Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

Michael Grady will forever be a hero to his son, family, and the community. While on vacation in North Carolina, 12 year old, Austin Grady, got stuck in some boulders in a mountain stream. His father, Michael Grady, got into the water and positioned himself to save his son and keep his son above water. Tragically, Michael Grady got trapped as well and ultimately died from hypothermia from being in the water too long. The incident happened in the Cullasaja River near Highlands, North Carolina. You can read more about this story at Father Loses His Life Saving Son from Drowning in North Carolina.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Swimming pools in Jacksonville, Florida can be an area of great fun and relaxation. Swimming pools can also be the site of tragedy. A 7 year old Jacksonville boy recently died while at a family birthday party. Jaylen Baker was at the Cimarron Apartments in Arlington when the incident took place. He was later taken to Shands Jacksonville. The news report on this tragedy did not list details as to how many people were at the party, who was supervising the children, what lifeguards (if any) were in place, or how long it is estimated that the child was underwater prior to being located. You can read more about this story at Jacksonville, Florida 7 Year Old Drowns at Apartment Complex.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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A tragic boating accident in Lake George (Florida) ended the life of a Fernandina Beach 5 year old and other children as well. Cole Bizuk, from Fernandina Beach, Florida died when a boat he was in capsized in Lake George. Cole was one of the victims who trapped in the cabin of the boat when it capsized. It was reported that all of the children on the boat except one were wearing a life jacket. Unfortunately, a life jacket was not sufficient to save Cole and others who were trapped in the cabin of the boat.

You can read more about this article at Florida 5 Year Old Dies After Tragic Boating Accident.

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Posted In: Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Florida summers bring with it swimming and boating activities. Florida summers also bring stories of tragedies and deaths that take place in Florida swimming pools, lakes, rivers, canals, and oceans. In Ocala, Florida two children died after a boat capsized in Lake George. A storm produced waves three to four feet high that, in turn, capsized the boat. Dennis Clayton Lennon, age 4 of Umatilla, Florida, and Ciara Puskas, age 14 of Eustis, Florida died when they were trapped in the cabin of the capsized boat.

When boating or planning a boating outing, a responsible adult should pay close attention to weather reports and plan accordingly. Of course, many incidents are tragedies that could not be predicted or prevented. Others tragedies including serious personal injuries and deaths to Florida children result from poor planning, improper equipment, and the failure to use life jackets and other safety measures.

You can read more about this story at Two Children Die When Boat Capsizes in Florida Lake.

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Posted In: Boating Accidents , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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As summer approaches in Florida and other states, many children including those who cannot swim and those who cannot swim well will be in pools or near pools. Parents and caregivers should consider swimming lessons for all children. Teaching children swimming safety is also important. News 4 Jax - television news station - posted an article with good information and resources for parents who want to enroll their children in swimming lessons. You can read more at Keeping Jacksonville, Florida Kids Safe Around Water.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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On the Northside of Jacksonville, Florida, twin girls recently died as a result of a drowning incident. The girls lived in a home near a retention pond and wandered into the pond where they both drowned. CPR was attempted on the girls to no avail. The girls were later pronounced dead at Shands Jacksonville Hospital.

This story shows the importance of supervision and barriers / fencing for homes near bodies of water including but not limited to retention ponds. Unfortunately, children do not understand or appreciate the dangers of water. Furthermore, children lack the judgment regarding their swimming abilities and the depth of waterways.

You can read more about this story at Twins Drown in Jacksonville, Florida in a Retention Pond.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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In Florida other coastal States, even experienced swimmers and surfers die. Recently, a University of Florida student, Roland Earl Stiles, III, age 25, was found in the waters off of Crescent Beach after he was reported missing. He was taken to Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Florida where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses reported that Stiles went out beyond the breakers to catch some waves. When he was not seen by friends, there did not appear to be a cause to panic or worry since Stiles had been surfing his entire life. Later, a white surfboard was found without Stiles on it or nearby. Rescuers were called in for assistance. Unfortunately, Roland Earl Stiles, III died as a result of accidental drowning during this surfing outing. You can read more about this story at UF Surfer Dies at Crescent Beach, Florida.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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As we count down the days to summer, more and more children are spending more time outdoors playing in neighborhoods and local parks. The Florida Department of Health and Safe Kids Florida, a non profit organization, are advising parents and caregivers to be on the look out for safety hazards to children. Tragically, over 400 children under the age of 14 died from unintentional injuries in 2007. Another 6000 children were hospitalized due to unintentional injuries.

