Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Atlantic Beach, a hit and run accident critically injured a Navy Pilot (Lt. Robert Huish). It is dangerous being in the military and women and men like Lt. Robert Huish serve our country with pride and heroism. It is such a shame that one of our heroes was struck down not by a bullet, missile or enemy fire but by a cowardly hit and run driver in the Atlantic Beach, Florida area.

The serious injuries from this Jacksonville hit and run accident included a fractured leg, a fractured skull, and swelling in the brain. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating this hit and run accident and is asking for any help to track down the driver who caused these most unfortunate and preventable injuries. You can read more about this story at Navy Pilot Critically Injured in Atlantic Beach Hit-and-Run. Any coward can drive away from an accident but it make take one brave person to step forward to provide evidence or information to lead to the arrest of the hit and run driver.

When boating, all children should be fitted with life preservers and life jackets. This general rule also applies to all adults. The simple act of wearing a life jacket can save a life or at least reduce the risks of drowning. A tragic story was recently reported by the Orlando Sentinel. A man died of an apparent accidental drowning while he was canoeing with his nephew. You can read more about this story at Canoe flips, man dies in apparent accidental drowning near Ocala.

While the wearing of a life jacket may be uncomfortable or an inconvenience, it can save lives of those wearing them. In addition, many lives have been lost through the years of those who have gone into the water in an attempt to save a person who was not wearing a life jacket. Before boating, make sure that all the appropriate equipment is available and in good repair for all boaters.

You can read more about Swimming, Water Park, and Water Way Injuries and other child injuries in the book - ">The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. You can receive a free copy of this book by clicking here.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office reported that 5 people were arrested in a child pornography sting operation. A spokesman with the Sheriff's Office noted that some of the victims in the videos / photographs were as young as infants. The arrests resulted from a nine month investigation.

Child pornography is an industry rife with victims in the form of the children. Every aspect of child pornography is repugnant and should be punished to the highest extent of the law. You can read more about these arrests at 5 Arrested in St. Johns Sting Operation on Child Porn.

Of course, each defendant will be entitled to defend against the criminal charges by a Florida criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office. The evidence, in the form, of computer e mails, hard drives, and possibly other evidence, may be difficult to refute or to keep out of the criminal proceedings including trial.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a 2 year old boy died when he came in contact with Methadone that was stashed in his sippy cup by one of his caregivers. The caregiver - Dana Michell Anderson, according to news reports, admitted to leaving 80 mg of Methadone in the sippy cup. When the father arrived home, he found the child (Masia Wright) unresponsive. The father took the boy to the hospital who was pronounced dead on arrival. Subsequently, the caregiver was charged with Aggravated Manslaughter.

The use of drugs and / or alcohol by any child care provider can lead to poor supervision and poor judgment in caring for children. While there is no indication that there was any intent to harm the child, the end result is still that that a child died.

You can read more about this story at Child ODs on Methadone Left in his Purple Sippy Cup.

An 18-month-old girl of Titusville, Florida escaped serious personal injury after a 19-inch television set fell on top of her. The mother of the child said the television set was sitting up top of a desk when and "just came down," falling on top of the child. Paramedics treated the young girl and then took her to Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Florida, for observation.

This was the third incident involving a child being struck by a falling television set in Brevard County, Florida, since June. In June, a 2-year-old boy was fatally injured after a 100-lb. television set fell on top of him, police rule the incident an accident. Then, in October, a 9-month-old boy of Palm Bay sustained personal injuries after a 32-inch set slipped off a small TV stand, striking the toddler in the face. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Falling TV sets are posing serious risks for young children.

Popular household items can pose serious risks of personal injury to children. A key way to prevent a child from being injured by these household items it to be aware of what household items are dangerous for children and how to keep children out of harm's way. Parents should ensure that play areas are safe and gate-off or otherwise prevent a child's access into areas of the home that have not been child-proofed. If you would like to read more on household safety please see Safety Tips to Prevent Accidental Injuries to Kids - Advise from the Florida Department of Health and Safe Kids.

Kaley Michele Kennison, 26, of Palm Harbor, Florida was tragically killed in an automobile accident occurring in Iowa. Kennison was a passenger in a pick up truck driver by 25-year-old Austin Hansen. According to detectives, it appears Hansen lost control of the pickup truck and slammed into a retaining wall and then hit a parked car. As of now, there is no report on Hansen's condition. If you would like to read more on this story please see Young woman of Palm Harbor, Florida dies in Iowa car accident.

The death of this young woman is a tragedy for her family and community. Roadways can be very dangerous for automobile drivers and their passengers. Recently, there has been a nationwide increase in distracted driving. Distracted driving is a term used to describe activities drivers engage in while driving. Some of these activities include but are not limited to talking and texting on a cell phone, reading, grooming, eating, talking to other passengers and listen to music too loudly. These activities take the driver's focus and attention off the road. In turn, these activities make the driver more prone to losing control of his or her vehicle and being involved in a collision or other type of automobile accident. Drivers need to keep their focus on the road and be aware of their surroundings such as other drivers and weather conditions.

A University of Miami student is clinging to life after he was hit by an automobile while crossing the intersection of Red Road and Blue Road in Coral Gables, Florida. The student, identified as Jared Paul Jones, was initially announced dead by Coral Gables police. However, police later said Jones was still alive; officials at Jackson Memorial Hospital confirmed Jones was alive.

Jones was hit while crossing the street. The driver of the automobile left the scene of the accident. Witnesses described the driver as an elderly man. The vehicle's license plate contains the letters and numbers X64 and the vehicle was described as a light blue or gray sedan, possibly an Oldsmobile. Jones suffered massive head trauma from the accident, which put him in a coma. If you have any information please call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. If you would like to read more on this story please read Student at the University of Miami in coma after hit-and-run accident.

