Month: April 2018

Finding a Safe and Appropriate Toy for My Child

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Today’s children have more choices for entertainment than any other generation in history, and parents can easily feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of kids’ toys available. It’s vital for parents to carefully consider their choices to find safe and age-appropriate toys for their kids. Some toys are only acceptable for older children, while specially designed toys are safe for infants and toddlers. Parents must take age recommendations into account when purchasing toys for their children, as well as a few other factors.

Tips for Young Children’s Toys

Parents should look for age recommendations when shopping for children’s toys. For example, a toy manufacturer may list a stuffed bear as acceptable for ages 6 months and up, while a building set with small parts may have an age range of 3 years and up. These are important guidelines, because certain toys can pose a risk to younger children, particularly when it comes to choking hazards.
Many older children’s toys like LEGO sets, action figures, and dollhouses include small parts that are dangerous for infants and toddlers. It’s important for families with children of varying ages to keep the toys separate. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious, and toddlers have a habit of putting everything they can find into their mouths, so choking is a very real danger for many kids’ toys. A good rule of thumb: Start with larger toys and move to smaller toys as the child grows older.
Check product reviews before purchasing any toys. Most parents are critical of children’s products, so you are sure to find a wealth of product reviews online for any given child’s toy. Check the manufacturer’s website for product ratings and be sure to do an internet search for reviews on third-party sites such as Google and Amazon. Read the reviews carefully to see if parents with children around your child’s age had anything to say about a particular toy. Age-appropriate toys are important, but quality also matters. Poorly made toys that break and don’t hold up to wear and tear can injure children.

Toys for Older Children

Children about 10 years or older will generally prefer more complex toys than younger kids, and parents should carefully review these toys before purchasing them. For example, chemistry sets or any play sets that involve mixing chemicals or making food could include toxic substances or heat sources that can cause serious burns. Make sure that any such toys you buy for a child do not include flammable or corrosive substances.
Older kids also tend to prefer electronic toys, and parents should make sure they only buy high-quality products. Make sure any electronic game system, tablet, or other electronic device is a legitimate product with UL approval, meaning the product meets acceptable safety standards for electronics. “Knockoff” or counterfeit electronics are common and parents should avoid them. Cheaply made imitations of larger manufacturers’ products generally don’t meet the same levels of quality and safety as the originals.
Ultimately, parents need to take the ages of their children into account as well as their children’s ability to understand how to play with toys appropriately. It’s also vital to consider the child’s changing interests and needs at various stages of growth. Do your research before making a purchase, supervise your child while playing, and be sure your child understands how a toy works to have the best chances of avoiding injuries.

Posted by Aaron Herbert at 4:04 pm

How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Spring is on the horizon, which means sweltering temperatures will once more prevail in the Texas area. Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially to populations such as young children and the elderly. Prolonged exposure to hot temperature can cause dehydration, fatigue, and a deadly condition called heat stroke. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe, even on the hottest of Texas spring and summer days:

Drink Up

One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of heat stroke is by drinking plenty of water. Aim for at least 64 ounces a day – the equivalent of eight glasses. If you work outdoors, you might need more to replace the fluids you lose through perspiration. Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade can also help replace important nutrients you may lose working outside.
Fluids are important; but so is their quality. Avoid sugar-laden sodas and other beverages with caffeine. These drinks act as diuretics and cause you to lose water, not replace it. Stick to refreshing iced water and consider adding a lemon or other fresh fruit for taste if desired.

Take Breaks

If you work outside, try to schedule most of your activities for the cooler times of day. Temperatures are generally hottest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to complete any outdoor work in the early morning or evening hours.
If you must work during the hottest part of the day, seek shade whenever possible. Use umbrellas, canopies, or any other device that can limit your exposure to the sun. Wear clothing with UV protection if possible and load up on the heavy-duty sunblock.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

There are several kinds of heat-related illness that can lead to dangerous consequences. Here are some of the most common:

  • Heat rash. This is skin irritation that’s triggered by sweating. You may have heat rash if you notice red clusters of blisters on your body. Though not life threatening, heat rash can be uncomfortable and is a sure sign that you need a break from the heat.
  • Heat cramps. These are painful cramps that result from imbalanced electrolytes, usually due to excessive sweating. You may notice pain or spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen.
  • Heat exhaustion. This heat-related condition is your body’s response to dehydration. You may notice weakness or fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, muscle cramps, flushed skin, excessive sweating, or clamminess.
  • Heat stroke. The most serious of the heat-related illnesses, a heat stroke occurs when the body stops sweating and your internal body temperature rises. Symptoms include redness in the absence of sweating, a rapid pulse, chills, slurred speech, mental confusion, and a high body temperature. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

If you notice any signs of heat-related illness, stop what you’re doing and go indoors. Drink cool water, but not too fast. If you or someone you know exhibits signs of heat stroke, call emergency medical services, or take them to the nearest emergency room.
If you routinely work in extreme heat, pace yourself. Take frequent breaks, seek shade, and drink plenty of water and other electrolyte-balancing fluids. Avoid sugary liquids and carbonated drinks. Wear light reflective clothing with SPF protection if possible and be aware of any signs of heat-related illness. Do whatever it takes to avoid being in direct sun for prolonged periods of time.
The Texas summer swelter will be here before you know it. Working in our extreme heat can be dangerous, but there are a few simple ways you can enhance your safety. Follow these tips for a safe and healthy summer.

