If your child has been hurt due to an act of negligence, you may have the right to take action against the negligent party. You want to make certain that the lawyer you choose to represent you understands the nuances involved in representing injured children. At Heintz Law, our experienced child injury lawyers have decades of experience handling these cases. We know the steps that need to be taken to get all the compensation your child needs and deserves.

Your Child May Need Compensation For Life

Compensation for past and present medical bills may not be sufficient. If your child has an injury that requires long-term treatment, or if items like replacement wheelchairs may be necessary years in the future, that should all be covered. We take great care to make sure it is, thoroughly reviewing the case to understand all costs — past, present and future.

In Florida, the law requires that children receiving large settlements have a guardian established in some situations. Our child injury attorneys know when and how to address this issue.

Child Injury Lawyer Responsibilities

Understanding what a child injury lawyer does can help explain why seeking legal representation from Heintz Law is vital in a personal injury case. A child injury lawyer, also known as a child injury attorney, specializes in legal matters related to injuries sustained by children. Their primary responsibilities include:

Legal Representation

Child injury lawyers represent the best interests of children who have been harmed due to accidents, negligence, or intentional harm. They act as legal advocates for children to ensure they receive the compensation and support they deserve.

Investigation

Child injury lawyers investigate the circumstances surrounding the child's injury. This may involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to determine liability and assess the extent of damages.

Determining Liability

These attorneys identify responsible parties, such as individuals, institutions, or organizations that may be legally accountable for the child's injury. This is a crucial step in pursuing a legal claim.

Negotiating Settlements

Child injury lawyers often aim to negotiate settlements with the responsible parties or their insurance companies. They work to secure a fair compensation amount that covers the child's medical bills, pain and suffering, and any ongoing care or rehabilitation.

Litigation

When negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory resolution, child injury lawyers are prepared to take the case to court. They advocate for the child's rights in a legal setting, presenting evidence and arguments to a judge and jury.

Advising Families

Child injury lawyers provide guidance and support to the child's family throughout the legal process. They help families make informed decisions about pursuing a claim and work to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings during a difficult time.

Ensuring a Child's Best Interests

The primary focus of a child injury attorney is the well-being of the injured child. They aim to secure compensation that will provide for the child's current and future needs, including medical care, rehabilitation, education, and quality of life.

Advocating for Safety

Child injury lawyers may also work to hold negligent parties accountable, helping to prevent future accidents or injuries to other children. By pursuing legal action, they promote awareness and safety improvements in various settings, such as schools, daycare centers, or recreational facilities.

Child injury lawyers play a vital role in ensuring that children who have been injured receive the necessary support, compensation, and justice to aid in their recovery and well-being. We'll make it right, reach out to Heintz Law today.

Child Injuries to Look Out For

Bumps and scrapes are all a part of growing up. However, there are some child injuries that deserve more attention if they happen. Staying cautious and being aware of which injuries may be more serious can help prevent dire results.

• Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral issues if not properly diagnosed and treated.
• Burns: Severe burns can cause scarring, infections, and long-term pain, which may require extensive medical treatment.
• Fractures: While many childhood fractures heal without lasting effects, severe fractures or those involving growth plates may require ongoing care and monitoring.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can result in paralysis or long-term mobility issues, significantly impacting a child's quality of life.
• Eye Injuries: Eye injuries can lead to vision problems, including loss of vision or lifelong impairment.
• Neck Injuries: Neck injuries can lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, and a risk of neurological problems.
• Internal Injuries: Injuries to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, may have long-term health implications and require ongoing monitoring and treatment.

When You Need a Child Injury Attorney

A child getting hurt is a situation no parent wants to think about. But when the unthinkable happens, when is it necessary to talk to legal help? Here are some factors to consider.

• Auto Accidents: If a child is injured in a car accident, a child injury lawyer can help parents pursue compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance or explore other avenues for recovering medical expenses and damages.
• Slip and Fall Injuries: Children can suffer serious injuries from slip and fall accidents on someone else's property. A child injury lawyer can assist in holding property owners accountable for maintaining a safe environment.
• School Injuries: Injuries occurring at school, whether due to accidents, bullying, or negligence on the part of the school, can warrant legal action. Child injury lawyers ensure that the child's rights are protected and that schools are held responsible for their students' safety.
• Medical Malpractice: Cases of medical malpractice that result in a child's injury demand a seasoned child injury lawyer. They can investigate the incident and seek compensation for the child's medical expenses and suffering.
• Dog Bites: Children are often the victims of dog bites, which can lead to severe injuries and psychological trauma. A child injury lawyer can help hold dog owners responsible for their pet's actions.
• Product Liability: When a defective product causes harm to a child, a child injury lawyer can pursue claims against the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
• Playground Injuries: Injuries sustained on public or private playgrounds may result from poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or inadequate supervision. A child injury lawyer can seek compensation and improvements in safety measures.
• Sports and Recreational Injuries: Sometimes, injuries occur during organized sports or recreational activities due to inadequate supervision or faulty equipment. A child injury lawyer can explore legal remedies for these situations.
• Assault and Abuse: Cases of physical or emotional abuse, whether at home, school, or another institution, require legal intervention. Child injury lawyers can protect the child's rights and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Accidents at Daycare or Childcare Facilities: Injuries at daycare centers or childcare facilities may be a result of negligence. Child injury lawyers can investigate these incidents and pursue compensation for the child's injuries.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, some cases result in the wrongful death of a child. Child injury lawyers can assist families in seeking justice, accountability, and compensation when the loss is due to negligence or wrongdoing.
• Inadequate Supervision: If a child's injury occurs due to inadequate supervision by a caregiver, school, or institution, a child injury lawyer can investigate and pursue appropriate legal action.
• Injuries on Public Property: Accidents on public property, such as parks or sidewalks, can result in injuries to children. Child injury lawyers can explore claims against municipalities or responsible authorities.

In all these situations, a child injury lawyer provides essential legal support to protect the child's rights and interests. At Heintz Law, we work tirelessly to secure compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, and emotional trauma while holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Child Injury FAQs

Who can file a child injury lawsuit?

Multiple parties may be able to file a child injury lawsuit. This includes the parent or legal guardian, the child once they reach the age of majority, or a legal representative.

What is Florida's attractive nuisance law?

Under Florida state law, property owners are mostly protected if unwarranted trespassers are injured while on their property. However, Florida's attractive nuisance law recognizes that children may not know to stay away from dangerous property, and can hold property owners liable. If your child has been harmed on someone else's property, reach out to our knowledgeable attorneys today.

What information is required in a child injury lawsuit?

Certain documentation will be required to support the legal claim. This may include the child's personal information, medical records, and evidence of the accident. Keeping documentation of the accident will be vital to your case, including witness statements, documentation of losses and expenses, and documentation of the injury.

How can I prevent my child from getting injured?

Safety starts at home. Practice safe behavior by supervising your children when they're in the pool or on the playground, using designated crosswalks, and educating your children about responsible behavior.

Do I need a lawyer to file a child injury lawsuit?

While filing a child injury lawsuit without a lawyer is possible, it's recommended to seek professional legal representation.

Free Consultation — No Fees Or Costs Unless We Get Results

To discuss your case with one of our child injury attorneys in Bradenton or Sarasota, call us at 941-748-2916 or send us an e-mail. If you are unable to come to us, we can come to you.