The school summer holidays are fast approaching, and many people will be planning days out with their children to make the most of this time. Unfortunately, some activities are riskier than others, and we often see injury claims brought on behalf of children following what was intended to be a fun day out.
Here are our top tips to avoid your children suffering an injury on a day out:
Preparation and planning
- Before any activity, research the location, and consider any potential hazards and what, if any, necessary equipment will be needed.
- For activities like hiking, swimming or bike riding, have a buddy system in place
- Make sure you and your children are wearing appropriate clothing and gear for the activity including helmets, sturdy shoes and sun protection.
- Carry a first-aid kit to include bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relief
Supervision and safety awareness
- Pay close attention to your children
- Check for any potential hazards in the area
- Ensure your children understand the rules and safety guidelines
- Reduce distractions and ensure your children are focused on the activity
- Make sure your children are aware of the rules of the activity and know how to use any equipment safely
Hydration and sun protection
- Ensure you and your children drink plenty of water, especially if you are doing a physical activity in warm weather.
- Always apply sun cream, wear a hat and look for shade to protect against sunburn or heatstroke.
Activity considerations
- Hiking – make sure you and your children wear sturdy boots, carry water and maps, and be aware of the terrain.
- Swimming – use the buddy system and ensure there is someone watching children at all times.
- Biking – ensure bikes are well maintained, helmets are worn and children understand the bike safety rules.
If your child is involved in an accident during the summer holidays and, as a result, sustains an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a claim for compensation on their behalf. To give yourself the best chance of bringing a successful claim, you should do the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your child, even if they seem fine as not all injuries are obvious or visible to the untrained eye. It is important to have your child assessed by a medical professional, especially if they have suffered a head injury.
- Report the incident to the person or organisation responsible and make sure it is logged in the accident book so that there is an official record of what happened.
- If the incident took place in a public place, if possible, take clear photographs of what caused the accident and the location where it happened. If there are any witnesses, approach them to obtain their contact details as a statement may be needed from them at a later date.
If your child has been unfortunate enough to have been involved in an accident and you would like some advice on pursuing a personal injury claim, then our specialist personal injury solicitors are on hand to guide you through the process of making a claim, call us on 0161 696 6235 or complete our online enquiry form.
Blog author: Kathryn Horton, paralegal
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