The recent trial of Ross Harris was a stark reminder that a child can sustain many injuries, including permanent brain damage, stroke, and even death, from being left alone in a hot car. In 2016, 39 children died from heat stroke after being left or forgotten in a car. That’s 39 too many. As a father of three children, I cannot begin to fathom how that must feel for the parents, family, and everyone else involved.
To prevent such tragedies from occurring, I have put together some resources and tips for families. Share these tips with your family, friends, and childcare providers to ensure that your community is informed and your children remain safe.
Choose Your Childcare Provider Carefully
Carefully vet who will be watching your child. If your child will be staying with a babysitter at your home or the sitter’s home, make sure the garage door and all cars are locked. Have the keys and remotes for the cars out of reach from children as well. An unattended child can easily climb into a car and be unable to exit if child locks are activated.
Have a Daycare Drop-off Plan
Many times, distracted parents or babysitters forget to drop children off at daycare. They go about their daily routine and leave the child in the car. Ask your daycare facility to contact you if your child has not been dropped off that day. That way you can check with your babysitter or significant other to ensure your child is safe. Putting such a plan in place will help you rest easier knowing your child will be found quickly if the unthinkable happens.
Avoid Distractions
In this day and age, we constantly use our phone, which can be quite a distraction. If you’re driving with your child, institute a no-phone policy. This means no calls and no texts. If you must take a call, make sure you end it before you exit the car, so you don’t forgot your child. Also, keep a visual reminder like a stuffed animal in the passenger seat or a post-it note on your dash, so you remember your child is behind you.
Hire a Hot Car Death Attorney
If this horrible tragedy happens to you and your family, please know that you are not alone in this ordeal. There are several causes of actions that can be taken if the child’s death occurred due to the negligence of someone else. The childcare provider can be found negligent or grossly negligent. A manufacturing company could be held liable for the injuries if the death was the result of a faulty product that trapped the child in the car. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit could be filed to seek justice for the vulnerable child.
Contact Us
If your child was injured due to a heat-related automobile incident, please know the Williams Elleby Howard & Easter in Kennesaw, Georgia is here to help. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 833 – LEGALGA for a free consultation. We want you to fully understand your rights, so you can make an informed decision and do what is best for your child and your family.
