Pasadena & Claremont Premise Liability Lawyer
Falls are the leading cause of child injuries. As parents, we can’t prevent our children from falling. However, there are things that we can do to prevent fall-related injuries, and things that we can do to help our children when their falls are caused by the negligent acts of others.
Child Fall Statistics (CDC)
- Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for children
- Every day, approximately 8,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fall-related injuries
- Over 2.5 million children each year are seen by doctors and medical professionals for fall-related injuries
Your Child’s Rights as a Fall Victim
Not all falls are accidents. Children can be injured in slip and fall accidents on grounds where the property owner is negligent. “Slip and fall” or “trip and fall” accidents, like on a playground at school, occur when a person is injured by slipping or tripping and falling due to a dangerous condition. A dangerous condition may be poor lighting, uneven floors or surfaces, debris on floors, potholes, ice, or other hazards. The falls can happen inside or outside of a building.
There are also situations when other people and organizations are responsible for the care and supervision of your child. Poor supervision results when someone fails in their duty to supervise your child and this failure leads to a fall. In such cases, the people and organizations who failed in their duties may be at fault for your child’s injury.
Serious falls can cause serious and long-lasting damages. If your child’s fall was caused by the negligent acts of another then you have a right to recover damages. We work to understand everything about your child’s case. We talk with witnesses and work with a variety of experts to assist in demonstrating the extent of your child’s injures and their cause. From medical specialists to product engineers we bring the right resources to bear on your case. The child fall lawyers at The Law Offices of Scott Glovsky can help seek justice and compensation for your child.
Common Areas Where Child Falls May Be The Fault of Others
Playground accidents:
Others may be at fault when there is insufficient supervision, poorly maintained or defective playground equipment, and other dangerous conditions. Falls onto hard surfaces are the most common cause of serious injuries on playgrounds. Failure to provide a soft or forgiving surface under playground equipment can create liability for the property owners and managers.
Camp accidents:
Sports and summer camps should be fun and safe. Camp owners and personnel have duties to their camp attendees. If your child is injured, others may be at fault if your child was encouraged to participate in dangerous or poorly supervised activities. Camp owners and operators may be responsible for child injuries when they under staff, improperly train or inadequately maintain facilities.
Childcare and school accidents:
We trust babysitters, childcare professionals, and teachers with our children. We expected them to use standards of care when performing their jobs. They may be responsible for our child’s injury when they fail to exercise appropriate standards of care.
In these and many other situations, the staff responsible for supervising a child may be liable if that child sustains an injury when the staff is negligent in providing supervision. Our child fall injury lawyers represent injured children and their parents in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Claremont, and other areas of California. We can help you assess the specific circumstances of your case, and possible at-fault parties. We want to help, call us at (626) 604-6973 or complete the issue form by following this link.
Things to do after a fall injury – if possible
Take pictures – Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries (bruises, cuts, etc.). Conditions often change and the property owners may clean up or remove debris from the area. Injuries immediately after the accident often look different from injuries days after the accident.
Report the accident – Report the accident and the dangerous condition to the owner (e.g., landowner, store manager, etc.). Do not give an extensive statement until you have spoken with a lawyer: simply report the accident, not how it happened.
Seek immediate medical attention – If you have any pains, cuts, or bruises after the accident go to an emergency room – or at least visit a doctor. Medical professionals (and diagnostic tests such as x-rays and MRIs) can provide important evidence to prove the nature and extent of an injury. The severity of an injury may take time to develop, so tell the medical staff all your complaints no matter how minor they may seem. Delays in seeking medical care can negatively impact your case.
Take notes – Take private notes at the accident scene on how the accident occurred, the date and time, location, contact information of witnesses, contact information of anyone you reported the accident to, contact information of the property owner and their insurance information. When you get home add to these notes additional details of what happened, weather conditions, and what you were wearing at the time – particularly your shoes, and any other details that you may have forgotten earlier.
Preserve the evidence – Hold onto and refrain from washing clothing and other physical evidence that confirms the accident.
Contact a lawyer – You should not delay in speaking with a lawyer after an accident, no matter how minor the accident may be. Cases have a better chance when the accident is investigated quickly.
Recoverable Damages In Child Fall Injury Cases
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Safety Tips To Help Prevent Child Fall Injuries
We all want to keep our children safe and secure. We want them to have a full and healthy life. Knowing a little about how to prevent leading causes of child injuries, like falls, is a step toward this objective.
- Play in safe places. Surfaces that are level, soft, well maintained, and free of protruding objects are safest. Well maintained wood chips and sand surfaces are safer than dirt and grass.
- Make your home safer. Use home devices like guard rails, guards on windows, and stair gates.
- Follow sports best practice safety. Use protective gear during organized sports events and recreation play. Most sports have safety gear. Use them. They include devices like wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and helmets.
- Supervise, supervise, and supervise. Supervision is key to minimizing play-related injuries. Especially when children are playing in areas with access to water, stairs, playground equipment, and motorized devices.
Child Slip and Fall Resources:
Mayo Clinic – Fall Safety For Kids
Safe Kids