Queens Child Injury Lawyer
Children are often curious and may not understand the danger of situations that attract their attention. While parents expect their children to experience some accidental injuries, they do not expect these injuries to be caused by an adult’s carelessness.
If your child suffers severe harm because of someone else’s negligence, you are likely frustrated and unsure of what your next steps should be. A Queens child injury lawyer could answer your questions and help you navigate the process of filing a personal injury claim to hold the liable party accountable. Understanding your legal rights could help you collect a fair settlement amount on behalf of your injured child.
Common Accidents That Could Injure Children
According to research and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle collisions and fall injuries are among the leading causes of unintentional life-threatening and fatal injuries to children. Other types of accidents that can lead to children suffering harm include:
- Swimming pool accidents, including accidental drowning
- School and daycare accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Car crashes
- Premises liability cases, including slips and falls
- School bus accidents
While there are many circumstances where a child could get hurt, not every injury will serve as a basis for taking legal action. Proving how another person was negligent is vital to collecting compensation. Parents whose child suffers a severe injury because of someone else’s actions or while under someone else’s care should meet with a legal professional serving Queens to discuss their legal options.
Pursuing Compensation from Liable Parties
Careless drivers and caretakers are among the most common defendants in personal injury claims involving kids. However, there may be multiple liable parties. Some of the most common at-fault individuals in these cases include:
- Babysitters or caregivers
- Teachers
- Property owners
- Pet owners
- Healthcare professionals
A Queens attorney could investigate the cause of a child’s injury to determine who is at fault. Then, a seasoned legal professional could collect evidence to build a solid case pursuing all recoverable damages from these parties. This compensation could include payments for economic damages, such as the cost of medical care and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain, emotional distress, and permanent disabilities.
The Statute of Limitations in Child Injury Lawsuits
Because a legal minor cannot represent themselves, a parent or guardian must file a civil action on their child’s behalf. Typically, the time limit for commencing legal action in personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. This deadline is different for minors.
According to the instruction of New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214, the statute of limitations in injury cases involving children does not begin until the child turns 18. This deadline will expire when the injured plaintiff turns 21. A knowledgeable attorney could further explain the legal requirements for families looking to pursue compensation on behalf of an injured child.
Meet With a Skilled Queens Child Injury Attorney
Severe accidents can leave children with lasting physical and psychological damage. In cases that lead to catastrophic injuries, children may require specialized treatments or life-long assistive care.
If someone else’s reckless actions caused your child harm, holding them financially accountable could allow you to get the high-quality care your child needs and deserves. Call a Queens child injury lawyer at Goldstein & Bashner to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your case.