Drivers involved in hit-and-run collisions neglect their responsibilities as a driver and engage in illegal conduct. By fleeing the scene, drivers try to avoid responsibility for possible damages and injuries caused by the collision / accident.

Teagan Marti made a public appearance recently following a tragic incident that took place in Wisconsin over the summer. This resilient and brave 13 year old is doing her best to deal with serious personal injuries that resulted from inattention, negligence, and carelessness on the park of a Wisconsin amusement park. Teagan has a very supportive family and has received months of medical care to get to where she is medically today. Teagan is texting friends and playing video games. She has made progress and has the spirit and drive to improve but still has a long road ahead of her with these injuries.

Safety is so vital for Amusement Parks and Theme Parks. Otherwise, significant injuries, like those to Teagan Marti, will result. Safety first . . . . safety in the middle . . . and safety last should always be followed for any ride and for every rider. Amusement Parks and Theme Parks welcome children through the doors every day. Children and their families bring in the dollars and expect to have a good time. In addition to entertainment, parents should be provided with a safe environment for their children. Most parents are not engineers or safety experts when it comes to a mechanical ride or attraction. These duties belong to the Amusement Park and Theme Park. Contrary to any signs or attempts to limit liability, Amusement Parks and Theme Parks are liable for the negligence and misconduct of their employees. A child does not enter a ride at his or her own risk. That is a ridiculous argument that is clearly frowned upon by judges, courts, and juries.

You can read more about Teagan Marti, the remarkable teenager, dealing with the significant personal injuries from the Wisconsin amusement park at Girl Who Survived Carnival Ride Makes First Public Appearance.
See also 13 Year Old Girl (Teagan Marti) Released from Hospital Following Injuries from 100 Feet Drop at Wisconsin Amusement Park.

If you are a parent or caregiver with questions about a child injury, get a free copy of the book - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. In this book, parents can get information regarding various issues that arise when there is a child injury. There is a section on Amusement Park and Theme Park injuries that contains some general tips for parents dealing with an incident at an Amusement Park or Theme Park. In addition, there are sections on Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, Automobile Accidents, Day Care Injuries, School Injuries, and other topics. Click Here to get your free book which will be sent to you the same day you order it.

Garantizar la seguridad del estudiante en las escuelas es un asunto muy importante. Por desgracia, ha habido muchos casos de estudiantes que traen armas de fuego a las escuelas primarias, escuelas secundarias y universidades. Recientemente, un estudiante en una escuela secundaria de Utah sacó un arma de fuego a otro estudiante, apunto el arma a la cabeza del otro estudiante y también apuntó el arma contra un grupo de sus compañeros.

Al parecer, el estudiante tuvo una discusión antes de la escuela con otro estudiante. Después de la pelea, el estudiante volvió a entrar en la escuela y regresó con el arma de fuego. Afortunadamente, un testigo llamó a la línea de armas de la escuela, que respondió antes de que se efectuaran disparos. El estudiante con el arma es de 16 años de edad y está siendo acusado de dos cargos de asalto agravado. Dos otros adolescentes podrían enfrentar cargos de violaciones de armas de fuego debido a su participación en el incidente. Los estudiantes acusados de un delito tendrán derecho a ser representados por un abogado de defensa penal de Utah o en la oficina del defensor público. Si desea leer más sobre esta historia consulte Estudiante Trae Pistola a la Escuela, Amenaza a los Compañeros.

Todos los estudiantes son muy afortunados ya que este incidente podría haber sido mortal. Llevar un arma de fuego a la escuela es punible en el ámbito escolar y penalmente. Si desea leer más sobre la ley de la Florida con respecto a las armas de fuego por favor, vea la ley de Florida en Cuanto a Menores de Edad (menores de 18 años) y Armas de Fuego.

Ensuring student safety at schools is a very important matter. Unfortunately, there have been many incidents of students bringing firearms to elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Recently, a student at a high school in Utah pulled a firearm on another student, point the gun at the other student's head and also aimed the weapon into a crowd of his peers.

Apparently the student got into an altercation before school with another student. After the fight, the student went back into the school and returned with the firearm. Luckily, a witness called the school's weapons hotline, which responded before any shots were fired. The student with gun is 16-years-old and is being charged with two counts of aggravated assault. Two other teens may face charges of firearm violations due to their involvement in the incident. Students charged with a crime will be entitled to representation by a Utah criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office. If you would like to read more on this story please see Student brings gun to school, threatens peers.

All of the students are very lucky as this incident could have been very deadly. Bringing a firearm to school is punishable at the school level and criminally. If you would like to read more on Florida law regarding firearms please see Florida Law Regarding Minors (Under the Age of 18) and Firearms.

Recently, a Florida automobile / pedestrian accident critically injured a young teenage woman when the driver made an incomplete U-turn. Blake Cottam, a 15-year-old eyewitness, told authorities that he and two other teens were standing at a bus stop when the white pickup truck ran down Cottam and his friends. Cottam said the driver of the pickup, Peter Wolfman, went to make a U-turn, which he did not complete, then started driving towards the group of teens while accelerating. The two teenage boys were able to get out of the truck's way, but the teenage girl, identified as Emily Sexton, was no so fortunate. Wolfman pinned Emily between his truck and a brick wall, critically injuring her.

