Children’s Injuries In Baltimore Spike Over Summer Months: How Parents Can Reduce The Risks
Children throughout Maryland eagerly anticipate the summer months. Unfortunately, between being off their regular schedules and an increase in activity, it is one of the most common times of year for personal injuries to happen.
Summer injuries can prove devastating to children and often happen due to the negligence of others. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers explain common causes and how to reduce the risks.
Common Causes of Children’s Injuries In Baltimore
Summer brings longer days and an increase in activity, particularly for children who are out of school. However, it also means a greater risk of accidents resulting in broken bones, concussions, and other potentially severe personal injuries.
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that accidental injuries in Baltimore tend to spike at this time of year, and children are among the most frequent victims. Common causes include:
- Car accidents: Children can suffer life-threatening injuries in crashes caused by the reckless behavior of other drivers.
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents: Driving distracted, speeding, and engaging in other dangerous behaviors put children at risk when walking or riding bikes in local neighborhoods and public parks.
- Playground accidents: Poorly maintained equipment and hard ground cover increase accidental injury risks.
- Dog bites: These are one of the most common causes of children’s injuries and can cause lasting harm.
- Recreational activities: Attending summer camp or participating in activities at local rec centers keeps children busy but also increases accident risks.
- Drowning accidents: Whether visiting pools or local beaches, be aware that drowning accidents are common and can cause fatal injuries.
Parents tend to blame themselves when their children suffer harm. However, reckless behavior on the part of others involved is often ultimately responsible.
How Maryland Parents Can Help Keep Kids Safe This Summer
Parents in Baltimore and throughout the state need to be aware of how the summer months increase the risk of children’s injuries. While you can’t prevent every accident, there are steps you can take to reduce risks. The Baltimore Sun recommends the following:
- Use the appropriate car seat and seatbelts when traveling with your child.
- Supervise children near water and ensure they wear life jackets when appropriate.
- Inspect playgrounds and avoid equipment that looks broken or unstable.
- Teach traffic safety skills and make sure your child wears a helmet when biking or scootering.
- Teach them not to pet animals without the owner’s permission.
- Use caution when selecting summer camps or sports and recreational programs, verifying staff training, first aid certification, and supervision ratios.
Even with precautions, accidents still happen. When they do, parents have the right to hold negligent parties accountable.
When Children’s Injuries Happen, Our Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers Protect Your Rights
Children’s injuries in Baltimore are common during the summer months and can cause devastating harm. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help families hold those at fault accountable and get the compensation they need to recover.
If your child is hurt due to the negligence of others, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today with our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers.
Sources:
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pediatric-orthopedic-conditions/how-to-avoid-common-kids-injuries-in-the-summer
digitaledition.baltimoresun.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=c6c33c58-c435-45f4-b567-5608439ff95c
