Parents Warned: Bounce Houses Pose Lead Hazard to Children

NATIONAL - An investigation by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has prompted lawsuits to be filed today by CEH and the California Attorney General against leading makers, distributors and suppliers of bounce houses (also called jump houses or inflatable jumpers). CEH testing found one bounce house contained more than 70 times the federal limit for lead in children’s products under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Independent testing commissioned by CEH also showed that lead from bounce houses can expose children to the toxic chemical at levels that violate California law. 

“Parents expect that their children might be a little dizzy after a jumping session, but most parents would never suspect that a bounce house could pose a hidden health threat,” said Michael Green, Executive Director of CEH. “We look forward to working with the Attorney General to eliminate these unnecessary lead exposures to children.”

The companies to be sued today supply bounce houses to many retail bounce house party outlets as well as to independent companies that rent and deliver bounce houses to individuals, festivals and events.

Bounce houses are often made with vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), a “poison plastic” that is often made with lead, a neurotoxin that can cause learning disorders, brain and nerve damage, hearing problems, stunted growth, and digestive problems. Scientists are increasingly convinced that there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for young children.

TO READ MORE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=449&Itemid=166

FIREWORKS | Sparklers | CPSC Annual Safety Warning | INJURY | Pinellas, Largo, Madeira Beach, Seminole, Treasure Island, Indian Rocks Beach

It is that time of year again when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants consumers to put safety into play if fireworks are part of their upcoming Fourth of July celebrations.

Thousands of injuries occur with sparklers, firecrackers, and aerials, and some 200 fireworks injuries take place each day during the one-month period surrounding the holiday.

A new CPSC study indicates that in 2009 there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries resulting from fireworks related incidents. Most fireworks injuries occurred to those younger than 20 and, in many cases, resulted in the loss of a limb.

Please be safe when using consumer fireworks. 

www.trippfirm.com   TRIPP LAW FIRM - Personal Injury Law

GOLF CART ACCIDENT | Safety Concerns Rise | More Golf Carts take to the Streets | FLORIDA

STATEWIDE - Recently several tragic accidents involving golf carts have made headline news. Kristopher Seluga, a mechanical engineering and safety expert, says he is frustrated every time he reads of another death or injury to a child. “In so many of the articles they use the term 'freak accident,''' he says. "It's not. It happens all the time.''

A golf cart may not have the safety features needed for a slow-moving vehicle. More and more Florida communities are allowing golf carts to be driven on select city streets. Each year, about 13,000 golf cart-related accidents require emergency room visits, and that number is rising as the economical, fun-to-drive carts become more popular on city streets, says Seluga, who analyzed statistics compiled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Of those 13,000 accidents, about 40 percent of them involve children younger than 16, and half of those are due to a fall from a moving golf cart. No seat belts or other safety features are required, although driving is restricted to streets approved for golf carts by local governments. In Florida, anyone 14 or older may drive a golf cart, even without a driver's license.

Retirement communities such as Sun City Center and The Villages of Florida conduct annual inspections of golf carts, but require no seat belts. All Sun City Center streets are approved for golf carts, although the carts are not allowed to make right or left turns onto State Road 674. They may, however, travel on a designated golf cart path alongside it and may cross it at three locations. In March of this year, a path was opened to allow golf carts to cross U.S. 301 for access to a Walmart in Wimauma.

The Tampa City Council will hear from the city attorney and police officials at its meeting June 24 regarding the use of golf carts for use on Davis Islands to include short rides including transporting children to sports practices and games. Many Davis Island residents already use them for such purposes.

TO READ MORE CLICK:

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2010/06/22/110892.htm#ixzz0rcsjhMnO

http://www.trippfirm.com/   TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law

BROKEN ARM ♦ Children’s Injuries ♦ BROKEN LEG

STATEWIDE - As a parent, the most important thing in your life is your child, and you will do anything to protect him or her from personal injury. With smaller bodies and a lower pain tolerance, children are prime targets for serious injury and even wrongful death. 

If your child’s injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, then you should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to help you file a personal injury claim for your child. If you have questions about what led to your child’s injury, consulting with a personal injury lawyer may put your mind at ease.

