Child Injury

Cheerleading: From the Sidelines to Center Stage, From Supporting Athletes to Being Athletes

August 26, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

For decades, cheerleaders were about just that – leading cheers. They played a secondary role, bringing energy to the sidelines, drumming up team spirit, and supporting the athletes on the field. Today, cheerleading also has a competitive side, requiring mastery of skills from the worlds of gymnastics and dance. As competitive cheerleading grows in popularity, debates rage about whether to recognize it as a sport in its own right. This movement is fueled by both the athleticism required for competitive cheerleading and concerns about serious cheerleading injuries. As a San Francisco sports injury law firm, we are devoted to protecting and advocating for all young athletes, including those fighting to move from the sidelines to center stage.

Bill to Label Cheerleading a Sport Moves to Governor’s Desk

On Monday, as detailed by NBC’s Bay Area affiliate, California’s state senate unanimously voted to require the California Interscholastic Federation to treat competitive cheerleading as a sport. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, the bill’s sponsor, says the need for safety-oriented regulations including training requirements for coaches is fueling a nationwide movement to formally recognize the sport. AB949 will now go to Governor Brown’s desk for his signature or veto. If passed, the bill would require the change be implemented by the 2017-2018 school year.

Looking at California Civil Sexual Abuse Claims After State Supreme Court Denies Bid to Overturn Decision in Cosby Case

August 5, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

To many, he represented the perfect father, loving his kids, his wife, and his work while solving every problem in 30 minutes flat. However, recently the portrait presented by Bill Cosby in his television show and throughout his long career has taken a series of hits. In this post, our San Francisco abuse victims’ law firm looks at a recent legal development in the Cosby saga and calls attention to California law on civil suits for sexual abuse. We do not know whether Cosby is guilty, but we do know far too many young men and young women are victims of sexual abuse. For these individuals, a civil sexual abuse lawsuit can provide critical emotional closure and also provide money damages that can be put towards psychological and other social services that can turn a victim into a survivor.

State Supreme Court Refuses to Upset Lower Court’s Ruling, Allows Suit to Proceed

Last month, Reuters announced that comedian Bill Cosby lost a bid to avoid a lawsuit based on allegations he sexually abused a 15 year-old in 1974. The woman, now in her 50s and referred to herein as J.H., is one of more than 40 women who have accused the actor of rape or molestation. Her lawsuit is one of at least four civil actions currently pending. This case is, however, unique in that it seeks damages for the claimed assault itself while the other women are pursuing defamation actions saying Cosby falsely painted them as liars when he denied claimed assaults.

Pair of Fatal Jet Ski Accidents Serve as a Reminder of the Danger on the Water

July 28, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

Enjoying time on the water is one of the great joys of life in California. With the ocean, numerous rivers, and thousands of lakes, water is (and we note the irony of this statement amid a long drought) everywhere. Jet skiing is one of many water-related activities that California residents and visitors enjoy. While it can be great fun, both riders and bystanders must remain aware of the danger of jet ski accidents. When a jet ski accident can be traced to a negligent individual or corporation, our Northern California jet ski accident law firm can help hold those responsible accountable for their actions and help the injured victim or grieving family recover monetary compensation.

Two Jet Ski Related Accidents Claim Lives on Bass Lake

Recently, two jet ski-related tragedies darkened the mood at Central California’s popular Bass Lake. On June 27, an accident left a 13-year-old boy dead and his 16-year-old aunt critically injured. According to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and The Sierra Star, the pair were, along with the boy’s father, riding in an inner tube and being pulled by a pontoon boat when they were hit by a jet ski. The waverunner was piloted by a San Jose man with two riders on-board. Police do not believe alcohol was a factor, but the jet ski was allegedly outside of the three designated waverunner zones. The owner of a lakeside resort suggested the operator may not have understood that waverunners do not stop simply because the operator lets up on the gas.

Tubing Accidents and a Tragic Drowning at Lake Sonoma

July 10, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

The remnants of a picnic lunch sit on a blanket. Mom shades her eyes as Junior calls out for her to watch. Dad fires up the boat pulling Junior along in an inner tube. He picks up speed and they all laugh as Junior struggles to hang on. Most likely the day will be remembered for laughs and fun; sunburn and perhaps a bruise or two are all the family fears. Sadly, tubing accidents can turn this seemingly idyllic summer scene tragic in mere moments. As we look at the threat, the hearts of our Sonoma County drowning injury lawyer and legal team go out to a grieving family that will never look at a day on the lake the same again.