Some of the most serious injuries to children include spinal cord injuries. Many, but not all, of these injuries could have been prevented with safety precautions by parents, caregivers, as well as children.

Some basic measure that parents and caregivers can and should implement are the following:

Parents and caregivers should never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with windows open or for short periods of time.

Parents and caregivers should lock vehicle doors and trunks. Keys and remote controls should be kept out of the reach of children.

Parents and caregivers should ensure that playground equipment is frequently inspected and kept in good maintenance and repair.

Parents and caregivers should be diligent in supervising children in and near water. Even momentary breaks of supervision can lead to tragic injuries and even wrongful death.

Parents and caregivers should keep poisons including household cleaning products, medications, pesticides, and alcoholic beverages out of the reach of children.

You can read more about safety tips for Florida children at Protect Florida Kids From Unintentional Injuries.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Ottie Steve Harrelson devoted his life to public service. He worked for the Orlando Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff's Department. Even though he retired, he still was active in public service. Just recently, Harrelson was among several other officers who took disabled children on a boating trip. When one of the disabled children fell off the boat, Harrelson jumped in the water to save the teenager. Once Harrelson jumped in, the teenager swam back to the boat. Unfortunately and tragically, Harrelson could not get back to the boat. He was later pulled from the water but could not be revived. After being on life support for a weekend, he was taken off the life support.

The story was reported in the Orlando Sentinel, Miami Herald and other newspapers at Retired Officer Drowns Trying to Save Disabled Boy.

The news reports did leave out some details as to the incident including the type of boat used, type of life jackets used for the disabled teens and adult chaperones / officers, the owner /operator of the boat, and the type of safety measures used for the protection of both of the teenagers / children as well as the adults.

What is clear is that Ottie Steve Harrelson did what he though was right and necessary at the time. He bravely risked his life to save the life of a disabled teenager. Harrelson was 65 years old.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Children in Florida drown every year both inside the home and outside the home in swimming pools, lakes, canals, community pools, rivers, oceans and other waterways. Water safety is important for all children especially infants, toddlers, and young children. Many people do not realize that a child can drown in as little of an inch or less of water. As such, anything that hold water of any amount including buckets, bathtubs, pools, and puddles can present a real drowning risk for a child. Children are at risk for drowning in pools. In addition, the bathroom and kitchen can be dangerous areas as well for the child. Any place where there is water or a water source can be a danger for a child. Close supervision and protective barriers like baby gates and fences are vital for the safety of children.

You can read more safety tips to prevent serious personal injuries as well as deaths from drownings at Drowning Prevention in the Household.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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In Florida, our warm weather allows swimming and boating activities to run virtually year round. We have some cold days here and there but we are called the "Sunshine State" because of our warm and sometimes very hot weather. Children are at risk in states like Florida for drowning because of the number of pools and waterways located through the State. Reported government studies indicate that swimming lessons can help reduce the number / incidents of drownings in Florida and other States. However, experts do warn that many children, who suffer injuries and death from drownings, had swimming lessons. As such, while swimming lessons are recommended, swimming lessons do not prevent all drownings and should not be relied upon by parents to completely protect their children or children under their care. Close, consistent, and continuous supervision of children while in or near a pool is recommended. In addition, private, commercial, and pubic property owners in Florida should take all reasonable measures to enclose and fence waterways as precautions to prevent child drownings. The study was published in the March issue of Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. You can read more about this story at Swimming Lessons Do Not Increase Risk of Drowning.

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Posted In: Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Search crews have located the bodies of a 8 year old girl and a man who drowned after falling into Lake Okeechobee on February 28, 2009. The details of the boating accident were not reported. As part of the investigation, it would be helpful to know the following details:

How many boats were involved in the boating accident?

