Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Florida and other States, accidental shootings involving children continue to be reporting. Children are curious and have poor safety awareness and judgment. As such, many such shootings occur when children are just goofing around or playing around with a gun. Because of this, it is important for adults to lock up or secure guns out of the reach of children. In Gainesville, Florida, a 12 year old boy was accidentally shot. He suffered child personal injuries as the bullet went through his hand and into his midsection (abdomen) and then exited his body. Incidents like these can easily be deadly. Gun safety is so important for adults and children alike. Take the time to speak to your children about the dangers of gun. You can read more about this story at 12 Year Old Boy Shot in Apparent Accidental Gun Shooting in Gainesville (Alachua County), Florida.

Swimming pools, water theme parks, and other water ways can be great fun for children over the summer and during warm weather months. These areas can also be areas of great risks and danger for children. It is paramount that child safety is top of mind. Here are some key safety tips to follow:

Supervision. Consistent supervision can and does help avoid personal injuries related to drownings. Supervise your child so that you can your child easily and quickly should there be a problem. Supervision at a great distance can lead to serious problems for the child in need of quick help.

Clothing. Have your child wear bathing suits that are bright in color and that help cover the child to help reduce the amount of sun exposure the child.

Buddy System. Make sure that your child always swims with a buddy and that the buddies have adult supervision when necessary.

For more water safety tips, see Tips to Protect Children Around Water.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes that there are dangers to children when bicycling or simply taking a walk in a neighborhood. Driveways can be especially dangerous to toddlers (1 to 2 years old) due to driveway accidents or back over accidents. The NTSA posted some basic but important safety tips that parents, teachers, day care providers, child care providers, babysitters, and others supervising children should review and print out to review with children. Tip # 7: Play It Safe: Walking and Biking Safely has some nice illustrations as well. Following these safety tips and providing consistent adult supervision of children can help prevent a great number of serious personal injuries and death to children.

When parenting children, there are different styles and philosophies that depend both on the parent and the child. Some parents are quite strict while others are overly permissive. Striking the right balance is key to the upbringing of a healthy and well adjusted child . . . well, that is just my opinion. An article was recently posted with the title Proper Ages for Childhood Milestones: Sleepovers, Chores, Dates . . . Letting Kids Grow Up, Step by Step. Two pediatricians were interviewed about various issues and questions that come up for most parents. This interview and article contains some good basic advice and guidelines for parents to use in making some difficult parental decisions as the child develops and ages over time. As parents, do your best to use good and consistent judgment and parenting for the child. Keep the child's best interest and welfare in mind.

In Florida, there are swimming pools in virtually every neighborhood. Each swimming pool is a danger zone to small children and those children who are not strong swimmers. Parents, teachers, summer camp counselors, babysitters, day care providers, and other child care providers should recognize that children have poor safety awareness and judgment especially when it comes to swimming pools, lakes, ponds, and other waterways. Swimming pools are "attractive nuisances" that intrigue children and make them explore further even though they are told not to and even though there may be a lack of parental or adult supervision. In a matter of a few seconds, a child can suffer serious personal injuries and even a tragic death as a result of a drowning incident.

In Orange County, Florida, the Orlando Sentinel recently reported that a child was transported to a hospital after being retrieved from a swimming pool. The incident took place in the Pine Hills area of Orange County. Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area and CPR was performed. The child was later taken to and treated at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital. See Small Child Rushed to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital After Being Pulled from Swimming Pool.

A personal injury to a child from a drowning incident is one too many especially if the drowning incident could have been prevented. Make sure to fence and appropriate secure all swimming pool areas.

In Florida and other States, there is a health issue out there that affects every community. It is teen and child obesity. With a fast food restaurant and convenience store on every corner in commercial districts, it has been far too easy for parents and children alike to get to and eat unhealthy foods loaded with fat and carbohydrates. This combined with the inactivity involved with sedentary pursuits like video games, Facebook, Internet, texting, and watching television has led to teen and childhood obesity. Michelle Obama has been a spokesperson against teen obesity and a proponent of healthy eating and living for children. It is a tough issue to tackle and address since the problem is so widespread. You can read more about this topic at Michelle Obama Reveals Goals of Childhood Obesity Task Force.

According to The Children's Hospital Trauma Center, there are some main causes for traumatic related accidents or personal injuries to children. These include the following: automobile accidents, non-accidental traumatic accidents, bicucle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Many accidents (while unexpected) can be prevented with better supervision by adults and more attentiveness by drivers and others.

