If your child has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be struggling to figure out what to do next. California has specific regulations regarding child injury claims, including how long you have to file a claim and pursue compensation. An Irvine child injury lawyer could help you navigate the legal process and protect your family’s rights.
Although a minor cannot file an injury claim for themselves, their parents or guardians can file on their behalf. In addition, the court must approve final settlement offers to ensure they reflect the child’s best interests. Therefore, there will typically be a hearing to determine the settlement amount in your child’s injury case. An experienced Irvine attorney could help you and your family prepare for settlement negotiations and understand what compensation you can expect to receive from your child injury claim.
Compensation in child injury claims provides financial coverage for the damages suffered as a result of another party’s negligent actions. Typically, this will include coverage for your child’s medical expenses and increased care costs, as well as their pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. A claim will also generally include compensation for an older child’s lost wages if they held a job before their injury.
The settlement or court award paid to your child in their child injury case belongs to them alone. The court may direct the funds to a special account or trust that can only be accessed under special circumstances or when your child turns 18. An Irvine child injury attorney could provide additional guidance on how your family can access and use settlement funds following your child’s injury.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is tolled, or paused, until your child’s eighteenth birthday. Because the statute of limitations in California typically allows two years after the date of the injury to file a claim, children who suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence usually have until their twentieth birthday to pursue compensation. However, you could file on behalf of your child earlier, making it easier to collect evidence demonstrating the negligence that resulted in your child’s injury and the damages sustained by your family. Working with an Irvine attorney could ensure you do not miss any important filing deadlines and gather sufficient evidence to show the effects your child’s injury has had on their life.
As a parent, you want to provide your child with the best support possible after they have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence. By filing a child injury claim, you could receive funds that help cover your child’s medical expenses and allow them to move forward more effectively. An Irvine child injury lawyer could help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. Contact the Cifarelli Law Firm today for a free consultation.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
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