Windows provide much-needed sunlight, brighten up our homes, and allow us to bring a little of the outdoors inside. Unfortunately, although necessary, our windows are also one of the most dangerous elements in our homes. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 3,300 children under five are injured yearly by falling out of windows.
If your child has suffered an injury or was killed from a window fall in Oregon, you could be entitled to a monetary settlement. Rizk Law personal injury lawyers are well-versed in child injuries, including falls from windows. When you partner with our team, you can be confident that we will put our all into getting you the compensation you and your family deserve for the harm you have endured.
Tips for Protecting Children From Accidental Window Falls in Oregon
Many residential building codes require bedrooms and other sleeping areas to have a secondary means of escape in case of an emergency, and many times, that exit is a window. While windows can act as protection for our families, they can also be a danger. Help prevent your child from suffering a window fall with the following safety tips:
Supervise Small Children at All Times
Young children do not fully understand the dangers of falling from a window. Always keep an eye on small children, and when they are around, keep your windows closed and locked. Also, keep them from playing or roughhousing near any windows, patio doors, or balconies.
Don’t Trust Window Screens
You might think that a window screen would prevent a child from suffering a fall injury, but often they have the opposite effect as they tend to offer a false promise of safety. Window screens were designed to keep insects out and are not intended (or strong enough) to lean on, even by children.
Plan Your Furniture Placement
Children and toddlers are miniature daredevils who often like to climb. Because of this, avoid placing furniture, such as couches or armchairs, near windows or balconies to prevent them from gaining access to open windows.
Install a Window Safety Device
Window locks can block windows from opening more than a few inches, preventing children from slipping through. ASTM F2090 devices are window fall protection devices that can also be fully opened if an emergency escape or rescue is needed.
Teach Children About Window Safety
Talk with your kids about the dangers of window falls, the importance of keeping a safe distance, and to not lean on screens. It is also advisable to speak with them about how to safely use a window so they can escape in an emergency, such as a fire.
If your child has suffered a serious or fatal injury due to a fall from a window due to negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Window falls caused by negligence are often related to the following:
- Absence of safety devices in upstairs windows
- Defective or damaged latches
- Negligent supervision
- Poor furniture placement
Oregon Personal Injury Lawyers Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Window Falls
Whether your child’s window fall was a result of poor window design, lack of supervision, or something else, a Rizk Law personal injury lawyer can help you hold the negligent party (or parties) accountable. Our team is proficient in protecting the interests of injured victims and their families, and we will fight diligently until we get the justice you deserve.
For a free review of your child’s window fall accident case, call our Portland, Oregon, office at (503) 245-5677, or you may contact us online via our convenient contact form.