What kind of boats were involved?

Were the passengers wearing life jackets?

What time did the boating accident take place?

What was the experience of the boat captains?

Was weather a factor in the accident?

What was the visibility?

Which boat had the right of way at the time of the crash?

What measures were taken to avoid the Florida boating accident?

Bodies of girl, man found in Lake Okeechobee

The story was reported by the Associated Press and the Florida Times Union Newspaper at Bodies of Girl, Man Found in Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

The Associated Press
OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Crews have located the bodies of a girl and a man who fell into Lake Okeechobee when their boat tipped over.

Three people went into the lake during Friday night's boating accident. A Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy pulled an eight-year-old girl from the water. She was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive.

A sheriff's office spokeswoman says the body of a 7-year-old girl was found early Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon, crews located the man's body.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Boating Accidents , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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Florida enjoys the reputation of being a tourist destination with warm weather and fun theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens. Unfortunately, Florida also has the distinction of being the number one State in the United States for drownings. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission ranks Florida as the number one State for infant drowning deaths. It is interesting and tragic to note that drowning is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 14. In many drowning death and injury cases, the incidents are avoidable with better safety precautions and supervision. Barriers like pool fences and screen enclosures can help prevent many of child injuries and wrongful deaths due to drownings but parents and homeowners should not completely rely on these safety devices. Supervision is also important anytime children are playing in or near a pool area. You can read more about

You can read more about the problems and dangers of drownings and Florida and other States at Florida Has Number One Ranking in Swimming Pool Drownings.

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Posted In: Attractive Nuisances , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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In Lauderhill (Broward County) Florida, a one year old (Lawrence Paul) died after he drowned in a canal behind his home. At the time he fell in, he was with his three year old sister. The children were under the care of an aunt when the incident took place. There was a fence behind the home but it had no lock on the gate.

In South Florida as well as the rest of the State, there are lakes, canals, rivers, streams, and other water ways throughout the State, it is vital that children was kept away from these most dangerous areas by installing secure gates with locks to keep children out. Water ways like canals can be deemed an attractive nuisance for children. As such, property owners, both home and business, have a duty to protect children from the dangers by installing proper barriers and fencing of the dangerous areas. Fences, locks, and proper supervision can help avoid serious personal injuries and wrongful death to children every year in Florida as well as the rest of the country.

In 2008, there were 11 child drownings in Broward County Florida according to the Sun Sentinel newspaper. You can read more about this story at 1 Year Old Broward County Child Drowns in Canal Near Home.

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Posted In: Attractive Nuisances , Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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The Florida Supreme Court recently ruled on an important issue involving the validity of parental releases for children engaging in potentially dangerous activities that could cause serious personal injuries and death. In the case, a motorsports park had a parent sign a waiver on behalf of a 14 year old riding an all-terrain vehicle. The trial court dismissed the case due to the waiver / release. An appellate court ruled that the waiver / release was invalid and against public policy. The Supreme Court of Florida agreed and ruled 4 to 1 in favor of the family's right to sue the Defendant for the wrongful death of the 14 year old boy. The appellate attorney representing the family was Bard Rockenbach. I know Mr. Rockenbach and have worked with him in the past on some legal and appellate issues. He is a very knowledgeable attorney who has dedicated many years to legal issues to protect and enforce the rights of children and their families. The Supreme Court of Florida has paved the way for other families to bring actions against commercial enterprises and their employees who negligently cause personal injuries and / or the wrongful death to children. A child personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable to the current case law, statutes, and procedures can assist families of injured children in their quest to obtain rightful compensation for medical bill, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life. You can read more about the Supreme Court's decision at Supreme Court of Florida Rules that Parents Cannot Waive Legal Rights of Children.

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Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Attractive Nuisances , Automobile Accidents , Bicycle Injuries , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Motorcycle Accidents , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Florida children are at high risks for drowning and other pool related injuries when at home or visiting a friend's home. To protect children of all ages in Jacksonville and other Florida cities, the legislature enacted the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Chapter 515, Florida Statutes requires that a homeowner have a barrier at least 4 feet high on the outside without any gaps that could allow a child to crawl or squeeze through. The barrier needs to be placed around the barrier of the pool. These barriers are not only for the protection of children in the house but also for the protection of visitors to the home. Even if a homeowner does not have any children or visitors who are children, the barrier is required. You can read more about the act by going to the official site forFlorida Statutes - Chapter 515.