The Children's Hospital, in addition to collecting statistics for the incidents of injuries, provided helpful tips for avoiding such accidents and incidents. The tips included the following: wear a helmet when skateboarding and bicycling, have a first aid kit available, talk to your kids about safety, talk to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and other helpful tips. See Preventing Unintended Injury Before It Happens.

In Mulberry, Florida,a man (Aaron Neal) was arrested for allegations involving the punching of a child in the face. The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The criminal incident apparently was witnessed by others. The child suffered personal injuries to the head and ear. Neal was charged with aggravated child abuse and child cruelty. See Man Punches 7 Year Old Child Causing Personal Injuries.

Children should not be subjected to assaults and other violent acts that cause or could cause serious personal injuries.

In Spring and Summer months, children enjoy sports and just playing outside. Typically, a child has fun and returns home tired, happy, and safe. At times, a child can suffer serious personal injuries and even death when they come into contact with power lines, generators, and other electrical equipment. Because of the true dangers of power lines, generators and other electrical equipment, it is important for power companies, landowners, schools, and government entities to make sure that safety measures are put in place especially for children. Fences, locks, and signage are basic measures that should be taken to properly secure the equipment. Children often times lack good safety awareness and judgment. Dangerous electrical equipment may appear more as a piece of playground equipment to a child. Because of this, it foreseeable that a child would touch or play with equipment and power lines that could cause serious personal injury and wrongful death. As such, safety measures should be put in place. The price of safety equipment is minimal as compared with the physical, emotional, and financial expense of dealing with a serious child personal injury resulting from electrocution. You can read more about the dangers of electrical equipment, electrocution, and safety measures regarding the same at Springtime Power Line Safety. and at Rocky Mountain Power Safety Tips.

In Florida, children engage in sports activities every day. There are thousands of dedicated coaches and volunteers in youth sports in Florida. These coaches provide hours of instruction, coaching, and mentoring to children every week. The majority of coaches are caring individuals who have the child's best interest in mind. There are some coaches out there who prey on children or otherwise ignore the needs and best interests of children. In some cases, the child suffers serious personal injuries as well as psychological injuries when a coach fails to provide adequate supervision or when the coach himself or herself actually preys on the child and engaging in illegal and inappropriate sexual molestation and assault of the child.

In Osceola County, Florida, a martial arts instructor (John Durinick) is accused of molesting / assaulting / raping a former student. Mr. Durinick was arrested on charges involving a 14 year old girl. The allegations are that Durinick attacked the girl at the John Emmons Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts Studio in 2008. This case is interesting in that the accusations are against a person trained and skilled in subduing another person. Mr. Durinick will be entitled to defend himself against these criminal accusations by a Florida criminal defense lawyer / attorney. Prosecutors and the public defender / private criminal defense counsel will argue over the testimony and evidence presented on this matter. See Former Osceola martial-arts instructor accused of raping 14-year-old girl.

While background checks would not prevent every incidents from happening, background checks are a valuable action to take to insure that those with a known criminal history are kept away from children. It is also important for parents to attend all practices and games / matches of their children. Of course, this is not practical for every parent or every practice; however, active parent participation can help prevent incidents from taking place.

Coaches have a duty to protect and mentor children. Government entities, sports organizations, and businesses engaged in youth sporting activities have a duty to hire competent coaches and properly supervise the coaches. Competition is great and playing a sport can be great fun. All parents and coaches should keep in mind that safety is the most important part of youth sports.

Social Networking, the Internet, Smart Phones, the Blackberry, the iPhone, and the laptop are all great tools. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who are using these tools and the associated technology to prey on children. A story reported in the Huffington Post and other news outlets involved a 14 year old girl who was seduced by a 44 year old man. It has been alleged that the man - Moses Virgil Campbell, Jr. - age 44 - had sex with the 14 year old girl. An investigation led to the location of the 14 year old girl underneath Mr. Campbell's bed . The intervention by the teen's mother led to the discovery of this inappropriate and illegal relationship. A cab company and driver also provided information to investigators that led to the arrest of Mr. Campbell. See Man Allegedly Used iPhone App to Meet; Have Sex with 14 Year Old Girl: FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

It was reported that Mr. Campbell met the 14 year old through a Social Networking site / program called i Date - an application for the iPhone. Mr. Campbell will be able to defend himself against these charges from a public defender or a private criminal defense lawyer. It may be a tough case to defend against the charges since there will be evidence in the form of electronic evidence. In addition, police found the teen underneath Mr. Campbell's. How is this going to be explained if it can be explained at all?

