Children are among the most vulnerable groups in society. Even teenagers on the edge of adulthood may not be able to protect themselves in dangerous situations or feel comfortable speaking out in the face of abuse. As parents, our job is to provide the best possible protection for our kids. Sadly, due to the negligence, recklessness and carelessness of others, children can suffer needless injuries and avoidable harm.
Young people have the right to seek compensation for their losses. However, as minors, they do not have the legal authority to act on their own. If you are the parent or guardian of a child that has been harmed, contact one of our Bloomfield child injury lawyers that are experienced protecting the legal rights of children. You will be provided a free consultation where an experienced personal injury attorney will evaluate whether your child has a valid injury claim. If your child has a claim, our team will undergo an investigation into the source of the injury, and how the injury has impacted a child’s life now and into the future. A claim will be filed and demand will be made to all responsible parties to pay their fair share of compensation. Reach out to our firm today.
Seeking Fair Compensation for Kids After They Suffer Injuries
Children have the same rights as adults to seek compensation if they suffer harm as a result of another party’s negligent or careless actions. Children generally have until within two years after they reach the age of majority to bring a claim. Even if a child was injured many years ago, if they are still suffering from the effects of that injury they may have a valid claim. Contact us today to speak to an experienced child injury attorney and receive a free consultation.
Accidents That May Affect Children
Children are vulnerable to many of the same accidents and injuries as adults. Common examples include:
- Car, SUV, or truck accidents
- Collisions with vehicles while riding bicycles, skateboards, or other toys
- Slips and falls, swimming pool accidents, or other examples of incidents that occur on the property of others
- Dog attacks
- Defective products
- Medical negligence
- Sports injuries
- Negligent supervision at school or daycare
In these cases, a Bloomfield child injury attorney can work to show that another person or company was negligent in allowing the harm to happen.
Injuries That Are the Result of Violence
Sadly, children are especially vulnerable to the actions of abusers. This abuse can occur in school, in daycare, at camp, or even under the care of a coach or mentor. In these situations, the abusers can face criminal prosecution for their actions and are responsible for providing compensation to any kids that they harm.
Special Rules That Apply to Child Injury Lawsuits
On the surface, child injury cases are similar to adult personal injury claims in that an attorney still fights to show that another’s actions were the source of harm. However, there are specific differentiating laws to keep in mind.
One of these is the statute of limitations on personal injury cases. In most examples, New Jersey Revised Statute § 2A:58C-2 sets a time limit of two years after the date of an incident to demand compensation in court. However, situations involving abuse that occurred while a person was a child may allow people who are now adults to bring a case forward despite this time limit.
Another important concept to consider is that courts will always act to protect the rights of a child. Any proposed insurance settlement may need court approval before money exchanges hands. According to state law, the court can appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the interests of a child during these sessions. This guardian can recommend that the settlement money move into an annuity to wait for the child to become an adult or establish a parent’s ability to directly receive the funds. Talking with a skilled Bloomfield attorney can provide more information on the rules and regulations surrounding child injury claims.
Contact a Bloomfield Child Injury Attorney to Preserve Your Child’s Legal Rights
Children have the same right as adults to demand compensation after suffering a personal injury. A Bloomfield child injury attorney can fight to protect the rights of your children after an accident. This includes proving another person was responsible for the accident or holding schools, daycares, and other businesses liable for the abusive actions of their employees. Reach out to Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC now, as the time to pursue a case may be running out.
