Being involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. After an accident you may be shaken up, injured, and not able to work. All of these things are intensified if your child was also seriously injured. Below is an overview of how personal injury law works when a child is hurt. If your child has suffered serious or disabling injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss all of your legal options.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Children can sustain injuries in accidents when adults do not, primarily because they are smaller. This is one reason it is not recommended for children to sit in the front seat, where the air bag will deploy in a crash. The most common accident injuries among children are:
- Closed Head Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Crush Injuries
- Broken Bones
Brain injuries are the leading cause of serious injuries and death in children who are hurt in car accidents. These injuries can have devastating long term effects on children who survive, as many need ongoing home health care.
Proving Negligence
If you plan to pursue the at-fault driver who injured your child, you must be able to prove certain things. Personal injury cases hinge on proving the at-fault party acted in a careless or negligent manner and thus being why the accident occurred. As the plaintiff in the case, you will bear the burden of proof if you file a lawsuit. Some things that may point to driver negligence include:
- Driving In Excess Of The Speed Limit
- Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs
- Driving Aggressively
- Following Too Closely
- Passing Irresponsibly
- Driving While Distracted
What Damages May I Be Awarded?
In personal injury cases, you may be awarded a monetary settlement for damages or expenses related to your child’s injuries. Some of these damages may include:
- Hospital Costs
- Doctor Fees
- Physical, Speech Or Occupational Therapy Bills
- Cost Of Medical Equipment
- Home Health Fees
- Pain And Suffering
- Mental Anguish
If your child has suffered serious injuries due to a negligent driver, consider contacting a personal injury attorney. After a consultation, an attorney will be able to explain if you should move forward with filing a personal injury claim. While obtaining a settlement cannot reverse the damage your child has suffered, it can help ease the financial burden of caring for a child with severe injuries.
Your free, first-time, no-obligation consultation with a licensed Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney regarding your unique situation is available by calling:
888-529-3111 Monday-Friday, 8am to 6pm.
— Jack Ter-Saakyan, Esq.
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