Parents should be aware of stories like these and take an opportunity to speak to their children and check on the Internet and Social Networking activity of their children.

In Florida and other states with waterways and boaters, safety should be a primary focus for those operating boats, jet skis, and other watercraft. In addition, passengers should also be aware of safety measures that can be taken to help prevent boating accidents and related personal injuries. In Delray Beach, Florida, the Associated Press reported that a Florida boating accident resulted in the death of Christopher Smith (age 31) when he was thrown from a boat that struck a navigational marker in the Intercoastal Waterway. See Bond Set for Boat Operator in Delray Beach, Florida Fatal Boating Accident.

Since there was a crash with resulting death, a full investigation will be conducted. It was reported that none of the passengers on board the vessel were wearing a life jacket. It is uncertain if the wearing of a life jacket would have made a difference as to the injuries and resulting death of the boat passenger.

As Floridians go through Spring and Summer, there will be other boating accidents. Because of the dangers of being in a boat accident or the dangers of a drowning in any of Florida's multitude of waterways, people should take precautions by wearing life jackets, checking and re-checking weather conditions, operating a boat at a safe speed, checking and re-checking engines and mechanical equipment, having other life saving devices onboard, and making sure that there is proper supervision especially for children when boating.

In Florida and other States, sexual predators and offenders are using the Internet to try to victimize and molest children. Consenting adults can arrange for meetings, dates, and other relationships online; however, it is much different when a child is involved. Undercover investigators are doing their best to track down sexual predators and offenders who are specifically informed online that the person on the other end is a child. In some instances, the "child" is actually an undercover investigator. The text messages, chats, and e mails are all recorded and saved as evidence when there is a criminal prosecution or arrest made in these kind of cases. In Jacksonville, Florida it was reported that David Marshall Deal, age 24, was convicted of using the Internet to attempt to engage in sexual activity with a minor. The allegations in this case were that Mr. Deal was informed over the Internet that the "child" was 13 years old. During an arranged meeting with the "child", Mr. Deal brought condoms, a camera, and thong underwear. In cases like these, the intent of the criminal suspect is proven by the electronic evidence as well as the items brought to the meeting. You can read more about this story at Man Convicted of Crimes - Attempt to Entice a Child for Sex.

Common baby and infant items like a drop side crib can be dangerous and sometimes deadly to children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that over 30 children died as a result of suffocation or strangulation related to drop side cribs. These drop side cribs make it easier for adults and caregivers to get a child into and out of a crib. Unfortunately, the design of some of these cribs leads to serious personal injuries and in some cases wrongful death. You can read more about this topic at Drop Side Cribs Have Killed At Least 32 Children in 9 Years - Orlando Sentinel.

In Orlando, police authorities have charged three teen girls with attacking another teen girl. The incident started with a dispute between two girls. Later, three girls went to confront another teen girl. Punches were thrown, pepper spray was used, and the victim's head was slammed against a driveway. There may have been a knife pulled out during the assault as well. This brutal attack could have easily caused serious personal injuries or death to the victim. Of course, the suspects will be entitled to their "day in court" and also will be able to defend themselves against these charges through the legal representation of a Florida criminal defense attorney or a public defender. The fight seemed to be related to a phone call and a boyfriend dispute of some nature. Violence among teens is not the way to work out disputes or problems. Children can be serious injured and prison or jail terms can be imposed for the criminal conduct. See Three Girls Charged with Attacking Another Girl in Orlando, Florida.

Is hazing a crime in Florida? The answer is a resounding YES. See Section 1006.63, Florida Statutes - Hazing Prohibited. Many think that putting a pledge or recruit through humiliating and physically and psychologically demanding tasks is a right of passage. Typical excuses for such illegal conduct include:

"This is what I had to do when I was a pledge."

"We have a tradition and all pledges must go through this."

"When you become a member, you will understand what we are putting you there."

"We are just having fun with you. Just do it."

The above statements and excuses are weak especially when the health, safety, and welfare of a child or adult at at risk. Beside the moral and health issues associated with hazing, it is felony or misdemeanor crime (depending on the circumstances and intent) to haze or commit hazing type acts in the State of Florida. Florida law will prevail over tradition every time. Just because something has been done for a long time does not make it right, acceptable or legal. If you or your child has been a victim of acts of hazing contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer for advice and consultation as to the rights of the victim. Hazing has been a tradition of the past . . . don't let it be an ongoing and current tradition.

