Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Car Accidents Are Leading Cause of Children's Deaths in Massachusetts
A new government report shows that car accidents and falls are the leading causes of unintentional child injuries and teens, as well as the leading causes for deaths in the United States.
Approximately 55 million U.S. children and teenagers were treated at emergency rooms for unintentional injuries from 2000 to 2006, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most deaths in this age group were caused by serious car accidents, which equates to about 8,000 deaths a year.
Child Injuries Due to Massachusetts Auto Accidents
When a child is injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, the outcome can be devastating. Serious car crashes involving children have been linked to such injuries as severe head trauma, internal injuries, spinal cord damage and other catastrophic injuries. If a child is not properly restrained or if a car seat is defective, it can contribute to serious injuries, even death.
The report by the CDC also showed that on average, 12,175 children ages 0 to 19 years die each year in the United States from an unintentional injury, which includes car crashes, falls, animal bites, drowning, burns and other horrific events. According to the report, Northeastern states had the lowest overall injury death rates as compared to the rest of the United States.
Grant Baldwin, the director of the CDC's Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, wrote in the report's forward that "injuries are among the most under-recognized public health problems facing the United States today." He went on to write, "about 20 children die every day from a preventable injury – more than die from all diseases combined. Injuries requiring medical attention or resulting in restricted activity affect approximately 20 million children and adolescents and cost $17 billion annually in medical costs." Baldwin also commented that these injuries are predictable, preventable and controllable.
The CDC has created the "Protect the Ones You Love" initiative to help parents and caregivers prevent child injuries and teen injuries. Information about the program can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/safechild.
When to Seek Legal Advice for Your Child’s Accident Injuries
If you or your child has been seriously injured in a Massachusetts car crash, contact the experienced Boston personal injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group, LLP.
Call (888) 208-1695 or (617) 248-8690 today. FREE Consultations.
We will review your case for Free to help you determine the best course of action. Call today.
