the eye. Male children were more likely to sustain this type of injury, accounting for 63% of all emergency room visits for pediatric eye injuries caused by aerosol sprays.

For Florida parents and for all parents, researchers agree that this is a serious concern as most of these injuries are highly preventable and also cause serious eye damage and trauma for the child. Many of the emergency room visits included treatment for chemical burns, bruising of the eye, trauma to the eye, and serious irritation to the affected area. The study found that in most cases, the most common aerosols involved was spray paint, followed by personal care products, cleaning products, and bug repellant. So far, the researchers know of no Florida product liability cases or national product liability cases launched as a result of these injuries.

According to the study's authors, there are several things that parents can do to help prevent this type of childhood injury:

Continue reading "A Common Cause of Injury to Children and Minors: Aerosols? " »

According to a new study out of Brown University, aerosols are a leading cause of eye injuries for children and minors. In fact, the study found that half of children's emergency room visits between 1997 and 2009 were related to this type of injury. Researchers concluded that more can be done to help prevent this type of eye injury from affecting children.

Researchers found that young children (up to age 4) were most likely to be admitted to the hospital for eye injuries caused by aerosol cans, but all age groups – up to 18 years of age – were represented in the 10,765 patients admitted to emergency rooms for this type of injury. Authors of the study agree that the total number of incidents of pediatric eye injuries can be much higher, as the study only considered those cases serious enough to merit an emergency room visit.

In over 70% of cases, children sustained the injury at home, usually by spraying themselves accidentally. In a smaller portion of cases, children sustained injury when cans burst or hit the patient in the eye. Male children were more likely to sustain this type of injury, accounting for 63% of all emergency room visits for pediatric eye injuries caused by aerosol sprays.

For Florida parents and for all parents, researchers agree that this is a serious concern as most of these injuries are highly preventable and also cause serious eye damage and trauma for the child. Many of the emergency room visits included treatment for chemical burns, bruising of the eye, trauma to the eye, and serious irritation to the affected area. The study found that in most cases, the most common aerosols involved was spray paint, followed by personal care products, cleaning products, and bug repellant. So far, the researchers know of no Florida product liability cases or national product liability cases launched as a result of these injuries.

According to the study's authors, there are several things that parents can do to help prevent this type of childhood injury:

Continue reading "A Common Cause of Injury to Children and Minors: Aerosols? " »

During college spring break, many college students head to Florida from colder climates to take advantage of the beaches, nightlife, attractions, and great weather. While spring break is meant to be fun, it can also be full of higher-risk activities as well as drinking, which can make any activity more dangerous. According to experts, there are many ways that students can avoid personal injuries while vacationing:

1) Stay together. Spending time in groups helps prevent accidents and dangerous situations. If an injury occurs, being with others ensures that someone can call for help.

2) Avoid excessive alcohol use. Alcohol is a leading cause of Florida boating accidents and even spring break sporting incidents. If you will be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or use taxi cabs to avoid causing a Florida drunk driving accident. If you will be drinking, know when to stop and stay in a public place or at a trusted friend's house. Avoid drinking and heading to the water or trying to take part in any physical activities while intoxicated.

3) Stay in safe areas. Stay in public, well-lit areas rather than wandering off to unknown or unpopulated areas. Tourist areas mean extra security and protection while less traveled areas can conceal many dangers.

4) Stay in communication with someone from home. Let people know your location and that you are ok. Have established check-in times and carry a cell phone at all times. If you do sustain a serious injury, these calls can help alert someone that something is wrong and can ensure that help gets to you sooner.

5) Follow laws. Familiarize yourself with Florida laws and follow them to the best of your ability. Having fun does not mean throwing caution and safety to the wind. Laws are designed to protect you, so following local laws reduces your chances of sustaining a serious Florida injury. As well, following laws ensures you won’t run afoul of local law enforcement.

Continue reading "Avoiding Personal Injuries During Spring Break in Florida " »

Currently, it is statistically far more probable that a child will be injured in a Florida car accident than in an airplane accident, but The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been promoting child passenger safety in all modes of transportation, including airplanes. Unfortunately, currently many people do not consider passenger safety for children on airplanes, but accidents can and do occur to children on airplanes.

In Florida, children are required to use age-appropriate safety restraints and adult passengers of cars are required to wear seat belts. On airplanes, however, child-appropriate seats are not offered in most cases and even adult seat belts are only optional – adult passengers are asked to wear their seatbelts during take-off and landing but are allowed to remove the belt to walk around the cabin outside of these times. Unfortunately, adults and children can be thrown violently about the cabin in the event of an accident or turbulence, and this can cause severe head injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and other problems. In an emergency landing, it can be very difficult for a parent to hold onto a small child, making the risk of injury very high.

The NTSB has suggested mandating child safety seats on airplanes, but the suggestion is fraught with difficulties. For example, most airlines offer free tickets to young children. New child safety seat regulations would require parents to purchase an additional ticket for their children, which would cause economic problems for both airlines and parents. Advocates of the proposed changes note that in any crash situation – whether a Florida truck accident or car accident or plan accident – the force of the crash causes passengers to be thrown about, while restraints have been repeatedly proven to help prevent injuries.

Currently, parents can purchase safety restraints privately which are age-appropriate for children and which are designed for airplane use. However, use of these restraints requires children to be given their own seat, where currently many parents hold their small child on their lap. However, these devices can help protect a child from harm.

Parents may want to keep in mind, as well, that in a Florida airplane accident, adults may have a distinct advantage over smaller children. With a larger body mass, adults may be thrown about less vigorously than children and may simply be able to remain calmer. They may be more aware of potential dangers and may be more prepared to brace themselves or take other actions to protect themselves. Children, with less life experience, may panic and may be more vulnerable to injury.

Continue reading "Helping Children Avoid Injury in Florida Airplane Accidents" »

Boredom has never killed anyone – or has it? Many children at this time of year grow frustrated with the shorter days, long school days, and hectic schedules. It's not unusual for children to wander out in the warmer weather and this, combined with boredom, can mean injuries. Here's how to keep your kids safer and not bored, from spring break to summer:

1) Give your kids plenty of options. Enroll your children in good programs and activities that they enjoy. They'll learn new skills, socialize with other kids, and stay in a supervised setting. Just make sure that any activities you sign your children up for are safe and are operated in a way designed to prevent injuries.

2) Set safety rules – and stick with them. Have a list of rules about bicycling, free time, and driving. For example, rules for your teen drivers will include no driving while texting and no driving after drinking. For younger kids who like to bicycle, set rules about wearing a helmet. If more children wore helmets each time they biked, there would be fewer Florida brain injuries in the emergency rooms. Along with each rule, ensure that you have penalties or consequences in case your children break the rules. Be sure to enforce safety rules.

3) Know what your kids are up to and who they spend time with. Supervising your children, spending time with teens, and listening can help you understand whether your children are worried about something or are taking part in something potentially unsafe. Spend more time together in order to ensure that everyone in your family is familiar with each other and each other's activities.

4) Plan some fun activities for this time of year. Spending time together as a family helps keep everyone from getting too restless or too anxious. Plan a vacation, a day trip, or just some time together to reconnect. It's a great way to find out what is going on.

5) Make sure your children know the consequences of dangerous activities. If you have a new driver in your home, ask your local police station or fire fighter's association about their Florida drunk driving educational programs – show your teen driver the true consequences of drunk driving accidents. If your young children like to ride skateboards or bicycles without helmets, show them the impact of Florida brain injuries on other children's lives. Local hospitals and police authorities often have informational materials you can use.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Injuries to Minors and Children Due to Boredom" »

It’s something that many parents do not consider, but a major cause of Florida injuries to children comes from tip-over accidents. These accidents take place when a child pushes or pulls a heavy object – such as a television – over onto themselves. Tip-over accidents often result in fatal Florida brain injuries for small children and serous injuries for older children.

In 2009, a young Florida girl was killed when a television tipped over on her. Most years, there are a few such tragedies – and in many cases they are quite preventable. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, tip-over accidents are quite common and cause serious injuries each year. The most common culprits are televisions, but shelves, bookcases, appliances, and dressers also mean a high risk of tip-overs. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of one child is killed every two weeks due to tip-over accidents.

The most common risk occurs when a child falls against, climbs up on, or pulls against an appliance or piece of furniture. It’s not just the pieces of furniture that are a risk, either. According to Safe Kids Inland Empire at Loma Linda Children's Hospital, objects which may be on top of a piece of furniture may also fall on top of a child, causing potentially life-threatening injuries. According to Safe Kids Inland Empire at Loma Linda Children's Hospital, objects falling on children is a leading cause of death among children. Tip-overs and falling objects are also a leading cause of Florida brain injuries among children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was informed of almost 200 tip-over deaths between 2000 and 2008. All incidents involved children who were 8 years of age or younger. In about 93% of cases, children were between 5 and 8, a time when experts note children are most actively exploring the world around them and may have the strength to tip over larger items. Between 2000 and 2008, over 16,000 children ages 5 and younger visited ER for injuries related to tip-over accidents.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are several things that parents can do to help prevent tip-over deaths. An important preventative action is to walk through the home and look for any tip-over dangers. All furniture and appliances should be attached to walls using screws, wall straps, and brackets. Televisions – especially older models – should be secured on low stands so that they cannot be tipped over. Some experts have suggested that newer flat televisions are in fact safer. They do not have the tendency to tip over as readily and are generally secured to the wall.

Continue reading "Tip-Over Accidents Are a Cause of Florida Personal Injuries" »

During the holidays, childhood injuries and Florida personal injuries sustained by children are all too common. There are many hazards which can create dangers for younger children, especially:

1) Candles and burn hazards. At this time of year, many of us decorate our homes with holiday lights and even with candles. Unfortunately, candles, especially, do pose a serious risk. Children are admitted to emergency rooms during the holiday season in many cases because they have sustained a Florida burn injury after being drawn to a flame. If you have young children at home, you may want to avoid candles entirely. If you do use candles, keep them well out of the reach of children. While holiday lights are safer, they can still pose a burn hazard. Make sure that your lights burn cool and replace any worn or damaged lights promptly.

2) Toy hazards. For children, toys are a large part of the holiday season. However, all too often, they can also be a hazard. Each year, children choke on toys or are injured by dangerous toys. Make sure that any toys your children receive are in good condition, not on a recall list, and age-appropriate. Carefully review toys before allowing your children to play with them and dispose of toy packaging promptly, since plastic wrapping around toys does pose a choking hazard for small children.

3) Car accidents and drunk driving accidents. Unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents spike around the holiday season, as many people go to holiday parties and make poor decisions after drinking. It is not just vehicle drivers who get injured in these accidents. All too often, children are also injured as they are passengers in vehicles.

4) Choking hazards. The holiday season is often full of choking hazards for very small children. Loose toy parts, ornaments, wrapping materials, even candies and treats can all pose a choking hazard. It is important to keep all small items away from very young children and to practice good child supervision, even during the very hectic holiday season.

5) Food-borne illness and other illnesses. Children take some years to develop a strong immune system, simply because they have been exposed to far fewer illnesses than adults. Children are also more prone to have serious complications from even standard seasonal illnesses, such as colds and flu. Further, the holiday season means eating, and that can mean more food-borne illnesses, especially in cases where food is not cooked or preserved correctly.

Continue reading "Avoiding Childhood Holiday Injuries" »

Fisher-Price, a giant in children toy manufacturing and children’s products, is recalling more than 10 million toys, high chairs, and tricycle amid concerns over product safety. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least two of the products which have been recalled have already been linked to injuries.

About 7 million Fisher-Price Tough Trikes and Fisher-Price Trikes have been recalled, and at least ten children have been injured by these tricycles. According to the information which the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received, at least six children injured by the products required medical attention for their injuries. The Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trikes reportedly have a plastic ignition key which protrudes near the seat. Children can easily sit on, strike, or fall on the key, injuring themselves. The tricycles are very popular with children and some feature Barbie or other popular children’s characters.

In addition to the tricycles, Fisher-Price is also recalling more than 1 million high chairs, including the Easy Clean, Healthy Care, and Close to Me High Chairs. There have been fourteen reports of injuries and problems with these high chairs and according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least seven children injured by the high chairs required stitches. A peg on the back of the high chairs is designed to help parents store the tray. However, children can strike or fall on this peg, injuring themselves.