Over 14 million children’s injuries are reported every year in the United States. The top causes of children’s injuries include:  

• Automobile accidents (number one cause of children injuries and wrongful deaths)
• Bicycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall injuries
• Sports injuries
• Dangerous products 

We have two (2) staff licensed private investigators at the TRIPP LAW FIRM. Early investigation is important to discover and protect important evidence that may be lost or destroyed. Call us NOW. We are available 24 hours a day. Home and hospital appointments are available upon request. There is no cost for your initial consultation, and there are no fees or costs until we recover. Don’t delay, call us TODAY toll-free at (888) 392-LAWS (5297).

www.trippfirm.com    TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law

Can parents sign LIABILITY WAIVERS for children?

The Florida Legislature recently sent a bill to Governor Charlie Crist to allow parents to sign liability waivers for children participating in risky activities. "The initial child waiver legislation "would have let theme parks and adventure attractions waive gross negligence, but the weaker measure protects against only inherent risk, a much lower legal standard"

Has your child been injured? Before talking to the insurance company claim representative or a risk manager for the theme park or adventure attraction, speak to a Florida injury attorney.

The TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law accepts difficult liability cases involving children and minors against theme parks, adventure attractions and other potentially liable entities. We handle these type cases on a Contingency Fee basis.

Call us TOLL FREE at (888) 392-LAWS (5297) to discuss the facts of your case. Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and his injury law team are available 24 hours a day. Our initial telephone consultation is FREE and home and hospital visits are available upon request.

NO FEE or NO COSTS if NO RECOVERY. Why guess? CALL NOW.

www.trippfirm.com      TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law

RECALL ♦ Maclaren ♦ CPSC ♦ Target Stores ♦ Babies R Us ♦ CHILD HAZARD for finger amputation

A million Maclaren strollers sold by Target and Babies "R" Us have been recalled, after 12 reports of children having their fingertips amputated by a hinge mechanism.

The amputation risk occurs when a child's finger is placed in the hinge mechanism of a stroller while it is being unfolded.

When the opened stroller locks into place, it can cut off the tip of the child's finger. Maclaren has offered free hinge covers in an attempt to prevent future incidents. According to the CPSC, the covers should not be removed unless the stroller is being cleaned.

The CPSC spokesperson said, “Our message to parents, grandparents and all caregivers is to make sure that you stop using these strollers until you get the repair kit, which zips the covers in place."

For more information click on the link to the CPSC - www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10033.html

www.trippfirm.com/ - Prompt and Aggressive Representation

German Shepherd Dog Bites three-year-old boy in the face

APOPKA -- A 3-year-old boy is recovering from surgery after he was bitten by a dog belonging to his uncle Thursday night. Investigators said the dog, a German Shepherd, was chained to the front of a home, but for some reason went after the boy.

The boy was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he underwent surgery for severe dog bites. The dog was taken to Orange County Animal Services. According to Animal Services, a dog is three times as likely to bite while it is confined on a chain.

Experts said dogs on a chain tend to act more territorial and aggressive.

Source – Central Florida 13

PREVENT BICYCLE ACCIDENTS • Be sure your child knows how to stay safe this SUMMER! • LARGO • SEMINOLE • PINELLAS PARK • ST. PETE • CLEARWATER

BE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS HOW TO STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER!

• Always Wear a Helmet - It's the Law!


• Make Sure Your Bike is Adjusted Properly


• ABC Check - Check Air, Brakes, & Chain


• See and Be Seen


• Avoid Biking at Night


• Ride to the Right with Traffic


• Stay Alert


• Check for Traffic - particularly at driveways


• Obey All Traffic Laws - remember, Bikes are Vehicles!

Want more information? Bicycle Safety Tips from SAFE KIDS Click the link: www.allkids.org/body.cfm?id=259

www.trippfirm.com

Child was injured at a neighbor's house, what insurance is available to pay for their medical bills and pain and suffering? • NO HEALTH INSURANCE

STATEWIDE - Florida homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the negligence of the homeowner. The typical homeowners insurance policy in Florida provides from $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage to pay for serious injuries and losses. In addition, some homeowners policies also provide medical payments coverage from $1,000 to $5,000 regardless of negligence.

