Children are accident-prone and can be hurt by tripping, falling off their bicycle, or bumping into things when they learn to walk. Although these types of injuries are commonplace and stressful, they do not hold a candle to injuries that are caused by someone else’s negligent behavior. When another person causes a preventable accident that hurts your child, the resulting situation can be traumatic and confusing.
Taking care of an injured child also comes with steep financial burdens. For instance, a parent might need to pay significant medical bills or miss extensive time at work to watch after their kid.
Fortunately, state law permits parents to take legal action on behalf of their children after an accident. Contacting a Schertz child injury lawyer as soon as possible can help you collect the monetary damages you need to pay for your expenses. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can investigate the details of your claim and build a case against the negligent party while you focus on tending to your child’s needs.
Almost any type of injury qualifies as grounds to sue if it was caused by negligence or intentional harm. However, some types of child injury cases are more common than others. Typical examples of accidents that entitle a parent to file a child injury claim include:
A skilled attorney in Schertz understands the different approach required for each kind of child injury case and can fight to maximize the compensation that a parent collects.
Texas law establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that, if someone does not file their lawsuit within two years of an accident, they will likely miss out on any opportunity to recover monetary damages. However, there are some caveats for child injury cases. For instance, if someone under 18 gets hurt in an accident, their countdown does not begin until they become an adult. They can file an injury claim any time before their 20th birthday. The only complication is that, when filed after an 18th birthday, this lawsuit can only claim damages for losses like pain, suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
Unfortunately, state laws do not give parents more time to seek compensation for medical expenses. If a parent is left with substantial hospital bills after their child gets injured, they only have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for monetary damages.
Regardless of who brings the suit against a negligent person or business, it is crucial to act as soon as possible. As time passes, it can become much more challenging to build a case, secure valuable evidence, or speak with key witnesses. The sooner a dedicated Schertz lawyer begins investigating the circumstances of a child’s injury, the better chance a family has of receiving maximum compensation.
Suffering severe injuries is scary as an adult, but it is even more frightening as a child. Even strong, independent teenagers need the assistance of their parents during these difficult times.
If you find yourself in this situation, rely on a Schertz child injury lawyer. Our hardworking team members can analyze your case, determine how much time you have to file a claim, negotiate with a defendant’s representation, and maximize the compensation you collect. Call today to get started.