Wolfman refused a breathalyzer at the scene but police later confirmed he had been drinking. He has been charged for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and for refusal to take a breathalyzer test. If you would like to read more on this story please see Teen critically injured after being hit while standing at bus stop. Mr. Wolfman will be entitled to representation on this criminal / traffic related offense by a Florida criminal defense attorney or a Florida public defender. While charges have been made, there are proof requirements and legal defenses to a Florida DUI criminal matter.

Many accidents occur every year that involve a automobile striking a pedestrian. Often times, the pedestrian is walking along a side walk or standing at a bus stop when he or she is hit by the automobile. Although pedestrians are given the right of way in the State of Florida, pedestrians still need to be aware of their surroundings and the unpredictability of drivers and automobiles.

El Clima de la Florida permite que la natación y otras actividades relacionadas con el agua sean parte de casi todo el año. Sin embargo, eso sólo significa que los padres necesitan educar constantemente a sus hijos sobre los peligros del agua. Recientemente, Samuel Baker, 2, casi se ahogó en el condado de Polk después de que el niño fue encontrado flotando en un estanque.
Samuel estaba visitando a sus pradrinos Melissa Mechile Simmons, de 41 años, y Diga Sainville, de 54 años, ambos de Winter Haven, cuando ocurrió el incidente. Según el informe policial, Simmons dijo a las autoridades que ella y su novio, Diga, estaban sentados en casa con la puerta delante abierta. Samuel estaba sentado en los escalones del frente, mientras que Simmons le observaba desde el sofá. Simmons se levantó para buscar un poco de jabón plato de la cocina y cuando volvió Samuel se había ido. Simmons y Diga de inmediato comenzaron a buscar en los alrededores de su casa cuando Simmons se encuentra una de los chancletas de Samuel en el estanque directamente detrás de su casa. Después se encontró con la chancleta, llamó inmediatamente al 9-1-1. Diga recupero a Samuel de la laguna, que fue encontrado flotando boca abajo, y realizo RCP en el niño hasta que las autoridades llegaron. Samuel fue trasladado a Winter Haven Hospital de emergencias donde los médicos determinaron su condición era tan crítica que tenía que ser trasladado en helicóptero al Hospital de Todos los Niños en San Petersburg. La Oficina del Sheriff sigue investigando el incidente. Si desea leer más sobre esta historia consulte. Niño de Dos Años en Condición Critica despues de Casi Ahogarse en un Estanque de Winter Haven.

Este incidente es una tragedia para la familia de Samuel y de la comunidad. Un componente clave para mantener la seguridad de un niño es la supervisión constante. Sólo toma unos pocos segundos para que un niño vagar y sostener lesiones personales graves o la muerte. Constantemente tiene que mantener un ojo en sus hijos, si el o ella está entorno al agua, en el patio o jugando en la casa. La supervisión es clave para proteger a sus hijos del peligro.

A recent cheating scandal at the University of Central Florida has been a public-relations nightmare for the higher institution. Currently, about 200 students have come forward and admitted their involvement in the scandal. This is about one-third of the 600 students of the students who took the senior-level business course mid-term. The instructor of the course, Richard Quinn, worked out a deal with the dean of the business school to allow his students to finish the course contingent on the students admission and having to retake another test.

The students who have confessed will have to complete an ethics seminar. The status is still unclear about 15 students who have yet to come forward. Also unclear is how the students acquired the questions to the mid-term. Quinn did not write his own questions, which leads some to think that the questions may have been posted online by the course book's publisher. If this is the case, many students are arguing they were not in fact cheating because they did not steal any questions. If you would like to read more on this story please see Cheating scandal at UCF makes national news.

Cheating on any test, especially at the college-level, is a punishable offense. Cheating can subject a student to many disciplinary actions, including expulsion and having the incident recorded on his or her permanent record. Think twice before cheating.

Muchas veces, los padres eligen una escuela privada para un niño porque el padre quiere una pequeña escuela para el niño. Además, el padre tiene más tranquilidad de saber que el niño está siendo atendido, enseñado, y supervisado en un ambiente que promueve la salud, la seguridad y el bienestar del niño. Muchas escuelas privadas, también tienen un componente religioso que los padres quieren ser parte de la rutina diaria del niño y el espíritu. Las expectativas para un padre, que tiene un hijo matriculado en una escuela privada, deben ser altas en que la educación esta siendo pagada por que de lo contrario sería “gratis” en la escuela pública.
En Leesburg, Florida, una historia se informó recientemente sobre una supuesta relación entre un profesor de 40 años de edad y un estudiante de 15 años de edad. La relación llegó a la atención de la administración de la escuela cuando un video de la iglesia de la escuela mostró el profesor y el niño en un beso. Parece que el profesor - Thomas Frisbie - fue la enseñanza o la promoción de más de música en la escuela. Se informó de que la relación duró 2 meses. Refiriéndose a este asunto como una "relación" no es realmente una buena elección de las palabras. El profesor, de 40 años, y el estudiante, de 15 años, estaban en la escuela como maestro y como un niño. Los adolescentes pueden impresionarse por un adulto en una posición de autoridad, especialmente en un colegio religioso privad, no deben abusar de su posición para actuar sobre cualquier impulso que pueda tener.
Se informó de que el Administrador- Gregorio Frescoln- inmediatamente tomo medidas después de enterarse del incidente y de la relación y, posteriormente, en contacto con el Departamento de Niños y familias. Incidentes como éstos tendrán todo un efecto en la comunidad. Se espera que el vídeo y cualquier otro ingreso por el profesor y el estudiante sea una prueba contundente contra el maestro.

