Do you like to go on family trips to nature, amusement parks, camping, or something similar, and you are constantly thinking of new outdoor activities for your children?! But at the same time, you are very concerned about their safety.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips on how to relax as much as possible on trips with children, as well as what to do if an injury occurs.
First Things First
So that this does not turn into “how to raise a child or how to be a parent” instructions, we will begin by emphasizing that each child is different and that activities and upbringing should be individually devoted to each one.
Today, we deal exclusively with the legal aspect in case of possible injuries and their prevention.
Activity Planning And Preparation
You know your children’s interests best; if they are old enough, try to include them already in planning the trip. Let them suggest an activity or location. Accordingly, try to guide them in a customized way through the planning by alerting them to things they are probably unaware of.
Let’s take, for example, camping that you will spend in nature where there are plants that you shouldn’t touch or eat, ticks or other animals that you need to be careful of, impure water and what can happen to them if they drink it.
You can also prepare pictures of these plants and animals in advance and use them for comparison/identification when you encounter them in person. They will learn best by example or if you (for example) present it as a guessing game.
Also, teach them the good sides of nature and beauty so they don’t think there are only dangers there.
While you are still in the controlled environment of your home, you can introduce the children to the first aid kit so that it is not entirely unknown to them. Depending on their age, you can also show them how to wrap a hand with bandages or apply a band-aid.
You can practice it on toys as well.
What If Injuries Or Accidents Do Happen On One Of Your Trips? 3 Tips
You prepared your children and yourself as best you could, you went on a trip, but unexpected situations still happened. To begin with, you need to distinguish between accidental injuries and accidents (e.g., traffic, breakdowns, animal bites, etc.), and your rights are in both of these situations.
World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008 published a report, “Childhood Injury Prevention: What Works? An Overview of Effective Interventions”, which provides an in-depth analysis of childhood injury statistics worldwide and evaluates interventions that have proven effective in preventing injuries.
It also includes data on common causes of injuries, risk factors, and safety measures that can reduce incidents.
Below are three tips on how to help you deal with unexpected kid injuries.
1. Try To Stay Calm And Seek Medical Help (If Necessary)
If the injury is more serious, an unforeseen allergic reaction occurred, something unknown to you, or it happened in a public place, be sure to seek medical help.
If you have health insurance, you have the right to receive medically necessary care covered by your plan, including emergency services, preventive care, and treatment for pre-existing conditions.
You can access care without prior approval for emergencies and your insurer must cover essential health benefits like hospital stays, prescriptions, and mental health care.
2. Document, Report, And Gather Evidence
Suppose the injury or accident occurred in a public facility or amusement park. In that case, you must capture pictures of the accident scene, the cause of the injury (for example, faulty equipment), and any visible injuries.
Report the accident to the management location, ask for a report to be made, and take a copy for yourself. Also, keep any physical evidence related to the incident, such as damaged personal items, tickets, or receipts.
If further legal action is necessary, these things will be of great importance to you.
3. Study Your Rights
Out-of-pocket expenses have annual limits, after which your insurer covers 100% of the cost. You also have privacy rights under HIPAA.
If your insurance denies a claim, or if managers of public spaces protect themselves from possible compensation and liability from an accident, you have the right to appeal.
In this case, you can contact a firm such as Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers (or an injury lawyer near you) who can advise you on further proceedings regarding possible compensation. Make sure that the lawyer specializes in injuries or personal injuries and operates in the state/country you’re currently in (if unsure, simply ask).
Conclusion
Although it is very difficult when children are involved, it is important that, as much as possible, you stay calm, think clearly, and follow the rules.
If you are traveling outside the country/continent, it is advisable to take out travel insurance, along with which you must also inquire about the laws of the country you are going to. The medical staff and the legal department will help you as best they can.
It is up to you to stay with your child, give him love and attention, and do not give up on outdoor activities and trips because they are essential for the child’s growth and development.
Let the kids be kids, and you be their safe haven.
