An injury to a child can be especially devastating for families. Even a minor accident could change a child’s life, and loved ones may feel as though they failed to keep the child safe. When a minor suffers an injury, the resulting claim and case can be complex and particularly sensitive. It is vital to seek the proper compensation to cover the damages an injured child will suffer now and in the future.
If your child suffered injuries due to someone else’s carelessness, a dedicated injury attorney could help you hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. A Stockton child injury lawyer is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for you and your child.
Common Causes of Child Injuries in Stockton
Just as we do, kids come across hazards every day. Child injuries often result from:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Bicycle accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Roller coaster accidents
- Defective products such as strollers, toys, and cribs
- Negligent supervision
Minors are often under the supervision of many different adults throughout the day while at school, daycare, home, and other extracurricular activities. When these individuals fail to keep your child out of danger, a seasoned local attorney could help fight to hold the negligent parties responsible.
How Do Accident Cases for Minors Work?
When a child suffers an injury due to the actions or inactions of another person, the injured minor and their family may be entitled to economic compensation for their losses. Potential compensation may include:
- Payment for medical treatment and care
- Compensation for future wage loss due to the injuries sustained
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and hardship
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases
Children under 18 are not permitted to file a personal injury lawsuit independently, so a parent or guardian must file the lawsuit on the child’s behalf. An experienced childhood accident attorney in Stockton could help you understand the nature of your child’s case and pursue compensation that accounts for the extent of their injuries.
Pursuing an Insurance Claim vs. a Lawsuit
A child injury claim does not always have to be brought to court in the form of a lawsuit. Settling out of court may be appropriate if both parties can agree on an appropriate amount of compensation and a lawsuit would not provide many other benefits. For child injury cases, state law may require the final approval from a court when a claim is settled out of court before it is considered a final settlement.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 352(a), a child injury claim may be tolled or delayed until the child reaches the age of 18. After an injured minor turns 18 years old, they would have two years from their 18th birthday to file their personal injury case. Exceptions exist under state law that may extend or shorten the periods to file a lawsuit. A knowledgeable attorney could help you file all paperwork within the state’s applicable deadlines for child injury claims.
Speak with a Stockton Child Injury Attorney Today
Injuries to children go much further than just physical pain. These injuries can take a toll on the emotional well-being of your child and your family.
An experienced attorney understands the devastation a childhood accident can have. A Stockton child injury lawyer could aggressively pursue your case while you focus on your child’s recovery. Call today to set up a free case consultation.