Child Accidents and Injuries
Understanding Child Accidents
We understand the distress and worry that is felt when a child is injured so our specialist lawyers are dedicated to ensuring that the best interests of the injured child are protected, and that they receive the compensation needed to safeguard their future following a serious injury.
Accidents are a leading cause of death and serious injury among children and young people.
This underscores the critical importance of child safety and implementing effective child accident prevention measures.
Common Types of Injuries
Certain types of injuries are more prevalent among different age groups.
The most severe injuries are frequently associated with heat-related accidents and falls from a height.
Statistically, older children are more prone to fractures, while younger children face a higher percentage of burns and scalds, as well as incidents involving poisoning and ingestion.
The incidence of burns and scalds in younger children is markedly higher compared to older children and adults.
Claiming for Child Injuries
If a child is involved in an accident, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.
If the injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation for your child’s injury.
Even if your child was injured while trespassing, you may still be able to claim compensation for their injuries.
It is essential to speak with a lawyer to understand if your child has a valid claim.
A ‘litigation friend’ is an adult who represents the child’s interests. A child needs a ‘litigation friend’ because until they reach the age of majority at 18, they have no legal right to pursue a claim in their own name.
It is often the case that the parent or carer becomes the ‘litigation friend’, provided they were not the cause of the accident.
Special Considerations for Child Injury Claims
When accidents involve children, it is crucial to consider their long-term needs and rehabilitation requirements.
A child may require ongoing medical care, therapy, or specialised educational support to recover from their injuries fully.
We understand the challenges that can arise and strive to secure the necessary resources to support the child’s future well-being.
The financial aspects of settlements in cases involving children are carefully managed to protect the injured child’s interests.
All settlement awards agreed between the insurance company and the parents (on behalf of a child) must be approved by a court for the agreement to be legally binding.
The approval of the court also ensures that the settlement amount agreed between the two sides is reasonable compensation for the child, thereby safeguarding their financial future.
Once the court approves the award, it will generally make an order that the money will be paid into the Court Funds Office, where it will be invested on the child’s behalf until they are 18 years old. There are exceptions to this, but these will be at the court’s discretion.
Once the ‘child’ reaches 18 years of age, they can apply to the court to have the money withdrawn.
In some instances of accidents involving children, the Court of Protection may need to be involved to manage the child’s affairs. This is especially relevant if the child has suffered a serious injury that impairs their ability to make decisions.
We will advise you on whether the Court of Protection needs to be involved, guiding you through the legal processes and ensuring that the child’s best interests are always prioritised, and that the child may exercise their right to compensation.
How We Can Help
Our Expertise in Child Injury Claims
Dutton Gregory’s specialist lawyers have vast experience of handling claims involving children.
This extensive experience equips us with the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex cases involving accidents to children.
We can help you claim compensation for injuries to your child, whether the incident happened at their school or in another public or private place.
Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal support to families navigating the challenges of child injury claims.
Our Accreditations