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Posted In: Attractive Nuisances , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Statutory References (Florida) , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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In Jacksonville, Florida and the rest of the Sunshine State, children are injured every day playing sports in school and at the local park. I recently read a great article that gave simple but informative tips on assessing or evaluating the child to determine the severity of the injury. Ideally, it would be best if there was a doctor on the spot for every injury. However, this is not realistic. As such, every day coaches, parents, and volunteers must assess the injury to determine if it is just a minor bruise or bruise to the body and / or ego OR if medical attention / evaluation is necessary. You can read the article at What To Do for Child Sports Related Injuries? I thought that the tips for coaches were especially on point which included the following:

*Work on stretching and conditioning exercises especially early in the sports season;
*Pay attention to the heat and make sure that the players get enough water;
*Do not deprive children of water as a way of punishment;
*Be aware of the medical history and condition of the child; and
*Always have a First Aid Kit available at practices and games.

Safety should be the number one priority for all child sports related activities. A big win at the expense of a child's health is no win at all.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Education , Playground & Recreation Injuries , School Safety , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Can a grandparent or other relative be sued for negligence when a Florida child is injured? The simple answer to this question is "Yes". Florida does not provide immunity to grandparents and other relatives when a child is injured or dies as a result of the negligence of a grandparent or other relative. I have been involved in cases where a grandparent or other relative was negligence and this, in turn, caused personal injury or death to the child. As a Florida child injury lawyer / attorney, these cases are especially difficult to handle from an emotional, social and legal standpoint. Grandparents and other relatives not only suffer the guilt of causing such an injury but are also exposed to civil liability for the resulting pain, suffering, mental anguish, and economic expenses (medical and funeral bills) associated with the injury or death. I do not believe that immunity should be granted to relatives as all persons involved with the care and supervision of a child should be held to the same standard. The fact that a person is related to the child should not excuse negligent conduct leading to serious personal injury or death of a Florida child.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Automobile Insurance , Bicycle Injuries , Boating Accidents , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Motorcycle Accidents , Pedestrian Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Trucking Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Tropical Storm Fay claimed the lives of many including Issac Kiser, a 2 year old boy from Charlton County. The family was without power and the Grandfather went to refuel the generator. The Grandfather did not know that Issac was following him. When the Grandfather returned to the house, the family noticed that Issac was missing. Issac was found in a pond near the house that was dried up prior to Tropical Storm Fay. Issac was transported to Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. The family has set up a memorial fund at the Southeastern Bank in Folkson, Georgia called the Issac Kiser Memorial Fund. Swimming pools, lakes, ponds, canals, and even oversized puddles pose a danger of injury and death to a toddler. To the extent possible, family members and caregivers should do their best to supervise children under their care to avoid injury, tragedy and death.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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Is a Liability Waiver or Release as to a Child's Injury Valid in Florida? Under recent Florida case law, these type of waivers or releases have been deemed invalid and against the public policy of the State of Florida. If possible, parents and guardians should not sign these waivers or releases. However, commercial enterprises often times will not allow a child to participate if the waiver or release is not signed. The signed waiver or release does not grant the commercial enterprise or business immunity in any manner in the State of Florida. In Applegate v. Cable Water Ski, a 5 year old was injured while being pulled on a wakeboard. The parents signed a waiver prior to the injury. A lawsuit was filed and the water ski company tried to run away from liability by presenting the signed waiver or release. The Fifth District Court of Appeal rules that such waivers and releases were invalid. The Court notes that non-profit organizations like charities and schools may be subject to different rulings than commercial enterprises. If you signed a waiver or release at Pump It Up or some other commercial enterprise or business, your child's rights are still intact. Do not be fooled or misled by the self serving forms that are written for the so called protection of these businesses. If you have any questions about a child injury, it is helpful to contact an experienced Florida child injury lawyer to review waivers, releases, the facts of the case, and your child's rights.

