Tom McCutcheon discusses how sometimes even a fully covered driver is not only an accident victim, but a victim of their insurance
Protecting your child’s safety means knowing how to prevent injuries and respond when they happen. From playground accidents to car crashes, parents need practical strategies to reduce risks, take the right steps after an incident, and understand when legal process may be necessary to secure their child’s future.
Many childhood injuries are preventable, with falls and car accidents being the leading causes.
Close supervision and proactive safety measures can help prevent accidents at home, during play, or in daily activities.
If your child is injured, seek medical care immediately, then consult a lawyer to protect their rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Childhood is full of running, climbing, and exploring, but these activities can also lead to injuries. Minor scrapes and bruises are part of growing up, but some injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, can be serious. For children ages 1 to 14, unintentional injuries are a leading cause of harm and can affect physical development, learning, and long-term health.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 12 in the United States. Falls are also a major risk, especially for younger kids, often resulting in fractures or concussions. These preventable injuries can take a heavy toll—physically, emotionally, and financially—on the entire family. Understanding the most common causes is the first step toward keeping children safe and reducing the risk of life-changing accidents.
Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries among children under 19, with the highest rates seen in kids under five. More than half occur at home, often from tumbling down stairs, falling out of windows, slipping in bathrooms, or falling from changing tables. Even a short fall from a changing table can cause head trauma, broken bones, or other serious injuries.
Preventive measures can make a big difference. Use non-slip mats in bathtubs, secure furniture away from windows, install sturdy baby gates that can withstand at least 30 pounds of pressure, and always keep one hand on your child when using a diaper changing station. Keep walkways clear of clutter to reduce tripping hazards.
Close supervision is essential, especially for toddlers and young kids. By creating a safer home environment and staying alert, parents can greatly reduce the risk of serious fall-related injuries.
Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death for children in the United States. According to the CDC, about 150 children visit emergency rooms every hour due to crash-related injuries. The proper use of child safety seats can significantly reduce these risks by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for car seat installation and use. Keep children in a rear-facing seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for that model, as this position offers better protection for the head, neck, and spine during a collision.
Taking these precautions before an accident occurs can be the difference between a minor injury and a life-changing one. For parents, understanding and applying these safety measures is one of the most effective ways to protect a child on the road.
Sports help kids stay active and healthy, developing important skills, but they also carry a risk of injury. Overuse injuries are becoming more common as kids specialize in one sport from a young age. Proper training, safe techniques, and balanced schedules can reduce these risks.
Well-fitting safety gear such as helmets, chest protectors, and pads should be worn for every practice and game. A good rule is to limit weekly sports hours to the child’s age to avoid overtraining. By combining the right equipment with smart training habits, parents and coaches can help keep young athletes safe, active, and injury-free.
Animal bites pose a serious risk to children, especially younger ones who may not recognize an animal’s warning signs. Dogs are responsible for most bites nationwide, and children between 5 and 9 face the highest risk. In Alabama, many injuries occur at home or during visits to friends or relatives. Never leave young children alone with a pet, even one that’s normally gentle. Teach them safe interactions—no pulling tails, grabbing fur, or bothering animals while they eat or sleep.
A 2022 study found that about 8% of animal bites in kids require surgery for deep wounds or facial injuries. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent infection, scarring, and lasting harm. When a serious bite is caused by someone else’s animal, Alabama law allows families to seek financial recovery for medical costs, future care, and emotional trauma. Our injury lawyers at McCutcheon & Hamner fights to hold negligent pet owners accountable and secure the resources needed for a child’s recovery.
Bicycling is a healthy and fun activity for kids, but it’s also a leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children in the United States. In Alabama, many of these accidents happen on neighborhood streets or driveways where drivers may not expect young riders. A properly fitted bike helmet is the most effective way to prevent serious head injuries, reducing risk by as much as 85%. The helmet should sit level on the head, fit snugly, and have straps adjusted to prevent tilting.
Teaching road safety is just as important as protective gear. Show kids how to use hand signals, stop at intersections, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Encourage riding on designated bike paths, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and using front and rear lights to improve visibility. With these steps, kids can enjoy the freedom of riding while staying safer. When a bike accident is caused by a negligent driver or unsafe conditions, McCutcheon & Hamner can fight to protect your child’s rights and secure the financial recovery your family deserves.