However, you should ALWAYS speak to a personal injury attorney BEFORE discussing your potential claim with any insurance adjuster or claim representative of the homeowner’s insurance company.

CALL the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for a FREE immediate telephone case evaluation. Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and the INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24/7.

CALL NOW – Toll-free 1 (800) 392-LAWS (5297).

Prompt and Aggressive Representation – www.trippfirm.com

AVOID ACCIDENTS WITH CHILDREN ♦ Bicyclist ♦ Pedestrians ♦ Scooters ♦ Skateboards ♦ School is out for summer

SCHOOL’S OUT for summer.

Here are some reminders for motorists:

• Slow down and pay attention when traveling in neighborhoods and near parks, schools and playgrounds.


• Be alert for bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians’ they’re harder to see.


• Watch for kids at play! Children on foot and on bikes are unpredictable and may dart out into traffic.


• Remember that the longer daytime hours mean that children may be outside playing later than usual.

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

CPSC policies seen as resulting in improved child safety ◊ Injuries reduced ◊ Death rate falls ◊ Safety laws ◊ Baby walkers ◊ Crib accidents ◊

NATIONAL - USA Today reports that thanks to research and good public policy, children are benefiting "from a wealth of new research, as well as the safety laws and better products based on those research findings." Nationwide, the "death rates from unintentional injuries among children under 19" fell "nearly 50% in 1981, from 27 deaths per 100,000 children in 1981 to 14 per 100,000 in 2005, according to the CDC."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Committee, "Injuries from baby walkers - which help babies stand up - have fallen 88% since the early 1990s, from 25,700 a year to 3,100 annually today." In addition, "Deaths from crib accidents have fallen 84% since 1973, decreasing from 200 deaths a year to 30, largely because of safety improvements."

Also, "thanks to childproof caps, accidental poisonings have fallen more than 80% since the early 1970s, when 216 children died each year, the CPSC says."

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE IN CAR CRASHES Ι Florida Ι Greater Tampa Bay Ι Orlando Ι Beaches Ι Largo Ι Seminole Ι Clearwater Ι St. Petersburg

More than 1,000 children 12 and younger in passenger vehicles die in crashes every year, and more than 100,000 are injured. Parents can reduce the risk to their kids by properly securing them in the back seat of their vehicle.

The videos below are designed to help parents choose the right type of restraint for their child's age and size and to provide general information on installation and use.

Overview (watch first): For parents of all children

www.iihs.org/video.aspx/child_restraints/overview

Rear-facing: For parents of infants — newborns
www.iihs.org/video.aspx/child_restraints/rear_facing

Forward-facing: For parents of toddlers

www.iihs.org/video.aspx/child_restraints/forward_facing
Booster seats: For parents of children in booster seats
www.iihs.org/video.aspx/child_restraints/booster_seats

Adultbelts: For parents of older children

www.iihs.org/video.aspx/child_restraints/adult_belts
These videos are also available for purchase on DVD.

www.iihs.org/videos/default.html

Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr., encourages drivers and passengers alike to always wear their seat belt. www.trippfirm.com

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297) Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY.

ANIMAL ATTACK - Dog Bite

While in most cases we view dog as man's best friend, a dangerous dog can be anything but. At the TRIPP LAW FIRM we handle cases involving dog bites and animal attacks that have caused serious and devastating injuries to adults and children. Although animal-attack claims most commonly involve dog bites, many other types of domesticated animals, such as ferrets, cats, and even birds, can also bite humans. Even non-domesticated animals, such as large cats ordinarily found in the wild, but owned by some people as pets have been known to attack children and adults. An owner's liability for injuries caused by his or her pet, if any, will vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr., is experienced in handling personal injury claims is an excellent source for accurate advice and information if you have been injured in animal attack. The TRIPP LAW FIRM is able to handle animal attack injury cases involving dogs, venomous spiders, snakes, and other dangerous animals.

If you or your child has suffered an animal bite or attack, contact our West Central Florida, law firm today. We handle all animal accident and personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means, we do not take any payment for attorney's fees or costs until we obtain a settlement or verdict for you.

