Children and Slip and Fall Accidents
Children can be particularly susceptible to injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents. These injuries often leave parents needing compensation to help meet their kids’ accident expenses. A slip and fall lawyer, like those at Philly Slip and Fall Guys, can help families fight for their children’s rights after an accident.
A Child’s Risk of Injury
Data shared by the National Library of Medicine shows falls to be the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in children. Factors contributing to child slip and fall accidents include unsafe conditions like uneven flooring and inclement weather. Parents can mitigate fall risks in their homes, and public property owners are responsible for reducing hazards in shared spaces.
The NLM data shows that the most common type of fall injuries in young children occur in the arms. This is due to children placing their arms out to brace themselves from a fall. Children are also prone to injuries in the upper body, like the head and neck. In the U.S., the NLM reports that falls lead to 90% of traumatic brain injury cases in kids under 5. Falls also cause 42% of traumatic brain injuries in kids aged 5-14.
Research supports the idea that kids are at a greater risk of injury than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that children have thinner skin, which could increase the risk of cuts and open fractures from falls. Kids also have less fluid in their bodies than adults, resulting in a higher risk of severe blood loss after an injury.
Where Kids Tend To Fall
One of the most common places for a young child to experience a fall is at home, where they spend most of their time. Parents have control over the home’s safety and can use preventative measures, like spill-proof dishware and stairwell gates, to lower the risk of falls. They can also keep play areas free from excessive clutter to prevent falls.
Schools and daycare centers are other environments where children may slip and fall. Staff members may be trained to respond to emergencies, providing immediate care for injured children. The high demands on teachers’ or daycare employees’ attention potentially increase the likelihood of fall risks going unnoticed.
Public playgrounds, amusement parks, and athletic fields are locations for slip and fall accidents involving kids. The physical activities and attractions in these environments might raise the risk of a fall. Other public spaces, like sidewalks and shopping centers, that are not properly maintained can create slip and fall hazards for children.
Seeking Out a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Serious slip and fall accidents come with medical expenses and other damages. These include emotional trauma to the child and their family and lingering pain and suffering. Hiring an experienced lawyer helps parents and children receive the compensation they deserve following an accident. Insurance providers operating on behalf of property owners work to limit the liability their clients are exposed to. A slip and fall lawyer combats these efforts and negotiates a fair settlement.
An attorney will examine your child’s case to determine liability. Factors affecting liability include release waivers for activity centers. These forms require a parent to assume the risk of their child’s injuries sustained on the property. If the parent signed the release waiver before their child was injured, they can’t hold the facility liable. Public spaces without waivers are responsible for keeping their property safe for visitors. If a property owner’s negligence caused the child’s accident, lawyers will hold them responsible for resulting injuries and other damages.
Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney
An experienced lawyer will protect your child’s rights when they’re injured in a slip and fall accident. These professionals will keep you informed of the case’s progress and ask for supporting evidence if necessary. Our team at the Philly Slip and Fall Guys has over 30 years of experience advocating for children and parents who have been injured due to the negligence of a third party. Contact us today to schedule an initial case consultation.