In addition, Fisher-Price has recalled over 2.8 million Baby Playzone Crawl and Slide Arcade toys, Baby Playzone Crawl and Cruise Playground toys, Baby Gymtastics Play Wall toys, 1-2-3 Tetherball toys, Ocean Wonders Kick and Crawl Aquarium toys, and Bat and Score Goal toys. With these toys, three is a choking hazard because these toys feature a ball which has a valve which can detach. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 50 reports of such incidents. Fisher-Price is further recalling 100,000 Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway toys. These toys also pose a choking hazard because the wheels detach.

Parents who believe they may have the affected toys can visit the Fisher-Price website for more information. Fisher-Price has offered to replace or repair the affected products. This recall is also a good reminder that even toys on store shelves and toys with well-known brands can pose a hazard. Parents need to remain aware of Florida product liability laws and the hazards which can cause Florida injuries to children and minors.

Continue reading "Fisher-Price Recall Pulls Products Which May Cause Injuries to Children " »

According to organizations such as World Against Toys Causing Harm’s (W.A.T.C.H.) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), summertime is a peak time for injuries to minors and children. As more kids and teens enjoy their summer vacation, they spend more time unsupervised and this can lead to accidents. In addition, many Florida injuries to teens and minors occur due to toys and recreation items. According to WATCH and the CPSC, there are several things that parents can do to help prevent these types of injuries:

1) Do not assume a product is safe. Parents should check for recalled items regularly. Some very popular and widely available toys are recalled each year, and this always tends to catch parents and kids off-guard. Register toys and electronic gadgets when you buy them – to be altered about warnings and recalls – and check the CPSC site regularly for recalls. Even if a product is not recalled, check its condition and use your common sense. A product may not be recalled but may still have unsafe sharp edges. A small child chewing on a toy may make that toy unsafe.

2) Ensure that children have correct safety gear for in-line skate shoes, scooters, skateboards, and in-line skates. Helmets, elbow pads and knee pads can help prevent many of the injuries emergency rooms see each summer. The CPSC notes that up to 90% of bicycle accident fatalities can be prevented with proper use of a helmet. Each year, thousands of Florida brain injuries are caused by bicyclists not wearing helmets correctly. Do not let this happen to your child.

3) Use trampolines with caution. Each year, trampoline-related injuries cause broken bones, paralysis, and neck and head injuries. Make sure that you get an approved trampoline and use it according to the directions. Never allow small children or unsupervised children to play on a trampoline.

4) Check playground equipment carefully before allowing children to play on it. Poor ground cover can cause broken bones in a playground while loose clothing can pose a choking hazard on slides and monkey bars. Some playgrounds have toxic surfaces. As well, some unanchored playground equipment, such as soccer goals, can tip and injure children. Less serious injuries can also happen on playgrounds. Each year, thousands of minor Florida burn injuries are caused when children touch or come into contact with hot metal surfaces on the playground.

5) Secure windows with window guards. Children playing in a separate room can easily fall through a window without this precaution.

6) If you purchase small mini-hammocks for your children, make sure that they have a spreader bar. Models without this bar can entrap children and cause suffocation.

Florida’s children are out of school and eager to take advantage of the summer. However, the summer – and hot Florida temperatures – can pose a number of risks to children:

1) Heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a common problem in children, who tend to play outside in hot weather and may not take breaks for water. It is important to supervise children and take frequent rests for water or fruit juice drinks. Playing in a shaded area can also help.

2) Burn injuries. Many summertime Florida burn injuries involving children are caused by children touching hot playground equipment (such as slides) or other hot surfaces. Many sunburn injuries involving children are also reported each year. It is a good idea to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently and to test playground surfaces before letting children play on them.

3) Pool related injuries. Florida pool injuries are quite common, no doubt because many families have pools and many children head to public pools to cool down on hot summer days. If you have your own pool, it is important to keep it enclosed with a fence and self-closing, self-latching gate. Teach your children to swim at age four, so that they have the swimming skills to prevent drowning. Do not allow your children to swim in unsupervised swimming holes.

4) Insect bites. Small children can easily suffer from serious bites, which can quickly get infected. It is important to check daily for bites and ticks if your children play outdoors. Insect repellant can also be a useful way to help prevent bug bites.

5) Lawnmower injuries. Each summer, Florida children suffer from injuries caused by lawnmowers. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to now allow children younger than 12 years of age to operate a walk-behind mower and advises parents not to allow children than 16 years of age on a ride-on mower.

6) Head injuries. Many Florida head injuries each summer are caused by children who do not wear correct protective gear when bicycling, skateboarding, riding a scooter, or using heelys. Children should be outfitted with a quality helmet when engaging in any of these activities.

Many Florida parents are concerned with preventing injuries to children and minors. Serious childhood injuries are the dread of every parent, but childhood injuries continue to be a major cause of emergency room visits each year in Homestead, Hollywood, and Miami. Worse, some childhood injuries – such as Florida burn injuries or brain injuries – result in life-long impairments. Since parents cannot supervise their children around the clock, a major part of parenting involves teaching children basic safety rules. The best way to do this is to:

1) Be specific. Children might not understand what you mean when you say “Don’t play near trucks.” Children need to know exactly what to do and what not to do in various situations. Role playing is a good way to teach children safety rules. For example, practicing a fire escape plan is better than explaining to your child what to do in the event of a fire. Most communities and emergency response departments have educational material for parents and teachers that makes learning safety rules fun.

2) Make and enforce consequences. Children should know that when they break safety rules, they will miss out on special treats or fun. This will help enforce the importance of the rules and will ensure that children are motivated to follow them.

3) Let children make their own safe choices. Getting children involved is a great way to help teach them about safety and is a great way to ensure that they actually follow the rules. For example, bicycle helmets can help protect your child from serious injury in a bicycle accident; let your child select a helmet they actually like and will enjoy wearing. Or, let your child help you come up with fair punishments or consequences if they fail to follow safety rules.

4) Explain the reasons why you have specific rules. Children will respond better to more rules if they understand why those rules are in place. What can seem obvious to parents – not swimming alone can help prevent pool accidents and drowning – may not be clear to a child. Many parents worry about scaring their children, but explaining frankly and calmly why certain rules are in place empower children to make the right decisions.

5) Go over rules regularly and make rules easy to understand. Sometimes, children ignore safety rules because they forget or get too excited about a special event. Even children that have been taught to look both ways before crossing the street, for example, will dart out into traffic if they are following a favorite toy. For a small child, it sometimes seems like there are a lot of safety rules (and there are!). Frequent, gentle review will help make these rules safe habits.

6) Account for peer pressure. Children want to fit in and sometimes peer pressure means they make poor choices. Your teen may know that texting and driving can lead to a car accident, but when friends are present, it can be hard to ignore a ringing cell phone.

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: a phone call from summer camp, announcing an injury. Fortunately, serious injuries at camp are relatively rare. However, if your child has sustained an injury at summer camp, there are a few things you need to do:

1) Focus on your child’s medical attention first. While you may be angry or upset, stay calm and find out where you child is right now, what medical attention he or she is getting, and what the prognosis is. Then, contact the doctor or hospital in charge of your child’s care. Make sure the staff have all information about your child’s allergies and any existing medical conditions your child has. You do not want a medical error to complicate your child’s recovery. As soon as you can, you will want to travel to see your child and help him or her through the injury.

2) Start getting answers and gathering documentation. Once you are calmer and have ensured that your child has had proper medical care, contact the adult in charge of supervision at the camp and ask for details about what happened to cause your child’s injury. Make sure that you find out – and write down – who you spoke to, the details of the conversation, and the time and date of the discussion.

3) Ensure an investigation is launched immediately. Ask the camp supervisor to fill out an incident report, take witness statements, and start an investigation into the incident. Ask to be appraised of progress. Then, follow up to ensure that an investigation has actually been launched.

4) Ask a lot of questions. Determine how and when your child was being supervised. Ask what safety precautions were in place when the accident took place. Ask your child about what happened. The more you know, the more likely you will be able to determine whether the accident was preventable.

5) Contact a personal injury attorney. Do not sign anything until you speak with a personal injury attorney. Even if you are not sure you have a case, it is a good idea to contact a good Florida personal injury attorney. He or she can advise you of your rights and can even launch and independent investigation if the camp is not willing to look into the incident. If you are not sure where to find a qualified attorney, contact the Flaxman Law Group.

Suffocation and strangulation are two risks that cause many fatalities and injuries to children each year. Since children and infants have smaller airway passages, they are not prone to suffocation. As well, young children and infants simply have not developed enough to know what to do if they suddenly cannot breathe. An infant does not have the motor skills to move and gasp for air, while a young child who is suffocating will often panic. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several things that parents can do to help prevent suffocation and strangulation:

1) Watch out for plastic bags. Plastic bags from consumer product packaging or from the grocery store can pose a serious hazard for small children and infants. If you have small children in your home, dispose of all plastic bags and wrapping materials at once. Be sure to remove packaging and wrapping material from all children’s toys and products as well.

2) Watch out for small toys and objects. Marbles, coins, and a dozen other smaller items around the house can pose a choking and suffocation hazard for infants and small children. Children who are just learning to crawl are especially vulnerable, as their curiosity may lead them to sample any small items found under furniture or on the floor. It is essential to be vigilant to avoid any small items from falling into the hands of small children.

3) Be wary of food – especially food fed by others. Small children can easily choke and suffocate on nuts, peanuts, candies, hard biscuits, and other like foods. However, an infant’s older siblings may not understand that a treat is not safe for baby and may attempt to feed a younger brother or sister such dangerous foods. It is important to explain to your baby’s older siblings the importance of never offering any small items to a baby.

4) Check children’s toys regularly. Online recall notices and warnings can tell parents when a child’s toy has been recalled due to choking hazards or other hazards. In addition, online news items can alert parents to product liability claims made against children’s products – even when those products have not been officially recalled by a manufacturer. However, it is important to keep in mind that just because a toy has not been recalled, it does not mean that it is safe. And even safe toys can be unsafe if they are used by younger children or become worn with use. Make certain that your child is not using toys intended for older children – these toys may have small parts which can be dangerous to a younger child. As well, check the condition of toys regularly. Even a safe toy can become unsafe if a child has partially broken or chewed the toy, creating small pieces which may break off.

5) Do a regular check of your home. When tidying your home, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for any strangulation or choking hazards. Many times, perfectly innocuous objects – a jar of small seashells or a lamp with a pull cord – can pose hazards to children, so it is important to review one’s home with an eye to safety regularly.

6) Place babies to sleep in a crib with a correctly fitted mattress and no pillows or other objects that can cause suffocations. Each year, 50 babies strange or suffocate due to unsafe cribs, so check regularly to make sure your crib design has not been recalled and is in good condition.

7) Do not allow younger children to wear clothes with drawstrings or long ribbons. Between 1985 and 1995, 17 children died and 42 suffered inquires after getting drawstrings from clothing tangled in furniture, playground equipment, and fences.

A new study by a group of US researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus, Ohio's Nationwide Children's Hospital has found that accidents and injuries involving children occur often during holiday times, but most holiday injuries are not related to the holidays. Most injuries during these times of year actually are related to common incidents, such as sports injuries or slip and fall injuries in the home.

Traditionally, many people have assumed that the majority of childhood injuries during holidays such as Memorial Day or Independence Day include burn injuries from fireworks or other holiday-related injuries. In fact, sports injuries, play-time-related injuries, and bad falls were the most common injuries reported for children during various holiday seasons during the year.

The study from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Ohio's Nationwide Children's Hospital found that children’s injuries were most likely to occur around Labor Day. The second most likely holiday for a childhood injury or accident was Memorial Day, followed by Independence Day and Halloween. The study will be published in the May issue of Pediatrics journal.

In the meantime, parents may wish to plan for summer holiday time with this study in mind. While many parents may consider holiday-specific injuries and hazards, it seems that the real concerns are the everyday injuries which can always cause harm:

1) Trip and fall and slip and fall injuries. Keeping walkways free and clear of debris and toys is a great place to start. Cleaning up spills in kitchens and on floors is also a must in preventing these common injuries. During a holiday, there may be more traffic and bustle in a home, which can mean more clutter. Getting everyone involved in tidying up is a must to keep the house clean and safe.

2) Sports-related injuries. Sports-related injuries can often be prevented with good sports safety equipment and good supervision. Make sure that your child’s sports are well supervised by a responsible adult and insist on good sports gear, including a good helmet to prevent brain injuries in contact sports such as football. Good footwear can also help prevent falls and other injuries on the field.

