This case takes place in New Jersey and involves a child who contracted Lyme disease while at an overnight summer camp. The child repeatedly presented to the camp’s nursing office with signs and symptoms of Lyme disease over the course of multiple days, eventually seeing the nursing staff more than a dozen times. Despite his repeated complaints, the child was he was turned away without a thorough investigation of his symptoms. As a result of treatment delay, the child suffered severe and permanent brain damage.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. What are the protocols for treating children who present multiple times for medical care while at an overnight camp?
2. Is it the camps responsibility to teach campers preventative measures aimed at reducing exposure to Lyme disease?
Expert Witness Response E-008664
If a camp is ACA accredited, they have certain protocols that should be followed. If a medical condition is not resolved at the camp after 2-3 inspections, an outside specialist needs to be consulted. A log book is also maintained for every visit made by a camper to the medical center. Overnight camps have orientations and health seminars provided to the staff and campers at the start of the camp regarding precautions against Lyme disease, ticks and the like.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