Por supuesto, el maestro tendrá derecho a defenderse de cualquier cargo criminal en potencia a través de los servicios de un abogado de defensa penal de Florida o de los servicios de un defensor público de la Florida. Puede leer más sobre esta historia en Profesor acusado de abusar de los estudiantes en Escuela Cristiana.

Often times, parents select a private school for a child because the parent wants a small school for the child. In addition, the parent has more peace of mind that the child is being cared for, taught, and supervised in an environment that promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the child. Many such private schools also have a religious component that parents want to be a part of the child's daily routine and spirit. The expectations for a parent, who has a child enrolled in private school, should be high in that an education is being paid for that would otherwise be "free" in the public school setting.

In Leesburg, Florida, a story was recently reported regarding an alleged relationship between a 40 year old teacher and a 15 year old student. The relationship came to the attention of the administration of the school when a videotape of the school's church showed the teacher and child embraced in a kiss. It appears that the teacher - Thomas Frisbie - was teaching or promoting more than music at the school. It was reported that the relationship lasted 2 months. Referring to this matter as a "relationship" is not really a good choice of words. The teacher, age 40, and the student, age 15, were at the school as a teacher and as a child. The teacher and child did not have equal standing or authority at the school. Teenagers can be very impressionable and an adult in an authority position, especially one at a private religious school, should not abuse his position to act upon any impulses he may have.

It was reported that the Administrator - Gregory Frescoln - immediately took action after learning of the incident and relationship and thereafter contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Incidents like these will have quite an effect on the community. It is expected that the video and any admissions by the teacher and student will be powerful evidence against the teacher.

Of course, the teacher will be entitled to defend himself against any potential criminal charges through the services of a Florida criminal defense attorney or the services of a Florida public defender. You can read more about this story at Christian School Teacher Accused of Molesting Student.

A Cocoa Beach Florida police officer sustained serious personal injuries after he was struck by a pickup truck while investigating a brawl outside of Cheater's Gentleman's Club. The officer was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center's trauma center in Melbourne, Florida. A pedestrian was also hit by the pickup and sustained personal injuries. According to news reports, both the officer and pedestrian were currently listed in stable condition.

The driver and passenger in the pickup were identified as brothers David Diemer, 29, and Douglas Diemer, 31. They have been charged with aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of an accident causing bodily injuring and DUI. Police were initially called to the establishment to investigate an altercation. Upon arriving, officials determined that a parked car had been struck by a black pickup truck.

While conducting their investigation, the pickup returned, hitting 3 more parked vehicles, an officer and the pedestrian before speeding off. The men were finally chased down and detained. Each man will be entitled to the services of a Florida criminal law attorney or a public defender as to the criminal charges. To read more on this story please see Officer and pedestrian sustain personal injuries after hit-and-run at gentleman's club.

Hit-and-run accidents are highly disturbing. The fleeing driver involved in a hit-and-run accident neglects his or her duties to remain at the accident scene.

In Jacksonville, Florida and other cities, traffic control devices serve an important function. Following the direction of these traffic control devices (i.e. traffic lights) can avoid horrible Florida automobile accidents. Disobeying traffic control devices can lead to deadly and tragic consequences. One such automobile accident recent occurred in Jacksonville, Florida at St. Johns Road and Atlantic Boulevard. It was reported by the Florida Highway Patrol that a vehicle driven by Robert Tofson ran a red light and crashed into a vehicle driven by Maida M. Sy. As a result of this accident, Maida Sy was transferred to Shands Jacksonville where she died just over a day after the accident. Since the accident involved the death of a driver / passenger, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct an in depth investigation and issue a written report of the findings. It was reported in the Florida Times Union that alcohol may have played a factor in this deadly automobile accident. See Jacksonville, Florida 19 Year Dies from Stop Light Crash.

Disney is the largest employer in the Central Florida area. As part of its entertainment empire, Disney owns and operates many vehicles in and around the Orlando area. Recently, Disney enacted a rule for its employees - "No Texting While Drivng." While this is not a Florida law on the books, Disney is taking a good step towards better safety by putting this rule in place. Texting While Driving is plain dangerous and absolutely leads to driver distraction which, in turn, leads to serious automobile accidents, bus accidents, and van accidents. Many serious personal injuries and accidents can be avoided by eliminating driver distraction at all times possible. Texting While Driving is a smart move for Disney and any other company that is thinking about the safety of the passengers, other drivers on the road, bicyclist, and pedestrians. You can read more about this story at
>Disney Bans Employees from Texting While Driving.

Many student athletes, parent, and coaches are under the misconception that helmets are regulated and built to withstand concussion-sustaining impact. However, the helmet industry recieves no such governmental regulation or other independent oversight. The present standard is for helmets to withstand skull fracturing impact and has not been modified since it was first written in 1973. The problem is that recent studies have revealed a rising rate of concussions in youth football and how the these injuries can cause short- and long-term problems with memory, depression and other cognitive functions - this is especially true in children. Even industry insiders agree that the current helmet standards are not up to day with the modern football and its associated injuries.

Concussions, typically marked by confusion, disorientation and nausea following a blow to the head, are trickier to prevent than skull fractures. A wide range of forces can cause the brain to hit the side of the skull and scientists have yet to determine a common threshold of withstainable force amongst youth football players. If you would like to read more on this topic please see As studies reveal that concussions are increasing in youth football players, the helmet industy receives criticisms.

Coachers and athletic trainers need to be watchful for symptoms of concussions. If a youth athlete sustains a forceful hit to the head, he or she should be kept out of play until medical attention is sought.

