An estimated 9.2 million children go to the emergency room every year due to an unintentional injury. As a NJ injury lawyer, I want to help you understand the accidents that are most likely to harm your children.
Falls
Falls are by far the most common cause of accidents in the home. By some measures, they account for 44% of all accidents. While a fall onto a carpet may not be so bad, falling down the stairs could lead to broken bones. Additionally, falling onto hard concrete or from a bed could lead to serious injury.
If your children are very young, you can put a safety gate at the top of the stairs. Teaching your children to clean up after themselves is very important. It teaches them diligence and hygiene, but it also eliminates things they can trip over. Making sure your carpet does not have any tufts or holes in it may also help keep your kids safe from falls.
Burns
Every single day, more than 300 children go to the emergency room because they have been burned. Little kids are more likely to be burned by hot liquids or steam, and older children are more likely to be burned by direct contact with fire. Children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults’. An adult may be able to handle a hot drink or a hot bath, but a child will be more sensitive to that.
If the water is too hot for you, it is definitely too hot for your child. When the drink or the bath water tests your pain tolerance, it is definitely too warm for your kid. Children should be very closely supervised when they are in the kitchen. It may be a good idea to keep pot handles out of reach, and never leave your food cooking unattended.
Poisoning
Children have the highest rate of poisoning injuries of any age group in the United States. Common cleaners are brightly colored. Children typically mistake cleaning agents for juices, and drink them. They may also get access to medicines that they should not. Children are very curious, and will try to eat almost anything.
It is a good idea to keep cleaning materials out of reach of children. You can try putting them in a high place. Similarly, you should try to throw away all of the medicine you do not need.
Drowning
One in five people who die from drowning are children age 14 and younger. Drowning is not always fatal, and many children go to the emergency room. Pools, while popular, can be dangerous. Always keep in mind that children can drown in as little as 3 inches of water.
If your children are near the pool, you should watch them very carefully. When you cannot be there in person, you should try to ensure that a lifeguard will be there. The lifeguard needs to be fully certified, and should always be watching the swimmers like a hawk. Learn more about swimming safety with this guide.
If you have any questions about injury law, James DeZao can be your NJ injury lawyer. He is a trustworthy, tactful, and tough lawyer who is ready to fight for you today. Call us now at (973) 358-6134.