As children grow, they go through periods where they appear more uncoordinated than usual and may sustain a few more bumps and bruises. However, if they fall due to the negligence of another party, they can sustain much more serious injuries. Approximately 8,000 children in the United States are treated in emergency rooms every day for fall-related injuries.
If your child was injured in a fall, contact the Orange County child injury attorneys at Woods Williford, P.C. today at (888) 340-2440.
Causes of Fall Injuries
Falls are the most common cause of non-fatal unintentional injuries in children. Boys are injured in fall accidents more frequently than girls, and children fall for various reasons based on their age. Infants sustain fall injuries when they roll off of elevated surfaces or crawl into hazardous areas, such as stairs. Toddlers and preschoolers are inclined to climb but lack judgment and coordination to navigate down safely.
Some reasons your child of any age may sustain a fall injury include:
- Wet surfaces
- Loose flooring, stairs, or railings
- Raised surfaces that are not adequately marked
- Tripping over items left on the floor
- Uneven walkways
- Inadequate lighting
- Icy sidewalks
- Potholes
- Poorly designed or faulty playground equipment.
Types of Injuries From Falls
Falls are the leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in children. These injuries can range from a mild concussion to severe cognitive impairment.
Back and spinal cord injuries can cause your child significant pain and limit their mobility. Spinal cord injuries can cause temporary or permanent paralysis.
Shoulder dislocation or a brachial plexus injury affects the nerves that connect the hand and arm to the spinal cord. These injuries require surgery and extensive physical therapy to heal.
Sprains and bone fractures are less serious but still very painful injuries. These can affect smaller body parts like fingers and toes, or, in more serious falls, the hip, pelvis, knee, arm, or leg.
Steps to Take After Your Child Falls
If your child is injured in a fall, first seek medical attention and document all injuries.
Determine the cause of the fall and take photographs of the scene. Identify any witnesses and get their contact information. If the fall occurred at a business and the business wants you to make a written report about the accident, go ahead and make one, sticking to the facts without embellishment. If the fall occurred somewhere else or the business does not request that you make an accident report, write down the details of the incident while you remember them.
Contact a child fall injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Your attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure that your child's rights are protected.
Contact a California Child Fall Injury Attorney
If your child was injured in a fall in California, contact the experienced child injury lawyers at Woods Williford, P.C. Our compassionate lawyers will fight for just compensation for your child's injuries. Call us today at (888) 340-2440 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.