When a child is injured because a responsible adult failed to provide proper supervision, that person can be held legally accountable. This may include parents, teachers, school staff, daycare workers, babysitters, coaches, or caregivers. Negligent supervision happens when an adult fails to take reasonable steps to protect a child from foreseeable harm such as leaving dangerous objects within reach, allowing access to unsafe areas, or permitting activities beyond the child’s ability or maturity.
Dog bites are a common example. Kids are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from animals, and many attacks occur when kids are left unsupervised around pets. In Alabama, negligent pet owners can be held liable for injuries their animals cause. Likewise, adults responsible for watching the child may share in that liability if their inattention contributed to the incident.
To prove negligent supervision, it must be shown that the adult had a duty to watch the child, failed to act as a reasonably careful person would, and that this failure caused the injury. McCutcheon & Hamner fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation your family needs for medical bills, long-term care, and emotional recovery.
If your child is injured, get medical care immediately to protect their health and safety. Document every detail—how the injury happened, where it occurred, and who was present. File an official injury report if possible, as this record can be critical later.
Next, contact a skilled personal injury lawyer experienced in Alabama cases involving injured children. At McCutcheon & Hamner, we guide parents through every step, from gathering evidence to dealing with insurance companies. In Alabama, any settlement for a minor must be approved by the court to ensure it serves the child’s best interests. We work to secure financial recovery for medical bills, long-term care, and the pain your child has endured—without any upfront cost to you. If the other side refuses to be fair, we are ready to take your case to court.
When a child is injured, the impact affects the whole family. Beyond the medical bills, there’s the pain your child has endured and the emotional toll on you. Alabama law allows families to seek compensation for medical expenses, future care needs, and the child’s pain and suffering. In some cases, parents may also recover damages for their own emotional distress after witnessing their child’s injury.
Different types of accidents—whether a car crash, dog bite, or playground injury—require different legal strategies. McCutcheon & Hamner builds each case around its unique circumstances, working to secure the full recovery your family deserves. We offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win.
When a child is injured, immediate action can make all the difference. If the situation is life-threatening, immediately call 911. While waiting for help, check the child for visible injuries, keep them still if you suspect broken bones or a head injury, and stay calm to reassure them.
A well-stocked first aid kit at home, in your car, and at sporting events can help you respond quickly. For serious injuries such as heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, begin CPR if needed and continue until emergency personnel arrive. Even if an injury appears minor, have a doctor evaluate your child, especially if the injury involves a head impact or possible internal damage.
In Alabama, prompt medical attention not only protects a child’s health but also helps document the injury, which can be critical in legal claims. The law offices of McCutcheon & Hamner help families protect their rights after a serious injury, working to secure the resources needed for recovery.
Keeping kids safe starts with supervision, teaching safe habits, and removing hazards before they cause harm. Many injuries at home involve everyday items such as cleaning products, medications, or sharp tools. Store these securely and out of reach. Use child-proof locks, gates, and fences to block access to dangerous areas.
Provide a safe, age-appropriate play space stocked with toys designed for your child’s developmental stage. At schools or parks, inspect playground equipment regularly for loose bolts, sharp edges, or unstable surfaces. Around water, whether it’s a pool, bathtub, or even a bucket, constant adult supervision is the most effective way to prevent accidents.
In Alabama, families face the same risks as anywhere else, and taking these precautions can prevent serious harm. Parents of children hurt by unsafe conditions can turn to McCutcheon & Hamner for experienced legal guidance and aggressive pursuit of compensation for medical care and recovery.
Understanding the most common causes of childhood injuries such as falls, car wrecks, sports-related accidents, and animal bites is the first step to prevention. Each type of incident requires its own safety approach, from securing your home to using proper safety equipment and supervising high-risk activities.
When a serious injury happens, prompt medical care and strong legal representation can make all the difference. McCutcheon & Hamner offers free consultations and helps Alabama families pursue the compensation needed for medical bills, long-term care, and the emotional impact of a child’s injury. By staying informed and proactive, you can reduce the risk of life-changing accidents and protect your child’s future.
Children’s injuries affect their future. We document every harm and fight for full compensation—not just current medical bills.
We don’t settle cheap.
Yes. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Seeking medical attention promptly can protect your health and strengthen your case.
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