Has Your Child Been Injured? Know How to Cope
Posted on: 22 October 2021
Any time a loved one is hurt it can be difficult. You may be angry, confused, and worried all at the same time. When your child is the one hurt, though, things can go from bad to worse. Knowing what to do after a child is hurt because of another's carelessness or negligence is an important skill. Read on and find out how to cope with the harm done to an innocent child.
Harm Comes to Children All the Time
Unfortunately, children are vulnerable to harm in many ways just like adults are. However, there are also protective laws covering children because of their vulnerable nature. For example, children are naturally curious and that is why adults are responsible for keeping dangerous areas like swimming pools secure and safe. Children can also be harmed at a daycare, in a car accident, playing sports, and more. Any time a child is hurt, it's important to ask yourself the following questions so you can move forward with taking action.
1. Did a crime also occur? Abuse and certain other situations can call for both the personal injury and criminal pursuit of matters. Each strengthens the other so be sure to contact both law enforcement and a personal injury lawyer about an injury to your child.
2. Who is responsible for the harm done? It is not always an individual that lets an injury happen. In some cases, a municipality or business failed to do everything possible to keep your child safe from harm. For instance, a daycare might have let your child fall off some playground equipment because they were short-staffed that day. Even large manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products.
3. What are the damages? The word damage can be stretched, in this case, to mean almost any way you and your child have been harmed. Medical expenses are a common form of damage but pain and suffering is also possible. Other damage forms include lost or damaged personal property, lost wages for the parents, and punitive damages, in some cases.
Take Action Quickly
No matter how your child was hurt, the faster you take action the better. Evidence can be fragile and may even disappear in some instances. With that in mind, don't waste time before you speak to a personal injury lawyer. As the child's parent, you have the right to seek money damages on a minor child's behalf. Putting the case in the hands of a lawyer means you can focus on your child rather than the case so act quickly.
Share