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Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Attractive Nuisances , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Negligent Security , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Many Florida sport leagues, tournaments, day care centers, pools, and play centers like Pump It Up and others require the execution of a release / waiver of liability for injuries for your Florida child to participate. A Florida family and its attorney challenged the validity of this waiver and actually won the case. The result of the case was that the release / waiver of liability was determined to be invalid in the case. While this may not mean that all releases and waiver of liability for child injuries are invalid, the case does provide good law and guidance for challenging these releases. I actually know the appellate attorney who argued the case before the appellate case and have used this attorney to handle some of my appeals. You can read more about this topic at Florida Youth Sports Liability Waivers Challenged. Proponents of the waivers state that lawsuits should not be filed due to negligence of coaches, leagues, property owners, or others. In addition proponents of the waivers state that the costs of insurance and operations will only increase if the waivers cannot be utilized to limit liability for negligently causing injuries to children. Opponents of the waiver state that the waivers are unfair and will encourage bad conduct without consequences. I believe that the waivers and releases are fair too broad and should not exempt or excuse negligence that causes serious injury to a child. When there is a child injury (with or without a waiver), it is important to contact a Florida Child Injury Lawyer to review the rights of your child.

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Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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The Florida legislature passed an Anti Bullying law for the protection of children in Florida public schools. The Florida law requires that schools set up procedures for reporting and dealing with acts of bullying. Schools have until December 1, 2008 to establish such procedures. The Florida Anti Bullying Law itself does not provide a civil remedy per se against a public school, day care center, summer camp, teacher, employee, student, or parent for acts of bullying. Since the law is new, it is difficult at this time to predict how the law will be interpreted or enforced. When dealing with most child injuries in the State of Florida, negligence standards apply in most cases. In other words, there must be a duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages to recover monetary damages / compensation for injuries sustained by a child. Dog bites in Florida are subject to their own statute. If a child is bitten by a dog, the owner is strictly liable for the damages or injuries. Negligence does not have to be proven for a dog bite case. For other cases including bullying cases, I believe that the negligence standards would still apply. When dealing with any child injury in Florida that is caused by the fault or negligence of a business, government entity, or person, it is helpful to have the advice and counsel of an experienced Florida child personal injury lawyer to guide you through the laws and represent your child's interests.

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Posted In: Abuse & Neglect , Child Safety , Crimes Against Children , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Education , Playground & Recreation Injuries , School Safety , Sport Related Injuries , Statutory References (Florida) , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Violent Crimes

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Florida public and private schools, day care centers, and summer camps are responsible for teaching and supervising our children. Parents and caregivers rely on public schools and private businesses to watch over our children. While schools are not responsible for every injury or problem that arises, Florida schools and their employees, agents, and even volunteers are responsible for injuries to children that are caused by negligence.

Negligent supervision in the setting of a Florida school, day care, or summer camp requires the following elements:

1. The existence of a teacher-student OR counselor - camper relationship giving rise to a legal duty to supervise the child;

2. Negligent breach of that duty (failure to act reasonably under the circumstances); and

3. Causation of the child's injury by the teacher's / counselor's negligence.

Each case should be evaluated based on its own facts and an analysis of the applicable Florida statues and Florida cases on point. As a child advocate and a Florida child injury lawyer, I know that the safety, welfare, and health of the child are all important. Parents of an injured child can greatly benefit by educating themselves of their rights and responsibilities under Florida law. A Jacksonville child injury lawyer can review the case which may include but would not be limited to evaluating the site of the injury, researching the law, reviewing medical records and bills, and working with safety experts and others to determine the cause of the injury.

