Latest Blogs

The Medical Daily reported on October 26, 2013 that, "Nationwide gunshot wounds send some 7,500 children per year to the hospital, with 500 deaths, a rate that increased from 4,270 to 7,730 between 1997 and 2009.  During that time, deaths rose from 317 to 503."

In September, the New York Times reported in Children and Guns: The Hidden Toll that they had reviewed hundreds of child firearm deaths in eight states where records were available, and found that accidental shootings occurred roughly twice as often as the records indicate, because of idiosyncrasies in how such deaths are classified by authorities.

Further, a study conducted by the Health Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) reported that there has been a 60% increase in the number of children who have died from guns in the last decade.  Dr. Arin  Madenci, a co-author of the study, said at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Orlando, Florida in October, that "Handguns account for the majority of childhood gunshot wounds, and this number appears to be increasing over the last decade.  Furthermore, states with higher percentages of household firearm ownership also tend to have higher proportions of childhood gunshot wounds, especially those occurring in the home."

"The debate continues on whether handguns should, or shouldn't, be allowed in homes.  Regardless of opinion, there will be those who choose to have handguns.  It is important for parents/guardians to understand how to keep children and teens safe from handguns whether the handguns are in their own homes or the homes of others children/teens may be visiting.  Following is advice from the California Department of Justice on storing guns and information from Protect Minnesota Kids and Guns - A Guide for Keeping Your Children and Teens Safe," said Child Safety Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

California Department of Justice - Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use.  Guns and ammunition should be stored separately.  When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety.  Use a firearm safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired.  Store it unloaded in a locked container, such as a lock box or a gun safe.  For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container.

Kids and Guns - A Guide for Keeping Your Children and Teens Safe

• Never lend your gun to a teenager whose parent is not present.  Any transfer of a firearm should involve responsible adults.

• Before allowing your child to play at someone's home ask the adult if there is a gun in the home.  If you find out a gun is present in the home, ask if it is kept safely stored; that is, unloaded and locked up.  Some parents may choose not to allow their children to play in a home when a gun is present at all. Do not allow your children to visit a home where a gun is accessible to them.

• Remove guns from the home if someone in your household is depressed or suicidal.

Kids and Guns - A Guide for Keeping Your Children and Teens Safe further recommends teach your children this pledge:

"Guns can hurt or kill me, my friends, and my family.  If I see a gun, I won't touch it.  I will remember that any gun I see may be loaded.  I know how important it is to keep myself safe."

Lee County Child Injuries Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney - the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.