child safety

Madigan Releases Annual ‘Safe Shopping Guide’ for 2014

December 5, 2014 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

The 2014 Safe Shopping Guide from the Illinois Attorney General

Some lists are more important than others over the holidays: Santa’s list, of course, and the latest list coming from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office.

Madigan’s team has released its annual “Safe Shopping Guide” for the 2014 holiday shopping season. The Safe Shopping Guide is considered by many to be a critical resource for parents in the midst of perpetual spending sprees. Since 2007, the annual guide has been helping families avoid dreaded product recalls (an estimated 44 million individual units of children’s products are recalled each year, many of which go overlooked by retailers and remain available to unassuming shoppers!)

This year’s guide highlights over 100 recalled products, as determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Products recalled include toys, cribs, furniture, clothing and baby gear. One of the great features of the “Safe Shopping Guide” is just how detailed it is. You’ll find a comprehensive list of defective products, along with descriptions and photos pinpointing exactly what parents should be paying close attention to. Topping this year’s list are items like the Dynacraft Aviago Youth Bicycle (recalled on July 31 due to a faulty front tire prone to detach) and the Toys “R” Us Toy Toaster Set (recalled on October 13 as a result of the brittle plastic toast that has a tendency to crack and break into small pieces, posing a choking hazard).

“The Safe Shopping Guide is a must-have for this holiday season,” said Abe Scarr, Illinois PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) Director, in a statement released by the Attorney General’s office. “Shoppers should pay close attention to toys that contain small parts that could lead to choking, and consumers should be especially vigilant while shopping online where recalled toys may still be available.”

Not Just Physical Products – Stay Cybersafe

New this year is a feature that provides important information on taking precautionary measures against identity theft and credit card fraud, two big concerns among consumers following several major data breaches at large retailers like Target, Michael’s, Neiman Marcus, and Home Depot.

Madigan’s guide includes preventative steps to help shoppers protect against identity theft. Her office notes that caller complaints involving cyber security jumped 1,600 percent in 2013 alone; they have successfully helped more than 35,000 victims remove over $26 million in fraudulent charges from their credit, thanks in part by encouraging encouraging consumers to take preventative steps like the ones below.

Protect your data with four simple steps, as outlined in the Safe Shopping Guide:

Set up transactions alerts
Establish spending limits and email/text alerts to keep you updated whenever a transaction exceeds a certain threshold. Should you find out that your card exceeded the limit, you can dispute the charge immediately with your credit card company.

Regularly review your bank and credit card statements
It’s easy to pinpoint a fraudulent charge, especially when it’s a large amount. But some scammers have learned to do so over time with small charges that most people would otherwise not notice. Taking a closer look at your bank and credit card statements can help you find inconsistencies or patterns in small numbers.

Review your credit report for unauthorized accounts
Credit card holders are entitled to at least one free credit score report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies each year. By ordering your credit report, you can determine whether any unauthorized accounts have been open in your name.

Consider putting a security freeze on your credit
Lock down your personal data and prevent scammers from gaining access to your personal information. It’s the most extreme but also the most sure-fire way to keep things safe and secure. You’re free to lift the freeze at any time, should you want to make a big purchase in the future.

Teaching Lawyers to Help Children with Playground Injuries

November 20, 2014 by Ken Levinson Leave a Comment

Ken Levinson - Playground Injuries and Children — Ken Levinson speaks to the New Jersey Association for Justice about children and playground injuries

As a child injury lawyer, I often am called to help parents whose children have been injured on playgrounds. Last week I was fortunate to be invited to speak to the New Jersey Association for Justice so I could teach other trial lawyers about handling playground injury cases. Thank you to my friends at the NJAJ for having me.

Playgrounds aren’t just swing sets and teeter-totters set atop sand and gravel, or at least they shouldn’t be. Did you know that practically each part of a playground (even where each play piece is located) is based on standards and guidelines set by an international organization and promoted by the U.S. Government?

Child injury cases can be very different from adult injury cases. The injuries, treatment, and impact are not the same. For example, a child’s injury might take many years to heal, or require specialized medical care that an adult wouldn’t need. What might seem a minor problem for an injured child at first glance could actually be a major problem later in life. In addition, communicating with injured children is sometimes more complicated than when speaking with an adult, who because of his or her age can provide more detailed information about what happened and the injuries.