3) Injuries related to play time. Play time should be about fun, but fun shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. Periodically, check your child’s games and toys. Are they age-appropriate? Check online for any poor safety reports or recalls that may affect your child’s favorite toys. Periodically, check the condition of toys. A chewed toy is no longer safe if parts are breaking off and posing a choking hazard. If areas of a toy have worn away with use, make sure no sharp edges are exposed. The way that children play with toys can sometimes render the toys unsafe.

As the weather gets warmer in the springtime, many children and teens spend more time outdoors pursuing sports, recreational activities, and other fun activities. Unfortunately, while this is extremely healthy, it can also cause an increase in bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other accidents involving children and minors. Parents will want to encourage their children to spend time outdoors and pursue their favorite activities, but there are many ways to do this safely:

1) Review safety rules. If your child is taking out their bicycle for the first time this season, or is heading outdoors for a fun evening at the park, review household safety rules. If you don’t have any rules about safety in your home, this is a great time to formulate some with your children and post them in a visible spot in your home. Remind your children, for example, to look both ways before crossing the street, and to use correct signals when making a turn on their bicycle.

2) Ensure that children are not distracted when heading out. Whether your teen is heading out for a jog or your younger child is heading out on a bicycle for the first time, encourage your children to stay alert. Discourage your children from using cell phones, mobile devices, or headphones while jogging, bicycling, or even just walking. Headphones and mobile devices distract can prevent your children from noticing cars, other pedestrians, and bicycles on the road. This distraction can easily contribute to a pedestrian or bicycling accident.

3) Set limits. Make sure that your children know the limits of what they are and are not allowed to do. Younger children may have a specific curfew or may only be allowed to go within certain boundaries. Older children may have to be back home by a later time or may have to check in with you every few hours by telephone. Set the rules and make sure that children abide by the rules at all times.

4) Maintain good contact. Cell phones are great way for parents and children to stay in touch. They can be a great way for children to let parents know when they need a ride home or when they are going to be late. Encourage your children to phone home or text home every few hours or at specific times to let you know that they are safe and well.

5) Make sure your children have the knowledge to stay safe. Even if your child learned pool safety rules or bicycle safety rules last year, that does not mean they remember them now. Have your child get a few refresher lessons in their favorite sports and activities. These can be fun and can encourage your children to stay safe at their favorite activities.

During the holidays, we all want children to have a wonderful season. Most of us purchase toys for younger friends, family members, and some of us even donate toys to our favorite charities. While toys are a big part of this time of year, toys can also mean personal injury. Each year, children are rushed to the hospital choking, or with head injuries, burns, and other injuries sustained from toys. Here are some ways to ensure that children stay safe this season:

1) When buying toys, read labels carefully. Only buy toys that are appropriate for the child recipient’s age, skill level, and interest. Also, carefully read warning labels as well as instructions. Assemble toys correctly and ensure that they are always used correctly.

2) Carefully check toys reviews. Just because a toy is on the market, unfortunately, this does not guarantee safety. Always carefully check toys for small parts if you are giving these toys to small children. Any item smaller than a child's fist can present a choking hazard. Be especially vigilant about toys given to children who are three years of age or younger. Any small magnets, sharp parts, or detachable pieces can pose a hazard. Read online reviews to find out what other parents are saying about toys and to read professional opinions about toys safety.

3) Avoid buying second-hand toys. These may be damaged or recalled. Consider buying smaller toys if budget is a problem. If you do decide to buy a second-hand toy, go online and check its safety record carefully.

4) Supervise playing children. During the holidays, children often spend time in other homes, as families visit each other. However, at these homes younger children can come into contact with toys intended for older children. Younger children can seriously harm themselves by playing with and older child's toys. An older child’s toys may have small or removable parts that a younger child can easily choke on. Always carefully supervise playtime.

5) Register all the toys that you purchase for the holidays or that your child receives as gifts. Filling out the attached registration form ensures that you will be contacted in the event that the toys are ever recalled. This provides an extra layer of safety in case a product is later on found to be unsafe.

6) Consider the accessories that come with a toy. Battery-operated toys can be a hazard for younger children, as batteries can pose thermal burn injury hazards. At the very least, make sure that any battery-operated toys are designed in such a way as to make removing a battery very difficult. If you are purchasing a snowboard, scooter, skates, skateboard, riding toys, bike, or other such items, purchase the appropriate safety gear as well as a good helmet. Bicycle helmets can help prevent head injuries by up to 85%, according to some experts.

Virtually all experts agree that good supervision can help prevent a host of injuries to minors and children. Correct supervision can avert a tragedy before it occurs and can get life-saving help to a child the instant an accident takes place. However, each year many children end up in the hospital emergency room in accidents that could have been prevented with better supervision. Supervision on its own is not enough – good quality supervision is the key to accident and injury prevention. Experts recommend a few tips for supervising children:

1) Supervise children at all times. Many individuals know that children need supervision around pools to prevent pool accidents and near drowning incidents, but all too often supervision is reserved for higher-risk activities. Unfortunately, brain injuries, broken bones, and other fatalities can occur during every day activities, too. Parents and caregivers need to ensure that children are safe at all times.

2) Add more supervision during activities that require more risks. Riskier activities – such as skiing, swimming, or contact sports – require more adult supervisors per child. Keep in mind too, that older children and minors also need supervision when taking part in riskier activities.

3) Have adults supervise, rather than older siblings. Older siblings can help with supervising, but it is important to have an adult on hand to help prevent injuries. Minors may simply not have the authority to control children and may not know what to do in the event of an accident.

4) Have at least two adults supervising at all times. More eyes means more safety, and two adults means that there is always someone supervising, even when one adult is called away to a telephone, for example. For larger groups of children, add more adults to ensure that all children are correctly supervised.

5) Avoid distractions while supervising. It is simply not possible to supervise children correctly – especially a larger group of children – while chatting, texting, watching television, or making calls. Adult supervisors should be supervising, not multitasking.

6) Change shifts and take supervising breaks frequently. Correct supervision is tiring, which is why groups of adults might want to take turns supervising children at an event or party. This way, each adult gets to enjoy some fun and can focus on keeping everyone safe while on supervision duty.

Many families are rightly concerned about the dangers to small children during the Halloween season. However, older children and teens also face several risks during this time of years:

1) Burn injuries. Children of all ages can burn themselves on candle decorations, dry ice used to decorate a punch bowl, jack o’ lanterns, and other Halloween accessories. Thin, flammable costumes only add to the dangers. Even makeup and face painting can cause skin reactions and burns if the chemicals used are harsh enough. Ensure that teens and children know good safety tips and ensure that children use face-appropriate make up. Keep a fire extinguisher near candles and jack o’ lanterns or use battery-powered lighting this Halloween.

2) Near drownings. Bobbing for apples and late-night dips in mild weather can pose a hazard. Ensure that your pool is properly secured if you will be having children and teens at your home. Ensure that any Halloween activities involving water – such as bobbing for apples – are correctly supervised.

3) Car accidents. Teens can easily get into accidents when swerving to avoid trick or treaters. Encourage your teen driver to practice good, defensive driving skills, especially on the days leading up to Halloween. Follow good driving rules yourself.

4) Pedestrian accidents. Children often get so excited about Halloween that they may dart out into road areas without watching, especially on Halloween night. Some Halloween costumes make it hard for children to see oncoming cars. For all these reasons, it is important to watch for children and trick or treaters around Halloween and be prepared to stop suddenly.

5) Skin injuries. Skin injuries are quite common during Halloween and can be caused by anything from reactions to makeup to injuries cause by sharp accessories. It’s a good idea to go over special effect makeup with your teens and children, to make sure that they are choosing safe options. Limiting or banning hard accessories that can cause accidents is also a good idea.

6) Choking. Children can easily choke on larger pieces of candy or on small accessories. Even badly-fitted vampire teeth or mouth accessories can become a hazard. Again, go over everyone’s costume choices to ensure that everyone in your family has a safer Halloween.

7) Eye injuries. Teens are often tempted by “special effect” contact lenses, but it is important to always order these from qualified eye doctors, who can show your teen the safe way to wear these accessories. Avoid buying special effect contact lenses from dollar stores or discount stores for less – these lenses may not be as safe.

Many children and adults are putting the final finishes on Halloween costumes at this time of year, but many costume choices are anything but safe. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other safety experts, there are many dangers present in some costumes. Some pose a burn injury hazard, while others are not visible enough and can put a child at risk of pedestrian accidents. There are many costume hazards that parents can avoid by following these safe Halloween tips:

1) Fit costumes well. Avoid costumes that drag on the ground or have long, dangling sleeves. Costumes that drag on the ground can make it easy for a child to trip and fall. Long sleeves and parts can cause a child to become entangled in the costume and can pose a choking hazard as well.

2) Consider costume shoes carefully. Some shoes that come with costumes are really meant to be worn indoors. On fall leaves, these can cause slip and fall accidents. With home made costumes, ensure that shoes fit well. Do not allow children to wear adult oversize shoes with their costumes – this can be a tripping hazard.

3) Ensure that child costumes are easy to see in the dark. Some ready-made costumes are made from lighter, reflective fabrics. If your child is wearing a darker costumes, purchase reflective tape at a hardware or sporting goods store and apply the tape to your child’s costume. Visible clothing can ensure that your child is visible to drivers at all times. As well, ensure that your child always carries a flashlight while heading out for Halloween. This can help your child see in the dark and can ensure that drivers can see your child.

4) If your child’s costume has accessories – such as swords or wands – ensure that these items are flexible and soft. Your child can accidentally harm another child in play with a play sword or accessory or can injure themselves in a trip and fall accident.

5) Ensure that your child can see correctly. Use face paint rather than masks with a costume, since masks can keep your child from seeing properly. Ensure that any hats or head wear that are part of a costume do not impede vision. Avoid costumes with veils or other pieces of fabric covering the head.

During school hours, children have lots of supervision and structured time. During lunch hours, however, many children have more leeway. Staff may be busy eating their own lunches and some students stay away from supervision during the lunch hour. Here’s how to make sure your child avoids injuries during break:

1) Learn about lunchtime supervision at your child’s school. Ensure that cafeterias, class rooms, and other areas where children eat are monitored. If children are allowed outside during lunch, make sure school property is well monitored and supervised during the lunch hour. Many injuries can take place if children are running around a playground with no supervision.

2) Alert the school if your child has serious allergies. If your child has a life-threatening allergy, alert the school principal, teachers, and cafeteria staff. Ensure that your child has an ID bracelet all times alerting staff of the allergy. If your child is young, talk to your child’s class or have an adult talk to your child’s class about the allergy. This will help prevent classmates inadvertently offering your child a treat with an allergen in it.

3) Set rules if your child is allowed off campus during lunch time. If your child can leave campus, make sure that your child knows places he or she is permitted – and is not permitted – to go. Set boundaries about where your child can go for lunch.

4) If your child goes home for lunch, make sure he or she can get home and back safely. Pedestrian accidents can be a cause for concern if your child walks home from school. Go over your child’s route and ensure that he or she walks straight home and right to school. Younger children may need supervision to get home and back safely.

5) Ensure that school grounds are safe. If your child is allowed to play in the playground at lunch, inspect the playground area. Is all playground equipment safe and modern? Ensure that no equipment has been recalled or cited in product liability cases. Are the grounds properly maintained and safe? Stacks of leaves or uneven pavement can pose a slip and fall hazard.

Back to school can be an exciting time, but it can also mean new routines, less parental supervision, and therefore fewer bumps and scrapes. While small bumps are a normal part of childhood, serious personal injury shouldn’t be. Here’s how to keep your child safe when he or she heads back to school:

1) Get involved in the school. Getting involved in your child’s school is a great way to increase parental supervision in the classroom while also helping schools to stay safer. Working with schools also lets you notice any possible problems or potential injuries.

2) If you see a potential for injury, bring it to the attention of the school. If you do notice something that may cause an injury – such as a faulty gate or door, for example – bring it to the attention of the school via letter or at a meeting so that the school is accountable for making the change. Follow up to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

3) Make your child savvy about preventing accidents. Teach your child how to prevent basic personal injuries. If you need help, your school will usually have plenty of safety training materials that are child-appropriate. Local fire fighters, police and even emergency medical technicians sometimes have special child programs for schools. Talk to your child’s teacher to see whether some of these professionals can be guests in the classroom.

4) Keep track of product recalls. As you stock up on school supplies, clothes, and electronics for back to classes, keep a eye out for product liability cases and recalls. Keep your receipts so that if an item you buy turns out to be unsafe, you can return it easily.

