Child Asphyxiation Accidents Attorneys in San Diego

All parents have concerns about their children’s safety from time to time. This is especially the case when the child is on the playground, at daycare, or at school, where hazards may present themselves outside the parent’s presence. However, one of the most terrifying dangers to contemplate for children in these kinds of environments is asphyxiation.

Asphyxiation occurs when a child experiences a lack of oxygen. This can happen due to an object being wrapped around the neck or becoming lodged in the throat. It can also be the result of drowning. Many children suffer preventable asphyxiation injuries yearly, and the consequences can be severe. Sometimes, they can even be fatal.

If your child has suffered an asphyxiation injury in San Diego due to another party’s negligence, you may have the right to file a claim for compensation for your losses. The experienced San Diego child injury attorneys of [firm name] can help you deal with every step of this process. We will work to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve so that the negligent party can be held to account.

Call us today at (619) 233-5020 or contact us online for a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.

How Do Child Asphyxiation Accidents Happen?

An interruption of a child’s breathing can occur for a number of different reasons. Interrupted breathing can occur when there is an obstruction in the airway, or something becomes tangled around the neck. Regardless, these accidents almost always happen because the individual who should have been responsible for the child’s safety failed to act in a way that prevented the injury before it occurred.

Asphyxiation may occur in a classroom, at a daycare, or on a playground for several reasons.

Choking on Food

One of children’s most common causes of asphyxiation injuries is choking on food. Children under the age of four have not yet learned to chew properly, so if given certain food objects, they will be at an increased risk of choking. Some foods that should not be given to young children include:

• Hotdogs and sausages
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn
• Hard candy or gum
• Peanut butter chunks
• Whole grapes
• Chunks of fruit
• Marshmallows
• Raw vegetables such as carrots
• Raisins
• Apples

Additionally, it is essential to take certain precautions while a child is eating. Someone should always supervise to ensure that the food is cut into pieces that are easy to swallow. It is also important that they do not talk, laugh, or move around while they are eating.

Just in case an emergency occurs, someone who knows CPR should always be present.

Choking on Objects

Whether on the playground or in the classroom, there is always the possibility that young children will put foreign objects in their mouths. This can include rocks or stones, toy parts, art materials, or other objects. Children must be actively supervised while they play, and they must be discouraged from eating while they are playing as well.

Protrusion Hazards

When there is an object sticking out from a surface, such as an exposed nail or hook, there is a danger that it might catch on their clothing and lead to strangulation. This is especially the case if the child’s clothing itself is not safe. Adult supervisors should ensure that children are dressed properly, removing any jewelry, scarves, or drawstrings from around the neck before children engage in playtime. Furthermore, those who are responsible for the children should also inspect their surroundings for any potential protrusion hazards.

Gaps in Equipment

If a classroom or playground has small gaps between steps, fences, or other facilities, a child’s head may become trapped if they attempt to squeeze through the opening. This type of hazard is often the result of improper design or construction of classroom or playground facilities.

Improper Use of Equipment

If younger children attempt to play with toys that are intended for their elders, such as jump ropes, swings, or climbing ropes, they may become entangled. Adults should ensure that all children are playing only with age-appropriate equipment.

Potential Effects of Child Asphyxiation Accidents

When a young child is injured, the consequences may follow them for the rest of their life. Asphyxiation injuries can lead to such complications as:

• Hypoxia – After a prolonged lack of oxygen, a child can suffer a severe brain injury. This can result in behavioral changes, hallucinations, seizures, problems with sensory perception, and impaired mental development.
• Speaking problems – If the asphyxiation injury fractures the child’s larynx (voice box), they may have a raspy voice for the rest of their life. In some instances, they may lose the ability to speak altogether.
• Breathing problems – When an asphyxiation injury causes swelling to the airways, the child may experience coughing, as well as problems with swallowing. They may also exhibit excessive drooling.
• Wrongful death – If an asphyxiation emergency is not addressed immediately, there is a chance that the child could lose their life.

Contact an Experienced San Diego Child Injury Lawyer

If your child suffered an injury or lost their life due to an asphyxiation accident that occurred because of another party’s negligence, you deserve justice. You may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for your losses.

The compassionate attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers understand what a challenging and painful time you are going through now. Our experienced legal team is ready to do everything we can to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. While we recognize that no amount of money can make up for what you and your child have been through, we believe that you should not be left to pay for medical expenses and other losses when someone else caused all the pain that you have endured.

Call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (619) 233-5020 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will listen to your story and do everything we can to help.