My presentation provided strategic information to other attorneys fighting to secure justice for injured children and their families. I shared tips on how to protect the scene of an injury, who to contact when investigating a playground injury, and where to look for rules and regulations governing playgrounds.

Those rules and regulations are very detailed and specific as to each element of a playground – from surfacing material, to height, length, and angle measurements of various pieces of play equipment, to distances between pieces of equipment. And, all of this still depends on what age group the playground caters to.

Ultimately, it is imperative that a judge or jury understand the importance of these rules and regulations, and their basis in keeping our children safe. That’s why I travel to groups of lawyers and provide tactical tips on how to best serve child injury victims in court.

Is Artificial Turf Safe for Our Children?

November 13, 2014 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

These days artificial turf is practically synonymous with the word “sport.” You can find it almost anywhere — from nearby elementary schools to the biggest and most prestigious college athletic programs in the country. Local municipalities use it for recreation centers and playgrounds. High schools opt for its cost-saving benefits, as it’s durable and generally requires less maintenance over time. But a harrowing report from NBC News has shed new light on the potential dangers of turf and the synthetic properties from which it’s made. It’s forcing many to reconsider whether the surface is safe for play.

Turf generally contains two distinct properties: polyethylene plastic grass and tens of thousands of tiny rubber beads made from recycled tires, known as “crumb rubber.” As detailed by NBC, the crumb rubber has been the primary cause for concern. The network spoke with University of Washington soccer coach Amy Griffin, who shared the stories of two former UW players who were diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Both players happened to be goalkeepers, and both were coming in close contact with the turf on a daily basis.

At first Griffin dismissed the diagnoses as an eerie coincidence. But digging deeper, she discovered an all-too common pattern that sent her on quest for answers. Since those first two cases, she has slowly but doggedly collected the names of more than 38 American soccer players — 34 of which are goalies — who were later diagnosed with a form of cancer. In each situation, blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia proved to be the predominant types. NBC noted that Griffin’s list is not based on fact or scientific analysis; it’s simply based on a pattern that Griffin could no longer ignore.

Regardless of its scientific merits, Griffin’s list, informed by testimonials of former players and coaches, is once again questioning the safety of artificial turf fields, most especially for children. Following the NBC News report, two schools in New Jersey and Washington postponed plans to install new turf, citing the need for more studies and testing.

Health advocates and organizations like Environment and Human Health, Inc. have produced some studies that shed some light on turf’s distinct qualities.

“From the available information,” says one study from the EHH, “it was found that tire crumbs contained volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCs) with carcinogenic potential, which could be extracted from the crumbs in the laboratory.”

The study continues: “The relationship between exposures affecting the rubber workers and those experienced by people using athletic fields, or children in playgrounds covered with ground-up rubber tire material is not known, but we do know that many of the same chemicals that rubber workers are exposed to are being released from the ground-up rubber tire crumbs.”

Turf fields have been the source of controversy since their introduction some 50 years ago. Moms Team, “The Trusted Source for Sports Parents,” noted that 900 new synthetic turf fields were installed nation-wide in 2008, now up to 5,000 in 2014. Moms Team provided a list of pros and cons for parents to be aware of. The pros ranged from the elimination of grass pesticides to the cons of toxic run-off caused by wet fields and stormy weather.

Turfgrass Producers International acknowledges that new generation turf potentially poses health-related issues, providing a list of common concerns that many people have when considering the installation of a turf surface and openly promoting a “think-twice” mentality: “As experience has proven time and again, ‘If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,’ is an adage worthy of contemplation when consideration is being given to constructing an artificial turf area.”

Finding the Right Car Seat for Your Child

October 16, 2014 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Keep your child safe in a car seat

Infant car seats come in many shapes and sizes. They can be big, small, subtle and outlandish. They come affixed with gadgets and hinges, some of which look easy to manage for the average earth dweller and others that look as though they’ve been developed in a galaxy far, far away. They can be comfortable, inviting, odd looking, and entirely perplexing. They require constant care, adjustments, and their lifespan can seem shorter than that of the average fruit fly.

