Accidental injuries were a leading cause of death in kids aged 1-4 in 2021. Death statistics show that there were 8.5 deaths per 100k children. Even non-fatal injuries can have a long-lasting impact, with the economic cost of injured children amounting to $396 billion in 2019.
For example, if your child has been injured at daycare, school, or a friend’s house, you may consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you seek compensation. Around 8,000 children aged 19 and under visit the ER daily, so choosing the right lawyer is crucial to building a strong case and maximizing your settlement.
Daniel Petrov, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Solana Beach, CA, shares some tips on how to pick the best personal injury attorney if your child gets hurt.
Look for a Personal Injury Lawyer With Experience Handling Child Injury Cases
The most important factor is finding a personal injury lawyer with specific experience handling cases involving injured children. Personal injury law is a broad field, so make sure the lawyer has worked with child clients and similar cases before.
Ask about their track record with past child injury settlements and verdicts. An experienced child injury lawyer will know how to properly document evidence, demonstrate the full impact of the injuries, and negotiate for maximum compensation. Every year, between 50k and 60k kids are hospitalized because of TBIs, so the right experience is critical.
Find a Personal Injury Attorney Familiar with Relevant Laws
In addition to experience, you need a personal injury attorney familiar with the laws that apply to your child's case. Laws regarding children and injury compensation vary by state. Your lawyer should understand your state's laws on statutes of limitations, standards for liability and negligence, and guidelines for calculating damages for injured kids.
Consider a Personal Injury Lawyer with Trial Experience
Although more than 95% of injury cases settle out of court, hiring a personal injury attorney with trial experience is still beneficial. If negotiations break down, you want a lawyer prepared and qualified to take your case to trial. Trial experience indicates advanced litigation skills and courtroom confidence. Your lawyer should not hesitate to file a lawsuit and go to trial to get your child proper compensation.
Look for Client Testimonials and Reviews
Research client reviews and testimonials for any personal injury attorney you consider hiring. Positive client experiences are a sign of satisfactory legal service. Look for evidence that past child injury clients were pleased with their settlement results. Strong reviews suggest the lawyer is respected and successful. Be wary of personal injury lawyers who are unwilling to provide contact information for past child clients.
Meet for a Free Consultation with Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Schedule a free initial consultation with the lawyers you are considering. This allows you to meet face-to-face, ask questions, and determine if you feel comfortable with the personal injury attorney. Use the consultation to gauge their dedication to your child's case, communication skills, and overall accessibility. A quality personal injury lawyer will listen to your needs and address all concerns during a consultation.
Choosing the right personal injury attorney carefully is important if seeking compensation for your injured child. You can feel confident obtaining fair compensation to cover your child's damages with the right personal injury lawyer.
