In the last few weeks, children have suffered window falls in Oregon, including one that resulted in death to the child.  Year after year approximately 50 children in Oregon enter the trauma systems with injuries from window falls.

Window Falls in Oregon and Nationally
It is estimated that each year approximately 18 children, ages 10 and under, die from a window fall-related injury each year. Most of the fall-related injuries occur in the child’s own home and the injury can range anywhere from a quick trip to the emergency room to hospitalization with severe brain injury or damage. An estimated 4,700 children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency departments annually for injuries sustained from falling out of windows. Head and brain injury injuries account for the majority of these injuries.

According to a Register Guard article in 2002, in the year 1994, 3.5 out of 100,000 children in Oregon fell out of a window and were injured. The number of children falling from windows has been on the rise for a number of years. Nearly 11 out of 100,000 children in Oregon fell out of a window and were injured in 1999.

Window Fall Lawyer
Firm attorney Richard Vangelisti has handled two window fall cases in Portland, Oregon. The first child window fall case settled, and the second child window fall case resulted in a jury verdict for the child.  The property management company appealed the case. Mr. Vangelisti is working with Safe Kids Public Policy & Education Committee in Portland, Oregon on planning the Pediatric Window Falls Prevention Forum to be held in the Lorenzen Center at Legacy Emanuel on Tuesday, November 9th, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Strict Deadlines for Child Injury Cases
Parents and their child have strict deadlines in which to bring any legal claim to recover for past and future medical expenses and other losses for injury. If a child has suffered an injury, it is critically important to have an Oregon lawyer evaluate any potential personal injury claim. A Portland personal injury attorney at Vangelisti Kocher LLP can provide a free, confidential consultation to discuss a child’s injuries and legal rights.