When it comes down to it finding the right car seat is an art form, requiring a good deal of time, energy, and research. Thankfully, there are a number of resources and consumer grades to help you determine which car seats (and what prices!) are right for you. We’ve included a few snippets below:

Consumer Reports recently published a list of the best car seat manufacturers and brands, following its requisite crash and safety testing of infant seats. All in all, 13 infant car seats earned the best rating post-crash test, which increased and/or changed parameters like speed (from 30 to 35 miles per hour) and seat placement to better gauge durability. Based on the report, infant seats tested ranged from $55 to $440. Somewhat surprisingly, higher costs didn’t always equal better quality. The $55 seat (the Evenflo Discovery 5), for example, earned the better rating, but the Orbit Baby Infant Car Seat G2, which rings up at $440, received a basic score. Cars.com put together the 13 best seats

Britax B-Safe
Chicco KeyFit
Chicco KeyFit 30
Cybex Aton 2
Cosco Comfy Carry
Evenflo Secure Ride 35
Graco SnugRide 30 (Classic Connect)
Maxi-Cosi Mico
Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite
Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite Plus
Safety 1st onBoard35 Air
The First Years Contigo
The First Years Via I470

BabyCenter.com went straight to the source, asking moms what they believed to be the safest infant car seats on the market in 2014. The top-ranked Chicco Keyfit 30 ($195) features a bubble ball, similar to a carpenter’s balance bar, which helps determine if he seat is placed at the proper angle. Mom’s agreed that the Chicco Keyfit 30 is one of the easiest seats to install; as one mommy critic put it: “Light, but safe. That’s all that matters.” Others mommy picks from BabyCenter.com include the Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 ($88), a bestseller that’s both safe and affordable, running just under the $100 mark. Ideal features include a comfortable headrest and neck support, along with providing a good deal of sunshade.

As Parent Magazine puts it, “Nothing is more stressful than the first time you have to trust the car and car seat to get your baby home.” While that first nervous moment may trump them all, it’s easy to forget how stressful your child’s ensuing growth patterns ultimately require you to do it over again. That’s why Parent recommends the Diono RadianR100 Convertible Car Seat ($207.99). The Diono can support up to 100 lbs, depending on how you use it: It holds the baby in rear-facing mode from 5 to 40 pounds, forward-facing 20 to 65 pounds, and forward-facing up to 57 inches. Bonus: It will also act as a booster up to 100 pounds. The 3-in-1 Graco Nautilus ($139.99) also comes highly recommended. The harness straps can be used from 20 to 65 pounds and can transform from a high-back booster to a backless booster, should you desire those options.

Child Passenger Safety Week: What’s a Safe Car Seat?

September 16, 2014 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

You’re a new parent and life is now a little more interesting. You spend your days thinking about baby food instead of BBQ. You’re decorating nurseries rather than painting man caves. You may not know it yet but you’re favorite television show is about to change—from Scandal to Sesame Street.

And some adjustments are bigger than others. Making sure your child is secure while riding in a vehicle may be one of the biggest and—and most misunderstood—of them all. Safe Kids Worldwide estimates that nearly 82% of all car seats are installed and/or being used incorrectly. SeatCheck.org notes that children are safest when situated in the backseat, yet six out of 10 drivers believe that it’s okay for kids 12 and younger to sit in the front seat equipped with a passenger airbag. Nearly 70% of parents believe kids eight or younger don’t need the assistance of a booster seat, and only 21% of kids between ages 4–8 are “at least on occasion” using a booster seat.

Unfortunately, too many parents take these numbers for granted.

In the United States alone, more than 650 children ages 12 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 148,000 were injured in 2011, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDCP estimates that proper child car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants by 71% and to toddlers by 54% in passenger vehicles. Booster seat use reduces the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4–8 years when compared with seat belt use alone. For older children and adults, seat belt use reduces the risk for death and serious injury by approximately half.

In anticipation of National Child Passenger Safety Week, happening September 14-20, we’re taking cues from around the web on what you can do to make sure your child – and his or her car seat – is as safe as possible.

