Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Abandoned Wells: Child Injury Hazard (Part B)
Here are Some Famous Abandoned Well Accidents:
- 1998 - In Midland, Michigan, a 4-year-old girl fell through the rotted wood cover of the abandoned water well while chasing a stray cat with her 2-year-old sister. They were in the yard of their Larkin Township home. She was rescued by her family.
- 1998 – In Delaware City, Delaware, a 5-year-old girl was rescued after about 20 minutes when she fell into a 42-foot well at her grandparents home. This misfortune occurred when she stepped on a transitory fiberglass cover that was over the 2-foot-by-2-foot well opening. A fireman rescued her and she was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
- 1997 – In Cockeysville, Maryland, a 6-year-old boy playing hide-and-seek with his brothers fell into 50-foot abandoned well. Rescuers pumped oxygen down a hose to the child who was standing in chin-deep water. An emergency worked was lowered to rescue him and he was transported to a hospital for treatment.
- 1996 – In Mackinaw, Illinois, a 10-year-old boy was badly injured when he fell into an abandoned 103-year-old well at a park. After the child fell onto the concrete cover, it gave way, and he plummeted 40 feet to the bottom. He broke both legs and his arm.
- 1994 – In Home, Washington, a 7-year-old boy was rescued after falling 40 feet to the bottom of an abandoned well, where he landed in 2 feet of mucky water. The child and his 9-year-old companion were wandering around a field when they came across what appeared to be an old shed. They both fell through rotten boards covering the well. The older boy was able to climb out and get help. A firefighter who rescued the child also received treatment for his injuries.
- 1987 – In Midland, Texas, 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell 22 feet into abandoned 8-inch well. Her story was televised and a television movie was made about the incident.
Abandoned Well Accident Prevention
Parents should keep in mind that there are many abandoned wells across the country. Children need to be taught about the dangers of these “death traps” as well as what abandoned wells and cisterns look like so they can avoid them.
You can become an advocate in your area to get these wells properly closed so everyone can be safe.
If your child has been injured in an abandoned well accident, contact an experienced Boston child injury lawyer immediately to discuss the case. For over 30 years the Kiley Law Group, located in Andover and Boston, Massachusetts, has fought on behalf of children.
Our child injury lawyers take time when speaking with you about your child’s injuries. Mr. Kiley’s firm works with you on a contingency basis, which means there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury attorneys win your case. Call now for a FREE legal consultation – 1-888-208-1695.
