As is the case for adults, children have legal rights and laws protecting them, and when someone’s carelessness causes them harm, parents and guardians must hold the responsible party accountable. Accidents leading to injuries and losses can happen anywhere, including school, daycare, or while traveling in vehicles.
If your child sustained injuries because of another person’s negligence or intentional actions, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim to collect damages. A claim could compensate for medical care, lost future earning ability, pain, emotional distress, and other damages and losses. Call Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today to begin working with a dedicated Clark child injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Child Injuries
The small size of young children makes them particularly vulnerable to sustaining severe and life-threatening or fatal injuries in car accidents. Ensuring young passengers wear seatbelts in the back seat or car seats when appropriate is essential for keeping them safe while traveling on the roadways.
When a reckless motorist causes others harm, the civil court holds them financially responsible. Other common accidents leading to child injuries include:
- School bus crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Amusement park accidents
- Accidental drowning and other swimming pool accidents
- Defective or poorly maintained playground equipment
- Defective products or medications
- Sports accidents
- Negligent supervision
- Slips and falls
A Clark child injury attorney can conduct an extensive investigation to gather the evidence needed to determine liability and pursue the maximum potential award for damages.
Legal Action for Suits Involving Minors
The civil statute of limitations sets a two-year expiration date for filing claims resulting from negligence. However, when the victim is a child, the clock does not begin until they turn 18 and expires on their 20th birthday. Under New Jersey Statutes § 2A:14-2, a parent or guardian may pursue legal action on the child’s behalf rather than waiting until they turn 18. In those cases, they have two years from when the accident occurred.
Possible Recoverable Damages
Different types of damages are available to victims in child injury lawsuits, including:
- Current and future medical care
- Therapy costs, rehabilitation services, prescriptions, and medical devices or equipment
- Lost salary if parents or guardians must take time off or leave positions to care for their injured children
- Loss of earning potential when the victim’s injuries cause permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Building a claim to collect a fair award for damages requires seeking prompt medical attention and collecting documentation and other evidence. A child injury lawyer in Clark can answer specific questions about the guidelines and statutes and handle the legal work and filings to ensure compliance.
Contact an Experienced Child Injury Attorney in Clark
Watching your child suffer is one of the worst things parents can face. That is particularly true when avoidable accidents happen because of someone else’s thoughtless actions. Please know that you do not have to face this difficult time alone.
A seasoned Clark child injury lawyer at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, understands the challenges families face, can handle the legal work, and advocate for the compensation you need and deserve. Call soon to schedule your free consultation and review your options.
