Kids tend to be accident-prone due to high levels of energy and physical activity, but you might not realize the severe risks. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidents are the leading cause of death and injuries for children up to age 14. Unfortunately, the volume of unintentional injuries increases significantly during the holiday season from Thanksgiving through the New Year.
You may have legal remedies as a parent if your child suffered harm, including options to recover compensation for your losses. A Miami child injury lawyer can describe the process, and some information on common risks is also useful.
Child Injuries in Miami Stores
The busy holiday season often sees a surge in serious child injuries occurring in Miami retail spaces. Due to the rapid pace of shopping, businesses may overlook common hazards. Falls are among the most frequent accidents, resulting from:
- Slippery floors
- Unsecured displays
- Merchandise strewn on the storeroom floor
- Items in crowded aisles
When a store or property owner fails to address these known risks, resulting in a child’s injury, this negligence may form the basis of a legal claim to cover the family’s losses.
Defective Toys and Choking Hazards
The thrill of unwrapping gifts carries hidden risks: dangerous toys and choking. For toddlers, small detachable parts, including button batteries and magnets, present a significant threat. For older children, defects in ride-on toys or poorly constructed play equipment can lead to catastrophic falls or lacerations. Toy manufacturers and retailers may be liable for damages under product liability law.
Car Accident Injuries Around the Holidays
Holiday travel drastically increases traffic volume across South Florida, raising the risk of severe auto crash injuries. Distracted, fatigued, or impaired drivers also contribute to a sharp rise in collisions. Children are especially vulnerable in these accidents, often sustaining head, neck, or internal injuries. If a collision occurs, documenting the scene is crucial to holding the at-fault party accountable for your child’s trauma and recovery costs.
Pool and Balcony Falls
While winter arrives elsewhere, Miami’s weather remains warm, keeping year-round risks active. Negligently secured swimming pools and balcony falls remain a threat to children, especially during festive holiday gatherings at hotels, rentals, or private residences. A child can slip on an unguarded wet pool deck or gain access to an unsecured balcony, leading to tragic outcomes. Property owners are obligated to maintain safety barriers to prevent child access. A lapse in this duty may constitute negligence.
Talk to a Miami Attorney About Your Child’s Injury Claim
If your child was hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you may have legal remedies as parents. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, understands the trauma and financial stress that severe child injuries cause. It is important to know that time is of the essence in filing a personal injury claim in Florida, and delaying could jeopardize your right to compensation. We serve families across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, so please contact us today. You can call (305) 371-6000 or go online to schedule your confidential, free consultation.