Florida Child Injury Law Blog

Posts Tagged ‘fall’

Last month seven manufacturers recalled two million cribs.  In November, Stork Craft recalled 2.1 million drop-side cribs that were a danger to babies.  36 child deaths have been attributed to faulty cribs since 2007. 

As a result, much needed and  new mandatory safety standards for cribs might become a reality in 2011.

 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted 5-0 Wednesday in favor of the proposed regulations. The new rules would essentially ban the manufacture and sale of the very popular drop-side cribs. The announcement of the vote coincided with Pottery Barn Kids recalling 80,000 drop-side cribs that posed entrapment, suffocation and fall hazards. 

 It’s believed the new rules could come into effect next summer if a final vote in December is passed.

Clearwater St. Petersburg Child Accident and Injury Lawyer and author James Dodson, has written “When Kids Suffer Big Injuries, A Parents Guide to Child Injury in Florida,”  to provide parents and guardians with basic information to help them make informed decisions to protect their child’s legal rights. Request your FREE copy today.

Over 200,000 drop side cribs made by LaJobi, Inc have been voluntarily recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 The hazard is found in the drop side hardware.  It can break or fall and create a wedge in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped.  There have been 99 reports of drop side malfunctions.  A total of 8 children have been affected, either becoming trapped in the wedge and suffocating or being strangled, or falling from the crib.  There has been one report of a concussion.  Consumers should stop using these recalled products immediately. 

 For more information on this recall, please visit the U.S. Production Safety Commission website. 

 As a Florida Child Injury Attorney, we understand the emotions involved when a child is injured or hurt.  If your child has suffered an injury due to the negligence of another person, call our toll free number (888) 340-0840 for a free case review.  There is never any obligation to hire a lawyer.

Read our No Fee Promise.

Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity, particularly among young teenage males. If your child is a skateboarder, chances are you know who Tony Hawk is.  You may have even bought his Xbox game! 

Skateboarding is an activity in which you move quickly over hard surfaces. It can lead to injuries that range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic brain injury. Each year in the United States, skateboarding injuries cause about 50,000 visits to emergency departments and 1500 children and adolescents to be hospitalized.

To improve skateboarding safety, a growing number of communities provide supervised skateboard parks. These may have professionally designed “bowls” and “ramps” or other designated skateboarding areas that are located away from motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Naturally injuries can occur but they can be limited if your child follows a few safety tips. 

 1. Always wear a properly fitting helmet and protective gear.  Padding is available for wrists, knees and elbows. 

 2. Learn how to fall.  Landing on a fleshy part of the body is always best.  Try to relax rather than stiffen your body in a fall. If you are losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so you won’t have as far to fall.

 3. Practice common sense.  Avoid skateboarding at dusk or evening hours.  Never “skitch” a ride.  Skitching a ride is when a skateboarder hangs onto the rear or side of a moving vehicle.

 4. Use a quality skateboard and keep it in top condition, looking for needed repairs with every ride. 

To reduce the chance of skateboarding injuries, practice skateboarding safety and always use protective gear.