top 5 child injuries and preventions, children motor vehicle accidents, child poisoning, child fires and burns, child drownings, child dog bites
As Florida personal injury attorneys, we see firsthand just how devastating injuries to children can be for families. The most tragic part of many childhood injuries is that they are often completely preventable and simply the result of negligence or improper care. We want to make sure kids can stay safe, which is why we have compiled the following list of five of the leading childhood injuries and what we can all do to prevent them.
1. Motor vehicle accidents
Tragically, far too many children are killed or injured in motor vehicle accidents each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traffic-related injuries were the leading cause of death for those aged 0 to 19 years. What’s worse, however, is that many of these deaths could have been prevented. A properly installed child safety seat, for example, can drastically reduce the risk of death or injury. Adults, too, can keep their children safe by simply driving in a more careful manner, which means no texting and driving, no impaired driving, and no drowsy driving.
2. Poisoning
Children are naturally curious, but sometimes that curiosity can lead to danger. Common household items, such as cleaners and medicine, can be dangerous to children if digested. What’s even worse is that many people keep cleaning products in cupboards that are under the sink and easy for children to reach. Dangerous chemicals and medicines should be kept out of reach and in a cupboard that is locked.
3. Fires and burns
House fires are a serious risk for young children. In fact, the greatest risk tends to come from smoke inhalation rather than from the fire itself. You should have fire alarms installed throughout your house and you should ensure that they are all functioning properly. Burns and scalds are a similar injury risk for young children. Be sure to keep hot beverages out of reach and be careful about hot bath water. Hot water from a bath can scald your child’s sensitive skin in seconds!
4. Drowning
Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in the United States for those aged one to four years. Children should always be supervised by an adult when around pools or bodies of water. If you have a pool in your backyard, make sure that any doors leading outside cannot be easily opened by your child. It is also never too early to talk to your children about pool safety. Also, keep in mind that for infants, drowning in a bathtub is a serious risk. Just a couple inches of water in the tub can be a deadly hazard for infants who are left unattended.
5. Dog bites
Children tend to be at an increased risk of serious injury from dog bites for a number of reasons. For one, many children do not appreciate the dangers a dog may pose. Children may attempt to pet or hug a dog, which could provoke the animal to attack. Furthermore, because of their small size, when children are bitten their injuries tend to be worse than a similar bite would be to an adult. Children should never be left alone with a dog, even if it is a family dog. Children should also be taught not to approach a dog or try to pet it unless an adult is nearby and tells them it is safe to do so.
We all want to do everything possible to protect our children from getting hurt or injured. Sadly, injuries to children happen every day. If your child has been hurt, it is important to reach out to a Boca Raton personal injury attorney, such as at the Shiner Law Group, who can help your family understand what legal options may be available. Call NOW at 561-777-7700.