Holiday Turns Tragic with Lake Sonoma Drowning

On Monday, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported that a dive team had recovered the body of a 14 year-old San Francisco boy who had been missing since July 4^th. According to reports, the boy and his younger cousin had been playing on inflatable toys during a Lake Sonoma gathering when they drifted further than they intended. After persuading 13 year-old aboard a personal watercraft to tow them to shore, the boys lost their grip on the rope and slipped into the water. Neither boy could swim; neither was wearing a life jacket. The survivor reports he initially panicked and held onto his cousin, but the pair separated. The younger boy made it to shore. His cousin never followed.

Sports Injury Attorney Looks at Soccer Injuries

July 7, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

Like many of you, we enjoyed cheering Team USA to victory in the women’s World Cup on Sunday. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and the win will only add to the growing number of Americans playing and watching the game. Of course, along with an increase in popularity comes an increase in soccer injuries. Although most sports injuries are unfortunate accidents, sometimes, especially where children are involved, our San Francisco sports injury lawyer believes a civil lawsuit against those whose actions led to a preventable injury is appropriate. Sports injury lawsuits compensate the injured and protect the health of all players.

Pro Golfer Injures Ankle Playing Soccer

A reminder of the reality of soccer injuries came from an unexpected source on Monday – pro-golf. As the San Francisco Chronicle reported, Irish golfer Rory McIlroy ruptured an ankle ligament while playing soccer with friends. McIlroy is currently ranked as the top golfer in the world, but it is unclear if he will be able to defend his British Open title next week (he’s one of two favorites). McIlroy shared a photo of himself wearing an air cast and using crutches and told reporters that he was taking it day by day and had begun a rehabilitation program. The left ankle is important in golf since right-handed players build swing strength by shifting weight from left to right.

The Untold Dangers of Roller Coaster and Amusement Park Accidents

June 16, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

Roller coaster fanatics travel far and wide to check out a new attraction, experience a unique thrill, or take a ride on a historic attraction. For fans, part of the thrill is feeling scared and out-of-control while knowing they are ultimately safe. Sadly, that sense of safety is sometimes false; roller coaster injuries and other amusement park accidents are a reality. When a memorable day of fun turns tragic, our Northern California amusement park injury lawyer can help.

Two Injured at Santa Clara Amusement Park

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, two people were injured in an accident at California’s Great America on Friday June 12. The incident involved the Flight Deck roller coaster (previously called Top Gun), an inverted coaster that allows riders’ legs to dangle free. Based on official statements and witness accounts, it appears that an employee of the Santa Clara amusement park was struck in the head by a rider as the coaster was returning to the base station. A rider also suffered a hand injury during the incident.

Child Care Injuries in Northern California

March 25, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

While our culture often defines success by looking at someone’s material possessions, our work reminds us every day that our own health and the well-being of our loved ones that truly matters most. From the moment your child is born, he/she matters more than any trendy smartphone or fancy car. Modern life often means entrusting children to day care providers. When this trust is violated, the child pays the price. Our Northern California child injury law firm in Sonoma, Oakland, and San Francisco works with parents and guardians to recover financial damages that can protect a child’s future after a daycare injury.

One Teen’s Impressive Courage Despite Daycare Injury Earlier this week, The Press Democrat profiled a courageous young man from Windsor. Jack is an 18 year old high-school junior and interested in day working in the public safety arena. In addition to being an athlete, Jack is part of the Rincon Valley Fire and Windsor Police Explorer Programs. While he works diligently, he has had to accept that certain career options are not possibilities. He envisions a career with the fire department but knows he could never be the type of firefighter who rushes to the scene of a fire and carries people trapped inside to safety. Jack is mostly blind.

Jack’s blindness is the result of violence he suffered when he was only 3 ½ months old. At that tender age, he was severely shaken by a daycare worker. Initially, his mother was told he would never walk or talk. Jack has fought hard to overcome his remaining challenges and no longer thinks about the woman who changed his life in an instant.