In Florida, hazing is defined under Section 1006.63, Florida Statutes. The title of this section of the Florida Statutes is Hazing Prohibited. This statue and section should make it clear that hazing is a crime in Florida. Hazing is defined in a very detailed manner under this statute. The definition includes any act or situation that intentionally endangers the mental or physical safety or health of a student for initiation or admission pursues into an organization of a post secondary institution. This Florida Statutes includes in the definition of hazing the following:

*pressuring or coercing a student to violate Florida or Federal laws;
*brutality of any physical nature;
*whipping, branding, beating, and / or exposure to the elements; and
*forced consumption of liquor or food or other substance.

There are other details or acts that also constitute hazing - See Section 1006.63, Florida Statutes.

Hazing is no laughing matter as a student can suffer or be at risk to serious personal injuries physically and / or psychologically. For those encourage or participate in hazing activities, keep in mind that it is not only cruel act to haze but it is also against the law and can result in a criminal conviction, jail time, and fines. It can also cause serious personal injuries that can last a life time for the victim.

Florida has wonderful theme parks, attractions and beaches. Unfortunately, at times, children suffer injuries while at play. In New Smyrna Beach, Florida, it was reported that a 10 year old girl from Orlando, Florida was

10-year-old Orlando girl bitten by shark at New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Volusia County Beach Patrol responded to the scene. The girl suffered puncture wounds to her right ankle. While the injuries were not life threatening, it was still frightening to know that a child can be bitten by a shark in ankle deep water. You can read more about this story at 10 Year Old Girl Bitten By Shark in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

In Jacksonville, Florida and other cities, small children continue to be unfortunate victims of back over driveway accidents and incidents. When a driver is backing out of a driveway or parking space, there are blind spots especially behind the vehicle. Children can be difficult to see especially if they are sitting, crawling or are shorter than the range of view of the driver. In Jacksonville, Florida, the Florida Times Union reported that a 16 month old girl suffered serious personal injuries when she was hit by a vehicle in a driveway / back over accident. See Toddler Run Over by a Vehicle Backing Up. For a similar story see Back Over Accident in Provo, Utah - Neighbors / Bystanders Save Child From Serious Personal Injuries.

Public figures and broadcasters often times can see a career tarnished or ruined when a crime is committed. Jobs are lost and reputations are scarred. In Gainesville, Florida - home to the University of Florida, a former television and radio broadcaster pled guilty to charges of the receipt / distribution of child pornography. Steven Michael Babik, age 50, admitted to the charges that he downloaded images of child pornography.

The child pornography industry thrives only because there are consumers who buy or distribute the images. Children are victimized yet there are those out there who find it recreational to view images of children being harmed by others.

Investigators and police should continue their efforts to prosecute crimes involving any aspect of child pornography. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any near end or solution to end the ongoing abuse and neglect of child victimized by the child pornography industry and its participants. You can read more about this story at Former UF Broadcaster Pleads Guilty to Charges of Child Pornography.

In Escambia County (Pensacola), Florida, there was an accident involving a van and a bus transporting students from Pine Forest High School. It was reported that the van sideswiped the school bus that was occupied by the high school students. Drivers should always be alert when driving on Florida highways. This is especially important when there are children and school buses in the area. Florida Highway Patrol believes that alcohol may have been a cause or element of this crash. A high school student and a bus attendant were taken to an Escambia county hospital. See 2 Injured in Escambia County School Board Crash.

In Florida and other States, there is a problem with supervision at some day care centers. It is vital for each and every day care center to properly and consistency supervise children in the facility. Day care centers should have a list in place and make sure that each and every student / child is accounted for during the day. If children are allowed to wander out of the facility, absolutely horrible things could result including serious child personal injuries and in some instances even death. There is also a risk that the child could be abducted or missing for extended periods of time if a child is allowed to wander out of a facility. It is well known that children have poor safety awareness and are very curious. In other words, children do not always recognize the dangers of leaving a day care facility without proper adult supervision. In Holly Hill, Florida a day care center is facing fines and other government sanctions for an incident in which 2 children from the facility wandered out of the day care facility without proper supervision. As noted by Reggie Williams, an administrator with the Florida Department of Children and Families, there is a risk of injury when children are able to get out of a day care center. You can read more about this story at Holly, Hill Florida - Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Center Faces Fines for Violations of Day Care Regulations.