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Posted In: Child Safety , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Education , Medical Care & Health Issues , Playground & Recreation Injuries , School Safety , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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A recent Hawaii verdict for $700,000 should cause concern for schools, day care centers, churches, and other groups that take field trips within the community, the State of Florida, and abroad. Teresa Cleary, a chaperone on a cheerleading field trip, was charged with the responsibility of chaperoning and supervising the children on a trip to Hawaii. One of the students on the trip (an 18 year old) fell from a balcony to her death. There were reports of drinking prior to the incident. While an incident like this is uncommon, the verdict serves as a "wake up call" to all parents responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of children on a field trip. While it is important to have fun, see the sites, and have an education, the safety of the children is the most important thing when traveling with children. This applies to a field trip around the corner as well as trips to other countries.

The liability of a chaperone is similar to that of a teacher or neighbor watching your child. You can read more about the legal requirements for such a case in Florida by going to my article at Negligent Supervision in Florida by Teachers and Other Adults at Schools and Summer Camps: Do I have a legal case?

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Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Attractive Nuisances , Automobile Accidents , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Education , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Playground & Recreation Injuries , School Safety , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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Summer camp is a tradition in Florida and the United States. Whether your child goes to a day camp or sleep away camp, there are great benefits to summer camp. The goal of summer camp is to enrich the lives of your children. Unfortunately, unexpected events like personal injuries, fractures, lacerations, head injuries, and drownings take place in summer camps. Some can be avoided with better safety measures, supervision, and judgment. Other incidents cannot be avoided. Pediatrics - The Official Journal of The American Academy of Pediatrics published an interesting article / study on injuries in summer camps at Illness and Injury Among Children Attending Summer Camp in the United States The study noted that some activities like horseback riding and capture the flag resulted in a higher incidence of injury.

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Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Attractive Nuisances , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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Traumatic child injuries in Florida including automobile accident, falls, sports injuries, diving injuries, trampoline injuries, and violent injuries (gun shots / stabbings) account for most spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord consists of a bundle of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Most spinal cord injuries occur in the neck ( cervical ) region. According to the Children's Hospital Boston, there are a variety of symptoms that can be associated with a spinal cord injury. You can read more about this topic at My Child Has Spinal Cord Injury - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Legal matters and representation of a child with a spinal cord injury can be quite complex. There are a variety of issues to address including but not limited to liability ( fault ), causation, automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, business insurance, health insurance, medical bills - past and future, medical treatment, life care plans, surgery, guardianship, settlement, annuity purchase, loss of support and services for the parents and guardians, and other issues. Whether a child sustains a spinal cord injury or lesser injury, it is helpful to have the advocacy and advice of a Florida child injury lawyer / attorney for these matters.

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Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Attractive Nuisances , Automobile Accidents , Automobile Insurance , Bicycle Injuries , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Crimes Against Children , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Medical Care & Health Issues , Medical Malpractice , Motorcycle Accidents , Pedestrian Injuries , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Violent Crimes

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Florida children acquire or are inflicted with traumatic brain injuries from automobile accidents, playground incidents, day care injuries, slips and falls, sports related injuries, and other causes. Some refer to traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a brain injury or head injury. Traumatic brain injury is caused when sudden trauma damages the brain. Traumatic brain injury occurs when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or when an object goes through or pierces the skull and damages the brain tissue. Symptoms for traumatic brain injury can range from mild to moderate to severe. Some victims of traumatic brain injury experience loss of consciousness and others do not. Other symptoms of traumatic brain injury include the follows: headache, light headedness, dizziness blurred vision, tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, mood change, lethargy, change in sleep patterns, memory problems, concentration problems, attention, and thinking and cognitive defects.

Some children who sustain a traumatic brain injury are affected for life. Since the brain is very fragile, treatment for traumatic brain injury can be quite limited. It is important to get evaluation and treatment for traumatic brain injury by professionals including but not limited to neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychologists, psychiatrists, and / or neuro-pscychologists. The National Institute of Health has some good resources and information for traumatic brain injury at Traumatic Brain Injury - Hope Through Research.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Automobile Insurance , Bicycle Injuries , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Medical Care & Health Issues , Medical Malpractice , Motorcycle Accidents , Negligent Security , Pedestrian Injuries , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Traffic Citations , Train Accident & Injuries , Trucking Accidents

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As a Jacksonville Florida child injury lawyer, I feel that it is my responsibility to share my experience and expertise with others not only as a lawyer but also as a safety advocate. Parents, teachers, volunteers, day care workers, and child care workers can take action to better supervise children and the playgrounds in the community. The National Program for Playground Safety is a non profit organization that promotes playground safety in Florida and other states. A Quick Checklist and other valuable tips can be accessed at the National Program for Playground Safety web site.

