Personal injury cases involving children can be complex and emotional. Children can either be the victims or the cause of accidents that result in injury. When a child is injured, the goal is to get them the care and compensation they deserve, but when a child causes an injury, it’s important to understand the legal obligations of the parent or guardian. Our personal injury lawyers help navigate the legal process and protect the child’s rights.
Injuries To Children
Children are often the victims of personal injury cases, whether from car accidents, slip and fall incidents, or even abuse. Personal injuries in children can be a traumatic experience for the entire family.
One of the first steps in a personal injury case involving a child is to gather evidence. This includes medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other relevant information that can help prove the child’s injury. It’s also important to determine who is responsible for the injury. The responsible party may sometimes offer a settlement to resolve the claim. A personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate the offer and negotiate a fair settlement.
Injuries Caused By Children
It’s not just children who are the victims of personal injury cases. Children can also cause accidents that result in injury to others. For example, a child may play with a toy and accidentally hit someone, or a child may be riding a bike and collides with a pedestrian. In these cases, the legal responsibility for the injury may fall on the child’s parents or guardians.
It’s important to remember that children are not held to the same legal standard as adults, as they cannot fully understand the consequences of their actions. However, parents or guardians can still be held responsible for the child’s actions if they were negligent in supervising the child. For instance, in California, parents will be held liable if their child causes an injury, death, or property damage.
Pursuing a Claim on Behalf of a Child
When a child under the age of 18 is involved in a personal injury case, they cannot file a lawsuit on their own. The responsibility falls on the parent or guardian to file the lawsuit on their behalf. If a settlement is reached, the funds are often protected and placed in a trust for the child’s benefit. Possible damages that can be sought include medical bills for injury treatment, loss of future earning potential, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
If the child passes away due to the accident, the parent or guardian can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. This type of lawsuit seeks damages similar to other personal injuries in children, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, emotional distress, etc. Additionally, the loss of the child’s support and love for the family can also be compensated.
Hire the Best Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury cases are already a lot to deal with, and those involving children are particularly difficult. Emotions are running high, and there are more chances of making a mistake if you were to handle the situation on your own. Let us do it for you. Bourassa Law Group is the leading law firm offering cost-effective legal solutions. Our firm will ensure your children receive justice. We have experienced professionals from car accident lawyers, pedestrian accident lawyers, bicycle accident lawyers, and even estate planning attorneys on board.
Contact us today for more information and legal help regarding your case.