Doctors find another reason why parents need to know the symptoms of jaundice in their children. Although most babies develop the condition when they are born it can cause permanent brain damage. Jaundice is a type of bile pigment which all of our bodies produce. The pigment starts accumulating in the blood and starts depositing in the skin. When a child starts to turn yellow, that is the first red flag that his or her body is having trouble ridding itself of bile. When jaundice starts to build up to a high level in the blood the condition has the possibility or reaching the infant's brain. If jaundice continues, it can lead to a condition called kernicterus, which can cause permanent brain damage in the infant.

Here are the most common symptoms of jaundice, according to Dr. Renu Sharma, a neonatologist at Memorial Hospital: when a baby starts to develop yellow or orange skin, a baby is not feeding properly, or when a baby starts to appear lethargic or not as active as he or she should be. Other symptoms include unexplained fever, high-pitched crying, being uninterested in feeding and losing excessive weight. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Parents need to know the symptoms of jaundice, not knowing can cause permanent brain damage in your child.

It is important to keep all pediatric visits because tests can be easily performed to detect the presence of jaundice.

Due to the nonchalant attitude towards concussions, researchers are conducting more studies into the injury to determine its severity and extent. Specifically, researchers are trying to study what happens and how damaging it is when the injury is ignored. Concussions can be ignored in several ways: the student athlete does not tell his or her coach or personal trainer about the injury or the student athlete is placed back into play before the injury has had sufficient time to heal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, an estimated 135,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for serious brain or head injuries such as concussions. Those student athletes who are placed back into play too soon risk sustaining a second injury and possibly incurring permanent brain damage.

Because concussions are hard to diagnose, doctors say it is better to be safe than sorry. If a child has sustained a hit his or her head that has left the child feeling dizzy or otherwise off balance, he or she should be taken out of play and seek medical attention immediately. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Concussions taken more seriously after Northeast Florida study.

Below is a list of the common symptoms of a concussion:
- Confusion or amnesia about the incident.
- Headache or ringing in the ears.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Some symptoms can set in hours or days later.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Sasha Nicole Pringle was recently sentenced to a 30 year prison sentence for a crash that took place on the Buckman Bridge. The accident caused a vehicle driven by Luma Kajy to plunge into the St. John's River in February 2010. The wife and mother of two children died as a result of the careless and reckless driving of Pringle while Pringle was under the influence of drugs. The Judge commented that the evidence against Pringle was overwhelming. You can read more about the trial and testimony at Woman Sentenced to 30 Year Prison Term for Fatal Buckman Bridge Crash.

Driving under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol can and does have deadly consequences. Before a person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, the person should think about the dangers that are out there for others who may be on or near the roadway. Of course, drugs and alcohol do impair good judgment but this does not excuse in any way the conduct or consequences caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The death of 2-year-old Halie Brockington made Florida and national news. Halie was the unfortunate and tragic victim of a day care negligence incident in which Halie was left unattended in a day care van. This, in turn, caused the death of Halie. Florida law clearly requires that day care center follow certain policies and procedures in the operation of the day care center. There are specific regulations pertaining to the transportation of children and the manner in which buses and vans are to be inspected once the vehicle arrives at a destination. It was reported that the day care director, Petra Rodriguez Perez, signed off on a document that she checked or swept the van after its arrival at the day care center - Kaite's Kids Learning Center. The fact of the matter is that Perez never inspected the vehicle that day but merely signed off on the sheet or check list. Had Perez done the simple act of checking the van as she was required to, the incident would have been avoided. The purpose of this relatively simple regulation is to make sure that no child is left behind on a day care van, bus, or vehicle.

Because of reckless, careless, and dishonest conduct of this day care director, criminal charges are being brought against her for aggravated manslaughter of a child. Perez will be entitled to legal representation by a Florida public defender or a Florida criminal defense attorney. While Perez probably had no intent or plan to have a child die under her care, the extent of her negligence, reckless, and carelessness may very well rise to the level of a criminal act that subjects her to prison time. You can read more about this story at Former Director of Kaite's Kids Learning Center Charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child.

Two children of the Tampa-Bay area have sustained personal injuries in separate accidental shootings. In one of the accidental shootings, a 22-year-old man faces charges of aggravated child abuse after shooting a 20-month-old toddler. According to detectives, the man pointed his shotgun at the girl and pulled the trigger, not realizing there was still a round left in the gun. The toddler was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

In Clearwater, Florida a 6-year-old boy accidentally shot his 8-year-old brother. According to detectives, the father was showing the brothers some of his guns when the younger child grabbed a gun and pulled the trigger. The 8-year-old was hospitalized with a leg injuries. No charged were filed. If you would like to read more on this story please see Two children sustain personal injuries after accidental shootings, one man faces charges of aggravated child abuse.

It is important for parents and guardians to teach their child gun safety, especially if these weapons are kept within the home. Guns are dangerous and obviously deadly. Educating your children on the dangers and risks involved with playing and/or handling guns is critical in order to keep your child out of harm's way. If you would like to read more information on gun safety for children and families please read Gun Ownership and Gun Safety - Rights and Responsibilities of Gun Ownership.

A 2-year-old boy was bitten on the jaw by a pit bull recently in Jacksonville, Florida. The child's neighbor called 9-1-1 after the boy's mother brought the child to the neighbor. The child was taken to Baptist Medical Center, fire-rescue personnel said the boy's personal injuries were not life threatening. Although the neighbor described the child's face as "just terrible. It's just bad."

Apparently the boy's family had recently taken the dog in as a stray and had not previously seen signs of aggression. Family friends said the dog was sleeping on the boy's bed just before the attack. Animal Care and Protective Services removed the dog and police are investigating the incident. This terrible dog bite attack comes just more than a week after a 3-year-old boy was attacked and killed by a pit bull in the Arlington area of Jacksonville, Florida. If you would like to read more on this incident please see 2-year-old boy of Jacksonville, Florida sent to hospital after he was bit on the jaw by the family's pit bull.