Unfortunately, many children are injured every year on Florida playgrounds due to defective equipment, poor maintenance, bullying, and the lack of proper supervision by adults charged with the responsibility of watching our children. If you feel that your child has been injured by negligence at a Florida playground, call a Florida child injury lawyer for advice and guidance.

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Posted In: Attractive Nuisances , Child Safety , Crimes Against Children , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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The Florida Times Union newspaper web site has a tool to research summer camps in Jacksonville Florida. The 2008 Summer Camp Directory should be used by every parent and caregiver making a decision about summer camps. Parents should be careful when selecting a summer camp. Look at the decision like you would for day care or school. The adult and teenage counselors will have the responsibility for watching over and supervising your children. Injuries to children and other incidents can happen at a summer camp in Jacksonville Florida. The careful selection of a summer camp may help avoid these problems in the future. Accidents do happen at summer camps. Some incidents are caused by the negligence of the summer camp and its counselors. Others are not. If there is an injury at a summer camp, day care center, or school - it is important to get legal advice from a Jacksonville Florida personal injury attorney to understand and pursue the rights of the injured child.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Attractive Nuisances , Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Day Care Centers and Child Care , Education , Playground & Recreation Injuries , School Safety , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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Jacksonville Florida has great weather and waterways. While boating can be fun and enjoyable, it can also bring about tragedy and death.

George Rosborough, age 19, was killed and Kimberly Anaheim, age 18, was seriously injured in a recent boating accident in Durbin Creek. The location of the accident is just a few miles from my home. The boating accident also involved Kyle Broberg, age 18. who was operating a 16 foot open jet boat. The Florida Wildlife Commission is investigating the incident. The accident victims were all young which may be an indication (in part) of limited experience and poor judgment. Since there was a death and serious injuries, a full investigation will be completed. Like a Jacksonville Florida automobile accident, civil liability will be predicated on negligence. Navigation laws and rules, of course, will control rather than traffic laws and rules. Since this incident involves boating laws, insurance laws, and a host of other issues, it may be helpful for each person to secure the services of an experienced Jacksonville Florida personal injury attorney for guidance and possible representation. You can read more about this tragic boating accident at Jacksonville Florida Man Killed in Boating Accident.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Boating Accidents , Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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Trauma is the number one cause of death in children older than 1 year in the United States.

Head trauma represents more than 80 % of these death related injuries. In Florida, children are injured every day in automobile accidents, slip and falls, playground injuries, school injuries, sports injuries, and bicycle accidents. The anatomical differences in the development and size of a child's brain make it more susceptible to brain injury than an adult. You can read more about the pediatric / child brain injuries at the E Medicine / Web M.D. Web Site - Head Trauma.

It is important to have a pediatric specialist evaluate and treat the child when possible. Many emergency rooms have such specialists but some do not. If you cannot see a pediatric specialist at the ER, you may want to schedule a follow up at the local children's hospital for a more in depth evaluation.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Automobile Insurance , Bicycle Injuries , Child Safety , Gun & Firearm Safety and Injuries , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home , Motorcycle Accidents , Pedestrian Injuries , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries , Sport Related Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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Two Southwest Florida children under the page of 5 recently drowned and several other children experienced a close drowning situation. The State Florida holds the unfortunate title of number one state of drownings as compared with other states. According to the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ), drowning is the number one cause of death among Florida children aged 1 to 4 years old.

The Center for Disease Control identified swimming pools as the leading location for drownings of pre-school aged children. Fencing, alarms, swimming lessons, and most importantly close adult supervision can save lives and prevent injury to children. The following tips were reported in the Naples Florida - Naples Daily News:

• Designate an adult to supervise the children. Make sure that the adult is not engaged in any other distracting activities;

• Encourage children to swim with someone else;

• Learn CPR. It takes time for paramedics to show up;

• Inflatable toys are not substitute for a proper fitting life jacket; and

• Install a four feet fence around the pool (It's the law).

