If your child was harmed due to negligence, your family may be able to file civil action against the party at fault and pursue damages. Having a lawyer represent your child’s interests in an injury case is often beneficial.
A skilled Orlando child injury lawyer from Colling Gilbert Wright could help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your child’s case in court. Our personal injury attorneys have the experience and resources to protect your injured child’s rights and could seek maximum compensation from all responsible parties on your family’s behalf.
Common Causes of Child Injuries
Children’s heads are larger in proportion to their bodies than those of adults, making them more susceptible to head injuries from falls or accidents. In addition, children’s bones and joints are still developing, making them prone to fractures, dislocations, and other injuries related to overuse in sports. Because their brains are not fully developed, they may lack the cognitive abilities adults have to recognize and avoid danger, making them more likely to engage in risky behaviors without understanding the consequences.
Injuries, especially severe ones, could have lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional effects that could impact your child’s growth and development. Some of the most common causes of serious and fatal injuries in children include:
- Motor vehicle accidents and improperly used car seats or seat belts
- Falls from playground equipment, heights, or in the home
- Burns from hot liquids, hot surfaces, or fire, especially in younger children
- Drowning from accidental submersion in pools, bathtubs, or other bodies of water
- Poisoning from ingesting household cleaners, medications, or other toxic substances
- Suffocation caused by choking on food or other objects, or being trapped under something
- Animal bites, such as from dogs that are not properly supervised or trained
- Sporting injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures, from sports and physical activities
- Playground accidents due to equipment that is not properly maintained or a lack of adequate supervision
- Defective products, leading to choking hazards, sharp edges, hazardous chemicals, and unsafe product designs
Parents with custody or a legal guardian (appointed by the court) may file a personal injury claim on a minor’s behalf. An Orlando attorney who has experience with child injury claims could help determine the extent of your child’s damages, including medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other relevant costs.
Proving Negligence in a Child Injury Case
In child injury cases, various parties—including schools, daycare providers, property owners, product manufacturers, and other third parties—could be liable. These parties owe your child specific duties of care. Liability typically hinges on proving negligence, which involves demonstrating that a party failed to exercise reasonable care and that their failure caused your child’s injury.
Adequate supervision is crucial, especially for younger children; failure to provide it could lead to liability. Property owners may be liable for injuries to trespassing children if their property contains an attractive nuisance that is likely to draw children’s attention and is hazardous.
If your child is injured, consulting with a qualified Orlando child injury attorney is highly recommended. Our proactive team of lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright could help you gather evidence, understand your rights, and pursue a comprehensive claim for damages.
Call an Orlando Child Injury Attorney for Legal Assistance
Child injury cases involve specialized legal rules and procedures. The emotional toll on the child and family and the potential for long-term psychological effects from the injury could complicate the case significantly. Courts often require settlement approval to adequately address the child’s medical needs, future care, and potentially diminished quality of life.
You may need expert witnesses, such as doctors or therapists, to establish the severity of the injury, potential long-term effects, and appropriate treatment. Determining fair compensation for a minor’s injuries—including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potential future losses—can be challenging. Each Orlando child injury lawyer on our team understands the laws and regulations related to children’s injuries. We could protect your child’s interests throughout the legal process, from the initial investigation to the settlement or trial.
Our attorneys have extensive experience recovering substantial financial awards for our clients. This includes a recent restitution of over $1 million for the family of a five-year-old child who suffered from a fatal heart arrhythmia after being left unsupervised in the pool at a YMCA day camp. Do not hesitate to secure the legal representation you deserve. Contact our team at Colling Gilbert Wright today and request your free consultation.