Although dogs are mostly domesticated animals, these animals still have dangerous propensities that can cause harm to you or your children. If you would like to read the local leash laws for Duval County please read Is there a Dog Leash Law in Duval County (Jacksonville) Florida?

Fiestas en casas son muy populares entre los adolescentes de la Florida. En muchos casos, estos partidos brindan a los adolescentes con un método de consumo de alcohol y otras drogas. Sin embargo, muchos padres de la Florida tienen que ser conscientes de la "fiesta de puertas abiertas" de la Florida la ley en vigor desde 1991. De conformidad con esta ley, si un individuo bajo la edad de 21 años de edad es sorprendido consumiendo alcohol o drogas en una fiesta en su casa o en su propiedad usted puede ser arrestado y acusado de un delito menor de segundo grado. Usted podría enfrentar hasta 60 días de cárcel y una multa de $ 500.
Esta ley ha llegado recientemente a la luz después de que dos parejas de padres en Boca Ratón, Florida fueran arrestados por hacer fiestas en su casa, donde hubo alcohol presente. Según los informes policiales, los padres dijeron que no eran conscientes de que el alcohol estaba en la fiesta o que fue interpuesto por una turba de personas sin invitación. Los padres fueron detenidos y Shlomo Rasabi Jeannie y Pablo e Ingrid Paolino, todos de Boca Raton, Florida.

Según el abogado de Rasabi, Adam Harmelin, los Rasabi pasaron por encima y más allá de lo que la ley exige para garantizar la seguridad en la fiesta de sus dos hijos, con edades entre 16 y 17.
¿Qué debe ser probado por el Estado de la Florida es que los padres sabían que había alcohol en la fiesta, el alcohol estaba siendo consumido por los menores y los padres no hicieron nada para detener el consumo de menores de edad. Según la Corte Suprema de la Florida, los padres podrían no tener que pagar si se terminó el partido o tomó otras medidas para detener el uso de alcohol o drogas. Si desea leer más sobre esta historia por favor, ver a ">lo que los padres de la Florida necesita saber de la Florida el derecho de "Fiestas de casas".

Los padres tienen la responsabilidad de saber lo que sus hijos, especialmente los adolescentes, están consiguiendo. Aunque los padres no tienen prohibido hacer fiestas en casa o de graduación de sus hijos adolescentes, los padres deben ser conscientes de las actividades que se realizan en estas fiestas. Mantener la supervisión sobre la fiesta es proteger a los padres de la responsabilidad y asegurar un ambiente seguro para sus niños y los adolescentes que asistieron a la fiesta.

Florida es un estado de fútbol. Tenemos programas de fútbol muy fuerte y competitivo, tanto en el colegio y el nivel de secundaria a través del Estado de la Florida. El fútbol es un deporte muy exigente físicamente y resistentes. A nivel de escuela secundaria y la universidad, el entrenador está llamado a liderar un programa de fútbol a la victoria. Muchas veces, un entrenador, ya sea por su propia cuenta o por la presión de los padres o administradores de la escuela, lleva el concepto de formación, prácticas, juegos y la disciplina demasiado lejos. Algunos pueden decir que es el trabajo del entrenador para que los jugadores duros y para ayudar a proteger a los propios jugadores en el juego. Otros argumentan que el papel de un entrenador de la escuela secundaria es la de servir como modelo a seguir a los hombres jóvenes y no abusar, golpear o dañar al niño.

El entrenador de fútbol a cargo del programa de South Walton High School fue arrestado recientemente y acusado de los delitos de abuso de menores. Se informó que James Barron golpeó a un jugador en la garganta dos veces y también enseñó a sus jugadores una maniobra llamada el empuje de la garganta para ser utilizados en los juegos contra los opositores. En mi opinión, golpear a un niño en la práctica de fútbol o en cualquier otro lugar es inaceptable y debe someterse a las consecuencias de sus actos. También es inquietante leer que un entrenador está enseñando a los jugadores de la escuela secundaria cómo hacer daño a los jugadores rivales en un juego con esta medida llamada el empuje garganta. Una búsqueda en Google del término " empuje la garganta", me señaló a un sitio que se definen varios movimientos de lucha libre profesional. Por supuesto, la naturaleza exacta de lo que se está haciendo y les enseña a los jugadores deberían ser más clara a través de la investigación penal.

El entrenador Barron tendrá derecho a defenderse de los cargos criminales a través de un abogado de defensa penal de Florida o de los servicios del defensor público. Hay a veces es una línea muy fina entre competencia y abuso. Puede leer más sobre esta historia en el South Walton High School entrenador de fútbol acusado de abuso infantil.

Probablemente hay muchos casos de entrenamiento abusivos en las escuelas secundaria de la Florida que nunca se informó o investigado. En este caso, al parecer, son otros jugadores que fueron testigos de los incidentes y se han ofrecido a dar declaraciones a los funcionarios de instrucción. No es fácil para un jugador para dar una indicación de las acciones o inacciones de un entrenador u otro oficial escolar.

El fútbol de alta escuela es importante para la comunidad y los jugadores. Algunos jugadores ( no Muchos) tienen la oportunidad de obtener una beca de fútbol para jugar la competencia, sin embargo, la oportunidad de beca no deben tener prioridad sobre todas las otras preocupaciones como la seguridad y el bienestar del jugador. Ganar a cualquier precio, abusando de los jugadores, y perjudicar al oponente no tienen cabida en el deporte de la Florida la escuela secundaria.

