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Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
July 30, 2012
Every summer, children across the United States attend day camps and summer camps. Camps provide children with fun summer activities so that they stay productive and out of any trouble. However, summer camps can be dangerous, so it is important to fully research camps before you settle on one so that you can be sure they value the safety of your child just as much as you do. Parents should be aware of the most common injuries children can suffer while at summer camp and talk to camp staff to ensure the safety of their child.
Common injuries and complications faced by child campers include the following:
Children can fall victim to a variety of injuries at summer camps. Should your child suffer an injury at camp, you will want to know who is responsible for any injuries.
In general, camps are usually held accountable for keeping children reasonably safe. Under the theory of premises liability, counselors and staff have a duty to manage and oversee all camp activities and facilities in order to minimize the risks for injuries. When camps do not live up to their legal responsibilities, parents may be able to seek compensation for their child’s injuries.
Likewise, camps are typically required to perform background checks on all staff members who will be in contact with children. Camp staff should be performing these checks to make sure potential counselors, cooks, activity leaders, volunteers and all other camp leaders are fit to be around children. Failing to perform these checks could result in incidents of child abuse and sexual abuse. If a child is injured or abused at the hands of a camp staff member and no background check of the individual was conducted, the camp could be held responsible for any occurrences that took place.
It is important to understand that camps are not responsible for all injuries a child sustains. Should you sign your child up for an athletic camp, you may have to sign a waiver releasing the camp for most injuries that occur during the duration of sports camps. Although, even without a waiver, the camp could argue that you assumed the risk of injury by signing up for the camp.
Unfortunately, no matter what you do, children will suffer injuries while at day camp or summer camp. Whether the camp can be held liable for such injuries will depend on the facts associated with the injury. The Hernando County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can answer any question you may have regarding your child’s injuries. We are proud to help accident victims in Spring Hill, Brooksville, Ridge Manor, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach, Masaryktown.
If your child has suffered an illness or injury due to the negligence of summer camp staff, contact the Hernando County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-666-2121.