Every summer, we read about a horrific thing: Children dying in hot cars.

Parents get distracted or have a change in routine that causes them to forget to take their child to daycare. Childcare arrangements fall through, or a change in scheduling can make it tough to ensure adequate care can be put together at the last minute.

The School Year Ends

A change from the school year to the summer, combined with fatigue on the parents' part, raises the risk of such deaths taking place. According to the U.S. Transportation Department, hot car deaths are the second-highest non-crash fatality risk for children under 14.

These events are tragic and take a terrible toll on families and the communities around them. The afflicted parents feel tremendous guilt and are typically provided little sympathy in the face of unspeakable loss.

How Fast Heat Can Rise

Heat can rise rapidly—40 degrees within an hour—in a parked car in the sun. Children's small bodies are much more susceptible to heatstroke than those of adults.

While many assume this can only take place in the summer, it's not solely a seasonal phenomenon. In the current environment, heat can strike almost anytime.

Leaving a child in a car unattended is always dangerous, leaving kids vulnerable not just to heatstroke but to other alarming instances such as abduction.

The Pressures of Parenting Can Lead to Cutting Corners

Parenting young children is difficult. It takes a toll on energy and mental bandwidth. It can be tempting to think your sleeping child will be fine for a few minutes while you make a quick trip inside the grocery store.

But just running into the grocery store for a few minutes can lead to catastrophic results. While it's generally recommended not to wake a sleeping child, taking the chances of a tantrum in the cereal aisle is the only safe strategy.

The Possible Consequences

Most state laws are strict on the matter. In Pennsylvania, leaving a child in a hot car--even if the parent or care giver claims it to be unintentional or only for a few minutes–is considered child endangerment.

Should a child be injured as a result of being unattended, the penalties become life-changing for all concerned. A first-offense conviction is typically a first-degree misdemeanor with punishments of up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

What to Do in the Face of Charges of Unattended Children

In such a serious situation, having skilled legal counsel is indispensable. To protect your finances and personal reputation, immediately seek an experienced attorney. The LLF Law Firm Team competently handles delicate matters that upend lives.

If you need legal counsel now, call us at (888)535-3686 or contact us online for a free consultation.