ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1009 W 7TH AVENUE ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501 TELEPHONE: (907) 279-4529 FAX: (907) 279-9223
STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER AND AVOID LEGAL PROBLEMS
Summer brings with it the risk of injuries. Use common sense this summer by making intelligent decisions to keep you and your children safe and out of harm's way.
During the summer, parents often allow their children additional time outside during the long summer days. However, children need to be properly supervised to insure that they are safe and that they do not get into trouble. Institute rules about what is appropriate for children to be doing outside, where they should be and when they must come home, and insure that these are clearly explained and enforced.
In Alaska, parents can be sued for up to $10,000 for destruction of property by a child. Know where your children are at all times and supervise them to a degree that is consistent with their ages and maturity level. Keep all firearms locked up and out of reach of children when adults are not immediately present.
Make sure that your yard is safe environment for children to play. Parents could be sued if a child is harmed as a result of a dangerous condition on your property, such as a large unprotected hole in the ground. Inspect your land and repair these potentially hazardous conditions.
Some summer activities pose special concerns. If you're thinking about buying a swimming pool or a trampoline, create rules about who can use it, how many people can be on it at one time, and who will supervise the children while they use it. Make sure that these rules are shared with all users and enforced.
Dress your children in clothing appropriate for the weather and conditions. Always use seat belts or car seats and don't leave children unattended in your vehicle, especially on hot days. Seat belts are the law. A child injured in your vehicle may have a separate claim against you, the driver, if you are at fault. If you are boating, insure that the children are wearing appropriate life jackets and other water safety devises.
If your child is injured, you can act on behalf of your child to sue others. If a child is injured in an automobile accident or hurt in some other manner, that child may have a legal claim against the person who caused the injury. If a child dies as a result of an injury, a claim on behalf of the child's estate may be brought.
It may be wise to speak with an attorney who can answer your question regarding matters involving injuries to children. The Alaska Bar Association can refer you to an attorney who can answer your legal questions regarding these issues.
Steven Pradell is an Anchorage attorney with a practice emphasizing family law, including divorce, custody, domestic violence, adoption, and child support. He is the author of The Alaska Family Law Handbook, which is available in local bookstores and can be obtained by calling (907) 279-4529. ©1999 by Steven Pradell. This article is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied on for that purpose. The law office of Pradell and Associates provides low cost legal consultations. A helpful staff provides prompt, courteous services to meet your legal needs. Give Pradell and Associates a call today, at (907) 279-4529-- (279-4LAW).