This case is still under investigation and the names of those involved are being withheld.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about 75 people are killed annually and about 20,000 are injured on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors. One out of every five of those fatalities is a child. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics in a 2001 article in the journal Pediatrics, which was reaffirmed in 2010, states that “many of these injuries can be achieved by 1) design changes of lawn mowers to enhance safety, 2) appropriate age and maturity guidelines for mower operation, and 3) education of parents, other child caregivers, and children regarding the hazards associated with lawn mowers.”

Florida Child Injury lawyer Jim Dodson provides this information to increase consumer safety and awareness. It does not imply that an attorney client relationship exists nor is it to be considered legal advice to any viewer.

A release from Associated Press reports that a toddler, 2-year-old Mark Andrew Van Cott, drowned Thursday evening in a lake bordering the backyard of his grandparents’ home in a St. Petersburg’s Brighton Bay area.

The toddler was playing inside the house while his grandparents were preparing dinner. They suddenly noticed he was no longer around and began searching the house for him.

The child’s grandfather then went to search the back yard and saw him lying face down in the lake near the shore. He pulled the little boy from the water and began CPR, which was continued until paramedics arrived.

The young child had apparently gotten out of the house through an open sliding glass door leading to a screened in back porch, and then got out through a screen door that was not secured. The lake is about 60 feet from the house.

The family said that he was not out of sight for more the five minutes before being found in the lake.

Drowning is the number one cause of death in children under 5 in Florida. These tragic child deaths can be prevented by making certain that all doors that could give a child access to water are properly secured, and ensuring that an adult is assigned to keep a watchful eye on a child who is playing anywhere in the vicinity of water.

 This tragic near-drowning accident unfolded last Thursday morning around 11am when Mike Wynperie heard screams from the father of a young child, who had ventured into a pond nearby their backyard.  “She drowned out there in the backyard. She drowned. She went to the water.”  Those were the frantic words captured on the 911 call. 

 The situation by all accounts seemed dire.  The little girl wasn’t breathing.  Her lips were blue.  Her family was in shock as they waited for paramedics.  Wynperie went into action.  “Everything just happened so fast. I didn’t even have time to think.”

 When paramedics arrived 5 minutes later, the toddler’s pulse showed signs of life.  She was then rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where her condition is improving. 

Almost 200,000 children die each year from accidental drownings.  Many of these horrible accidents happen with a momentary distraction  in  “good families.”   Learn more on our Florida Child Injury website about drown proofing your children and avoiding this unthinkable tragedy.

 The Dodson Law Firm lauds the efforts of Mr. Wynperie and his quick response in saving this toddler’s life from a near drowning.  For those interested in learning more about CPR training and a class near you, please visit americaheart.org.

Florida Accident Lawyer, protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 25 years.

 All vehicles have blind spots, where visibility may be limited. High profile cars such as SUV’s, trucks and vans can be dangerous due to  their design.  As a result, unsuspecting children are seriously injured and even fatally injured. Backover accidents occur in both residential areas, as well as other common  places such as parking lots. 

 Here are some astonishing facts and figures to consider:

1. Most victims of backover accidents are toddlers (12-23 months old)
2. 60% of the time, Trucks, Vans, SUV’s and other large sized vehicles are involved in the accident 
3. A parent or close relative is behind the wheel in over 70% of these accidents 
4. Annually over 2,400 children are attended to in emergency rooms, as a result of being struck by or rolled over by a vehicle

It’s reported that 100 children are killed each year from these accidents.  Improved technology by manufacturers and standards to increase rear visibility could potentially be a true safeguard to children.  But the ultimate responsibility is to the driver.  Backing up is risky and requires a driver’s complete attention. Patience and a willingness to slow down and drive defensively…even while backing out of a driveway, will provide a safer haven to children and prevent a real tragedy.

Our Florida Child Injury document library contains  a resource article with information concerning safety devices to reduce the risk of backover accidents.  

An 18-month-old toddler died after falling from a ground-floor window in Orange County, Florida.    Paramedics and deputies were called to the Lake Margaret home after a 911 call. 

 Authorities have not released any details, but neighbors say that the couple who reside there are foster parents.  Lt. Paul Hopkins said that while there was no clear sign of foul play, the Sheriff’s Office will conduct an investigation and an autopsy will be performed. 

 Any accident concerning a child is tragic.  The leading cause of death in children over one year of age is trauma. Each year, more than 6,000 children die from accidental injury. Over 14,000,000 children are hurt each year from carelessness.

 Home injuries are one of the top causes of children under the age of three being rushed to the emergency room. Almost 70% of children who suffer fatal, accidental injuries at home are ages 4 and under. 

Young children should never be left unsupervised. Adults  have a responsibility to  protect a child from foreseeable risks and harm.