5) If your child has a special need, bring it to the attention of the teachers and school authorities. If your child has an illness that makes them more prone to a specific accident, for example, or if your child has a life-threatening allergy, make sure that both teachers and administrators know about the situation. Ask for the facts to be included in the child’s permanent record. Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet in case a substitute teacher or new employee at the school is not made aware of your child’s circumstances.

This past week in Canada, a three-year old girl was killed while playing near home exercise equipment. In May of this year, the four-year-old daughter of boxer Mike Tyson died after becoming entangled in a cord hanging from a treadmill. Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 8,700 children under 5 years of age sustain personal injuries caused by exercise equipment. Approximately 16,500 children ages 5 to 14 sustain exercise equipment-related injuries each year.

Injuries from exercise equipment include head injuries, broken bones, strangulation, and even amputations. These injuries can occur on just about any type of home exercise equipment, but treadmills, stair climbers, and stationary bicycles seem to be the most frequent causes of childhood injuries. According to experts, there are several things that parents can do to reduce these types of injuries:

1) Read instruction manuals carefully. Many parents see exercise machines are innocuous and safe, but most instruction manuals carefully detail possible hazards. Being aware of these dangers is crucial in preventing injuries. Always assemble, use, and store exercise equipment in exactly the manner prescribed in the instructions.

2) Keep your exercise equipment locked away. When you are not using your exercise equipment, store it correctly so that children do not have access to it. If possible, store exercise equipment in a locked room. At the very least, lock exercise equipment so that curious children cannot use it. Remove any dangling cords and wires to reduce strangulation hazards.

3) Check for product defects and recalls. If you notice something dangerous about your exercise machine – it doesn’t operate correctly or becomes overly heated – return the product and contact the manufacturer and retailer. Check frequently for recalls and register your product so that you will be informed of any recall notices. Incorrectly functioning equipment greatly increases the odds of injury.

4) Do not treat exercise equipment as a toy. Do not let your children play on or around exercise equipment. Do not allow young children to use exercise equipment – always check instruction manuals for age requirements.

5) Supervise younger children using the equipment and make sure older children use the exercise equipment correctly. Once your children reach the age when they can use exercise equipment safely, supervise your children while they use the equipment and teach them to use the equipment correctly. Make sure that older children and teenagers are aware of the proper ways to use the exercise equipment in your home.

When children are home from school in the summer, burn injuries are far more common. Unfortunately, burn injuries can occur just about anywhere – on a camping trip, at bath time, in the kitchen, in the backyard. Tragically, burn injuries to children can easily cause scarring, severe pain and even muscle or tissue damage. Since children are small, burn injuries can easily spread over large surfaces of the body, becoming potentially fatal. Here are some ways to prevent this type of tragedy this summer:

1) Practice fire smarts. Ensure that smoke detectors in your home are correctly installed and working properly. Rehearse your family escape plan at the start of summer.

2) Be careful during bath time. Never leave children alone in the bath tub during bath time. Not only is this a drowning risk, but children can easily burn themselves by turning on the hot water tap. Better yet, lower your water heat temperature to below 120°F. This will lower the risk of an accident burn.

3) Check your yard for flammable liquids. Never store gasoline in your yard, as it is highly flammable. If you have propane for the barbeque, stow it in a locked area well away from children. Throw away any corroded or damaged bottles. Keep matches and lighters well-hidden and locked away as well.

4) Check your kitchen. If you use fryers or oil cookers, make sure that children are not in the room when these machines are being used, since the oil from these appliances can spray. Never leave children alone in the kitchen, where they can easily touch a hot surface or spill cooking food on themselves.

5) Update your first aid kit. Your first aid kit should have gauze, bandages, antibacterial ointment, emergency phone numbers, antibiotic ointment, bandages, scissors, tweezers, gloves, an instruction manual, an ice pack, and other musts. Review the instructions in your emergency kit, throw out any expired items and stock up on any items you might need

Even though Independence Day is over, the risk of fireworks remains. Many homes have left over fireworks and many stores continue to sell fireworks after the 4th of July. In fact, many retailers are now discounting their fireworks, making them possibly more attractive to teens and children. Fireworks can cause serious burn injuries, eye injuries, head injuries, and other injuries. Prevent a firework accident with these tips:

1) Get rid of fireworks safely and responsibly or store them correctly until next year. If you have left over fireworks, call your local waste management authority to find out how to dispose of the fireworks responsibly. In most areas, you cannot simply place fireworks in your garbage because they are dangerous. Some communities have special fireworks pick-ups or drop-offs. If you decide to keep your fireworks, keep them in a cool, dry area where they won’t come into contact with heat. Keep them securely stored where children will not have access to them.

2) Talk to your children about the risks of fireworks. Some children may genuinely not understand how dangerous fireworks are. Discuss the possible injuries and risks of fireworks so that you children can understand the consequences of these products.

3) Make sure your children are not buying or setting off fireworks. Do not permit your children to operate or play with fireworks by themselves. Be clear and consistent about the privileges they will lose if they participate in such a dangerous activity.

4) Work with a local group to ensure that minors and children cannot buy fireworks. In most areas, retailers cannot sell fireworks to children and minors. Check your local laws. If such laws are in place, make sure that they are enforced. If such laws are not in place, consider writing to a local political representative to have these laws created.

Fireworks, when used responsibly, light up the summer night sky and delight us. Each year, however, many children lose an eye or sustain a serious injury due to improper use of fireworks. Taking a few precautions can help prevent such a tragedy.

In the summer, injuries to minors and children are more common, since children are out of school and often taking part in more activities outside the home. Summertime should be a wonderful time for children, and you can ensure that your child has a wonderful and safe summer by being wary of these common summertime injuries:

1) Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents injure many children and minors each summer, simply because there are more children on sidewalks and roadways. Always teach your children how to cross the street properly and if you children are playing outside, make sure that they play well away from the street area. You don’t want a child running into traffic to follow a lost ball or Frisbee.

2) Boating accidents. In the summer, as many families get out their boats for the summer, boating accidents become a serious concern. The best way to prevent boating accidents is with prevention. Ensure that everyone in your boat wears the correct safety gear and make sure that all children are wearing life vests that are properly fitted. Teach your children to swim. If it has been a while since you have taken a boating safety course, consider taking a refresher class.

3) Car accidents. Car accidents are all too common in the summer, as many more people are on the road, taking children to summer camps, summer programs, and on trips. When driving with children, give your children some activity so that they do not distract you from driving. Use common sense on the road and drive only when you are able to give your full attention to the road.

4) Sports injuries. Many children play sports in the summer, and this can mean sports-related injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, scrapes, and bruises. It’s important to make sure that children are wearing the right safety equipment for their sport at all times. If an injury does occur, make sure that it gets evaluated right away. A simple bump on the head may mean a concussion and can lead to serious injury if untreated. If your child is injured during a sport, make sure that he or she recovers completely before playing the sport again.

5) Burn injuries. Bonfires at night and electrical wires can pose a hazard in the summer. Teach your children to avoid electrical wires at all costs and teach your child fire safety. Many fire departments offer fire safety demonstrations – call your local station to find out if such an event is planned for your area. If you plan on having bonfires, make sure that children are carefully supervised as they toast marshmallows and sit close to the fire.

Florida has many water parks and theme parks offering water rides and slides. While these can be a great deal of fun, they can also pose dangers to children. Although all water parks take precautions to prevent injuries, brain injuries, dental injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries are still a risk. Here’s how to keep your child safe at water parks:

1) Read the warning signs and follow them. The warning signs are there for a reason, so make sure that you read any warnings and follow them exactly. If certain clothing items are required, for example, make sure your children are wearing the right gear. If children are not allowed to stand up in a water ride, make sure they remain seated.

2) Make sure your children wear proper shoes near water slides and rides. Shoes should have good treads, since water parks inevitably have many slippery areas as water gets splashed everywhere. Encourage your children not to run near water slides and rides, where splashed water may make some surfaces slippery.

3) Only allow your children on water slides that are feet-first. Going down slides head-first puts your children at risk of dental damage and brain injury. Ensure that your children always slide down feet-first.

4) Pay attention to age and weight limits. Again, there are reasons for these limits. It may be useful to research a park before you go, to ensure that many slides and rides are available for your child. That way, your child won’t be disappointed to find many rides closed to him or her.

5) Encourage your children to take frequent breaks. Take regular breaks in the shade and make sure your child drinks something and reapplies sunscreen during these breaks. Breaks are important to ensure your child does not get too tired and does not develop cramps. Hydration can help prevent heat-related illness.

6) Have your children shower and bathe thoroughly after a trip to the water park. Although water parks have chlorinated water, all public places have germs, and water parks are no different. Make sure your child bathes thoroughly after a trip to the water park and dries off carefully – especially between the toes.

Each year, almost 5000 children across America fall out of windows and experience either serious injuries or fatalities. About 28% of children who fall out of windows require at least a hospital stay. Window screens simply do not provide enough of a barrier – about 40-60% of children who fall out of windows fall out of windows that have screens.

Now that the weather is warmer, many people across Florida and the nation are throwing open their windows. Unfortunately, in homes with smaller children and toddlers, this simple act can result in serious and even permanent injury. Falls out of windows can result in beck injuries, abdominal injuries, brain injuries, and permanent disability. In cases where children land on a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, the chances of severe injury and fatality are greater.

Most cases of falls out of windows occur in the spring and summer and the majority happen in a child’s home. Falls out of windows can be a concern in single-family homes. Even a fall out of a first or second-story window can cause serious injury. Obviously, falls out of high-rise apartment buildings tend to be especially tragic.

Parents can help prevent falls out of windows. The main preventative measure is good supervision. Most cases involving falls out of windows occurred when children were alone in the room. Keeping windows closed and keeping furniture away from windows so that children cannot climb to the windows are also good ideas.

Even with good supervision, accidents can happen. One good way to prevent this is by securing windows. Window screens are not adequate and will easily give way under the weight of a child. There are window guards and special safety screens that are available especially to keep children safe. These screens are effective when correctly installed and cost $20-30 in some cases. These screens are usually screwed right into the frame and many come with a safety latch that opens if you need to get rid of the screen quickly during a fire. Many hardware stores sell these items.

In addition to a safety screen, you will also want to secure your window so that it cannot be easily opened. If you have windows that pop out easily for cleaning, consider having extra latches installed to ensure that children cannot pop windows open accidentally. If you have sliding windows, add window stops to ensure that the windows cannot easily be opened.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of death for Americans between 5 and 24 years of age. Water-related accidents can include drowning, pool-related accidents, and boating accidents. Accidents near bodies of water can be fatal and can also cause serious injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries. Many water-related accidents can be avoided. Here’s how:

1) Never swim alone. Whether you are a teen or an adult, always swim with someone else present. Even if you have had lots of experience, sudden cramps, fatigue, or a current can pose an immediate danger. Children should never swim without qualified adult supervision.

2) Get lessons. Children should be taught to swim at an early age – swimming lessons can help save your child’s life if your child falls into a lake or pool. Adults should get first-aid and CPR classes. Every adult supervising children who are swimming should be a strong swimmer and should have CPR training in case mouth to mouth is needed.

3) Choose swimming areas carefully. Public swimming areas supervised by a professional lifeguard are the safest places for children and teens to swim. Make sure that your children aren’t swimming at an unsupervised local swimming hole, where riptides, wildlife, currents, and other dangers may be undetected.

4) Know your children’s limits. If your children are just new to swimming, make sure that they swim in safe areas that are appropriate for their skill level. Have your children swim with other children who are at the same skill level. If your child is swimming with stronger swimmers, he or she may take risks in order to try to keep up.

5) Make sure your children know how to dive. Diving causes many spinal cord injuries when swimmers dive into water that is too shallow or contains rocks. Make certain that your children’s swimming classes include diving lessons and teach your children to only dive in swimming pools in the diving area of the pool.

6) Make sure your children stay hydrated and sun-safe when swimming. Sun reflects off water and can cause burns more quickly. Make sure your children wear water-proof sun block or frequently apply sun block when swimming outdoors. Encourage your children to drink plenty of water, as well, to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Today, virtually every home has a computer or home office. Many children and minors spend considerable time on the home computer, studying, playing games, and chatting with friends. While in recent years parents have become more savvy about the threat of online predators, many parents are not aware of the personal injuries that can result from computers.

Computers are not just a means of communication. There are also physical objects that can produce muscle injuries, bruises, joint injuries, lacerations, and other personal injuries among children and adults. Because the children and minors tend to spend especially long periods of time on the computer, they are especially susceptible to repetitive stress injuries and other personal injuries related to the computer.