Northern California Child Injury Attorney Examines Rising Number of Bounce House Injuries

March 11, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

From birthday parties to town fairs, bounce houses are a surefire way to make a child’s eyes light up. Somehow the same equipment that leaves many an adult with an upset stomach and a dizzy head makes children laugh and scream with glee. There are few joys as sweet as listening to kids have that much fun and it’s especially refreshing when modern day kids are enjoying something physical instead of staying “plugged in” and glued to a digital screen. Unfortunately while bounce houses are great fun, bounce house injuries are a very real danger and a concern to our San Francisco child injury attorney.

CPSC Reports on Increasing Number of Inflatable Amusement Injuries

Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) released a study looking at injuries associated with inflatable amusements. The study focuses on the ten-year period from 2003 through 2013 and looks at injuries tied to air-filled structures that use one or more blowers to provide a continuous air flow. Bounce houses, also called moon bounces or space walks are the most common type of inflatable amusements with slides, obstacle courses, and other games also falling into the category. Importantly, although they are quite similar, the report does not cover smaller structures that are only inflated once per use. Researchers used injury data from emergency room codes provided by a sample group and then extrapolated to create nationwide estimates.

California Child Injury Lawyer on the Danger of Scooter Accidents

February 25, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

There are few sounds as good for the soul as the noise of children at play. In a world where technology often keeps even young children glued to screens, it is especially heart-warming to hear kids engaged in active, outdoor play. It is important for kids to take part in physical activity, but it is also important for that activity to be safe. Scooters have been one of the most popular outdoor toys for many years, but they are also one of the most dangerous. In today’s blog entry, our Oakland child injury lawyer focuses on the danger of scooter injuries, injuries that often involve defective products, careless drivers, or other forms of adult negligence.

Trio of California Scooter Deaths in Late 2014 Late 2014 saw at least three fatal scooter accidents in California. On November 11, a 14 year-old high school freshman was riding his scooter near his home in San Leandro. According to the San Francisco Chronicle a driver heading south in a northbound lane swerved, ran a red light, and crashed into the high school freshman who later succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital. Only one day later, a 13 year-old boy was riding his scooter to school when he was struck by a car and killed in Riverside, a town about an hour west of Los Angeles. Witnesses said that driver had also run through a red light and ABC7 reported that the 44 year-old driver was taken into custody on charges of driving under the influence of prescription drugs. A third child was killed in a scooter accident on December 26 in San Bernardino County. News station KTLA reported that 12 year-old boy was playing with his new Razor-brand scooter, a Christmas gift, when he the into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Study Blames Scooters for Increase in Toy-Related Accidents In December, USA Today reported on a study published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics that focused on the problem of toy-related accidents. The study suggests that “kick” scooters, like the foot-powered collapsible Razor scooters that have been widely popular since around 2000, were largely responsible for a 40% increase in toy-related injuries between 1990 and 2011. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 52,500 children under age 15 were taken to the emergency room and one died as a result of injuries stemming from non-motorized scooter accidents in 2013 (Side note: It is unclear whether this number includes traffic accidents). The study authors and the CPSC urge parents to be sure children wear safety helmets when using scooters.

Civil Child Sexual Abuse Cases: Accountability for those Who Turn a Blind Eye to Abuse

January 29, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

Parenthood is an intense, rewarding love. Parenthood also means never-ending concern. High on the list of every parent’s greatest fears is that someone will sexually, physically, or emotionally abuse your child. Darkness to Light, a nonprofit focused on preventing child abuse, reports that 90% of sexually abused children know their abuser(s). It is often someone the parents trust.

Our Oakland child abuse law firm believes in the dual approach of prevention and legal accountability. Accountability includes criminal and civil suits against abusers and those who turn a blind eye to child abuse, particularly when they had a legal and moral obligation to protect the victim. Civil child sexual abuse cases provide compensation that allows the child to get the help he or she will need to move forward from abuse and also makes those who allowed abuse to occur to be accountable pay for their negligence.

Judge Allows Use of “Perversion Files” in Sexual Abuse Case Against Boy Scouts