Child Choking and Strangulation Injuries

Serving Clients Nationwide From Our Texas Offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas

Each year, approximately more than 1,000 children die from airway obstruction injuries

While some accidents are unavoidable, caregivers can help reduce the likelihood of suffocation and strangulation injuries by following simple safety guidelines and avoiding dangerous and defective toys and faulty household products.


Child Choking and Strangulation Statistics

The following statistics are provided by SafeKids USA:

In 2013, 1,268 children under the age of 19 died from airway obstruction injuries and suffocation.

Sadly, 77% of children who suffocated were under 12 months old and 60% were boys.
819 children under the age of 1 died from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed and 155 died from choking on food or foreign objects.

Cribs and playpens are responsible for 20% of all nursery product-related injuries among children ages 5 and under.

An additional 24,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for nonfatal suffocation or inhalation annually.

Button batteries are particularly dangerous because when they get stuck in a child’s throat, the saliva triggers an electrical current that causes a chemical reaction resulting in burns to the esophagus.

Common Causes of Choking Injuries in Children

At least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the U.S., according to the New York State Department of Health. Thousands more are treated for choking cases involving gum, coins, toys, and other household objects. Common causes of choking include:

  • Food
  • Gum
  • Coins
  • Small balls
  • Balloons
  • Pillows
  • Cushions
  • Necklaces
  • Ribbons
  • Batteries
  • Small toys or parts of toys
  • Peanuts and almonds
  • Tough meat
  • Small fruits and vegetables (i.e. grapes and cherry tomatoes)
  • Candy

Leading Causes of Strangulation Injuries in Children

Strangulation, which can result in serious injury, brain damage, and death, can occur within minutes. Strangulation incidents can be caused by drawstrings, ribbons, and cords, and by entrapment in pieces of future, playground equipment, or strollers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has implemented strict rules regarding drawstrings, blinds, and other strangulation and entrapment hazards in order to protect children from needless accidents. Common strangulation hazards include:

  • Jackets with drawstrings
  • Sweatshirts with drawstrings
  • Curtains/blinds
  • Ribbons/string
  • Pacifier strings
  • Crib decorations
  • Defectively designed furniture
Contact Us for a Free Case Review
866-517-5659
info@tjhlaw.com
Read More - Side Contact Form

Contact Us for a Free Case Review
Contact Form

Your Questions Answered

We have straight answers to difficult questions
to help you make critical decisions, navigate
legal process and help you get justice.

Following an accident, there are always more questions
than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer
any questions you have about your injury case.

A child injury case may be brought when an individual under the age of 18 is injured due to the fault of another person or organization. Examples of a child injury case include car wreck or semi-truck accidents, dog bites, daycare or caretaker abuse/negligence, birth injuries, burns, choking, drowning, or any other personal injury. The most serious child injury cases involve permanent injury or death. A guardian, usually the child’s parent, is appointed by the court to bring a lawsuit (if necessary) on the child’s behalf.
The first and most important thing is obtaining proper medical care. Once the child’s injuries are being professionally addressed if there is a belief that the injury was the fault of someone else, or because of a defective product or unsafe condition of the property, an immediate investigation should begin. This is most often undertaken by skilled investigators and experts in consultation with skilled personal injury legal counsel. Often evidence that is crucial to proving fault for an injury can be easily and quickly lost. It is very important to preserve all possible evidence and to obtain photographs.
No. The laws have changed dramatically in recent years to protect child injury victims. Even in civil cases involving molestation, the identity of the child will be protected and the child will not be able to be cross-examined in the way the people sometimes see on TV and in the movies. The parent or guardian for the purpose of the litigation will be more involved in the lawsuit, and the child will usually be able to live their normal life without the lawsuit interfering in any significant way. In most instances, a case will settle outside of court and a lawsuit will not be necessary.
Private schools differ from public schools in that they do not receive immunity. For instance, if your child is seriously injured on the playground or on an off-campus field trip, parents may sue the private schools due to negligence and receive compensation for their child’s injuries.
Did you know that if your child is injured at a public school the school may not have to pay any damages for your child’s injuries? Public schools are protected in some situations by governmental immunity. If your child has been injured due to public school negligence, contact our offices. Our experienced child injury attorneys will help determine if your child has a case against the school.
In most cases, you won’t know whether your circumstances give rise to a valid medical malpractice claim until you have talked to an experienced birth injury lawyer. Doctors and medical facilities are governed by detailed professional standards of care during prenatal, delivery, and postnatal stages of pregnancy and birth. Anytime medical professionals fail to follow accepted procedures, injuries can result, and the doctors and hospital can be held accountable for medical malpractice.

