Boston Child Injury Lawyers
In 2005, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Massachusetts had less than half the national average of child deaths due to accidents.
Although the state can be proud of this statistic, the numbers are still too high, especially since many fatal child accidents are preventable. Some of the causes of child injury, both fatal and non-fatal, include automobile and traffic accidents, falls, burns, poisoning, suffocation, drowning, sports injuries, being struck by or against an object and animal bites. Nationwide, over nine million children are seen in hospital emergency rooms due to an accidental injury each year.
Prevention
The CDC has an initiative designed to raise awareness about the causes of child injury and also ways in which those injuries can be prevented. This initiative is called Protect the Ones You Love: Child Injuries Are Preventable.
With common sense and the appropriate use of safety equipment, many accidents can be avoided, reducing the number of injured children every day. Some important, yet simple, steps toward prevention are the following:
- Proper and consistent use of straps, harnesses and belts when placing small children in highchairs, strollers and car seats
- Secure storage of all toxic materials in locked cabinets or closets so that children do not have access and cannot be poisoned or burned
- Continuous supervision of children who are near or in water, on playground equipment, at sports activities, at amusement parks and other public situations
- Keeping children away from constructions sites and hazardous areas
- Installation of locking devices on second story or higher windows
- Teaching children bicycle safety and the importance of wearing helmets
Recovery
In the event of a child injury, no matter how it was caused, there will be a process of healing for the child and for the entire family. This includes the physical recovery from the injury and the emotional/psychological recovery. If the injury is severe, the healing may take months or years and, in some cases, scars or disability may linger forever. Often, trauma counseling can help the victim and the family during this difficult process of healing.
The Law
Whether a child sustains injuries due to a fall on the school playground, a dog bite, an auto accident or poisoning from lead paint on a toy, there are laws in place that address all of these scenarios and can help you and your family cope with the consequences of the event and subsequent injuries. The Boston child injury attorneys at the Kiley Law Group have a history of advocating on behalf of children and their families and acquiring compensation to cover the costs of medical and emotional treatment and services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
