Child Injuries, Negligence, and Accidents

As parents, our worst nightmare is our child suffering an injury. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that injuries are the leading cause of death for people aged 19 and younger. Thousands of young people die from accidental injuries every year, while millions more suffer non-fatal injuries.

Most serious child injuries are avoidable and typically occur due to someone else’s negligent behavior. In cases like these, the responsible parties can be held liable for damages and losses suffered by your child and your family.

Common child injuries and liability in North Dakota

Following are some common scenarios where children can be injured, and who or what may be responsible.

Car seat injuries. Car seats are there to protect your child, but if used improperly or if the seat is defective, a child can be injured or killed in the event of an accident. When a seat is defective, manufacturers could be held liable.

Amusement parks. Accidents and injuries at state fairs and amusement parks can turn a fun day tragic in an instant. Worker negligence, improper maintenance, or defective parts can all lead to incidents causing severe injuries.

School bus accidents. Vehicle accidents can happen for a multitude of reasons: reckless school bus drivers, negligent drivers on the road, defective bus parts, poor maintenance, and even careless hiring practices by the school bus company.

Daycare centers. Daycare employees have a responsibility to keep your child safe under their supervision and care. When they’re negligent in that duty and your child is injured – whether by a defective crib or toy or even by a daycare employee – they can be liable.

Drownings and near-drownings. Near-drowning can cause long-term brain damage (hypoxia) to a child. Owners of private and public swimming pools could be held liable for injury or death if they failed to properly supervise children while swimming, or by failing to restrict access to the pool during off-hours.

Dog bites. Unfortunately, many children don’t learn about dangerous dogs until it’s too late. Dog bites and attacks can leave a child both emotionally and physically scarred. Typically, dog owners are liable for the behavior of their pets.

Playgrounds and parks. Common causes of injury at the playground include poorly maintained equipment or caregiver negligence. Kids can suffer broken bones, cuts and abrasions, or brain injuries in playground accidents.

Defective toys. Dangerous toys harm many young children every year – swallowing or choking on small parts, ingesting toxic paint, strangling on cords, and more. Manufacturers should recall dangerous toys, but sometimes it may be too late.

Compensation for child injuries

When your child is injured due to the negligence and irresponsibility of another, your family may be eligible for compensation on behalf of your child, including:

• Medical bills, including physical rehabilitation and long-term care
• Pain and suffering
• Potential income in cases of permanent disability or wrongful death
• Possible punitive damages

If your child was injured in an accident due to the carelessness and negligence of another, the North Dakota injury lawyers at Larson Law can help. We dedicate ourselves to holding the liable party responsible and securing your family the compensation you’re owed. Call us today at 701-484-4878 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation at our office in Minot.