Most municipalities in Florida have leash laws, requiring owners to keep their animals out of the public at large. A dog is presumed to be domesticated unless it is proven otherwise. If a dog is not locked up, however, and it attacks or bites someone, the owner becomes strictly liable for any injury the dog causes. Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Akitas can all be extremely dangerous animals and cause severe and lasting injury, scarring, disfigurement, and even death.

We work with our own private investigators, perform in-depth investigations, carefully research applicable law, and exhaust every opportunity for advocacy in pursuit of a fair outcome for our clients. If it is not possible to reach a settlement on your behalf, we will aggressively advocate in litigation. We are committed to providing our clients with the compassionate care, attention, and service they deserve for their comprehensive recovery needs. At the same time, we advocate aggressively on their behalf.

If you or your loved one has been injured in an animal attack, contact Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr., at (888) 392-LAWS (5297). Our on-call staff is available 24 hours a day for an immediate telephone consultation.

www.trippfirm.com

Motorcycles, ATVs for kids probably not exempt from lead law.

The AP (4/2) reports, "Motorcycle shops apparently won't get a pass on a new anti-lead law that has kept dirt bikes and ATVs for children off showroom floors" as "staff at the Consumer Product Safety Commission have decided against recommending an exemption for" them.

MAKE YOUR CHILDREN WEAR THEIR LIFE JACKETS

As Part Of National Safe Kids Week, U.S. Coast Guard Reminds Parents To Make Their Kids Wear Life Jackets

WASHINGTON – The U. S. Coast Guard reminds parents that their children should always wear a life jacket while boating.

“National SAFE KIDS Week is a perfect time to remember the importance of life jackets,” said the Coast Guard’s Director of Operations Policy, Rear Admiral J.W. Underwood. “It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe when on the water and insisting on wearing life jackets is one of the best ways to do that. “Just like you make your kids wear bike helmets, make them wear life jackets.”

Many adults believe themselves capable of diving into the water to rescue a child who falls overboard. This is a dangerous misconception. Adults may not notice a child falling overboard right away. Children who fall in may not surface immediately. It can be difficult to locate a child in the water—especially when the vessel is in motion.

Life jackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drowning of children ages 14 and under. In fact, in most states, children under 13 must wear life jackets. It’s the law.
According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, drowning remains second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14. Furthermore, children are much more likely to practice safe habits when they experience similar behavior by parents and caregivers. “We have done research that indicates children whose parents wear life jackets around water are more likely to wear one themselves,” says Jen Medearis Costello, program manager at the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “Therefore we recommend that parents not only actively supervise their children around water, but also demonstrate safe behavior—including wearing life jackets.”

The Coast Guard and National SAFE KIDS Campaign strongly recommend adults always wear life jackets as well – not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children.

National SAFE KIDS Week starts on April 30 and runs through May 7.

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons vessel examiners.

The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters, "You're in Command. Boat Responsibly!”

Baby shampoos, lotions may contain carcinogens, group says

The Washington Post (3/13, Layton) reports, "More than half the baby shampoo, lotions and other infant care products analyzed by" Campaign for Safe Cosmetics "were found to contain trace amounts of two chemicals that are believed to cause cancer, the organization said Thursday." However, "the chemicals, both characterized as probable carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency, are not added intentionally to the products and do not appear on ingredient labels" but "appear to be byproducts of the manufacturing process."

Bicycle Safety

According to The American Red Cross of Central Florida:

• Many bicycle injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Always wear a correctly-fitting helmet when riding. Even children using tricycles or bikes with training wheels should wear helmets. Adults should also wear helmets at all times, including when riding with children. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has more information on how to fit a helmet.
• Be sure that helmets meet standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Look for a label or a sticker on the box or inside the helmet indicating that it meets the above standards.
• Wear closed shoes when riding a bike.
• Make sure your bike and your child's bike have good brakes, a front light and effective reflecting material.
• Ride only in safe areas and at safe times.
• Make sure bikes are the correct size for the rider.
• Learn about bicycle etiquette, laws, and safe riding practices and teach your children about them.