House parties are popular among Florida teens. In many instances, these parties provide teenagers with a method to consumer alcohol and other drugs. However, many Florida parents need to be aware of Florida's "open house party" law effective since 1991. Pursuant to this law, if any person under the age of 21-years-old is caught drinking or using other drugs at a party in your home or on your property you could be arrested and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. You could face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

This law has recently come to light after two sets of parents in Boca Raton, Florida were arrested for hosted post-homecoming parties, where alcohol was present. According to the police reports, the parents said they either were unaware that alcohol was at the party or that it was brought by a mob of uninvited party crashers. The parents arrested were Shlomo and Jeannie Rasabi and Paul and Ingrid Paolino, both of Boca Raton, Florida.

According to the Rasabi's attorney, Adam Harmelin, the Rasabi's went above and beyond what the law requires by providing security at the private homecoming party the Rasabi's held for their two sons, aged 16 and 17. What must be proved by the State of Florida is that the parents knew there was alcohol on the premise, the alcohol was being consumed by minors and the parents did nothing to stop the underage consumption. According to the Florida Supreme Court, parents could avoid being charged if they ended the party or took other steps to stop the alcohol or drug use. If you would like to read more on this story please see Florida parents need to know Florida's "Open House Party" Law.

Parents have a responsibility to know what their children, especially teenagers, are getting into. Although parents are not forbidden from throwing homecoming or graduation parties for their teens, parents need to be aware of the activities going on at these parties. Maintaining supervision over the party will protect parents from liability and ensure a safe environment for their children and the other teens attending the party.

Florida weather permits swimming and other water-related activities almost all year long. However, that only means that parents need to constantly educate their children on the dangers of water. Recently, Samuel Baker, 2, almost drowned in Polk County after the toddler was found floating in a pond. The child was hospitalized in Winter Haven and last reported to be in critical condition.

Samuel was visiting his godparents Melissa Mechile Simmons, 41, and Sainville Diga, 54, both of Winter Haven, when the incident occurred. According to the police report, Simmons told authorities she and her boyfriend, Diga, were sitting at home with the front door open. Samuel was sitting on the front steps while Simmons watched him from the couch. Simmons then got up to retrieve some dish soap from the kitchen and when she returned Samuel was gone. Simmons and Diga immediately began to search the area around their home when Simmons found one of Samuel's flip-flops in the pond directly behind their home. After she found the flip-flop, she immediately called 9-1-1. Diga retrieved Samuel from the pond, who was found floating face down, and performed CPR on the child until authorities arrived. Samuel was transported to Winter Haven Hospital Emergency Room where doctors determined his conditional was so critical that he needed to be airlifted to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. The Sheriff's Office is still investigating the incident. If you would like to read more on this story please see 2-year-old boy in critical condition after almost drowning in Winter Haven pond.

This incident is a tragedy for Samuel's family and community. A key component to maintaining a child's safety is constant supervision. It only takes mere seconds for a child to wander off and sustain serious personal injuries or death. Constantly keep an eye on your children, whether he or she is around water, on the playground or just playing around the house. Supervision is key to protecting your child from harm.

In Florida, parents need day care centers to care for and supervise their children while at work. It is important for a parent to have peace of mind when leaving a child under the supervision of a day care center and child care providers. In Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida, the Early Learning Coalition has developed a child rating program that recognizes day care centers that meet certain criteria and standards. The information and ratings from the Guiding Star Program can be used by parents to determine the level and quality of care that is provided by a local day care center. Of course, the award of a rating is not a guarantee that good care will be provided but it is a good indication for parents as a starting point to evaluate a day care center. You can read more about this story at Ratings in Jacksonville Florida - Duval County Day Care Center - Guiding Star Program.

Day care centers have a duty to provide quality care and supervision of children. When a day care center fails to follow regulations or "cuts corners", children are often times injured and require medical care. Day care center injuries can be prevented with the maintenance of a quality facility and the provision of consistent supervision.

Continue reading " Jacksonville Florida Day Care Center Ratings - Guiding Stars of Duval Program " »

Florida is a football state. We have really strong and competitive football programs at both the college and high school level through the State of Florida. Football is a very physically demanding and tough sport. At the high school and college level, the head coach is called upon to lead a football program to victory. Often times, a head coach, whether on his own or by pressure of parents or school administrators, takes the concept of training, practice, games, and discipline too far. Some may say that it is the job of the coach to make the players tough and to help the players protect themselves in the game. Others argue that the role of a high school coach is to serve as role model to young men and not to abuse, hit, or harm the child.

The football coach in charge of the program at South Walton High School was recently arrested and charged with the crimes of child abuse. It was reported that James Barron struck a player in the throat twice and also taught his players a maneuver called the throat thrust to be used in games against opponents. In my opinion, striking a child at football practice or anywhere else is unacceptable and should subject the coach to consequences for his actions. It is also disturbing to read that a coach is teaching high school players how to harm opposing players in a game with this move called the throat thrust. A google search of the term "throat thrust" pointed me to one site that defined several professional wrestling moves. Of course, the exact nature of what was being done to and taught to the players should become more clear through the criminal investigation.

Coach Barron will be entitled to defend himself against the criminal charges through a Florida criminal defense attorney or the services of the public defender. There sometimes is a fine line between a competitive coach and an abusive one. You can read more about this story at South Walton High School Football Coach Charged with Child Abuse.

There are probably many incidents of abusive coaching in Florida high schools that never get reported or investigated. In this case, there apparently are other players who witnessed the incidents and have stepped forward to provide statements to investigating officers. It cannot be easy for a player to give a statement as to the actions or inactions of a coach or other school official.