In Tampa, Florida, students at the University of Tampa attempted lift a suspension related to hazing allegations. The sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta were accused of making or forcing pledges to eat garlic and consume hot sauce. There were also allegations that the pledges were paddled. Under Florida Statutes, it appears that this kind of conduct would constitute hazing which is considered a crime in the State of Florida. College and high school students should be able to join clubs, organizations, teams, fraternities, and sororities without the fear, humiliation, and potential dangers of personal injuries from hazing type of actions. See Suspension remains for sorority Sister in Hazing.

In Kissimmee (Osceola), Florida, a tragic motorcycle accident took place in front of Austin Tindall Regional Park on Boggy Creek Road. The accident took place on a sunny Sunday as the Bazooka Soccer Tournament was taking place. Even over the roars and shouts of parents watching their children play soccer, the loud boom of the motorcycle crash could be heard from Boggy Creek Road. Some soccer parents including one that was a medical doctor and one that was an emergency room nurse rushed over to the scene after hearing the motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist's injuries were too severe for the biker to recover from.

The Orlando Sentinel later reported a story about this Kissimmee motorcycle accident at Traffic Fatality - Orlando Man Killed in Osceola County Crash. Loyd A. Scott, age 61, was the man who died in this accident. He was eastbound on his motorcycle on Boggy Creek Road. As Scott was riding his motorcycle, a van driven by Joseh P. Marek attempted to make a left hand turn. Thereafter, Scott crashed his motorcycle into the left side of the van. Fire rescue and police including Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene. A full investigation will be completed to determine the cause of the accident including the speed and direction of the vehicles.

In addition to some soccer parents, some children were present during the aftermath of this accident. A normal sunny Sunday turned tragic for the motorcyclist, his family, and his friends.

On Kissimmee and other city roadways, drivers should exercise the utmost caution when driving. This especially applies to driving near schools, parks, and other areas where children may be. Drivers should pay special attention to pedestrians, bicyclists, and, yes, motorcyclists.

In Florida, some teacher make headlines for great teaching or accomplishments in the community. Others make headlines when they get arrested and / or fired for having sex with students or inappropriate conduct with teachers. It is estimated that more than 175 teachers in Florida lost their licenses over the past 5 years for sexual misconduct / actions that ranged from sex to touching to inappropriate text messages and e mails. One such incident took place in Tamarac. Josie Stratton was a biology teacher at J.P. Taravella High School. While working as a teacher, she became involved with a "love" affair with a 17 year old student. This inappropriate relationship led the student to moving out of his house and marrying the teacher. The marriage lasted only 5 months. The State of Florida subsequently revoked the teacher's teaching certificate. This is one of many incidents that has tarnished the image of Florida schools and Florida's education system. Most teachers are great and very supportive of the children under their supervision and tutelage. It is a shame that a few "bad apples" use poor and selfish judgment which, in turn, is harmful to the child victim, the school, and the community. You can read more about this topic at Teachers and sex: Scores in Florida have lost jobs due to improper conduct with students.

In Jacksonville, Florida and other cities, the lives of remarkable young people are often times cut short through a tragedy like an automobile accident. Some times, the simple act of being a good person or Good Samaritan can lead to tragic consequences. In Baldwin, Florida a 19 year old, Stephenie Lynn Acton, was the tragic victim of a recent incident that took place on U.S. 301. She was hit as she was helping another person with a flat tire. The death of Stephenie is a tragic loss for her family, neighbors, friend, and community. Because of these kind of automobile accident tragedies, teenagers like Stephenie never get the chance to reach their full potential. You can read more about this story at Good Samaritan Stephenie Lynn Acton Hit by Vehcile on U.S. 301 in Baldwin, Florida.

In Florida, there are a number of laws, statutes and court procedures that apply to the settlement of a personal injury claim for a minor child. In some cases, the Court appoints a Guardian Ad Litem. What is a Guardian Ad Litem? When is a Guardian Ad Litem appointed on cases involving the approval of a personal injury settlement for a minor child?

