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CPSC Warns Parents About Dangers Of Opening Windows

by on April 10, 2012 in Accident, accidental death, concussions, CPSC, fall, window fall, wrongful death

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a timely warning for all families, especially for those with young children.

As spring approaches, many start opening their windows and although opened windows bring relief from the heat, they may also bring danger to those who are on the inside.

According to data from the CPSC, about 3,300 children five years and younger are treated yearly for window falls and about eight children die yearly. About 34 percent of those who fall, must be hospitalized as they recover from their injuries.

The National Safety Council recommends parents and caregivers take these steps to help prevent falls of young children.

- Avoid placing furniture young children can climb on near windows.

- Do not lean on screens or rely on them to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.

- Supervise children to prevent them from playing near windows, balconies or patio doors.

- Install building code-compliant devices such as window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire).

- Teach your children how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a fall from a window, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Dwyer & McDevitt may be able to assist you. Contact our offices today for a free, initial consultation.

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More Than 5,000 Children Seriously Injured From Window Falls Yearly

by on August 28, 2011 in Accident, accidental death, fall, window fall

A study published in the journal Pediatrics last week showed more than 5,000 American children are seriously injured or killed yearly from falls out of windows.

The study, conducted at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found children younger than five were more than three times as likely to die from head injuries they got in a window fall than children five to 17.

The study gathered nearly 20 years of data from 1990 to 2008 from a survelliance system that gathers data from 100 different emergency rooms around the United States.

More falls occurred in the warmer months and one- and two-story falls made up about 94 percent of the falls where the height was in the records.
Researchers found less than 1 percent resulted in death, but some reports point out that number is probably higher since many who had died may not have been taken to an emergency room.

Safety experts remind parents screens may not prevent falls. They recommend moving furniture away from the windows, installing screen guards and adding cushioning below windows such as bushes or flower beds to reduce injuries if a child does fall.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney. Contact the offices of Dwyer & McDevitt today for your free case evaluation.

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Toddler Unhurt After Falling Four Floors

by on June 23, 2011 in Accident, fall, premises liability, window fall

Officials said a toddler who fell through a fourth-floor window Wednesday is lucky she didn’t emerge with any external injuries.

According to reports, the 2-year-old fell from the window in Arlington Heights after putting her weight on the screen and popping it.

Officials said the incident was not a case of neglect, but just an accident.

The girl was taken to a local hospital for observation.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a serious fall, contact our offices for your free, immediate case evaluation.

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Toddler In Critical Condition After Three-Story Fall

by on June 9, 2011 in Accident, fall, window fall

A toddler fell from the window of an Englewood apartment building Wednesday night about.

According to the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun Times, the 20-month was in critical condition after falling from a third story window.

The accident occurred about 7:30 p.m. in the South Eggleston Avenue.

The toddler was taken to an area hospital for treatment, but no further information was available about the incident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls account for the most non-fatal injuries in children ages 0 to 19. Everyday 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms across the United States for fall-related injuries. In Illinois, about 300 children die yearly as a result of falls and fall-related injuries.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a fall, our offices may be able to assist you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Girl Hospitalized After Fall From Window

by on May 18, 2011 in Accident, premises liability, window fall

A young girl was hospitalized Tuesday after falling from a second-floor window in the Little Village.

According to officials, about 11 a.m. the girl’s mother lost sight of her for a moment and then heard screaming from outside. The mother found her daughter on the sidewalk outside and called emergency personnel. The four-year-old was taken to a local hospital and was listed in serious to critical condition.

The girl suffered fractures to both arms and a skull fracture.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, our offices may be able to assist you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

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