As most parents say, “accidents happen” and are a normal part of childhood. However, when a child’s injury could have been prevented and only occurred by someone else’s negligence, you want to make sure that the other party is held accountable for your child’s injuries. No parent likes to see their child hurt, so here are some of the most common childhood injuries to look out for.
Most Common Child Injuries
There are many ways a child can get injured, but there are common ones that seem to occur. Car accidents, fall injuries, sports and recreation, swimming pool, and dog bites and defective product injuries are the most common amongst children.
Car Accidents:
Because of their small size, children often suffer the worst when involved in a car accident, since vehicle restraints are designed for full-size adults. A child that is not properly fastened into a car seat or meeting the proper weight and height requirements to not have to sit in one can sustain serious head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and lacerations.
Fall Injuries:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries amongst children between the ages of birth and 19. About 8,000 children in the U.S. are treated every day for fall related injuries. If your child were to fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to recover compensation for your child.
Sports and Swimming Pool Injuries:
Sports and swimming are an important and enjoyable part of many kids’ childhoods. Although these activities are fun, they can result in serious injuries. There is no reason to not allow your child to not participate in these activities due to the risk of an injury, but if your child sustains injuries from the negligence of a coach, team mate, defaulted equipment, or dangerous premises, then you may have grounds for legal action against the responsible party.
Defective Products:
Product manufacturers that make products for babies and children are held to a great responsibility to make products that are safe for children and will work as advertised. When a child is injured by a faulty product such as a toy, furniture, or any other product, every party amongst the chain from manufacturer to consumer can be liable for a child’s injuries.
Dog Bites:
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured as a result of them. Some hazards include the risk of infection, PTSD, and scarring and disfigurement. If someone else’s dog bites your child, you have grounds to pursue compensation for his or her injuries.
Whether your kid is a daredevil or a bit of a klutz, accidents will be a part of their childhood. Just remember, it is important as a parent to make sure that your child receives the proper care and treatment that is necessary to their injury.