When it doubt, check it out
SaferCar.gov and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provide a convenient tool that allows parents to find the nearest car seat inspection station in their local communities. Simply search by state or zip code, click on a location and head to your destination. The site even provides an option for parents to find locations with Spanish speaking technicians. Many communities, including Mount Pleasant, are also offering free inspections during Safety Week, so be on the lookout.

The X-Factor
When it comes to car seats, several factors come into play: height, weight, age, and type. There are four types of car seats to consider: The rear-facing car seat, the forward-facing car seat, the booster seat, and the seat belt. Also from SaferCar.gov: a list of car seat types and the benefits each has to offer for all age ranges.

Crash tests, not just for dummies
Consumer Reports writes about five ways to save your child’s life, which include proper harnessing, buckling up, and resisting the urge to text and drive. You can also check out a video on CR’s new car seat crash test, also being reported in the New York Times.

Time is on your side
About.com features a great interview with mother and Child Passenger Safety Technician Casey Leach. The certified CPST talk shop, and most importantly, when you should start talking car seats in preparation for your child. Spoiler alert: not too soon. Car seats depreciate the moment they leave the manufacturing house.

City by city, state by state
Each state has its own child passenger safety laws and Illinois has a number of specific guidelines according to the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act. CyberDriveIllinois.com, a division of the office of the Illinois Secretary of State, has all the information you’re looking for, including age guidelines and a list of recommended quick links on the subject.

Best Parent Practices and Safety Tips for a New School Year

August 29, 2014 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again: Time for pens and pencils, notebooks and notepads, stencil boxes and three ring binders. It’s back to school season, and for many parents it’s a time to prepare for the unexpected as only parents can do. We’ve rounded up a list of best-practices and school safety tips from a few reputable sources, as your toddlers, tykes and tweens embark on a new school year filled with new adventures, new learning and, most importantly, a better appreciation for secure and safe environments.

Back to School Chicago — Image credit: Deptartmentofed Flickr (US Dept. of Education)

Check, please.
The National Safety Council—a national non-profit whose mission is to “save lives” by promoting safety in an around the home, school, and the workplace—offers a comprehensive checklist of best-practices and safety tips in anticipation of those initial first days of school. The standard applies (e.g. teaching your child to look both ways before crossing the street, fitting them with a helmet before they ride a bicycle), but there’s more to this checklist than meets the eye. A recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission estimated that 7,300 backpack-related injuries occur every year, and for those kids taking the bus to school, it’s important to stress the unpredictability of large vehicles on the road. In a nutshell: there’s lots to love about this list.

What’s up, doc?
For most students, back to school is an exciting time of year. But for others the transition to a new grade, even a different classroom, can have adverse effects on students who might not adjust as easily as others. Preparing your child mentally for the eventual return to school can be extraordinarily beneficial safety measure. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends scheduling doctor and dental appointments in advance or in the early stages of school, which can make you aware of potential red flags before that momentous first day of class.

Spoiler alert.
A healthy and productive mental state can make all the difference for young students. And believe it or not, your child’s mental health has the potential to rub off on others. Scholastic offers a smorgasbord of tips and tricks to make your child’s school year the best it can possibly be, one of which includes designing his or her very own work station, complete with a tailored aesthetic and good vibes. By catering the design to your child’s study habits, you can influence what happens in and outside your home by (slightly) spoiling your future Ivy Leaguer.

Just breathe.
This time of year can be particularly troublesome for kids with asthma. Given the unpredictability of the seasons thus far, it behooves any parent to ensure that kids are well-prepared for the ill-effects of the summer-to-fall transition. The Public News Service recently interviewed Kathleen Shanovich, a former school nurse and pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, who suggests parents meet with a school’s resident nurse to discuss a detailed action-plan, should a problem arise. Shanovich also advises parents to leave an extra inhaler with the school nurse should any unforeseen issues occur.

I’ll be back.
The Washington Post recently provided parents with back-to-school tips and tricks for the upcoming school year. A surprising, if not overlooked aspect of the back-to-school process is establishing the concept of “leaving and returning.” This seemingly miniscule detail might sneak by most parents, especially if they’re in a hurry, but it’s a detail worth remembering. Reinforcing the idea at drop-off that you’re leaving but will return later to can save your kiddos any unwanted heartache.