Swimming pools and oceans are places where fun takes place. Unfortunately, they are also the site of many tragedies. Parents, caregivers, and lifeguards should do everything possible to supervise their children.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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In response to an incident where a 5 year old Yulee Florida boy was hit and injured by a vehicle on the beach, Jacksonville Florida officials have set temporary restrictions for parking and driving at Huguenot Memorial Park beach. There were prior discussions about restricting driving and parking at this beach, which is the only beach in Duval County where cars and trucks are allowed on the beach. Advocates for beach and public access oppose such restrictions. I believe that reasonable restrictions will protect and save children from serious injuries and wrongful death from auto accident related injuries.

The incident involving the 5 year old Yulee boy is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. A truck ran over the boy while he was playing in the sand. You can read more about the debate over restrictions at Jacksonville Florida Huguenot Beach Posts Shoreline Signs Following Injuries to 5 Year Old.

Under Florida law, a child under the age of 6 cannot be determined to be negligence for his or her actions. As such, the child regarding the Huguenot Park incident can not be held responsible for his actions.

Legal issues involving children can be complicated. A Jacksonville personal injury lawyer should be able to give a parent guidance on the varied issues that present themselves with a child injury matter.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Automobile Insurance , Child Safety , Pedestrian Injuries , Playground & Recreation Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Traffic Citations

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I read an interesting article online about the ABCs of Water Safety. Florida is the number state for drowning deaths and other injuries. As such, there are a great many of Florida children who die or are otherwise unnecessarily injured by preventable drownings. The ABCs of Water Safety are as follows:

A Adults should have eye contact with children around all forms of water
including pools, lakes, canals, oceans, and other water ways. A child can
apparently drown in as little as one inch of water.

B Barriers protecting Florida children and water can save a life. According to an
Arizona study, over 90 % of injuries would have been avoided with a proper
barrier. Barriers include fences, screen enclosures, and fences / gates around
pools. Many homeowners pick style over safety and do not have barriers in
place. This is short sighted thinking especially in homes where children live or
where children visit.

C CPR classes are vital for adults and children so that everyone knows what to do
in an emergency.

Florida homeowners insurance will cover most injuries / deaths involving drownings. It is far better to take a close look at your safety measures first and then your homeowners policy.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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A 4 year old girl died recently when she drowned in a swimming pool outside of her family's new home.

At the time she drowned, her father was busy working on a fence for the home. The father thought that his daughter went inside the home to join her mother in the kitchen. A few minutes passed, then the father found his daughter at the bottom of the pool. Paramedics rushed the child to Broward General Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Whether it is minutes or hours of inattention by a parent or caregiver, a swimming pool is an extremely dangerous hazard that should be enclosed and protected at all times. 4 Year Old Drowns in Family Pool. According to www.safekids.com, drowning is the second leading of unintentional deaths in the United States for children between the ages of 1 and 14. Any injury or death to a Florida child is a tragedy especially ones that can be prevented.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries , Wrongful Death

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The death or injury of a Florida child due to drowning is a tragic and, in many instances, an avoidable event. The United States Consumer Protection Commission disseminated a good article entitled How to Prevent the Unexpected - Preventing Child Drowning that every pool owner and parent should read in order to protect children. The report indicated that 300 children under the age of 5 die as a result of drowning in a swimming pool nationwide every year. Florida is a state that is populated with thousands of pools. I am a pool owner and have a child safety fence around my entire pool. While my children are good swimmers (they had lessons through an instructor and additional instruction by mom), I decided to keep my child safety fence up in the abundance of caution. My children have friends over and will get into horseplay. I know the swimming abilities of my children but not others. Even though my children are good swimmers, they can still have a fall and go into the pool. While my pool area would look nicer without the fence, I feel more secure with the fence in place. If you have questions about Florida laws pertaining to swimming pools, pool fences, or injuries to children in or around a swimming pool, call David Wolf Attorney at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. (904) 355-8888.

Posted by David A. Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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