Posted by Aaron Herbert at 10:32 am

Safety Tips for Hunting in Texas

Monday, April 9, 2018

There are an average of 20 hunting accidents in Texas each year, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). While the majority of these are not fatal, hunting accidents can lead to serious or debilitating injury. These accidents are also not exclusive to novice or amateur hunters. Per the TPWD:

  • Many shooters involved in hunting accidents have not been drinking.
  • Most hunters have plenty of hunting experience.
  • Most hunting accidents involve people over the age of 40.

Even experienced hunters can reduce their risk of injury while enjoying their pastime. Observe some simple safety tips from a Dallas personal injury lawyer before packing up for your next hunt.

Take a Hunter Safety Training Class

The majority of hunting accidents occur with experienced hunters, but the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also notes that most people who sustain injuries on a hunting trip did not have specific safety training. You can take an online safety course through the TWPD website, where you’ll learn basics such as what to wear, when to hunt, and how to communicate with others in your party.

Practice Smart Firearm Safety

Controlling your weapon is one of the simplest ways to avoid injury to others. For example:

  • Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and never use your foot as a resting spot. Leave your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire and keep the safety on when not actively shooting. Treat your firearm or bow as if it’s loaded or nocked and ready to fire, even when it’s not.
  • Properly identify your target and surrounding area. Before raising your firearm to take a shot, use binoculars to identify what else is around before using your scope. Never shoot at an animal positioned at the top of a hill or ridge, as there’s no way to identify what’s on the other side.
  • Unload your weapons when not in use and store them properly in cases when traveling. Always store ammunition and firearms separately, under lock and key.

Practice Proper Etiquette

Whether you’re shooting on a range or in a field, know your safety zone and stick to it. Be aware of your companion’s position and never swing your gun or bow outside of your safety zone. Encourage your hunting party to wear fluorescent orange, so you and your companions are visible to one another, even under heavy cover or at a great distance.
Never drink while on a hunting trip. Alcohol inhibits your physical and mental functions, slows your reaction time, and puts your entire hunting party in danger. It can also affect your ability to control your emotions, which could lead to dangerous consequences. Save your celebrations for after your hunt.

Wear Proper Protective Gear

If you’re shooting at the range, make sure you’re wearing both ear and eye protection, as exploding shells can cause hearing loss or eye damage from burnt powder or flying debris. When shooting in a field or out on a trip, always wear your safety glasses, but don’t use hearing protection, as you must be aware of your surroundings.
The majority of hunting accidents are preventable. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice shooter or a seasoned pro, there are still steps you can take to assure your safety. Always wear appropriate safety gear and outline basic rules with your party before leaving on a trip. Treat your firearm as if it’s loaded and ready to shoot at all times, and never drink alcohol or use drugs on a trip. By observing these basic safety tips, you can reduce your risk of injury while hunting and make the experience safer for everyone in your party.

Posted by Aaron Herbert at 2:14 pm

Common Water Slide Injuries and the Question of Liability

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Water parks, amusement parks, and other attraction-based businesses can common places family spend time during the summer months. These organizations have a legal obligation to prevent injuries to attendees. Depending on how a water park injury happens, one or more parties may absorb liability for the victim’s damages. You should understand liability before you and your family head to the water park this summer in case anyone happens to suffer an injury while riding a water slide.

When the Park Is Liable

A water park or amusement park is liable for an attendee’s injuries if they happened on one of its water slides. The park may also absorb liability due to the actions of its employees. For example, if a ride attendant fails to instruct a child how to go down a water slide correctly and the child suffers a serious cut as a result, the water park may be liable for that injury. The water park is liable for the child’s injury in this situation because of a park employee’s negligence. Management is responsible for ensuring park employees understand their roles prior to opening the park.
An amusement park will also face liability for injuries that occur to visitors due to poor upkeep. Like all equipment, water slides degrade over time, and parks must diligently inspect, repair, and replace all of their slides and other attractions in a timely manner. Catastrophic damage may happen if a water slide or other attraction falls into disrepair. Deep cuts, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and drowning are all possible results of a defunct water park attraction.

Product Liability

A defective ride may be to blame for an attendee’s injuries. If a product manufacturer released a defective product, the injured party can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. A plaintiff in a product liability lawsuit does not necessarily need to prove the manufacturer was negligent: The plaintiff must simply show the court the product in question was defective and the defect caused the plaintiff’s damages. A manufactured product can be defective by design, by assembly, or by inaccurate marketing.

Individual Liability

Some water slide injuries occur outside of water parks. Homeowners who have pools with water slides need to ensure their guests are safe. This includes proper care and maintenance of the pool and any slides that could potentially cause injuries. A homeowner must also warn guests to the property about any known potential hazards with which they may come in contact.
Property owners do not owe the same courtesy to trespassers. That is, property owners have no obligation to make sure a trespasser does not suffer injuries while interloping on private property. If a trespasser slips near a pool and suffers a broken bone, the trespasser cannot file a lawsuit against the property owner because the trespasser was illegally present on private property. The same applies to water parks. A water park would not be liable for injuries to a trespasser who enters the park illegally after hours and suffers an injury.
A water slide injury can lead to expensive medical bills, missed time from work, and other costly damages for which a victim can claim through a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. Damages typically cover all of plaintiff’s harms resulting from an incident of negligence, and plaintiffs may also receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured after a serious water slide injury. An experienced Dallas personal injury attorney is the best resource for navigating a water slide injury claim. He or she can assess your situation and explain your options for legal recourse after a water slide injury.

Posted by Aaron Herbert at 2:23 pm