Tennessee Adolescent Injuries
Adolescent injuries happen every single day – but not all injuries are the result of unpreventable childhood accidents. When safety measures aren't followed and a child is hurt, Tennessee personal injury and product liability laws are often a parent's most effective recourse. The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton are committed to protecting the children of East Tennessee, and we believe parents should be aware of common hazards their children may face. We are ready to help parents in Morristown, Knoxville, Knox County, Rogersville, Hamblen County, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Newport, Johnson City and Kingsport.
Why do so many adolescents suffer injuries? Children may be less likely to comprehend warning signs or labels that aren't highly visible and plainly worded. Teenagers may not believe that the dangers posed by common threats apply to them. Some of the most common and tragic accidents include:
- Car accidents – Two of every 5 deaths among U.S. teens are the result of car crashes. In fact, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death in the 15-20 age group. The three greatest risk factors in vehicle crash deaths for passengers between the ages of 8 and 17 are riding with other teenage drivers, riding on high-speed roads such as the interstates and highways in East Tennessee, and riding without seatbelts. Some collisions are the result of inexperienced teenage drivers, but inattentive driving is not isolated to teenagers. Regrettably, alcohol is involved in some car accidents involving teens. In many cases the teen may have been served illegally in a bar or other establishment that can be held liable if an intoxicated young person gets hurt or causes an accident.
- Drowning – Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children aged 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In fact, one in every four drowning victims is 14 years old or younger. For every child who drowns, three receive emergency care for non-fatal immersion injuries. Barriers such as pool fencing can help prevent children from gaining access to the pool area without the owner's knowledge. When pool owners and operators don't take necessary safety measures, they can be held accountable when tragic injuries and death result.
- Sports injuries – Recreational activities account for 4.4 million injuries each year, or 40% of all pediatric injuries. Did you know that two out of every three sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries occur in children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 18? Some activities are high on the list for injuries, including football, basketball, soccer, cycling, horseback riding, ice skating and hockey. Adolescents are still in the process of growing, and certain injuries can have serious long-term implications. While accidents happen, there is no excuse for injuries that occur when the abilities and body weights of athletes are unevenly matched or when players don't have sufficient protective gear. Nor should players or parents have to excuse defects in playing surfaces or equipment that lead to unnecessary injuries.
- Lead exposure – While the use of lead in most consumer products has been banned in the United States for years, this toxic element continues to turn up in toys and other household products manufactured overseas. Lead is particularly dangerous for children, causing learning disabilities, behavioral problems and brain injury.
- Amusement Park Injuries – Teenagers are among the biggest fans and attendees of amusement parks -- and they account for many of the injuries on park rides. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 8,800 amusement park injuries were reported in 2006 among children aged 2 to 15. Failed seat restraints, sudden stops and equipment malfunction can all contribute to very serious injuries, including spine and brain trauma. Tennessee has very few laws regulating amusement rides, with the exception of aerial rides and tramways. Even so, amusement parks can be held liable when their negligence in operating or maintaining rides turns a day of family fun into tragedy.
With a family tradition of legal service since 1960, the Morristown, TN adolescent injury attorneys of Terry, Terry & Stapleton are committed to protecting the rights of those who cannot protect themselves. When your child is injured and the fault lies with responsible adults, we understand that you want answers and the ability to obtain the very best medical treatment. We know Tennessee personal injury and product liability law and we know how to evaluate adolescent injuries to determine if negligence played a role. If your child has been injured and you need help with an adolescent injury claim, or you'd like to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact us by calling 1-800-518-3779.
