While adults can suffer greatly due to another person’s negligence, children are often more vulnerable. They are unable to defend themselves and accidents that result in physical injuries or emotional trauma can have a lasting impact. Thankfully, injured children still have the right to hold a reckless defendant accountable, even if it means that they must rely upon a parent or guardian to do so.
If your child was hurt because of another person’s negligence, reach out to a Mount Dora child injury lawyer today. Our compassionate injury attorneys at Largey Law are ready to investigate the incident, determine how the event has affected your child, and demand that all liable parties provide the compensation necessary to set things right.
Accidents that Might Cause Child Injuries
Children are vulnerable to many of the same dangers that affect adults since both groups ride in cars, visit stores, ride bicycles, and walk down the street. If a driver decides to text while on the road, they could cause a crash that hurts an innocent child for years. Similarly, if a distracted store owner forgets to clean up an obvious spill or hazard, a kid could slip and break bones.
Children might also get hurt while participating in an activity unique to them, such as riding on school buses, attending summer camps, or being in the care of teachers or coaches. An inattentive counselor might cause an injury at a summer camp, while a negligent bus driver might cause a crash that leaves numerous kids hurt.
After a child injury, retaining representation who knows how to handle these cases is key. Thankfully, a seasoned attorney in Mount Dora could fight to protect the rights of children after they suffer injuries. This involves performing a full investigation into the accident; determining every possible liable party, measuring how the event has impacted the young plaintiff, and demanding full compensation in and out of court.
Possible Limitations in Child Injury Cases
In general, children have the same ability to demand compensation for their losses as adults. However, children cannot directly negotiate with insurance companies or serve as plaintiffs in lawsuits without the help of a parent or guardian.
These regulations are in place to protect the rights of children. However, these laws can also complicate a claim for compensation. According to Florida Statute § 744.387, a court must approve any settlement offer that a parent negotiates on behalf of a child. Furthermore, if the proposed settlement carries a value in excess of $15,000, the court must appoint a legal guardian to protect the rights of the child. This guardian keeps the money in a trust until the child turns 18.
Another limiting factor in many child accident cases is the statute of limitations. Under Florida Statutes Annotated § 95.11(3), the parents and guardians of children have four years from the date of an incident to bring a case to court if the accident occurred prior to March 24, 2023, and two years if it occurred after that date. Adhering to all of this might seem challenging, but a proactive lawyer in Mount Dora could help a family respect the statute of limitations and acquire compensation for their injured child.
Reach Out to a Mount Dora Child Injury Attorney Today
Children who endure injuries at the hands of others have the right to seek out payments to cover their losses. This compensation can include repayments for medical bills, emotional trauma, and physical pain. However, only their parents or guardians have the legal authority to pursue these payments. In addition, any proposed insurance settlement must receive authorization from a local court.
A Mount Dora child injury lawyer is prepared to help you navigate these complex legal matters. Our skilled team could work to prove that another party’s negligence or abuse was the source of your child’s suffering. They would also aim to measure the impact of the accident on your child’s life and follow all relevant court rules. Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
