After a child is involved in an accident, personal injury claims may be pursued for them. These claims differ from those involving adults. In every case, a parent’s main focus is their child’s well-being. This concern often takes priority over the pursuit of legal action.
A child-related accident claim follows a unique process compared to adult personal injury claims. Tuite Law specializes in navigating these distinct processes, ensuring that the child’s needs and legal considerations are appropriately addressed.
Get Medical Help
Youngsters might not realize they are hurt or know how to communicate pain. They might not know they have severe wounds, and some injuries might take time to manifest symptoms.
Your child must get medical help as soon as they are hurt. You may occasionally need to dial 911 to get help. Arranging for an ambulance to bring your child to the hospital can be made with this.
Early medical attention can prevent minor wounds from getting worse and assure the best possible outcome, even in cases where symptoms are not readily apparent. Always exercise caution and get expert assistance as soon as possible.
Collect Information and Preserve the Accident Scene
Try to gather evidence if you are present at the site, won’t exacerbate any injuries you already have, and can move around securely without endangering yourself or anybody else. This comprises:
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage or the vehicle’s position.
- Snap pictures of your child’s wounds.
- Obtain the phone number, insurance information, and driver’s license information of the other drivers, if any.
- Obtain the statements and contact details of any willing witnesses.
- Authorities might investigate the scene of the collision. Therefore, don’t move or change anything while you’re gathering evidence.
Keep A Record of All Medical Bills
Your attorney will seek payment for all damages. This documentation will support your claim and help secure proper compensation. Additionally, keeping detailed records can streamline the legal process.
Medical expenses can mount up rapidly. Over time, you can receive several bills for medical equipment, physical or occupational therapy, hospital stays, and surgeries. Additionally, keep account of any missed income you experience when taking care of your child, visiting them in the hospital, or traveling with them for medical procedures.
Refuse to Accept a Check from the Insurance Company of a Liable Party
Your whole family goes through a terrible ordeal after an accident. It could be challenging to think clearly, particularly if your child has suffered a major injury.
Before filing a lawsuit, your insurance company might reach out to you shortly after an accident and propose a settlement check. Additionally, they can attempt to pay far less than what your child is rightfully entitled to. A quick check would sound good. However, accepting one could result in a financial disadvantage for your youngster.
Consult a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Claims Lawyer
Locating a personal injury attorney with significant experience with cases involving youngsters is essential. The lawyer should also be well-versed in child injury legislation. Seek someone who can also gather evidence, establish liability, and compute reasonable and appropriate compensation for various injuries and accidents, including pain and suffering damages.
Conclusion
It is crucial to remember there is a specific time frame for filing a claim. This applies after an accident involving minors. This means the countdown only begins once they reach adulthood. Therefore, the statute of limitations provides an extended window.
This period allows for filing a claim, even years after the incident. Parents and guardians should be aware of this timeline. Understanding it can ensure the minor’s rights are protected. Taking timely action is essential to secure their future. Following the accident, a parent or guardian should consult with a solicitor as quickly as possible. Ignoring it too late could cause problems later on.
