Over 30 Kids Become Ill While at Florida Summer Camp

Lab tests have confirmed that it was a virus that sickened 33 kids and three adults at the Cloverleaf 4-H Camp in Lake Placid, Florida. The illnesses, caused by the norovirus, resulted in nausea and vomiting, and over 30 people were taken to the hospital as a result. The camp is being disinfected and water tests came back negative for the bacteria.

Norovirus is highly contagious and is a virus that causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In some cases, it also causes headache, fever, and body aches. It can be transmitted from person to person or by touching food or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.

The camps attempt to keep your kids active and busy, but unfortunately, they can’t have a one-to-one child to adult ratio which means that camps are the perfect place for personal injuries, whether they are the result of accidents, or problems with cleanliness like in the case above.

Florida Laws Regarding Camps and Child Care Facilities

The Florida Department of Children and Families sets forth laws that regulate child care facilities in Florida, however, those regulations don’t apply to summer camp. Summer camps are considered educational, recreational, or other enrichment programs but are excluded from the same licensing requirements as childcare facilities. Camps are required however, to have their employees go through certain background checks and screenings.

Common Camp Injuries

The most common injuries that children suffer at camp aren’t actual injuries, but rather illnesses. Conditions such as gastroenteritis, sunburn, and infectious diseases are the most common problems. These illnesses, if left untreated, can result in a personal injury in some situations.

If your child attends camp, it is important that they maintain good hygiene and routinely wash their hands. Camps are liable for keeping the conditions of the camp clean and sanitary, as well as follow certain safety regulations for food. If a camp fails to follow common safety guidelines, they could be subject to liability if your child develops an illness.

Other common camp injuries include premises liability injuries such as tripping due to failure to maintain the premises and injuries resulting from failure to wear safety gear. These types of injuries are preventable by the camp facility if they follow common guidelines for safety.

Assuming the Risk

Many summer camps require parents or guardians to sign waivers saying that they understand that their child will be engaging in activities that pose certain risks. Signing the waiver means that you are assuming the risk if your child is injured due to the nature of the activities. This is referred to as assumption of risk.

Sometimes the waivers are to waive your right to sue the summer camp for negligence stemming from certain camp activities, however, in some cases you may still be able to sue the camp. If gross recklessness or negligence played a role in your child being injured, the waiver may not be legally enforceable.

Has Your Child Been Injured at Camp?

If your child has suffered an injury or illness due to the negligence of a summer camp, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. The Boca Raton attorneys at the Leifer & Ramirez will be able to answer your questions and fight for your child’s right to compensation. Contact us today for a consultation.

Resources:

newsweek.com/norovirus-caused-florida-lake-placid-summer-camp-mass-casualty-incident-994980

myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-care