There is nothing scarier than getting a call telling you that your child has been injured in an accident. As parents, we do our best to ensure that our children are safe and taken care of. But as they grow up, it becomes harder to constantly watch over everything that they do. Kids want to have play dates, play sports, and hang out at the local pool, but with these activities come risks. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, a day of fun can quickly turn into an emergency. While accidents happen, injuries that happen as a result of someone else’s negligence are inexcusable. If your child has recently been injured in an accident, contact the Groth Law Firm to learn more about your rights and eligibility for compensation.
Everyday Activities Can Lead to Serious Injuries
One of the scariest things about child injuries is that they often come when a child is out having fun. Children can become so focused on play that they may not realize the dangers around them. This is why we rely on adults to ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent accidents. Common childhood accidents include:
- Pool accidents: Swimming is a common summer activity in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, a crowded pool can be one of the most dangerous places for a child to play. Public pools are required to meet certain safety standards, including lifeguards, safety signs, and security fences.
- Car accidents: Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury to children under the age of 18 and the leading cause of death in children ages five to 19. Traffic laws and car seats are designed to keep children safe. When these measures fail, a child can suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Dog bites: Most small children love animals. Unfortunately, what a child may view as play to can come across as threatening to a dog. Children between the ages of five and nine are most at risk to suffer a dog bite.
- Sports injuries: Sports are a great way for your child to meet friends, stay healthy, and build self-esteem. But it’s important to follow safety guidelines and common sense. Injuries can occur when children fail to wear protective gear, a coach pushes an athlete too far, or weather conditions, such as excessive heat or lightning are ignored.
Common Child Injuries
Children’s bodies are still developing, which puts them at a higher risk of sustaining more serious injuries when involved in accidents. Some of the most common child injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury: A fall or sports injury can lead to a traumatic brain injury. In less severe cases, the child may suffer a minor concussion. In more serious cases, the child may have a loss of consciousness, memory loss, behavioral changes, or sensory issues.
- Broken bones: According to HealthyChildren.org, broken bones are the fourth most common cause of injury to children under the age of six. The most common causes of broken bones in children are falls and car accidents. Treatment will vary based on the severity of the break and may need braces, casts, or surgeries.
- Drowning: A drowning injury can happen quickly and unexpectedly. It only takes a few minutes for a drowning accident to have catastrophic effects. Depending on how long the child was underwater, he or she may suffer from brain damage, organ damage, or death.
- Poisoning: Poisoning can happen when a child ingests medicine, household cleaner, or even toxic plants. According to the Merck Manual, poisoning is the most common cause of non-fatal accidents in the home. Injuries can include organ damage, chemical burns, blindness, or death.
- Burns: Burns can happen when a child touches an unattended stove, an exposed electrical outlet, or other hot surfaces. Severe burns can require surgery and may leave permanent scarring.
- Heatstroke: Heatstroke or dehydration can occur when a child spends too much time outdoors without drinking enough water. Heatstroke is most commonly associated with excessive sports practices, but can also occur when a child spends too much time outdoors in extreme weather. A severe sunburn can also lead to heatstroke.
Preventing Child Injuries
While you can’t always be there to protect your children, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the chance of them sustaining an injury in a preventable accident. These steps include the following:
- Talk to your child about safety early and often: Teach your children to look both ways, buckle up, and always wear a helmet. In the event of someone else’s negligence, these steps can help prevent serious injuries. If your child participates in sports, make sure that they know to drink enough water and when to take a break.
- Trust your gut: Never leave your child with someone who makes you feel uneasy. This includes care providers, family members, and athletic coaches.
- Know your children’s surroundings: Don’t be afraid to ask the adult watching your children about any potential dangers in the home. Such dangers include guns, medication, unsecured pool areas, and any animals in the home.
Common Damages for Child Injuries
Wisconsin law allows the parent or legal guardian of a child to pursue financial compensation for injuries that their child sustained due to another person’s negligence. Common damages awarded include:
- Medical bills, including doctor visits, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages for time missed from work to care for your child
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
Know When to Hire a Milwaukee Child Injury Attorney
After your child has been injured, you likely only want to think about your child’s recovery. Though money won’t be able to take away your child’s pain, it can help your child get the treatment that they need. At the Groth Law Firm, your child’s health and happiness is our number one priority. Now is not the time for you to be fighting with insurance companies and worrying about bills. Let us worry about the legal details while you focus on being there for your child during the recovery process.
If your child has been injured in an accident, the lawyers at the Groth Law Firm can help. Call our office at (414) 240-0707, or contact us online, to find out how we can help.