Back to School: Protecting Children Against Personal Injuries

After a long summer keeping children entertained, parents often look forward to sending children back to school in August. This year, concerns over COVID-19 are keeping children from physically attending school in Portland. However, online classes are sure to keep them busy. Typically, personal injuries among children tend to skyrocket once school is back in session. While this school year may be dramatically different, it is still important for parents to be aware of the risks.

Personal Injuries Common When Children Head Back to School

The start of the school year is typically one of the most dangerous times for children. Their excitement and the increased amount of activities they engage in make personal injuries more likely to happen. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common causes of back to school accidents include: 

• Motor vehicle accidents, which are a leading cause of death among children and teens;
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, which are common in neighborhoods, particularly during the morning and evening hours, when parents are commuting to and from work;
• Slip and fall accidents, which often happen on sidewalks, in parks, and on playground equipment;
• Overuse injuries, which can occur when children are engaged in sports or recreational activities. 

As high coronavirus case counts continue to plague the Portland area, classes are scheduled to remain online at least through November. A recent KPTV report states that all school-related sports are suspended until March as well. While this will likely reduce some of the risks, parents still need to take precautions to keep their children safe.

Ways Parents Can Protect Their Children

Without the usual school activities to occupy children, local playgrounds, parks, and recreation centers will likely see increased use. Serious personal injuries can occur in all these settings. To protect children, Safe Kids encourages parents to follow these tips: 

• Make sure young children are adequately supervised when they go out to play in public parks.  
• Set limits for older children on how far they can venture from home and require them to check in regularly. 
• Take the time to visit local playgrounds yourself to assess the type and condition of equipment, as well as the surfaces children will be playing on. Sharp, jagged edges and areas covered in cement or other hard materials increase the likelihood of injuries.
• If your child will be taking part in any type of organized neighborhood recreation activities, make sure they are adequately supervised, have the proper safety equipment, and that coaches or other support staff notify you immediately if an accident occurs. 
• Remind children of basic bicycle and pedestrian safety, such as crossing only at designated intersections and using extra caution when approaching driveways or parking lots. 

Let Us Help You Today

The school year typically means an increase in children’s personal injuries. In many cases, it is the negligent actions of others that are to blame. The Johnston Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation they need to recover. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland personal injury attorneys online and request a consultation today.