Children drown more often than you may realize. Among children 1 to 14 years old, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths nationwide.  And among the 3,443 people who died nationwide from drowning in 2007, one out of five victims was under 14 years old. Just recently, a 5-year-old boy drowned and died in a swimming pool in southwestern Missouri near Springfield.

Swimming pools are magnets for children on a hot, summer day. But children can drown just as easily in streams, lakes or even in water as shallow as a bathtub. And for every child who dies from drowning, another four must be rushed to an emergency room for nonfatal injuries caused by being submerged under water. Nonfatal drowning injuries can sometimes result in severe life-altering injuries, including permanent brain damage, learning disabilities and permanent loss of basic functioning, including being in a vegetative state for life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sometimes, children drown accidently. Other times, other people’s reckless behavior results in your child’s death or serious injury. That’s why laws exist requiring swimming pools to be properly fenced in. That’s why responsible adults put life preservers on children any time they ride in a boat. Accidents happen. Be prepared.

Has your child been seriously injured or killed in a drowning accident? Don’t be a victim. Take action. You need someone who knows how to hold irresponsible people accountable for their actions. You need someone who will vigorously fight for your rights and make sure your family gets the compensation you deserve. You need the Law Offices of Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave.

Serving Springfield and other communities throughout Missouri, Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave have years of experience defending families victimized by a child drowning. No parent should ever have to go through such a traumatic experience. If you do, let us help guide you through this painful process. Contact Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave today. We’re on your side.

What would you do if your child was injured at a playground? Sound far fetched? Such injuries are more common than you may realize. Each year, emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children under 14 years old for injuries sustained on playgrounds across America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some injuries are severe. And in some cases, children even die as a result of playground injuries.

The most common type of non-fatal playground injuries include severe–fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations and amputations, according to the CDC. Where do these injuries happen? Often, kids get hurt on playgrounds at schools. Statistically, girls get hurt more often than boys. And the age group most at risk for playground injuries is children 5 to 9 years old.

Knowing what to do after your child sustains an injury on a playground can be extremely difficult. You’re terrified, confused, anxious to make sure your child receives the best care possible. You might not even understand the laws regarding injuries to children. Did you know that statute of limitation laws in Missouri place restrictions on how long someone can seek compensation for such serious injuries?

Relax. We can help. The Law Offices of Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave know how to get results. Our lawyers have years of experience defending families who have been affected by a traumatic event like a serious injury to a child on a playground.

Understanding what to do after your child has been injured at a playground can be extremely difficult. Let us take the mystery out of knowing what’s the right thing to do. Contact Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave today. We’re on your side.