Teens are at risk of developing blurred vision, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome if the spend many hours working at a computer for homework or for play. Teens will sometimes spend hours online or on the computer, without shifting position and without becoming aware that they are at risk of an injury. To prevent this, it is important to provide an ergonomically correct workstation for teens, and to encourage teens to get up and walk around the room every hour or so while they are on the computer.

In addition to the physical risks that teens face, younger children face physical risks from computers -- even if they don't use them. Small children and toddlers can inadvertently pull a laptop or a desktop computer off of the computer table and onto their heads, causing brain injury. Carefully attaching a computer or laptop to the computer workstation or desk helps prevent such accidental injuries. Also, keeping the office door locked when young children are around is a good idea.

Adults and children alike can trip or fall over computer equipment. It is important to keep wires and cords well out of the way. The newer wireless networks are especially handy for avoiding trip and fall accidents caused by wiring. However, if this is not feasible, simply gathering the wiring from a computer, binding it together, and binding it to a desk leg can help keep the wires off the floor and out of the way. Also, it is a good idea to keep computer parts, books, and accessories and equipment off the floor. Have a large enough workspace so that you can keep all computer-related items on a desk, and not on the floor where they can cause a tripping hazard.

In addition to trips, head injuries, and repetitive stress injuries, computers can also cause bruises and lacerations when people bump into them. Is easy to crash into a computer desk or computer, causing bruises and injuries. To prevent this, make sure that you have plenty of space around the computer station to walk around, and to exit the computer area safely. If you have a small home, look for space-saver workstations that can save you space and make your computer workstation safer as well.

Many teens take on part-time work during the school year and sometimes full-time work in the summer to generate spending money or to help pay for college. While work can build skills and discipline, however, it can also be dangerous. In addition to car accidents, on-the-job personal injuries are among the top causes of fatalities among young people. Experts and Workers' Compensation Boards claim that many workplace injuries involving minors are very preventable. According to experts, the main, preventable, reasons for workplace injuries include:

1) Lack of worker training and safety precautions. Employers are required by law to create safe working conditions, but not all employers are conscientious about doing so. Many young workers may not be comfortable speaking out about possible safety violations, may not notice these violations or may not be aware of their legal rights.

2) Young workers who are so eager to please that they do not ask questions about work safety. Many young workers want to make a good impression and may not have the work experience to ask about workplace safety.

3) Lack of understanding about workplace risks or safety rules. Some young workers report that they don’t really understand the safety instructions they are given but fail to admit this fact to employers because they are eager to make a good impression. Many young workers do not understand the risks of a job or do not appreciate the dangers of a job.

Young workers can make choices about workplace safety when they interview for a new job. Experts recommend that young workers ask their employers and potential employers these questions about work safety:

Continue reading "Many Injuries to Minors Occur on the Job " »

Many schools and even local after-school programs have been sending release forms home with children for years. The release forms were mandatory for a child to participate in a specific activity and essentially was a promise that the parent would not sue if the child suffered a personal injury as a result of the activity. The forms made it easier for insurance companies and gave activity planners some peace of mind.

The rules have now changed, after the Florida Supreme Court decided that such release forms are not valid for commercial activities such as ATV courses, go-carts and similar activities. Florida businesses can now be sued if any injuries to minors and children take place on the premises. Business will now have to improve their liability insurance or stop accepting children as patrons. Non-profit activities related to church groups, Scouts, school groups and other similar activities will not be affected by the ruling.

Some legal experts note that the new ruling does open up the possibility of lawsuits even in the case of non-profits, however, since commercial and non-profit activities are often combined for school aged children. For example, church groups or schools may want to take children to Disney World, a non-profit group may transport children via charter bus. Some attorneys predict that in these cases, lawsuits may result after the new ruling.

Attorney Bard Rockenbach, who was involved in the Florida Supreme Court that returned the ruling says that businesses should be able to run their businesses safely. He believes that the possibility of lawsuits will ensure that all Florida businesses do everything possible to make their businesses safe.

The Florida Supreme Court case of Kirton vs. Fields was the result of a fatal all-terrain vehicle ride. In 2003, a father allowed his child to take a ride on an all-terrain vehicle at a motorsport park. He signed waiver promising not to sue. The child was killed during a jump when the ATV landed on top of him. The family sued the park and a trial court sided with the motorsport park because of the waiver the father had signed. An appeals court had reversed the ruling before the case was heard before the Supreme Court.

At this time of year, many children are home from school more often and many families are planning for the holidays. The hectic schedule, increased presence of children and holiday trimmings can lead to plenty of personal injuries, experts claim. Among the biggest dangers:

1) Accidental poisonings. Holiday decorations can include poinsettias, mistletoe, and oils and products meant to smell like cranberries or gingerbread. These new items can prove to be very tempting for young children, especially when these products are scented. Pets can also be in danger of ingesting these potentially harmful products. Where possible, keep such items well out of reach and supervise children and pets closely.

2) Burn injuries. When families are busy and candles are left burning to bring holiday cheer to a home, fires can accidentally start. Children may also get to close to the flame. Additionally, fireplaces are often lit at this time of year, creating additional risks. Additional electrical use – in the form of outdoor decorations and indoor lights – can also pose fire hazards. Keeping candles and fireplaces monitored at all times can help prevent many fires and burn injuries. Checking the state of electrical wires and avoiding excessive electrical products in one outlet can help prevent electricity fires.

3) Accidental cuts and bruises. Broken holiday ornaments, sharp edges on toys and on decorations can cause cuts and other injuries. In households with children, it is a good idea to keep decorations high, away from children.

4) Injuries caused by defective products. Not all toys and products sold during the holiday season are safe to use. At this time of year, when most of us get several new items in our home, it is a good idea to remain alert to product recalls and to remove recalled products from the home at once.

5) Slip and fall injuries. Indoors, food preparation and some decorative items can cause spills. If these are not cleaned up right away, they can lead to slips and injuries. As guests visit our homes, it is also important to keep the driveways and walk-ways well-lit and clear of snow, water and ice.

While many Florida parents worry about scary stories and bad candy that could hurt children at Halloween, experts agree that there are more frightening risks lurking at this time of year, and many of those risks have to do with children’s Halloween costumes. Among the risks that parents should be aware of:

1) Slip and fall accidents. On Halloween night, streets are dark and may be slippery with spilled candy, fallen leaves, and pieces of broken carved pumpkins. Costumes that obstruct a clear vision of the sidewalk can mean that children slip and slide. In addition, too-long costumes can cause tripping and falling.

2) Car accidents. Costumes should be easily visible and should have lights or reflective pieces so that cars can easily see children who are out trick or treating. There are many children’s flashlights and strobe lights that can add to a child’s costume and can keep the child safe on Halloween night.

3) Burn injuries. Parents should look for flame retardant costumes, since jack o' lanterns, candles and other spooky decorations do pose a fire risk for children at this time of year. Also, longer costumes that drag around or have dropping sleeves can pose a greater fire hazard, since children may not always be aware of where their costume ends. Trim up costumes to keep trick and treaters safe.

4) Wounds and other injuries. All swords and props should be made from flexible, softer materials, so that children do not accidentally harm one another in play.

5) Other possible injuries. In addition to accidents, parents do need to be aware that not every adult is being cautious around children at Halloween. Parents should always accompany children who are out trick or treating. Many communities have initiatives such as safe areas for Halloween celebrations and Halloween patrols to help parents.

Public swimming pools are intended to be a safe place of recreation. Swimming pools in recreation centers, community centers, schools, and clubs all are required to have safety measures in place. The safety measures include barriers that prevent people from entering the pool after hours, on-duty lifeguards, and other safety precautions. Despite this, children and adults alike are injured in pools every year.

USA Safekids reports that for children ages 14 years of age and under, drowning constitutes the second major cause of injury-related fatality. In 2004 alone, 3702 children had near-drowning experiences that required emergency treatment. In about 40% of these cases, children had nearly drowned in swimming pools. According to the Drowning Prevention Foundation, 19% of childhood drowning deaths occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present. The Orange County California Fire Authority reports that a swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a car to cause the death of children 4 years of age and under.

Parents should not just be worried about fatalities, either. According to the National Safety Council, 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to near-drowning-related injuries. Of these an estimated 15% die in the hospital while another 20% suffer severe and permanent disability. Common pool-related injuries include broken limbs, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and other injuries.

Most experts agree that parents can help prevent these types of injuries by:

1) Making sure that someone is watching children at all times pool-side. Many accidents occur because someone watching children in the pool was momentarily distracted. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, 70% of preschool drowning victims are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning. 75% of these victims are only left unattended or unobserved for five minutes or less. Most children who die of drowning – 86% -- are found after 10 minutes while 92% of survivors are discovered within two minutes of submersion, according to the National Safe Kids Campaign. Clearly, ensuring that no one has submerged for a long time is essential. Having several parents or adults observing at all times is key. Asking children to get out of the pool periodically is also essential.

2) Covering pools when not in use. Parents should make it their business to ensure that outdoor pools and any sort of public pools are covered and are not a temptation for children. If you see a pool that is not safely secured, ask the owner of the building to secure it.

3) Teaching children to swim. Swimming classes that teach children water safety are a good way to ensure that children respect pools and know how to prevent injuries. Providing extra classes with a qualified instructor ensures that children have the strength and know-how to swim safely. CPR and emergency courses for any adults supervising children pool-side are also a good idea.

4) Ensuring that children don’t run or engage in other risky behavior near the pool. Slip and fall accidents can easily turn deadly if a child slips into the deep end of a pool and bumps his or her head on the way in.

Although Florida bus accidents are not very common, any bus accident is too many. Bus accidents lead to fatalities, permanent disability, brain injuries, broken limbs, disfigurement, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and much more. Obviously, they also cause immense distress for entire families. Since children are small and since most buses do not have safety belts, even minor accidents in a school bus can lead to serious injuries for children and minors.

Statistics show that, on average, about 20 students are killed each year in bus accidents. Another 6000 students are injured in bus-related accidents annually. While small buses that weigh less than 10,000 pounds are required by federal law to have seat belts, larges buses of at least 25,000 pounds do not need seat belts. Many experts think that increased seat belt availability would decrease fatalities and injuries, but not all experts agree. According to 2002 findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts that close around the lap increase the chances that a child in a school bus accident will sustain serious abdominal or neck injuries. The same study concluded that most children and minors wear shoulder-style safety belts incorrectly and therefore run greater chances of more injury.

According to the National Safety Council students can decrease their risk of injury during the school year by:

1) Waiting for the school bus away from the street and traffic. A safe area to wait for the bus is important, since not all school bus accidents occur while a student is on board a bus. Many injuries occur while a child is getting on or off a school bus.

2) Keeping away from the bus until the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the bus driver signals the student to enter. School buses – especially the larger models – have many blind spots and it is important for a student to make sure that the driver sees him or her.

3) Keeping a distance. When exiting a bus, a student should leave promptly and take at least 10 large steps away from the bus. Students should always keep a large distance between themselves and a bus, as this gives the driver more visibility. Drivers cannot always see students standing very close to the bus, and this can cause accidents.

4) Using handrails. When entering and exiting a school bus, children should use handrails to prevent slipping and falling. Not all school bus injuries occur while the bus is in motion and a fall down the stairs of a bus can result in injury.

5) Staying alert of traffic when exiting and entering a school bus. Drivers are expected to follow certain rules when around school buses, but not all drivers do. Students should be taught to be alert for drivers not obeying traffic rules.

The National Research Council has found that school buses are actually much safer for children than being dropped off at school by their parents. Nevertheless, for every family that has lost a child to a school bus accident, school bus accidents -- even if they constitute only a small percentage of vehicle accidents -- still occur far too often. Now that back-to-school season is almost here for Florida families, many Florida parents are thinking about back to school safety. Bus safety is a big part of that.

A school bus accident is every parent’s nightmare. Although these accidents do not often happen, they can cause fatalities, permanent injury, brain injury, spinal cord injury, burns, and other serious injuries. The panic after an accident, when parents try to learn whether their children are injured, is often deeply frightening and traumatic for the whole family.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, almost one million public school students rode on school buses in 2001 alone. Between1998 and 2002, 4,830 school buses in Florida were involved in accidents. These accidents involved 53 children who were outside a bus and 32,207 children who were inside a school bus. As a result of these accidents, there were six child fatalities. Four of these children were killed getting off and on a bus while two children were killed in the bus. 56 injuries were so severe that they required emergency treatment as a result of these accidents.

