Child injury accidents can be traumatizing experiences for both the child and their parents. Every year, thousands of children suffer injuries from accidents, many of which could have been prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. In 2019, there were over 7,000 deaths due to unintentional injuries among children under the age of 19.
In many cases, child injury accidents are caused by the negligence of others. Whether it’s a negligent driver, a careless property owner, or a defective product manufacturer, the consequences of their actions or inactions can be severe. If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the damages caused. Reach out to a Columbia child injury lawyer as soon as possible.
There are many different causes of child injury accidents, and many of them are preventable. As a knowledgeable attorney could explain, car accidents are one of the most common causes of child injuries in Columbia. These incidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other common causes of child injuries include suffocation, drowning, poisoning, fires, slip and fall accidents, sports injuries, and playground accidents. In many cases, these accidents could have been prevented with proper safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts, using protective equipment, or maintaining safe playground equipment.
If your child has been injured in an accident in Columbia, there are several steps you should take. First and foremost, seek medical attention for your child as soon as possible. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate your child to ensure that there are no underlying or unnoticed injuries. Next, document the accident and gather any evidence that you can, including photos and witness statements. Finally, consult with a skilled lawyer who has experience in child injury cases.
In Columbia, a parent of a child who has suffered an injury as a result of another’s negligence can file a personal injury claim on behalf of their child. To do so, they will need to provide evidence that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused the child’s injuries. This can include medical records, witness statements, and other evidence that supports the claim.
It’s important to note that Missouri has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that there is a specific timeframe within which a claim must be filed. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically five years from the date of the injury. However, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you file your claim within the appropriate timeframe.
A Columbia lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your child’s rights are protected after an injury. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police and medical reports, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Child injury accidents can have lifelong consequences for the child and their family. When these accidents are caused by the negligence of others, filing a personal injury claim may be the best way to seek justice and compensation for the damages caused.
At the Columbia Law Offices of Chris Miller, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has successfully represented clients in a variety of child injury cases. We understand the unique challenges that these cases present as well as the deeply personal impact they can have on families. If your adolescent has been injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, contact a Columbia child injury lawyer today to learn how we can help you seek justice and compensation for the damages caused.