A new government report reveals the accidental death rate in Virginia has fallen. The death rate from accidents for children and teens aged 1 through 19 has fallen 45 percent from 2000 to 2009. Nationally, the rate fell approximately 30 percent. The Virginia Department of Health attributes this drop to a similar drop in car accident death rates at the same time. Since 2000, the state has seen a shocking 76 percent drop in deaths associated with car wrecks.
Though this is certainly good news, it isn’t time to rest on our laurels. Experts say that accidents are still the leading cause of death for children under the age of 19. Virginia kids are leading happy, healthy lives, but more needs to be done to protect our little ones. In 2010, accidents killed 156 children were in Virginia. Common causes included accidents involving fireworks, playground equipment like jungle gyms or swings, swallowing toxic household chemicals like bleach, fires, falls, swimming-related accidents, and ATV, scooter or motorcycle wrecks.
When a child is killed due to someone else’s negligence, you should consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This is a difficult, senstive decision, and one that should not be rushed. The pain of dealing with the loss of a child can be overwhelming, which is all the more reason to retain an attorney to protect the rights of you and your family. Our firm has handled numerous cases involving the wrongful death of a child. We’d be happy to talk to you in a no-risk free consultation.
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