Just about every mother and father share the same fears. Even if your children are right in front of you, you worry about them. As the parent of a minor child, the responsibilities for their safety seem somewhat overwhelming. So, what happens if they do suffer accidental injuries?
You secretly want to keep your children in a protective bubble. Of course, that’s just not practical. Meanwhile, your fears are not unfounded. In fact, past reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list unintentional injuries as the leading cause of childhood deaths.
Thankfully, not all childhood injuries result in fatalities. That said, emergency rooms and pediatric wards regularly fill with boys and girls suffering accidental harm. The most frequent injury complaints come as a result of slip and fall accidents. However, your son or daughter could also need medical attention for injuries related to:
- Car Accidents
- Bus Crash
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
- Fire and Burns
- Playground and School Accidents
No doubt that children are incredibly vulnerable when it comes to suffering any type of injury. In the meantime, the list of potentials actually proves even more expansive. For example, defective products intended for infants and children often cause more harm than good.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission provides critical information regarding products deemed unsafe. The problem? Unless you have registered your child’s car seat or high chair, you might not even know there is an issue.
For example, one recall notice that caught considerable attention involved bedroom furniture, specifically chests and drawers. At least four children died as a result of serious tip-over and entrapment hazards. Others suffered serious injuries.
FILING A CLAIM FOR A MINOR CHILD’S INJURIES
Parents or guardians really should not wait when it comes to meeting with an attorney to discuss claims that someone else caused their child’s injuries. You’ll want to ensure that investigation commences as close to the incident as possible. At the very least, it makes it easier to obtain witness statements and photographs.
That said, you’ve undoubtedly heard the term statute of limitations. This refers to the length of time you have to file a lawsuit. For most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to legally protect your interests.
However, the law is different when it comes to minors. Truth be told, it could be you who suffered injuries as a child. If your parents never filed a claim on your behalf, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in pursuing legal action. You have until your twentieth birthday to pursue a lawsuit for accidental injuries that happened to you as a minor.
Contact Us
Fellerman & Ciarimboli has decades of experience handling accident claims involving minor children. Give us a call to set up an appointment to learn more. We look forward to helping you.