School bus drivers were found to be not at fault in these accidents 69% of the time. Poor weather conditions were also mostly ruled out as causes of the accidents. However, drivers of school buses during this period between 1998 and 2002 were found to be cited more often than other motorists for improper turns and improper backing. In research conducted on school bus accidents, it was found that the school bus loading and unloading area is generally the most dangerous for children since a driver cannot see children on all sides of the bus.

As a result of the research done into school bus accidents, a number of recommendations were made. These included better school bus driver training and improved loading zone safety. A report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles suggested that education programs for school bus safety include parents, children, as well as drivers so that everyone understands how child passengers can safely get on and off school buses. The report also suggested changes to safety belts and seating systems to make buses safer.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report also concluded that private school buses performed better than public school buses in regard to the severity of bus crash injuries. Currently, all drivers who transport children must meet physical requirements, pass a yearly physical exam, and post a certificate. All school bus drivers also need to have at least 5 years of driving experience and must be able to pass a background check. Drivers must also complete 40 hours of training. Given that the requirements for bus drivers are the same for public and private schools, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles would like more research done as to why one set of drivers seems to fare better in bus accidents.

Pedestrian accidents claim the lives of many minors and children, and cause a host of injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious lifelong injuries. Since children are likely to be on foot, and since they often do not show the same alertness and awareness of cars around them as adults do, they're more likely to be in a pedestrian accident. Because of their relatively small size and weight, they're more likely to suffer fatal or serious injuries as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle.

According to USA Safekids.org, 599 pedestrian fatalities in 2002 involved children 14 years of age and younger. Almost 38,400 children ages 14 and under suffered pedestrian accident injuries that required hospital emergency treatment in 2003. USA Safekids.org reports that there are several things that parents can do to reduce childhood pedestrian accidents:

1) Teach children to be alert in areas where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur. USA Safekids.org reports that children who are 14 years of age and under are more likely to be in a pedestrian accident in areas with no divided highways, high volume traffic, , a high number of parked vehicles on the street, and higher posted speed limits. Children should be supervised in such areas and should be taught to identify and show greater caution in such areas.

2) Have children play in areas far from roads. According to USA Safekids.org, children are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents in areas where road traffic is nearby.

3) Petition your local government for pedestrian-control devices in areas where children walk – and encourage your child to properly use these devices where they exist. USA Safekids.org reports that areas with few such devices experience higher numbers of pedestrian accidents involving minors.

4) Supervise children even in residential areas and in areas that seem safe. USA Safekids.org reports that child pedestrian injuries are in fact more likely to take place in residential areas and straight, paved, and dry local roads. Children ages 4 and under should be supervised at all times near traffic, since this age group has the highest risk from child pedestrian death.

5) Teach children how to cross a sidewalk and how to enter a driveway safely. According to USA Safekids.org, almost 10% of child pedestrian injuries occur in driveways, usually when a vehicle is backing up. Teach children how to identify when a vehicle is backing up and show children where blind spots on a vehicle are.

According to media reports this summer, Florida leads the states in the number of children who are drowned in swimming pools. Now that summer has arrived, many families turn to swimming pools to beat the heat. However, many state experts claim that the habit leads to many fatalities as well as a wide range of injuries that include spinal cord injuries, broken limbs, brain injuries, and other problems. Unfortunately, children are most likely to be injured in swimming pools.

Earlier this summer, a six-year-old girl drowned at a pool party in Jacksonville. There were about six children in the pool and adults nearby, but no one saw the girl go under the surface. She was taken to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Unfortunately, this story is one of many tragedies that involves pools in Florida.

Experts agree that swimming lessons and training at an early age can help prevent pool accidents. Pool safety equipment can also be a good idea. However, many experts and parents think that equipment and lessons alone cannot help. They point out that in many cases safety-vacuum release systems may be answer. However, this has caused a great deal of controversy in Florida.

In 2007, the Florida Building Commission decided that new pools do not need to have a safety-vacuum release system. A safety-vacuum release device automatically detects a blocked drain and shuts off the drain. This removes the suction that may drag a child down under the surface. For now, these devices are optional and many blame the pool industry trade association pressure which successfully lobbied to make the devices optional.

Many parent and safety groups urge parents to have these devices installed in their pools. The pool builders association contends that the devices give homeowners a false sense of security that their pools are safer. They also argue that the devices do not work in cases where a child’s limbs, fingers, or hair get caught in the drain.

There are other ways besides the devices to keep children safer in pools. Careful supervision and frequent “everyone out of the pool” breaks are often a good idea, especially when a pool has many children in it. A well-maintained pool is also essential, as are many drains to reduce the suction. Anti-entrapment drain covers also help prevent accidents.

A very common injury to minors and children that most Florida parents do not even consider occurs when children’s clothing catches on fire, causing burn injuries. Clothing can burn when it comes into contact with high heat or an open flame. Sometimes, even a spark can cause clothes to burn. Children and adults can come into contact with cigarettes, candles, space heaters, grills, and flammable liquids, all of which can cause clothes to go up in flames. Children will sometimes play with matches and accidentally light their clothes on fire.

Children are especially vulnerable to injuries from flammable clothes because their clothing is often made of soft, thin fabric that easily burns – flannel and cotton. Unlike adults, children who find that their clothes are on fire may panic and might not know to “stop, drop, and roll.” Plus, children’s clothing tends to have a much smaller surface area, which means that flame can envelop the clothes – and the children – very quickly.

In some cases, flammable children’s clothing is a products liability issue. The Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees fabric flammability regulations. There are strict U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards under the Flammable Fabrics Act that are meant to protect consumers from injuries caused by flammable clothing. However, not every imported fabric or item of clothing meets the standards.

The Flammable Fabrics Act prevents dangerously flammable clothing from being imported or sold. The Consumer Products Safety Commission runs tests to determine the safety of various clothing items and fabrics and recalls any clothing that fails a flammability test. Children’s sleepwear and mattresses and mattress pads have a stricter test they must pass in order to gain approval by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. However, the Consumer Products Safety Commission is not always able to test all products in time and injuries still can result.

Parents can keep their children safe by examining fabrics and clothing for safety. Read the label – some fabrics are clearly marked as being tested. Also, select snugger fitting clothing for children. It is less likely to go up in flame so fast. Children three and older can be taught to stop, drop, and roll. Practice with children so that they know what to do. The best prevention, of course, is to make sure that children are not at risk of burn injuries. Keep flammable liquids, matches, and lighters well out of children’s reach and supervise children to ensure that they do not play with fire. Check space heaters and other appliances to ensure that they are in good shape and do not give off too much heat. Make sure that heaters and other household appliances have not been recalled due to fire hazard. Any recalled products should be returned to the store at once.

Continue reading "A Common Injury to Minors and Children – Injuries From Flammable Clothing" »

There are many types of injuries to minors and children. Some result from playground accidents or childhood accidents, but perhaps the more insidious injuries occur because someone deliberately harms a child. No parent wants to consider abduction as a possibility, but each in Florida and across the country, child abduction can occur.

Child abduction creates many hazards for a child. If a child is abducted by a stranger, that stranger obviously does not usually have the child’s best interests at heart. The abductor may harm the child intentionally. Even in custody cases where a parent abducts a child from a custodial parent, though, injuries can occur. The abducting parent may be distracted and may get into a car accident while trying to leave with the child, for example. The parent may even be neglectful accidentally, due to the stress of trying to conceal his or her whereabouts.

According to The United States Department of Justice, 49% of all child kidnappings are committed by a relative, often a parent. 27% of all child kidnappings are committed by someone the child knows. The United States Department of Justice reports that parents can help reduce the possibility of kidnapping by:

1) Supervising children. Most abductions (60%) occur in public areas such as playgrounds, school yards, and trails. Supervising children outside the home can ensure that abductions are less likely to occur.

2) Teaching children to avoid some of the common tricks that perpetrators use. Strangers will often offer a bribe, lie about an emergency, ask for help, or pose as someone in authority in order to lure a child away. Act out these possible scenarios with your children and teach them what they can do in each case to stay safe. Teach your children what police cars and police officer uniforms look like. Show your child how to stand out of reaching distance when offering directions. Teach your child to run away from a car in the opposite way it is pointed in.

3) Have a secret code word that you tell your child not to tell anyone. Tell your child that if you ever need an adult to find them and pick them up, that adult will be told the keyword. Instruct your child to never go home with an adult who does not know that secret word.

4) Select babysitters and other child caretakers carefully. Choose trustworthy caretakers and check their backgrounds to ensure that your child will be safe in their care. Always check references and hire a new caretaker if you have any nagging doubts.

5) Be prepared. Even if you take every precaution, you cannot prevent every problem. Being able to respond quickly if you think your child is abducted can ensure that your child is returned to you sooner. To that end, make sure that you take pictures of your child at least every six months. Keep these photos in your wallet and at home. Keep a complete written description on your child at home. This should include height, weight, hair and eye color, and any distinguishing features. If your child is missing, you don’t want to overlook anything important. Make sure your child’s dentist maintains current dental records for your child and keep copies if your child’s fingerprints as well.

Many serious injuries to minors and children occur to those who are least able to defend themselves: infants. Infants have few instincts to protect themselves and most homes contain enough dangers to cause everything from burn injuries to brain injuries and broken bones. You can prevent serious injuries in your home by baby-proofing your home. You can do this by:

1) Getting safety latches or locks for bathroom cabinets and kitchen drawers and cupboards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that these are needed on any drawers and cupboards where you store household chemicals, small items, and sharp objects. Latches and locks can prevent poisonings and other injuries. Door locks and door knob covers are other important safety devices that can help prevent kinds from entering dangerous areas such as spas, saunas, and pools.

2) Install safety gates. These should be installed at the top and bottom of any stairs in your home, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Safety gates can help prevent falls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that parents look for the safety certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) on any safety gate they buy.

3) Install scalding controls. These controls for your faucets can prevent burn injuries from hot water.

4) Add window guards to all windows and safety netting below landings and decks. These devices can help prevent falls, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

5) Apply edge bumpers and corner bumpers to sharp edges on your furniture, walls, and fireplace. These can help prevent bumps and cuts. Many parents do not realize how sharp furniture can be for young arms and legs.

6) Install outlet covers and plates on all electrical outlets. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that these can help prevent electrocution.

Continue reading "Baby-Proofing Your Florida Home to Prevent Injuries to Minors and Children" »

While injuries to Florida minors and children are always tragic, injuries and accidents that occur to babies can be especially tragic. Since babies are so fragile, even minor accidents and injuries can have serious repercussions. Plus, since infants are not able to talk, injuries may go unnoticed and determining what is wrong can be challenging. It is not always possible to notice a brain injury or even a skin problem at once, which is why it is crucial to take children to see a medical professional if any injury has occurred. Once infants become more mobile, especially, their curiosity and desire to explore can lead them into dangerous situations. Parents can reduce infant injuries by:

1) Look at their homes from an infant’s perspective. Get down on your hands and kneed and you will quickly see the dangerous items within a child’s reach. Remove every fragile item that can be broken as well as anything that can be placed in the infant’s mouth and may cause a choking hazard. Check each room on your hands and knees, collecting small and potentially hazardous items. You will have to do this regularly, since some of the commonplace objects that can fall on the floor – including pens, buttons, and other items – can be dangerous for an infant.

2) Check your baby’s clothes. Not all clothes are safe. Any too-large item can pose a choking hazard if your infant struggles out of the clothing. No infant’s clothing should have drawstrings, headbands, ribbons, strips of fabric or loose strings – all can be dangerous, as can necklaces. Simple baby clothes are best.

3) Look for loose cords in your home. Any electrical, telephone and window-treatment cords should be tied up well out of baby’s reach.

4) Check you baby’s crib for safety. Stuffed toys, loose bedding, and pillows should not be kept in the crib. Once your child can sit up, remove bumper pads as well. The crib sides should be even with the footboard and headboard and the railings should be only 2 3/8 inches apart or less. Make sure that the mattress fits firmly in the crib and if a mattress cover is needed, choose one with a zipper. Make sure that the crib itself is newer and has not been recalled due to safety issues. Check with the manufacturer periodically to ensure that the crib has not been recalled. Make sure that the crib is well out of the way of windows, diaper bags, or mobiles.

5) Once your baby begins to crawl, he or she will try to pull himself or herself up by furniture. This is the time to remove tablecloths, hanging objects, and other dangers. Make sure that every piece of furniture is sturdy and attached to the wall. Lock any cupboards and closet doors that lead to storage areas that contain household chemicals and other dangerous goods. Be especially wary of televisions, which can easily tip over.

