What types of risks sometimes exist at summer camp?
Summer camp injuries in most cases are not typically serious and the majority of children across the United States enjoy summer camp. However, when children are exposed to preventable risks and serious injury occurs, there may be grounds for legal action to recover damages.
A study published by the U.S. National Institute of Health in 2006 reported that the most common injuries children experienced at camp were cuts, scratches and scrapes (33 percent) and that 14.6 percent were fractures and 10.4 percent were sprains. Researchers identified horseback riding and capture the flag as injury producing activities.
What are some precautions to prevent injuries?
The American Camp Association suggests various precautions that camps should take to prevent injuries:
Boating and swimming are also popular camping activities. Adhering to water safety rules is also vital to keep children safe. Campers should always wear life jackets when boating, and camps should have trained lifeguards to supervise swimmers.
As a parent, when you are choosing camps for your children, you should ensure that the camp is accredited and also inquire about precautionary measures the camp has in place to prevent injuries.
When should you seek legal help for a camp injury?
If your child suffers from a serious injury, it is wise to seek legal counsel. An experienced attorney can determine whether negligence was involved. Holding negligent parties accountable can help prevent other children from suffering similar serious injuries.
The Law Offices of David R. Lewis offers a free consultation to discuss your camping injury and determine whether grounds exist for taking legal action.