Every parent knows that children are at high risk for injuries – bumps and bruises are often part of the daily routine. Car crashes; drowning, accidental poisoning, fires, falls, and suffocation are some of the most prevalent causes of serious injury in children. Accidents will happen, even when parents have taken every safety precaution.
Though many accidents tend to happen at home, it is natural for parents to worry about a child’s safety when they are out and about. Accidents can happen anywhere – at a play date, at school, in the backyard.
What are the most prevalent child accidents outside of the home?
The majority of child accidents outside of the home are usually pretty mild, with slips and trips at the forefront. Kids run around and play games – there inevitably is going to be a scraped elbow from falling off a swing, a bumped head playing on the jungle gym, or a bloody nose from a football to the face. More serious injuries outside of the home are usually caused by the same play, but with more problematic results such as broken bones, chipped teeth, and head injuries.
Who is to blame?
Sometimes, injury is a direct result of negligence either by a caregiver or teacher, while at other times, there is no clear-cut bad guy. It really depends on the nature of the injury and how it came to be when determining if someone really is at fault. In many cases, such as two children colliding on the football field and bumping heads, there really is no one to blame. But, in other situations, the blame often falls on the adult who has been charged with supervising – often babysitters and teachers. It is the duty of the caregiver to ensure that all children are safe and well looked after.
Getting medical attention
Many minor injuries such as scrapes, cuts, and bruises are easily treated at home with some tender loving care, and some over-the-counter treatments. If a parent is unsure of the level of medical care required it is advisable to call a doctor or visit the school nurse. In more extreme situations a trip to an urgent care centre or a call for an ambulance, especially in head injuries or suspected broken bones, may be the next step.
Personal injury claims for a child
In many cases, parents are generally unsure how to handle an accident in which their child has been injured. In fact, many parents aren’t even aware that it is possible to file a personal injury claim on behalf of their child. But, if a child is injured due to someone else’s negligence, parents may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
The first step in filing a personal injury claim for a child is to contact a personal injury attorney. Doing a search online for something as simple as “Dallas personal injury lawyer” will often elicit plenty of results to get started. Attorneys will often have a consultation in which they learn the basics of the case including the child’s age, extent of injuries, and any permanent damage that has come from those injuries. They will assess the details and advise as to whether or a not a personal injury claim case is a good idea.
Just remember, there are often strict time limits as to when a personal injury case may be filed, so it is always advisable to seek professional assistance quickly.
Earnest Parenting: help for parents dealing with an injured child.