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
A Guardian Ad Litem (in personal injury settlement matters) is typically a local attorney with experience in handling or reviewing the claims of a minor. The Guardian Ad Litem is appointed to look after the financial interest and well being of the minor child pertaining to the proposed settlement. The Guardian Ad Litem will typically address the following issues and others:

What is the amount of the settlement?
What were the injuries caused by the accident or incident?
How much insurance was available to compensate the minor for the claimed injuries?
How is the minor child doing at the present time?
What was the amount of medical bills?
Does the settlement represent a fair settlement of the minor's personal injury claim?
Is it in the best interest of the minor child to settle the claim?

When is a Guardian Ad Litem Appointed?
A simple answer to this question would be as follows:
A Guardian Ad Litem is appointed when the Judge wants a Guardian Ad Litem. Most judges will use Section 744.3025, Florida Statutes - Claims of Minors - when making a decision to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem. Pursuant to Section 744.3025, Florida Statutes, a court may appoint a Guardian Ad Litem in which the gross settlement is over $15,000. The court is required to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem when the gross settlement is $50,000 or more.

In Florida, the settlement of a personal injury claim or case on behalf of a minor child requires a review and compliance of various Florida Statutes, court rules, and court procedures. Typically, if a settlement involves a gross claim of under $15,000.00, no court approval is necessary. Furthermore, claims or settlements under $15,000.00 do not require the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem to approve the settlement. In addition, there would be no requirement for the use of a restricted depository for such funds. In some instances, an insurance company or adjuster will require formal court approval for settlements under $15,000 even though there would not be a legal requirement to do so. The authority to settle a case or claim under $15,000.00 without the requirement of a formal appointment, order or bond is set forth in Section 744.301, Florida Statutes.

If the net proceeds payable to the minor child is under $15,000, the net proceeds can be made payable to the parents without formal restrictions by the court. If the net proceeds are $15,000 or more, then courts will require that the funds be deposited into a restricted bank account or annuity. Thereafter, monies can be withdrawn by petition and court order. Courts have the discretion to allow money to be withdrawn based on need and reason. Typically, using funds for necessary medical care and education are deemed reasonable by the courts. It should be pointed out that each case, child and Judge are different. As such, the decision to allow the use of funds from a restricted depository is unique to each case / child.

Since there are complexities to the settlement of the claim or case of a a minor who suffers personal injuries, it is advisable to have representation from a Florida Child Injury Lawyer.

In warm weather States like Florida, it is extremely dangerous to leave a child unattended in a vehicle especially during warm Spring months and brutally hot summer months. Children are vulnerable to hyperthermia if left in a hot car even for a few minutes. See also The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Issues Consumer Advisory as to Hyperthermia (Leaving Children in Hot Cars Is Dangerous) Many parents leave a child in a vehicle to run an errand or to go grocery shopping. In addition to hyperthermia dangers, a child is at risk for wandering away, abduction, getting harmed in the vehicle, and / or getting harmed by others. In Manatee County, Florida, a mother was recently arrested because she left her child in the vehicle while she went grocery shopping. The mother stated that she had forgotten that the child was left in the vehicle. Don't forget children in vehicles and don't purposely leave children in vehicles. Either way and for whatever reason, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can lead to child personal injuries and even death in some instances. It can also land a parent, day care provider, and child care provider in jail. You can read more about this story at Manatee County, Florida Mother Jailed for Leaving Child in Car While Grocery Shopping.

In Gainesville, Florida, police will be enforcing traffic laws pertaining to pedestrians and drivers pursuant to a campaign / mission to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and incidents resulting in serious personal injuries. Police will now be more likely issuing citations and fines for failing to yield to pedestrians. Previously, police issued many warnings for such driving or jaywalking acts. Now, the enforcement will be beefed up in order to get the word out that failing to yield to pedestrians along with jaywalking are dangerous acts that can lead to serious personal injuries. Gainesville, Florida is home to the University of Florida. Streets and roads all over town are loaded with pedestrians. As such, Gainesville, Florida has its fair share of pedestrian / automobile accidents and related personal injuries. Hopefully, drivers and pedestrians will take notice of the enforcement program and change bad habits into safer ones. You can read more about this story at Gainesville Police to Ticket Jaywalkers and Driver's Who Don't Yield to Pedestrians.

