Children deserve a fun-filled childhood rather than suffering because of a severe injury. If your child was harmed by a caregiver or another person’s negligence, you can seek justice by taking them to court. Holding the at-fault facility or person accountable for their actions can help bring closure and protect other children from further harm.
A dedicated attorney can help ease your burden by submitting legal documents, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies to seek a fair outcome on behalf of you and your family. An Erie child injury lawyer has the experience and knowledge to take on negligent parties and hold them liable for the harm they cause.
Common Types of Child Injuries
Because of their small, still-growing frames, children are susceptible to many types of injuries. For this reason, adults should always be supervising children under their care and clearing dangerous areas on their property. Common ways children get hurt under adult supervision include:
- Fractures from falling off a swing at daycare or school
- Concussions from hitting their heads at soccer practice
- Dog bites from a vicious dog attack
- Surgical errors and other instances of medical malpractice
- Assault from a youth leader or other caregiver
Injuries can interrupt a child’s ability to engage with their classmates and participate in the activities they enjoy doing. In catastrophic cases, children’s lives may never be the same. No child should have to be in pain or miss out on developmental activities because an adult failed to adequately protect them from danger. When people fail to safeguard children against harm, a child injury attorney serving Erie can work to hold them accountable.
How Long Do Parents Have to File a Lawsuit?
State law imposes different deadlines for how much time an injured party has to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations is typically two years for personal injury claims, but in cases involving children, this statute does not take effect until their 18th birthday. For example, if a child gets injured in a vehicle accident or due to medical malpractice, the family must take legal action within two years after the child turns 18.
If a child suffers from a childhood sexual assault, they may have up to 37 years after turning 18 to bring a lawsuit. Understanding the deadlines that apply to a child’s case is incredibly important. If the parent or child does not file a claim before the time limit expires, the law may keep them from ever pursuing compensation against the responsible party.
An Erie attorney with experience handling child injury cases can analyze the circumstances of the accident and calculate the appropriate filing deadline. A lawyer is also equipped to prepare and submit the documents to the correct court as well as represent the plaintiff at trial.
Call an Erie Child Injury Attorney for Legal Support
No one wants to consider the idea of someone else seriously hurting their child. When this happens, even by accident, you deserve compensation to help support your family through your child’s recovery. An Erie child injury lawyer can help you achieve this by reviewing legal guidelines, uncovering crucial evidence, and fighting for your family’s best interests.
The legal team at Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys is here to help you obtain justice for your child. Contact our office to set up a free initial consultation.