In the event of serious illness or injury most people choose to seek immediate medical attention to treat the problem. By meeting with a medical professional, the problem can be diagnosed, treated, and monitored to help ensure a full recovery. Although this routine is common for many people, some adults may choose not to seek medical attention for injuries or illnesses. This may be due to personal or religious beliefs or decisions and is completely up to the judgment of the individual.

When it comes to children and dependents, it is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to provide the child with proper treatment if medical issues arise. As minors, children are unable to make many important legal decisions for themselves and depend on the judgment of their guardians to help them navigate through childhood. If a child suffers serious injury or death due to the refusal of medical treatment on the part of a guardian, the parent may be held liable.

In the event of serious injury or death to a child, the parent may face 2nd degree homicide charges if he or she fails to take the child to consult a medical professional.

The felony charges may result in fines and/or incarceration if the individual is found guilty. Ultimately, the refusal of medical care for a child or dependent is typically viewed as negligent behavior on the part of the parent.

Reported cases have included guardians who refused medical care for their dependents because of:

Religious beliefs
Financial constraints
Personal distrust of doctors or physicians
Intentional pain and injury inflicted on the child and not treated
Medication withheld from the child due to personal beliefs or misuse by the parent

Regardless of the situation or personal beliefs, parents have a responsibility to properly care for their children in times of sickness and injury.

If a child is injured as a result of the parent’s actions, the guardian may be held liable for the injury or death. The resulting criminal charges can seriously affect the life of the parent, so proper care should be provided at all times.

If a guardian has been wrongly accused of negligent actions, he or she has the right to defend themselves in a court of law. If you would like to know more about medical treatment and criminal defense, visit the website of the Appleton criminal attorneys of Kohler, Hart & Priebe at 414-271-9595.