When a minor is severely harmed, it is especially devastating. If the negligent actions of others caused your child’s harm, you could seek financial compensation on behalf of your child. Contacting a Normal child injury lawyer could be the first step toward holding negligent persons responsible for their actions.
When children are under the age of 18 and suffer injuries, they cannot file a claim for compensation without the help of a parent, guardian, or another adult. A compassionate personal injury attorney could facilitate the insurance claims process and work to obtain the damages award your family deserves.
How are Minors Harmed in Normal?
Various incidents involving negligence can result in a child suffering injury. Some common accidents that might lead to a personal injury claim include:
- Motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents
- Birth injuries or medical malpractice cases
- Defective products, such as toys or playground equipment
- Dog bite or animal attacks
- Drowning incidents
A child injury attorney in Normal could assist families in filing claims for compensation for losses sustained due to another’s carelessness.
Recoverable Damages in Normal Child Injury Cases
Determining the type and amount of damages that a minor may be entitled to in an injury claim depends on the nature of the injury and any permanent impairments to the child. Calculating future losses for injuries to children can be challenging, as many aspects of the future are unknown. Other types of damages, however, may be more readily measurable, such as medical bills and hospital expenses.
Aside from medical bills, possible damages in a child injury case might include:
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Expenses related to medical equipment, modifications to homes and vehicles, and home health care for a permanently disabled child
- Decreased quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Accurately calculating a minor’s injuries could be complex, especially if the child’s harm is serious or catastrophic. Relying on a child injury attorney in Normal can be vital in obtaining the compensation necessary to care for the child both now and in the future.
Statute of Limitation for Children
Most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations or deadline by which individuals must file their claims in court. Failure to file claims before the deadline expires likely will result in the dismissal of the claim. This leaves individuals unable to pursue any compensation for their losses from any negligent parties.
The statute of limitations is generally extended for a minor and the two-year statute of limitations does not begin to run until the child’s 18th birthday. This exception essentially gives the child until age 20 to pursue most claims. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, a one-year statute of limitations may apply in claims against certain governmental entities. And in medical malpractice cases that injure minors, however, the statute of limitations expires eight years after the malpractice occurred, and no later than the 22nd birthday of the injured child. (See 735 ILCS 5/3-212).
How much will it cost me to help with my child’s personal injury case?
We will discuss or meet with every potential client about an injury case to a child in a no-obligation free consultation. We can offer a confidential, caring, and careful discussion so that we can help you to evaluate the situation clearly. We’ll discuss your legal options so that you can understand how to ensure that your family receives the compensation they deserve.
When we handle cases involving injuries to children, there is typically no up-front cost to you. We are typically paid on a contingency fee basis, which means we are only paid if and when we recover money for your child, and we are paid out of the funds we recover for your child at the end of the case. We are typically also willing to advance all expenses in cases involving injuries to children. We always put our fee agreement in writing so our clients understand exactly what their arrangement is with our firm.
Call a Normal Child Injury Attorney for Advice
An accident that results in serious or catastrophic injuries to a child can be a devastating experience that leaves lasting trauma on both the child and their family. When the negligent, reckless, or careless behavior of other parties leads to otherwise preventable accidents, those parties may be liable for the resulting losses. A Normal child injury lawyer could be an instrumental part of filing a successful claim for damages.
In the aftermath of a tragic event, you and your family need to go through the healing and recovery process. Allowing legal counsel to handle the legal aspects of a civil claim could relieve your family of some of your burdens and help you move on with your life. And in many cases, getting help from an experienced child injury lawyer can do a great deal of good for your child. To see if we can help, please reach out for a free consultation today.