Continue reading "Accidents to Infants Are An Especially Tragic Type of Injury to Minors and Children" »

Children are susceptible to choking because they often place small objects in their mouths. When these objects are swallowed, they can become lodged in the throat or windpipe, which blocks the flow of air. Choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, which makes it an emergency. Choking can lead to brain injury if the brain is depleted of oxygen long enough and it can also lead to death.

Most people who are choking will clutch their throat. Other signs of choking include:

1) Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
2) Inability to speak or cough.
3) Loss of consciousness.
4) Change of color of the skin, lips and nails. In someone who is choking, the skin, lips and nails may turn blue or dusky.

If someone is choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver to get the foreign object out of the victim’s windpipe or throat. If there is more than one person present, have one person call the emergency number on your area (or 911) while the other person performs the Heimlich maneuver. If you are the only person present, perform the Heimlich maneuver first and then call for help.

To perform the Heimlich maneuver:

1) Stand behind the victim who is choking. Place your arms around his or her waist. Gently tip the victim forward a little.
2) Make a fist and place the fist just a little above the person’s navel.
3) Take the fist into your other hand. Press hard into the victim’s abdomen. Use a quick, upward thrust to do this. It may help to pretend that you are using the same gesture you might use if you were trying to lift the victim up.
4) Repeat the upward thrust motion until the object in the mouth is dislodged. You will usually be able to tell because the object may expel from the victim’s mouth with some force.
5) Keep the victim calm and get them checked out by a doctor, if necessary.

If you are alone and you begin to choke, you may not be able to rely on anyone else to help you. In this situation, you will have to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. To do this:

Continue reading "Choking is a Key Injury to Minors and Children " »

Even the most careful parents cannot prevent every childhood injury. In many cases, injuries to minors and children occur even when a parent has done everything possible to be cautious. If your child’s injury is a burn injury, this is what you must do:

1) If your child has sustained a thermal injury by touching a source of high heat, such as a flame, hot liquid, steam, or hot appliance:
*Take your child away from the source of heat and either turn the appliance off or put out the flame.
*If the injury is severe, call 911 and follow the direction provided by the dispatcher until help arrives.
*If possible, remove burned or hot clothing.
*Place the affected area under running water within 30 seconds of the injury.
*Halt any bleeding, using a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad.
*Keep the child’s body temperature constant.

2) If your child has sustained a chemical burn by touching a powerful acid or base such as pool chlorine, bleach, concrete mix, or some other substance:

*If the injury is severe, call 911 and follow the direction provided by the dispatcher until help arrives.
*Read the label on the chemical to learn of any special instruction in case of skin contact. Follow any directions given.
*Rinse the injured are with cool, running water. Do this for 20 minutes or more. If the burning agent is a powder, dust it off thoroughly before rinsing.
*Even if you haven’t called 911, talk to your local emergency room, doctor, walk-in clinic or poison control center. With a chemical burn, you have no way of knowing whether the chemical has penetrated. A bad reaction can occur later on if the injury is left untreated.

3) If your child has sustained an electrical burn by coming into contact with powerful electric currents, burn injuries may not be noticeable. However, you must:

*Call 911 and follow the direction provided by the dispatcher until help arrives.
*Evaluate to see whether the child is still in contact with the electrical source. If he or she is, do not touch the child.
*Shut off the electrical current or pull the plug on the appliance, if safe to do so.
*Give CPR if the child is not breathing.
*If there are any obvious burns, cover clean cloth or gauze. Avoid using any fluffy material, as it can make the burn worse.
*Avoid moving the child unless instructed by a medical professional. The tissues in the body may be damaged by the electricity.

If your child has suffered a burn injury due to someone’s recklessness or due to a possible product liability case, you need to contact a qualified Florida attorney to prevent others from being injured in the same way. You will also want to get the best possible help for your child, and a good Florida lawyer can ensure that you get this help. If you need an experienced Florida attorney, arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

According to the Shriners of North America, fire is responsible for 600 deaths of children 14 and under each year. Another 3,400 children experience burn injuries as a result of fire. Almost half of children who sustain fire-related injuries are younger than 5 years of age. According to the Shriners of North America, parents can safeguard their children by:

* Installing smoke detectors on every level of a home. It is especially important to place smoke detectors on the ceiling just outside bedroom doors. Always follow manufacturer’s directions when positioning and installing smoke detectors. One a month, test the detectors and replace batteries once a year.

*Develop a fire plan. Instruct your family on how to escape from each room. Have at least two ways to escape from each room. If you children’s rooms are on a second or third floor, provide chain ladders which can be used in event of an emergency. Practice the fire plan at least twice a year.

*Have a first aid kit in your home and replace items as they expire or are used up. Place emergency numbers and information in the kit or near your phone for easy access.

*Develop a safe home. Keep lighters, matches, and appliances out of reach of children. Never leave appliances such as fryers or burning items such as candles unattended, even for short periods of time. Store propane and gasoline outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use and check periodically to see whether the appliances you use have been recalled due to product liability claims or fire hazards. Set your water heater to 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Supervise children constantly. Many serious personal injuries to minors and children occur because a child was left unsupervised for just a short while.

*When bathing your children, make sure that you add cold water and then gradually hot water. Do not allow your children to play with the faucets.

A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine finds that the number of traumatic head injuries among high school football athletes is much higher than the number of the same personal injuries in college football. The study also find that high school players who sustain brain injuries such as concussions often return to the game too soon, often playing with the residual effects of their first injury, a choice that researchers point out is extremely dangerous. Florida parents should be wary: with more days of sunny weather, there are simply more options for Florida high school athletes to keep playing, which can spell trouble.

The study found that football-related brain trauma has decreased over generations, mostly due to better gear. In the 1950s and 1960s, football players in both college and high school were at much greater risk for brain injury than they are today, the study found.

The problem, the study concluded, is that some high school football player return to the field even while experiencing neurological symptoms. Researchers found that there is one severe football head injury for every 150,000 high school football players, which is about seven catastrophic head injuries every year. Researchers uncovered that high school players have over triple the risk of catastrophic head trauma when compared to college players. While high school football players suffered 0.67 such injuries per 100,000 players, college athletes sustained only 0.21 injuries per 100,000 players.

The younger age of the high school players may contribute to brain injury, some researchers have hypothesized, since the skull bone may be thinner and the brain less fully developed among teenage athletes. Others researchers have suggested that less medical coverage may be present at high school games.

Of the high school football players that researchers studied, 59% had had a previous head injury. 71% of these injured players had sustained their earlier injury in the same season. Roughly 40% of the players with head injuries continued to play football, even while experiencing symptoms from the previous injury. About 81% of the injuries occurred when players were involved in helmet-to-body or helmet-to-helmet collisions. Of the group studied, the injuries lead to 8 fatalities, 36 full recoveries, and 46 permanent brain injuries.

Researchers concluded that high school students should be strongly urged to report any possible symptoms of personal injury to their coaches, parents, and physicians. Additionally, the researchers concluded that football players should be strongly discouraged from "leading with the head" and from returning to the game until all symptoms are resolved. Finally, the researchers concluded that medical staff for high school athletes should be highly qualified.

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury as a result of sports or an accident, a qualified Florida attorney can help ensure that you get the best quality medical care possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, book a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

In Florida and across the country, children are the most common victims of dog bites and attacks. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that many children and infants simply do not know how to act around dogs and may inadvertently make the dog feel threatened, causing the animal to attack. Experts agree that there are many things that parents can do to help avoid serious injuries that can occur with dog bites. This is especially important since children are more likely to suffer serious personal injury as a result of dog bites. For example, since dogs can be easily reach a child's face and head, severe scarring and even brain injuries can occur when a child is bitten by an animal.

If you want to own a dog for a pet, you will need to select the breed carefully, since children are statistically more likely to be bitten by their own dog. Speak with the veterinarian to learn about dog breeds and select one that will be least aggressive. The least aggressive possible dogs are neutered male dogs, so consider getting this type of pet, especially if you have small children.

Once you brought your dog into your home, take it to obedience school in order to train it how to behave around children. Make sure that your pet is regularly checked by a veterinarian and all immunizations are up-to-date. It is equally important, to teach your children how to behave around dogs. For example, you should always teach your children to never approach a dog -- and that includes the family pet -- when it is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

Do not leave young children alone with the dog, even if the animal is the family pet. Supervised play should be encouraged, especially at the beginning when children and the pet have not yet become accustomed to one another. Similarly, it is important to always supervise children around the pet when your child's friends come over. Even if the animal is used to your own children, it may still react negatively when new children come into the home and are excited and loud around the dog.

If you have introduced a dog into your home, your children may feel more comfortable around dogs. Therefore, it is important to teach your children to never approach strange dogs. Explain that other dogs may not be as gentle natured or as used to them as the family pet is. Have children report any stray dogs or playing with any dogs to you.

Be sure to also teach children how to properly approach a dog. Show your children that it's important to let a dog first sniff them before they attempt to pet it. You should also instruct children not to tease dogs. This is important, because what many pet owners would see as “teasing” many children would simply see as playing with the dog. It's important that children know the difference. Similarly, it is important that children are taught not to play aggressively with the dog. Trying to wrestle with the family puppy, for example, will encourage that puppy to continue roughhousing even as it grows in size. This can lead to inadvertent biting as the dog grows up.

During summer in Florida, many children who are not attending school or summer camp spend countless hours outside, playing and participating in sports. This means that there are a number of common injuries to minors and children that take place during this time. Sports injuries, such as sprains, are very common at this time of year. Parents should know what to do to prevent and treat such sports-related injuries.

A sprain, one of the more common playground and sport related injuries, is an injury which tears or stretches a ligament. The ligament is the tissue that connects bones at a joint. Many things can cause this type of injury. Car accidents, getting hit with a ball, slip and fall accidents, twisting a limb, all can cause the ligaments around the joint to tear or stretch. In many cases, sprains are to the ankles, wrists, and thumbs, although any ligaments can be affected.

Your child may have a sprain if they display the following symptoms: bruising, pain, swelling, and inability to move to the joint. A sprain can be severe, moderate, or mild. In some cases, the injured party may feel a tear or pop when the injury occurs.

Another injury common to minors and children playing sports is a strain. This type of injury occurs when the tissue that connects muscle to bone is torn or stretched. Again, this injury is often caused by falling, twisting, and other similar accidents. However, strains can also occur when muscles are overtaxed, through heavy lifting and other strenuous activity. The signs and symptoms of a strained include muscle spasms, muscle weakness, cramping, swelling, stiffness in the muscle, and pain.

In both cases parents should take their children in to see a doctor in order to evaluate the injury. Even relatively minor sports injuries should be investigated, since they may require doctor supervision in order to heal properly. Doctors often recommend that for strains and sprains, the injured area should be rested. Ice may be recommended on the injury for of 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. Some entries require special bandages casts, splints, boots, or other items in order to squeeze the injury and allow the muscle or ligament to heal properly. Your physician may also recommend medicine in order to ease the pain.

Doctors recommend that in order to avoid sports related injuries to minors and children, parents should ensure that children only exercise when they're in good physical shape and well rested. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and maintaining a well-balanced diet also ensures that muscles, bones, and ligaments are strong and healthy. Proper shoes, protective equipment, and a play area that is flat and well-maintained can also help reduce injuries. Warm-ups after sports and cool-down periods after physical activity can also prevent unnecessary strain on ligaments and muscles, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Now that school is out in Florida, many children are dropped off at daycare centers, camp, babysitters, or other places of care. Many children are outdoors more often, and for many young ones, that means quality time on playgrounds. While playgrounds can be a fun way for children to stay active while enjoying plenty of fresh air, they can also be hazardous.

Each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200 000 children under the age of 14 years are treated for in emergency rooms for injuries sustained on playgrounds. These injuries can be severe, ranging from strangulation, brain injury, internal injuries, amputations, fractures, and spinal cord injuries. In fact, the CDC reports that about 45% of injuries sustained on playgrounds are severe.

According to the CDC, playground injuries can occur at school, at daycare, at camp and even at residential playgrounds. Although studies suggest that 75% of nonfatal playground-related injuries occur on public playgrounds, the CDC suggests that parents remain vigilant and check all toys and play areas where their children play.

In the ten years leading up to 2000, 147 young children across the country died from injuries sustained on the playground. Of these children, according to the CDC, 56% dies of strangulation and 20% died of falls.

