When a child is injured, families often have questions about their legal rights and what’s involved in pursuing compensation. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. At Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet, we regularly work with Kansas City families whose children have been hurt due to another person's negligent actions. Our child injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options while you focus on what matters most – your child's recovery.
Being aware of the most common types of child injuries and how they typically occur can help you make informed decisions about protecting your child's rights following an injury. Below, we discuss five frequent causes of serious childhood injuries - falls from heights, motor vehicle crashes, dog bites, defective products, and sports-related accidents - and explain key steps to take if your child has been hurt.
Falls From Heights
Falls from playground equipment, windows, balconies, and other elevated surfaces occur all too frequently and can result in life-changing injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or spinal cord damage. While children are naturally adventurous, property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises and install proper safety features and may be legally responsible if they do not. Fall-related injuries often result from:
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Playground accidents: Failure to properly maintain and inspect playground equipment or surfaces.
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Supervision failures: Inadequate supervision or failing to enforce safety rules at daycare centers, schools, or other facilities where children are cared for.
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Multi-story buildings: Not installing or having properly maintained window guards, security railings, or other important safety features at apartment complexes, schools, or other structures.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Motor vehicle crashes pose a serious risk to children. Even with proper car seats and safety restraints, children are especially vulnerable to injury in car accidents. Their smaller size and still-developing bodies can suffer severe trauma from the impact forces. Children who are involved in vehicle crashes often experience the following injuries:
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Head trauma: Head injuries can affect a child's cognitive development and academic performance. Many children require ongoing therapy and educational support after a serious brain injury.
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Spinal injuries: Damage to a child’s spine may result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Young children who experience a spinal cord injury face unique challenges as their bodies continue growing after a spinal cord injury.
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Internal injuries: Being involved in a vehicle crash can result in damage to a child’s internal organs. Internal injuries often require emergency surgery followed by an extended stay in the hospital.
Dog Bites
A child can be a victim of a dog attack, potentially suffering bites to their face, head, or neck. Beyond the immediate physical trauma of such injuries, a dog bite can also cause emotional scars. Following a bite, many children develop lasting psychological effects, including:
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Fear and anxiety: Children may become fearful of all dogs or develop general anxiety about going outside or to places where dogs might be present.
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Post-traumatic stress: Flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks can persist long after the physical wounds heal.
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Social withdrawal: Visible scarring may affect a child's self-esteem and social interactions during critical developmental years.
Defective Products
From toys with small parts to faulty car seats, defective products pose serious risks to children and can result in serious harm. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe when used as intended, but defects do happen and can result in injuries like:
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Choking hazards: Small parts, broken pieces, or detachable components on defective toys or other items can cause severe injury or death if swallowed.
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Chemical exposure: Toxic materials in toys, clothing, or other children's products may cause burns, respiratory problems, or long-term health issues.
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Safety equipment failures: When car seats, bicycle helmets, or other safety gear fails to perform as designed, catastrophic injuries can result.
Sports and Recreation
While physical activity is important for children's health, safety is critical. Sports and other recreational activities can result in serious injuries without proper safety measures. Children often get when there are issues with:
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Improper supervision: Kids must be properly supervised and should be limited to participating in age-appropriate activities.
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Equipment problems: Poorly maintained or improperly sized equipment increases injury risk.
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Training gaps: Lack of proper technique instruction can lead to children getting hurt while participating in sports.
What to Do If Your Child Is Seriously Hurt
If your child suffers a serious injury, it’s important for you to take steps to protect their health and legal rights. Be sure to:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Have your child examined by a doctor immediately, even if their injuries seem minor at first. Some serious conditions may not show symptoms right away, and prompt medical documentation helps establish the connection between the incident and your child's injuries.
Document Everything
Take photos of visible injuries, keep all medical records, and write down details about what happened while your memories and those of your child and any witnesses are fresh. Save any evidence related to the incident, such as torn clothing or broken equipment.
Report the Incident
Notify the appropriate authorities or organizations about what happened. Depending on where the injury occurred and how it happened, this might involve filing a police report, informing school administrators, or reporting a dangerous product to consumer safety organizations.
Consult With a Child Injury Attorney
No amount of money can undo your child's injury, but seeking fair compensation can help ensure your child has access to the medical care, therapy, and support services they need for the best possible recovery. That’s why it’s so important to seek legal counsel from an attorney with experience handling pediatric injury cases as soon as possible following a serious injury for which someone else is responsible. Our Kansas City serious child injury lawyers are here to provide legal guidance to help you make wise decisions that protect your family’s right to recover fair compensation for your child's medical care and other injury-related expenses.