Why Choose Us

Dollar signs with a strike-through

No Win, No Fee

Thomas J. Henry offers a "No Fee Promise." We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.

Family standing next to a house and car with a checkmarked shield icon

Help with Bills

If you've been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.
Car, truck and motorcycle icons

Full-Service Injury Firm

We handle all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, vehicle recalls, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
Car with TJH logo zooming

We Come to You

If you've been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don't worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.
Why Choose Us - Over 250 Attorneys Available

Largest Injury Firm in Texas

We have 250+ personal injury attorneys available 24/7 to help you and your family. We have the power and resources to handle any case. Call now for your free case review.

Silhouette of the United States icon

Nationally Recognized

Our firm wins top verdict awards each year and has been featured in Texas Monthly, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Newsweek.com, Forbes, Fortune, Parenting Magazine and more.
Starred ribbon on a document

Top Verdicts & Settlements

We win some of the top verdicts, settlements, and judgments in the country. Recent recoveries include $50 million for a trucking accident, $35 million for a trucking accident and $30.2 million for a vehicle recall accident.

Recent Results

This is just a small sampling of the results we have obtained for our clients.
Please click through to view more verdicts, settlements, and judgments.
Trucking Accident

$50 Million

NECK INJURIES

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Trucking Accident

$35 Million

WRONGFUL DEATH

Product Liability

$30.22 Million

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Premises Liability

$14.75 Million

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Medical Malpractice

$12.7 Million

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Company Vehicle Accident

$10 Million

NECK INJURIES

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Help & Information

Thomas J. Henry Automobile Crash Statistics Infographic
INFOGRAPHIC

Car Accident Accident Facts and Statistics

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in crashes involving cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Thomas J. Henry FAQs - Texas Auto Accidents
VIDEOS

Are punitive damages available in a Texas auto accident case?

Learn about recoverable damages available to you after suffering an auto accident injury.
Thomas J. Henry Legal Guide "A Guide to Texas Personal Injury Law"
LEGAL GUIDE

Texas Personal Injury Legal Guide

Learn about the car accident claim process in Texas and how best to protect your rights.

Our Practice Areas

Representing injured victims from across the United States.

Blog

ACCIDENTS

Hit-and-Run Accident Occurs During SXSW Weekend in Austin

According to kxan news, a tragic hit-and-run accident occurred in downtown Austin early Tuesday morning, March 12th, 2024, coinciding with the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. One person was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of East Seventh and Red River Streets around 1:10 am.  A second pedestrian was also hit, […]
San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer
ACCIDENTS

San Antonio Highway Shutdown after 18-Wheeler Crash

A big rig 18-wheeler fell off of Highway 97 and crash into I-37 South on San Antonio’s southside. Incident Details According to KSAT, the driver of an 18-wheeler crashed on SH 97 and went off the highway, and landed on the southbound lanes of I-37. San Antonio, Texas. Emergency officials shut down the southbound main […]
LEGAL GUIDE

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

After a car accident, a critical question that arises is the assignment of fault. Comprehending how fault is established can aid you in maneuvering through the legal proceedings and ascertain that you receive the recompense you are entitled to. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we bring to the table our vast experience in car crash […]
Are car accident lawyers worth it?
ACCIDENTS

Fatal Accident in Austin, Tx at FM 812 and FM 973 Intersection

A fatal accident involving multiple vehicles occurred in Travis County on Sunday, February 11th, 2024. Incident Details According to KXAN News, a serious accident involving up to four vehicles occurred at the intersection of FM 812 and FM 973 on Sunday night. Four people tragically died at the scene of the crash. Another person was […]

Customer Reviews

Julie Elliot

Austin | 12 months ago

Very professional and overall great experience!

Shannon Peterson

Austin | 1 year ago

Very professional and courteous staff. Gets the job done swiftly and promptly! Friendly and always treats you with respect.

C. Files

Austin | 1 year ago

Truly was always there when I reached out. White glove service.

Loading...
Do you really want to end conversation?
chat-icon Live chat
avatar Waiting