High school football is important to the community and players. Some (not many) players have an opportunity to get a football scholarship for competitive play; however, the opportunity for scholarship should not take precedence over all other concerns like the safety and welfare of the player. Winning at all costs, abusing players, and harming the opponent have no place in Florida high school sports.

En la Florida, tenemos el beneficio de un buen clima que permite el deporte al aire libre todo el año. Esta es una clara ventaja de vivir en la Florida. El tiempo y el acceso a los campos y juegos al aire libre también puede ser un peligro para los niños que participan en los deportes. Muchos niños sufren lesiones relacionadas con el deporte debido a lesiones por uso excesivo y la falta de períodos necesarios de descanso y relajación tanto para la mente y el cuerpo. Debido a la capacidad durante todo el año y el acceso a participar en los deportes, los padres y entrenadores deben tener en cuenta que el cuerpo de un atleta niño tiene límites y un niño atleta corre el riesgo de lesión durante su participación en los deportes y la formación.

Un buen artículo fue publicado titulado 7 maneras probadas para prevenir las lesiones deportivas en los niños. Este es un buen artículo para los padres, entrenadores y oficiales de la liga para leer. Tener un niño sano y seguro en la final de la temporada debe ser el foco principal de un programa de deportes. Ganar es lo máximo, pero no si es a costa de la salud o la seguridad de un atleta infantil.

Putnam County and other areas in Florida have a number of waterways, ponds, canals, and other bodies of water. While Florida weather allows for year round enjoyment and use of these water areas, there is also a year round risk of drowning to small children. Because of this risk, it is important for parents, day care providers, teachers, and other child care providers to provide consistent supervision of children any time that there is a body of water near by or accessible to the child.

In Putnam County, Florida, First Coast News reported that a 17 month old boy was found dead in a pond near the boy's home. According to news reports, the boy's mother stated that the child was in the backyard playing prior to the incident. Just a few minutes or moments of distraction may have lead to this unfortunate and tragic death of this child.

Children are known to be curious explorers. Unfortunately, children especially toddlers fail to recognize the dangers of water. A child can drown in as little water as a puddle or a bucket of water. Because of the dangers of water to children, it is vital that property owners take precautions to enclose water ways away from access to children. Florida has a specific law in place pertaining to swimming pools. You can read this law at Residential Swimming Pool Act.

You can read more about this story at Toddler Found Dead in Pond Near Home in Putnam County Florida.

Miguel Ventura, a 32-year-old middle school teacher of Seminole County, Florida, resigned just as the school district moved to fire him. Ventura admitted to the exchange of 956 "inappropriate, sexually charged, sexually explicit" text messages with a former student. This is not Ventura's first incident regarding inappropriate behavior with his students; he has been reprimanded in both Seminole and Orange County schools for inappropriate behavior and communication with students.

After the school district was notified by a concerned parent, though not a parent of the girl Ventura was texting, about the text messages, the district conducted an investigation. The investigation led district to discover the exchange of 956 messages in 22 days. Ventura initiated the contact with student, who remains a student in Seminole County, and texted during school hours and at night.

The Seminole County's Sheriff's Office will also be conducting its own investigation and information about Ventura's actions will be sent to the Florida Department of Education. The FDE (The Florida Department of Education) could take action against Ventura's teaching certificate. Although there was an incident with Ventura fraternizing with students in Orange County back in 2003, Seminole officials were unaware of the incident by the time they hired him. However, under new Florida law disclosure is required for these types of reprimands. If you would like to read more on this incident please see Middle school teacher in Seminole County, Florida resigns after admitting to sending sexually charged text messages to a student.

Adults who take advantage of minors are depraved in every sense of the word. If you suspect someone is the victim of sexual abuse please contact local officials so an investigation and be initiated as soon as possible.

In Florida, we have the benefit of great weather that allows for outdoor sports year round. This is a definite advantage of living in Florida. The weather and access to fields and outdoor play can also be a danger to children participating in sports. Many children suffer sports related injuries due to overuse injuries and the lack of needed periods of rest and relaxation both for the mind and the body. Because of the year round ability and access to participate in sports, parents and coaches alike need to keep in mind that a child athlete's body has limits and a child athlete is at risk for injury while participating in sports and training.

A good article was posted titled 7 Tested Ways to Prevent Sports Injuries in Kids. This is a good article for parents, coaches, and league officials to read. Having a safe and healthy child at the end of the season should be the primary focus of a sports program. Winning is great but not if it is at the expense of the health or safety of a child athlete.

Jacksonville, Florida got some headlines recently for being the location of a bizarre and tragic death of a 3 month old toddler. The Florida Times Union newspaper reported that Alexandra Tobias (age 22) was playing Farmville when her 3 month old toddler (Dylan Lee) interrupted her play. For those unfamiliar with Farmville, it is a game played through Facebook. Farmville allows a person to build a farm and ask others in the Facebook community to help out by contributing animals, tools, and work towards tending to crops. It is a "make believe" game that people enjoy to play. Unfortunately, too much of anything can turn bad. A real life child should always take precedence to a "make believe" game and just about anything else out there. People playing online games or anything else need to keep things in perspective. Even if something bad happened with the Farmville farm, it just does not matter especially when considering the health, safety, welfare of a child or an other person for that matter.

It was reported that Alexandra Tobias pled guilty to the charges. She will be entitled to representation by a Florida criminal defense attorney or public defender as to the sentencing phase of the case. You can read more about this story at Jacksonville Florida Woman Kills Child for Interrupting Farmville Game.