Shaken Baby Syndrome injuries can last a lifetime and even result in the death of a child immediately. In some cases, the child survives only to live a life challenged by brain damage resulting from Shaken Baby Syndrome. In the case of Christina Welch, she survived for 19 years with severe brain damage from being shaken by her father when she was just two months ago. When she died, an autopsy determined that Christina died from complications from severe brain damage / Shaken Baby Syndrome. Thereafter, the father was charged with her death. He later pled no contest to charges of Second Degree Murder and was issued a 15 year prison sentence. The father initially (19 years ago) received a 1 year prison term. When Christina died, the case was re-opened and charges were brought for her wrongful death.

Parents, child care providers, teachers, and others involved with the supervision and care of children should pay close attention to stories like this one. One bad act or incident can lead to years of disability and suffering by a child. You can read more about this story at Father Guilty Again When Child Dies Two Decades Later.

In Florida, the Spring and Summer weather bring out boaters and swimmers. With these activities, there are unfortunately reported incidents of drowning personal injuries and drowning deaths. In Hollywood, Florida, it was reported that a 15 year old boy died after a canoe flipped over. The teen and his friend were just 50 yards from shore at the time of the incident. Tragically, the teen did not make it. The other child was able to swim to shore. The body of the 15 year old teen was later located by divers. It was not reported in the story whether or not the teens were wearing life jackets or not. Furthermore, it was not reported what safety measures or supervision was in place at the time of the incident. Drowning deaths like these show how far and dangerous just 50 yards can be for a child or an adult who falls out of a boat, canoe, or other watercraft. See Hollywood, Florida - 15 Year Old Dies After Falling Out of Canoe that Flipped.

The Florida Board of Medicine suspended / revoked the license of Matthew Kachinas following an incident in which he aborted the wrong fetus during a procedure. The patient was pregnant with twins. Studies indicated that one of the twins had congenital defects. The other twin appeared normal. The woman was 16 weeks pregnant at the time of the procedure. Tragically, the doctor aborted the wrong fetus. You can read more about this story at Florida Doctor Terminated Wrong Fetus and Loses his Medical License.

The School Board of Marion County Florida voted to strike a paddling provision from the student discipline areas. Marion County Schools which include schools in Ocala will not longer be able to use paddling as a discipline measures for the 2010 - 2011 school year. Many parents and others do not realize that paddling is still a discipline measure used in schools throughout the nation. Fortunately, many school districts like Marion County are taking steps to remove this archaic and cruel use of punishment in the school system. Paddling a child into submission is ineffective. Alternate discipline and behavioral modification techniques should be used. You can read more about this story at Florida School Board Strikes Down Paddling Policy.

In Tampa, Florida, a former middle school teacher (Stephanie Ragusa) pleaded guilty to having sex with teenager students. She pleaded guilty to the criminal charges of lewd and lascivious battery and having unlawful sex with a minor. Teachers should serve as mentors for our children in the school system. Teachers (male or female) should not be dating or having sex with students. It is amazing that teachers, who have a college education and life experience, would be so callous to have sex with students. In this case, there was evidence in the form of recorded conversations, gifts, and love letters. Ms. Ragusa even named one of the teens as the executor of her will. It appears that Ms. Ragusa pleaded guilty for good reason. The evidence as reported by CNN seemed to be quite strong. You can read more about this story at Former Florida Middle School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges of Having Sex with Underage Teens.

Deciding how to parent a child is a very difficult decision. Some parents spank and some do not. Some parents believe that a good spanking is among the best way to discipline a child and deter future bad behavior. Other parents disagree and believe that spanking only aggravates the situation and causes other problems for the child. A study to be published in the May 2010 Issue of Pediatrics indicates that spanking or corporal punishment may lead to violent behavior on the part of the child including acts of bullying. Catherine Taylor, PHD, one of the researchers in the study, stated that parents should concentrate on enforcing positive forms of discipline that do not involve physical force / the use of spanking. You can read more about this story at Study Suggest that Spanking May Turn Kids Aggressive at Later Stage of Childhood.

In Clay County, Florida, there is a truancy court that brings both students and parents to court to address the issue of school truancy or absences. It is the goal of the truancy court to keep kids in school and have them graduate. I agree with the mission of the truancy court if it results as a tool to keep kids in school which, in turn, will better educate the children. In nearby St. Johns County, Florida, a similar problem will be started which will work with students and family on truancy issues. You can read more about the Clay County program at Clay County Truancy Court Shows Promise in Turning Around Kids. Keeping children in schools helps keep them off the streets and out of trouble. School takes up a good bit of the day. When you factor in school related activities, clubs, sports, and friendships, school serves as a center piece for a child's day and extracurricular activities.