Parents will want to ensure that children playing on swings, climbers and other playground equipment are always supervised. All equipment should be checked for safety before children are allowed to play. When installing playground equipment at home, parents should ensure that there is plenty of cushion under all equipment in case of falls. Parents should select equipment that has a good safety rating and should follow directions carefully when setting up and using the playground.

In Florida, children visit hospitals, clinics, and doctors throughout the summer. While health care professionals are in the business of healing, however, medical errors are a leading cause of death among all age groups. According to a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, rates of medical errors injuring children were comparable to error rates for adults. The major difference was that the rate for possible adverse drug events was three times higher in children.

Adverse drug effects, misdiagnoses, and other medical errors can cause serious personal injury, including neurological damage and permanent disability. To keep your child safe and to prevent medical malpractice suits later, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) suggests that parents use the following tips each time medical care is required:

1) Stay involved. AHRQ has found that the largest risk for medical errors among children is often parent involvement. When physicians and other health care workers do not communicate well with parents, that makes it harder for parents to make informed decisions. Parents who stay involved in every decision made about their child’s care and who ask lots of questions greatly reduce the possibility of medical error.

2) Share all information – again and again. According to the AHRQ, parents should share a child’s medical history, allergies, and weight with every health care worker the child receives care from. It is not enough to assume the physician will read the chart. To prevent medical interaction, the AHRQ suggests that parents bring along all the medication a child currently uses in a bag to every appointment or hospital visit. Parents should always clarify that any new medication given will not interact with current medication.

3) Be vigilant about allergies. Having your child wear a medical bracelet outlining allergies is important. Reminding health care workers about allergies is also a good idea.

4) Be careful about drug errors. If you cannot read the doctor's handwriting on your child’s prescription, your pharmacist may face the same problem. Do not be shy about asking the doctor to rewrite the prescription, printing the name of the medication. When picking up the medication at the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to double-check that the medication you are getting is the medication that has actually been prescribed. The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences reported that 88% of medicine errors involved the wrong medication or dose, so being vigilant is important.

Continue reading "Injuries to Minors And Children Can Happen in Florida Hospitals – Here’s What to Do" »

Youth violence became an issue in the 1990s, when a veritable epidemic of violent acts perpetrated by and against young people seemed to hit the nation. While statistics show that youth robbery, rape, and homicide have declined since 1983, arrests for aggravated assault remain very high.

In Florida, teenagers and youth are now spending additional time with their peer groups. Summer means absence from the structures of school. Florida youth often spend part of their summer time unsupervised and with friends their own age. This can mean that minors can come into contact with youth violence during their summer vacations. In fact, Florida attorneys each year receive frantic calls from parents who have minors who have sustained injuries caused by another young person.

Youth violence is more than just a passing phase. Violence – whether caused by adults or younger persons – can cause permanent injuries. Aggravated assault perpetrated by teenagers can prove fatal and can cause brain injury and fractures. Weapons violence can lead to burn injuries and even spinal cord injuries. These wounds can mean months of school lost for a young victim. Young victims may find their future careers hampered by youth violence as well.

Experts believe that peer association is the single biggest risk factor in youth violence. Parents should get to know their children’s friends and should act on any disturbing violent behaviour at once. Reporting violence is important in stopping the crime. Sometimes, teens will not share their friend problems with a parent. However, signs of withdrawal, bruising, and moodiness can all be warning signs that a peer group is not healthy.

The Surgeon General’s Report on youth violence youth violence intervention and prevention programs are one positive way to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by young offenders. These programs, the Surgeon General’s Report suggests, need to be integrated with communities, schools, and individuals to be truly effective.

Continue reading "Florida Youth Violence A Concern " »

Each year, Florida attorneys are contacted about childhood tragedies involving water injuries. In the summer, especially, Florida lawyers are often contacted by distraught family members after a young child is drowned or sustains a serious injury while swimming in a river, pool, or lake. Florida summers mean cooling dips in the water, but parents and children need to take precautions to ensure water safety.

In 2004 alone, there were an average of nine unintentional fatal drowning in the United States per day, according to the CDC. These statistics do not include the water injuries caused by boating accidents. The CDC further reports that for every child under 14 years of age who dies from drowning, 5 were seriously injured in the water and required emergency treatment and hospitalization.

Water injuries to children can cause serious injury. Bone fractures are common poolside injuries. Brain injuries that result in loss of basic function, loss or memory, and learning disabilities also commonly affect children who have been seriously injured while swimming. Diving accidents commonly cause spinal cord injuries as well. Naturally, all these injuries can affect a child’s ability to develop normally and attend school.

Despite efforts to encourage safe swimming, drowning continues to be the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between the ages of 1 and14 years of age. Many children under the age of one drown or sustain serious water injury in bathtubs, toilets, or buckets, according to statistics. For children between ages one and 4, most drowning deaths occur in residential pools. In these cases, the children are usually in the care of a parent and wander outside the home and into a pool.

According to the CDC, several things can be done to reduce drowning deaths and childhood water-related injury this summer. First, adult supervision should always be present when children are near water. Supervising adults should be alert and not distracted. Early childhood swimming lessons can help children learn the water safety and swimming skills they need to stay safe in the water.

Parents and other adults who routinely supervise children should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid skills. Having these skills can help save a child’s life. The CDC also advises parents with pools to install pool fences and other barriers to keep pools safe. Removing toys from pools can also encourage children not to wander into the pool area.

The recent tragedy at VirginiaTech once again shone the spotlight on school violence. Although that tragedy garnered nationwide headlines, smaller instances of school violence do not usually make the news. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many students across the country are exposed to traumatic events at school and at home. Parents should be aware that while violence and traumatic events in the schools can cause physical injuries – such as burns, cuts, wounds, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other forms of injury – it can also cause stress and trauma, which needs to be addressed.

Minors and children exposed to school violence and other traumatic events may react with grief, sadness, and anger. Communication with loved ones may break down and students may try to isolate themselves as they deal with their emotions. Some students seem to handle the trauma very well, only to experience suffering at some later point in time. Students who have witnessed a traumatic event at school may have disturbing memories or nightmares. They may have trouble eating, sleeping, or concentrating normally and they may feel nervous or simply numb. While all these responses are normal, it is important that affected students speak with someone and get support from family or professionals.

It is helpful if victims and witnesses of a traumatic event can maintain a normal routine and take good care of themselves while recovering from a trauma. Although time will diminish some of the symptoms of stress, taking drugs or alcohol or taking part in other self-destructive activities can severely delay healing, according to the CDC.

Parents can help their children in cases of trauma. The CDC suggests that parents speak with their children after a traumatic event. While pressuring students to open up is rarely a good idea, asking questions such as “What do you think about what has happened?” or “Why do you think this may have happened?” can start a conversation that students can then direct. Parents should ask not only immediately after an event, but should follow up weeks and even months after an event has passed, to make sure that children and teens continue to cope well.

The CDC also points out that it is important for parents to keep an eye out for troubling behavior. Even relatively minor problems such as changes in eating or sleeping patterns can signal that a child or teen is having trouble coping. Sudden changes, such as the use of alcohol and drugs, need to be addressed immediately.

Talking with other parents, school officials, and health professionals is important, according to the CDC. Parents can share information and strategies and professionals can help provide important resources and help. It is important for parents to realize that having an injured or traumatized child at home is stressful for the entire family. If a parent can discuss the situation with a third party, which can often help the stress levels inside the home.

If your child or minor has suffered trauma or an injury due to school violence or some other traumatic event, you may wish to contact a qualified Florida attorney. A good Florida lawyer can help ensure that your child gets the best help possible to overcome the stress.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is encouraging all employers to ensure that job safety is a key focus as summer hiring season is set to start. According to the L&I, many seasonal workers in the summer are teens or minors and workers under 18 are injured on the job twice as often as adults. The L&I is calling for more training, good supervision and lots of repetition to reduce the accident rate. To prevent injuries to minors and children, the L&I is also encouraging employers to obey laws which prevent teens from working with dangerous equipment and materials.

Research by the L&I suggests that almost half of the injuries to minors take place during the initial six months on a new job. Most of these injuries are slips and falls, burn injuries, and cuts, but some are fatal or lead to life-long disability. Each year, some teens die while working a summer job.

According to the L&I, minors on the job are more at risk because they do not recognize risks which may appear obvious to older workers. At the same time, younger workers may be less willing to ask a supervisor questions. Therefore, it is important for employers to explain all risks to teen employees and to teach employees how to avoid or minimize those risks.

The good news is that workplace injuries to minors have been reduced by almost one-third in the past ten years. The L&I believes that with some effort on the part of employers, this number can be reduced even more.

Florida has a strong seasonal summer work force, and some of those workers are minors. Florida minors routinely take amusement park jobs, lifeguard jobs, clerical jobs, and agricultural jobs, to name just a few, in order to earn spending money or in order to save for college. Even younger children may decide to try a paper route or some other employment to earn money during the summer.

Employers hiring children or minors need to ensure that they follow all laws regarding employment of minors. Employers should also provide extra supervision and training for their employees. Choosing age-appropriate work for younger employees is also an excellent idea. Younger workers can be enthusiastic and a valuable addition to the workplace. A little extra care from employers can keep these workers safer on the job, as well.

SAFE KIDS is a worldwide association dedicated to preventing unintentional childhood injury. Currently, unintended injuries kill more American children than suicide, violence, and disease. In fact, unintentional injury is the number one killer of children in this country. Injuries to minors and children are preventable and are a serious problem, according to SAFE KIDS.

Unintentional injury is the number one cause of disability and death for Florida children 14 years of age and younger. Each year, more than 250 000 Florida children are treated in emergency rooms as a result of unintentional injuries and 7 000 children in Florida are admitted to hospitals each year because of these injuries. Treatment and hospital admissions costs for childhood unintentional injuries are more than $100 million annually in Florida alone, according to SAFE KIDS statistics.

According to SAFE KIDS, injuries to minors and children are most likely to be a result of:

* automobile and traffic accidents (including pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents)
* fires and burns
* firearm accidents
* drowning
* slip and falls
* poisoning
* suffocation or choking
* farm-related injuries

SAFE KIDS Florida is teamed with the Florida Department of Health, Office of Injury Prevention, and SAFE KIDS Worldwide. The group organizes awareness campaigns and organizes local chapters which identify and target local injury factors. SAFE KIDS creates programs which aim to reduce injuries to minors. The group offers safety tips and raises awareness about recalls that can affect children. SAFE KIDS Florida has a team of public health officials, EMS, health care practitioners, firefighters, teachers, and business professionals who help with programs and campaigns. Right now, there are 6 Florida SAFE KIDS chapters and 11 local coalitions of SAFE KIDS in Florida.

Parents who wish to learn more about keeping children safe and wish to contribute to the work that SAFE KIDS is involved in can join a local chapter or coalition. Non-members can turn to SAFE KIDS when teaching their children about safety as well.

Continue reading "Can SAFE KIDS Reduce Injuries to Minors and Children in Florida?" »

Children are at risk in the US. The statistics gathered each year about injuries to minors and children would give any parent pause. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 teens die from work injuries each year and about 77,000 are taken to a hospital emergency room because of workplace-related injuries each year.

Work is not the only hazard to minors. The CDC reports that 906,000 children in the United States were maltreated in 2002. The same source reported that in 2004 1,638 children died as in car accidents, and approximately 214,000 were injured in automobile accidents. The CDC also reports that children 14 years and younger account for 45% of all fireworks-relate injuries each year.

Even playtime is not without its hazards: The CDC reports that each year 200 000 children 14 years of age or younger are treated in hospital for injuries incurred on the playground. The CDC reports that children 4 and under are at the highest risk for injury in fires. Children 14 years of age and younger are also at risk for brain injury, according to the same source. Each year, 2,685 children die from brain injuries, 37,000 are hospitalized for brain injuries and 435,000 visit emergency departments each year due to head trauma.

The CDC reports that many children each year receive medical treatment for near-drowning, which can result in serious injury. In 2004, over 750,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 needed to visit emergency departments because of violence that lead to injury.

The CDC publishes a number of brochures and informative papers about preventing childhood injuries. Among these brochures, a common theme emerges: awareness and monitoring can go a long way towards preventing injuries to minors. Adults responsible for children can ensure that younger children are always supervised at play. Simple safety devices – such as car seats or seatbelts in cars and safety jackets on boats – can help prevent injury in the case of an accident. Being aware of a child’s habits and friends can help prevent injury due to violence or bullying. Parents can also be aware of any potential dangers in the home – dangers such as poisonous chemicals in household products or sharp surfaces – and can either remove those dangers or take steps to ensure that children in the home are not affected by the dangers.